ConsFirst / Foot massagers / Compare
Nekteck Heated Shiatsu Foot Massager vs Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Nekteck Heated Shiatsu Foot Massager ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on intensity & coverage, durability. Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager wins on heat.
The biggest complaint about the Nekteck Heated Shiatsu Foot Massager is heat is weak or missing for some; for the Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager it's bulky and heavy. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Nekteck Heated Shiatsu Foot Massager | Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in foot massagers | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Foot only | Foot only |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 11% | 12% |
| Overall score | 3.6 | 3.5 |
| Intensity & coverage | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Fit for foot sizes | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Heat | 2.5 | 4.5 |
| Controls & noise | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 2.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $80 · $$ $80–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Nekteck Heated Shiatsu Foot Massager
- Heat is weak or missing for some
CNN's tester said the heater could have been stronger. Amazon's review summary says heat gets mixed feedback, with some owners calling it non-existent.
- Light, almost flimsy build
CNN's tester said it is so lightweight it almost feels flimsy, though it was still going strong after nine months of weekly use.
Source: CNN Underscored - Nodes can hurt; pressure too strong for some
Amazon's summary says several owners mention the massage balls hurt the bottom of their feet. The same summary describes the massage as not too rough for others.
Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager
- Bulky and heavy
Good Housekeeping says it is larger, bulkier and heavier than the other models it tested.
Source: Good Housekeeping - Weaker compression
Good Housekeeping found its air compression weaker than its other picks in lab tests.
Source: Good Housekeeping - Heat and durability failures
Amazon's review summary says several owners report it doesn't heat up and stops working after about six months; opinions on value are split.
Who should pick which
Pick the Nekteck Heated Shiatsu Foot Massager if
A full toe-to-heel massage without spending premium money
People who want simple controls they can use without the manual
Large feet, if you buy the separate large version
Skip it if: You want strong heat; You want a remote control (only a pricier version on Nekteck's site has one); You want a solid, premium-feeling build
Pick the Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager if
Cold feet and people who want real warmth
Simple light/medium/high presets
Feet up to men's 12
Skip it if: You want a strong squeeze; Storage space is tight; You keep socks on during a massage (heat is felt best barefoot)
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.