If you read my reviews, you know that I have problems with my feet.  For the past few years, I have suffered with plantar fasciitis, a very common condition, whereby the tissue connecting the heel to the toes (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed.  The result is pain that is sometimes severe.  One of the best things I can do for myself, is to have a foot massage.  But not a gentle one, it has to be a deep-tissue massage, one that really gets to the sore spots.  For a long time I relied on my Ottoman Foot And Calf Massager but that machine is bulky and not easily portable.  As a result, I find myself not using it as often as I should, since it's not always in the same room with me.   Thus it was time to look for a more easily portable solution.

That's how I ended up with Brookstone's i-Need Shiatsu Foot Massager.  This light-weight, portable massager takes up very little space, and can easily be moved from room to room.  It provides a deep massage, although the massaging options are limited. 

It looks like a cushion.  It's approximately 16" x 12", and stands about 5" tall. 

There's a soft cover that comes in blue, red, or black.  They give you an extra cover, which is nice, because the cover's material is fairly thin, and is sure to fray, especially where it's directly over the massaging beads.  Right now, my cover is in perfect shape, I'll update here if/when it starts to show any wear. 

The cover is supposed to be a snap to install, but I found it to be a two-person job.  One person has to hold down one end, while the other person walks their fingers around the cushion, snapping it down as they go.  When I tried to do this task by myself, it was impossible.  The spot where I started would always pop back up before I made it around the entire cover.

In the center of the machine, towards the front, is the power button.  It's designed to be pressed with your toe.  Pressing it once turns the machine on, and starts the massaging beads turning.  Pressing it a second time causes the beads to spin in the opposite direction.  Pressing it a third time turns the machine off.  That's it, as far as options go.  Now I personally don't care which direction the beads turn.  To me, it feels the same, although some people might have a preference, I suppose.  I would rather have a speed option so that I could choose a slow massage, or a fast massage. But that's not available.  Also, I would prefer if the machine had a heat setting, but it doesn't.  So, the options are a bit limited.

So, sit in a comfortable chair, place your feet on this thing, and give it a whirl.

The massage, itself, is very nice.  It simulates shiatsu, which is a technique of applying pressure to certain spots in the body, in order to relieve pain and stress.  When it's done mechanically, there are round balls that spin around each other.  In this case, there are four nodes - each node being a large ball and a smaller one.  They spin around each other so that you are receiving light and heavy pressure, alternating, as the large and small balls dance under your feet.

The massage is quite deep.  In fact, some might find it too deep.  If so, simply place a towel between the machine and your feet.  That will lessen the pressure.  For me, though, the pressure is just right.  It's exactly what I need to help relieve the tightness in my feet.  Does it "cure" me?  No, I'll probably always have this condition.  But at least on those days where my feet are really hurting, I can achieve some relief.

A few other details:

The power cord is a generous 8.5 feet. 
There are four rubber feet under the unit so it doesn't scratch the floor. 
There is a carrying handle built into the unit. 
The machine shuts off automatically after 20 minutes.
The weight is approximately 5.5 lb.

Finally, the price really isn't too bad.  Brookstone sells them for $79.  I bought mine online for a little less than that.

This is a nice machine for those who enjoy a good foot massage.  While its options are limited, I like that the machine is so easily portable.  I do wish the cover were made of a thicker, more durable material, but at least they give you an extra one. 

Ottoman 2.0 Foot And Calf Massager

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, here are some products that might bring you some relief:
Futuro Heel Splint
Thermoskin Heel Splint

Maybe give this TENS/EMS Unit a try.


Toe problems? Here's one solution: PediFix Toe Sleeves


Or, if you just like massages you might be interested in The HoMedics Shiatsu Pillow

Recommended: Yes