A foam roller is an inexpensive and convenient tool to help boost recovery after a workout or loosen up muscles beforehand. Your body may respond better to a softer, wider roller, or the best vibrating foam rollers for lasting results. Here are our favorite foam rollers for fitness, massage and more.
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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1. TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller
Pros:- Foam won't lose shape over time
- Useful for athletes and physical rehab
- Durable
Cons:- Some beginners find it too intense
- A bit short
- Pricey
Even though it’s made with less foam than most traditional foam rollers, the compact TriggerPoint GRID foam roller doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or a weekend warrior, you’ll appreciate the roller’s unique distrodensity zone design, which promises a targeted and effective massage.
It’s also designed to hold up to heavy, consistent use, due in large part to its rigid core. This foam roller works for athletes and weekend warriors along with coaches, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals. You can easily store the roller away or travel with it thanks to its compact size.
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2. The Original Body Roller
Pros:- Ideal for beginners and advanced users
- 3D textured rollers relieve pain and tightness
- Chemical-free material
Cons:- Only available in one size
- Dense foam can be painful at first
- Slightly short for back and shoulder use
When you can’t get another person to work your trigger points and relieve muscle tightness, the 3D textured surface on The Original Body Roller is a worthy alternative. Constructed with triple massage zones, the roller reduces pain and helps stretch out tissues and muscles for maximum effectiveness.
Beginners will appreciate the finger zone with ridges, which offers a gentler touch. If you’re seeking maximum relief, use the spiked bumps on the other side. The roller features heavy-duty EPP construction that’s durable enough for repeated, heavy use, yet also comfortably accommodates beginners.
If you’re heading to the gym or planning a trip, you can easily bring The Original Body Roller along. The 13-inch roller is light and portable, so you can easily stick it in your designer luggage set for your next vacation. It’s ideal for working the lower legs, especially the calves.
Some of this roller’s many benefits include faster recoveries after workouts and increased mobility and flexibility for improved performance. It’s not just for athletes, though, as you can treat yourself with acupressure relief and deep stretching any time at home.
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3. AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller
Pros:- Available in three sizes
- Won’t lose shape with moderate or heavy use
- Dense molded polypropylene material
Cons:- Can be painful for beginners
- A few report the material flakes off over time
- Doesn’t come with instructions
One of the most frustrating issues with some foam rollers is that they can lose their shape over time with frequent and prolonged use. However, that’s not an issue with the AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller.
Satisfied owners of this foam roller appreciate the fact that it maintains its shape over time, despite heavy use. You can choose between 12-inch, 18-inch, and 36-inch versions in both plain color and speckled styles.
If you plan on using the foam roller primarily for larger areas such as your back, consider getting the 36-inch version. The smallest 12-inch foam roller is compact and travels easily. Its molded polypropylene material helps keep the roller firm despite moderate to heavy use.
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4. OPTP Pro-Roller Soft Density Foam Roller
Pros:- Softer material
- Ideal for gentle massage
- Easy to clean
Cons:- Pricey
- Chemical odor
- A tad small in diameter
If you’re in the market for a softer and gentler foam roller, this one is a safe bet. The OPTP roller is highly recommended for gentle self-massage as well as various exercise and relaxation techniques.
Its softer surface also makes it a practical choice if you’re looking for the best foam rollers for beginners. Don’t let the softer material fool you, though, as the roller stands up well to consistent, heavy use. It’s also easy to clean. A cross-linked construction provides relief in all the right spots.
Find more OPTP Pro-Roller Soft Density Foam Roller information and reviews here.
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5. LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller
Pros:- High density
- Ideal for physical therapy and post-workout massage
- Available in three sizes
Cons:- Doesn’t come with a booklet or manual
- Can be slippery against some clothing materials
- Some consumers complain that small bits of foam fall off over time
You can use the LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller for everything from a post-workout massage to physical therapy and relief from muscle tension. The foam roller features a durable molded polypropylene foam technology and offers two pounds per cubic foot density. The result is a smooth yet supportive surface that won’t lose its shape after heavy use.
This foam roller comes in three distinct sizes, the largest of which is 36 inches. A speckled version is also available.
Find more LuxFit Premium High Density Foam Roller information and reviews here.
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6. Hyperice Vyper 2.0
Pros:- Caters to athletes
- Helps increase range of motion
- Rechargeable lithium ion batteries
Cons:- A bit short for some users
- Some find the lowest setting a bit too intense
- Pricey
If you don’t mind the higher initial upfront cost, the Hyperice Vyper 2.0 offers a bit more than your average foam roller. Not only does it reduce muscle soreness and provide myofascial release, this roller also comes with three vibration settings for even more intense foam rolling sessions.
If you’re just starting out or are quite sore, the softest setting is probably your best bet. Crank it up to the highest vibration setting for the full effect. The added vibration helps increase your range of motion and promotes a speedier active recovery. The foam roller has rechargeable batteries that deliver more than two hours per charge.
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7. Rolling With It Foam Roller
Pros:- Features soft exterior with firm core
- Durable EVA foam material
- Can be used on the back
Cons:- Can be painful for new users
- Some wish the exercise instructions were better
- A few mention a strong odor initially
The Rolling With It Foam Roller features a softer surface with professional-grade EVA foam for added durability. In fact, the foam is sturdy enough to maintain its original shape, even with heavier users. It’s ideal for self-massage as well as myofascial release.
The foam roller is made with 100 percent recyclable EVA. The soft exterior and firm core ensure plenty of variation for users of all levels.
Find more Rolling With It Foam Roller information and reviews here.
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8. Yes4All EPP Exercise Foam Roller
Pros:- Comes in several colors and sizes
- Ideal for intermediate to advanced users
- Designed to withstand heavy, repeated use
Cons:- Some find the smallest size too compact
- A few mention the material is a bit slick on carpets
- May be too firm for beginners
The Yes4All EPP Exercise Foam Roller comes in several sizes, from the smallest 12-inch roller to 36 inches. It’s also available in several colors. Its extra firm surface makes this roller a safe bet for intermediate to advanced users.
This is due in large part to its durable expanded polypropylene material, which offers a deeper massage. Aside from deep massage, you can use this roller for physical therapy, stretching, and to alleviate post-workout soreness.
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9. SPRI EVA Foam Roller
Pros:- Ideal for improving balance, strength and flexibility
- Available in whole and half round forms
- Non-porous surface repels moisture
Cons:- May be too hard for beginners
- No mid-length option
- Only comes in one color
The SPRI EVA foam roller comes in 12-inch and 36-inch round versions, as well as a 36-inch half-round variation. The foam roller is made with a durable EVA foam material that won’t lose its shape over time.
If the thought of not being able to clean the roller after using it makes you nervous, you’ll appreciate the non-porous surface, which is easy to wipe off. Along with muscle tension relief, the roller is recommended for improving balance, flexibility and strength.
Find more SPRI EVA Foam Roller information and reviews here.
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10. Rollga Foam Roller
Pros:- Targeted trigger point release
- Can be used by athletes of all levels
- Won't lose shape over time
Cons:- Only one size available
- May take awhile to get used to the contoured shape
- A bit pricey
The Rollga Foam Roller doesn’t look like your average foam roller. That’s because of its distinctive contours, which make it particularly useful for working on trickier areas such as the back and shins. It’s also used for stabilizing the hips and increasing range of motion.
The Rollga specifically targets the shins, Achilles tendon and IT band and works around these sensitive areas to reduce pain and tension while avoiding direct contact. You don’t have to be a serious athlete to use the foam roller, as it’s compatible with all body types and fitness levels. The 18-inch roller falls in the middle in terms of size.
Find more Rollga Foam Roller PRO information and reviews here.
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11. 321 STRONG Foam Roller
Pros:- Soft enough to use for the back
- Lightweight construction makes it highly portable
- Comes with a bonus eBook
Cons:- Only available in one size
- More advanced users may want a higher density
- Some complain of an initial chemical smell
If you’re looking for a foam roller that falls somewhere between too soft and overly rigid, check out the 321 STRONG Foam Roller. It’s a medium-density recovery tool that offers the ideal combination of comfort and relief.
Since it’s not as rigid as a high-density roller, you don’t have to shy away if you’re a beginner. There’s plenty of support and stability for users of all levels. While the roller is sturdy enough to effectively work out soft tissue, it’s soft and supportive enough for the back, and for treating injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
You can use the roller before, during and after workouts, depending on your specific needs. The foam roller features a solid core with unique massage zones. While it only comes in one size, several color choices are available. An eBook is included to help you get started.
It may not look like much, but a foam roller can offer many different advantages. Years ago, you may have only seen the bigger, softer foam rollers inside your gym. Foam rollers are increasingly available in several shapes and sizes. Most are designed for home and professional use, meaning you can enjoy the same benefits in the comfort of your own home.
Foam rollers promote self-myofascial release, which increases mobility. A recent study concludes that foam rolling can help improve range of motion in joints, both before and after a workout. Even if you're not an athlete, you can still benefit from decreased muscle soreness before and after a workout, as well as delayed onset muscle soreness.
There's another big advantage aside from self-myofascial release. Researchers have found that foam rolling can kick the central nervous system into gear. In turn, this can lead to improved arterial flexibility and vascular function, according to this TIME article.
You'll see a wide variety of foam rollers on the market today. Many rollers tend to be smaller and more compact, with a rigid exterior that mimics the fingers of a massage therapist. These rollers work well for reducing muscle soreness and fatigue, but they can be a bit too tough for beginners or those who prefer a lower density. Medium density rollers are a solid compromise, but can be too hard for beginners, or not quite dense enough for more advanced users. Soft rollers are ideal for injury rehab as well as beginners.