Whether you’re recovering from sports injuries or simply want to release that post-workout tension, a good quality foam roller will provide a great amount of benefit.
Foam rollers help soothe sore muscles, boost circulation, and improve flexibility and balance.
When it comes to choices, there are dozens of models on the market. There are a few things you should consider before buying though.
After the reviews below we discuss the key considerations you should keep in mind when choosing a foam roller.
Our top pick: Reehut 2-In-1 Foam Roller
Reehut 2-in-1 offers two pressure control options and a textured outer design; it targets tight tissue to effectively release muscle tension, soothe soreness, and improve mobility and flexibility.
The smooth inner core is perfect for neck, back, shoulder, and lumbar massage and is developed to improve posture, mobility, and flexibility. This soft roller is also perfect for beginners.
Not only does it target a host of possible issues, this roller is also made of hard-wearing materials, is lightweight and portable.
Pros
- Outer roller releases painful trigger points.
- Relieves muscle soreness and tension.
- Ideal for warm-up training before a workout.
Cons
- The roller should come with a bonus e-Book, which is not always easily accessible.
Runner Up: Reehut Foam Roller
Coming in four sizes from 12 to 36 inches and perfect for beginners, this basic foam roller by Reehut brings true value for money.
It’s made from high-density EPP, a lightweight, non-toxic, and recyclable material designed to support all body types without losing shape.
It is ideal for athletes and beginners looking for a no-frills myofascial massager. This foam roller can easily loosen tight muscles and release tension.
A great feature is the floating-point texture design developed to increase comfort. The roller is surprisingly resilient and also boasts anti-slip properties, which are great for preventing injuries.
Like our top pick, this foam roller is lightweight and easy to carry in your gym bag.
Pros
- Four sizes ensure suitability for all users.
- Indicated for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- The high-density structure is hard to deform.
Cons
- The Styrofoam may be unsuitable for some therapies.
Best Value: OZSTOCK EVA Foam Roller
Ideal for yoga, self-massage, and balance training, the OZSTOCK EVA foam roller is ideal not only for athletes but for all those interested in a healthy lifestyle.
The unique characteristic of this roller is the textured non-slip surface which resists water and oil.
A strong core prevents distortion in most circumstances. At the same time, the product is lightweight and easy to transport.
Pros
- Hexagon textured non-skid surface ensures stability on all floors.
- Ideal for therapeutic or athletic purposes.
- Strong EVA core resists distortion and will not collapse under your weight.
Cons
- The roller is on the tougher side and might not suit all athletes.
SKLZ Trainer Roller Sport
If you’ve never used a foam roller before and have no idea where to start from, the SKLZ Trainer Roller might be great for you.
With a design inspired by the world’s leading athletes, this memory foam roller is all you need for efficient muscle maintenance.
With illustrations showing you which muscles to target and how to use the roller to release tension, this product is undoubtedly thought for performance.
You can use it for a full-body massage after a workout or for the pre-workout warm-up.
Regardless of your purpose, the roller is a must-have for reducing muscle recovery time. It also soothes soreness and can be used for therapeutic purposes.
Pros
- Ideal for complete muscle-maintenance routine.
- Increases circulation, flexibility, and overall performance.
- 12 graphics show essential exercises.
Cons
- Might not be ideal for people suffering from fibromyalgia.
Trigger Point Grid 1.0 Foam Roller
Featuring a patented design, the Trigger Point Grid 1.0 is synonymous with effectiveness and durability.
It boasts a sturdy construction consisting of a multi-density exterior that protects a rigid hollow core.
Thanks to this construction, the foam roller withstands repeated use without losing shape or integrity.
Different from traditional foam rollers, the Grid 1.0 replicates the hands of a massage therapist, helping in healing tissue faster.
All you need to recover from injuries, relieve muscle pain and improve balance, flexibility, and mobility.
Pros
- Multi-density exterior provides enhanced therapeutic massage.
- Perfect for pre- and post-workout therapy.
- Outstanding effectiveness and durability.
Cons
- The aggressive pattern may leave bruises on your skin.
Choosing your foam roller
Besides personal preference, there are a few objective criteria you should weigh in before making up your mind on which foam roller is for you.
1. Effectiveness
Foam rollers come in all shapes and sizes. Their purpose is to target the core and under-utilised muscles then release tension and improve their strength through massage.
Smooth rollers are more effective for therapeutic purposes, such as recovery after an injury.
The textured ones are more indicated for pre-and post-workout training.
2. Versatility
Foam rollers are designed for certain muscle groups, but some are suitable to use on the whole body.
Moreover, some manufacturers produce 2-in-1 rollers consisting of both smooth and textured rollers.
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3. Price
Foam rollers come in all price and sizes, but it’s a good idea to check their quality before investing.
Cheap rollers may deform under your weight and fail to provide the desired benefits.
All foam rollers featured in our list bring excellent value for money.
Verdict
While every athlete may have different requirements from a foam roller, our favourite is the Reehut 2-in-1.
We like its dual design incorporating rollers of different textures.
The smooth inner core is perfect for therapeutic purposes, while the textured outer design provides effective massage.
Suitable for experienced athletes and beginners alike, it also comes at an attractive price point.
Lightweight, durable, and easy to carry, the Reehut 2-in-1 brings all the versatility you could wish from a high-quality foam roller.
