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Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager vs Mountrax Heated Foot Massager for Deep-Tissue Relief
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on heat, durability. Mountrax Heated Foot Massager for Deep-Tissue Relief wins on intensity & coverage, controls & noise.
The biggest complaint about the Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager is bulky and heavy; for the Mountrax Heated Foot Massager for Deep-Tissue Relief it's units that stop working. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Sharper Image Shiatsu Foot Massager | Mountrax Heated Foot Massager for Deep-Tissue Relief | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in foot massagers | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Foot only | Foot only |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 12% | 16% |
| Overall score | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Intensity & coverage | 3.0 | 4.5 |
| Fit for foot sizes | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Heat | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Controls & noise | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Durability | 2.5 | 2.0 |
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
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.
Mountrax Heated Foot Massager for Deep-Tissue Relief
- Units that stop working
Amazon's review summary says durability is a concern, with multiple owners reporting it stopped functioning within a year; some call it a waste of money.
- Heat can be faint
Amazon's summary says heat gets mixed feedback; some owners say it is almost non-existent. CNN's tester, by contrast, liked the amount of heat.
- Pricey at full price
CNN says the extras aren't worth it at the full $180 list price, about twice its top pick.
Source: CNN Underscored
Who should pick which
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)
Pick the Mountrax Heated Foot Massager for Deep-Tissue Relief if
Adjusting kneading and air intensity by remote
A relaxing rather than punishing massage
Buying on sale (around $100, per CNN)
Skip it if: You'd pay full list price; Long-term reliability matters most
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.