The best foot ice packs offer instant relief to aching muscles and joints. In our eyes, Cold Therapy Socks by NatraCure are the perfect combination of fit, comfort, and affordability. They hug your feet like socks and distribute cooling pain relief to all areas quickly. Read on to see which foot ice pack will work best for you.
Our Winner - Cold Therapy Socks by Natracure
Natracure’s therapy socks are reusable slippers that provide cooling relief for ankle and foot pain caused by injury, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and other conditions.
Buy on AmazonFoot injury, arthritis, Achilles tendonitis, reduced blood flow, and many other conditions can lead to excruciating pain. A high-quality cold pack relieves swelling and pain caused by ankle sprains, bursitis, and other foot problems. Cold wraps are leak-proof, work quickly, and can be used without fear of side effects.
Our Top Picks
The 7 Best Foot Ice Packs
Our Winner: Cold Therapy Socks by Natracure
This sock-style ice pack hugs your ankles, heels, toes, and balls of the foot in all the right places. There’s a cold gel pack on the underside of the foot and another that you can insert at the top of the foot or behind the heel to neutralize muscle pain and joint aches. The gel packs refreeze quickly, and the slippers can are washable between uses.
Main Features
- Two sizes available
- Two gel packs included
- Stretchable design
- Washable
- Wraps around foot
Pros:
- Gel packs freeze quickly
- Comfortable, stretchy fabric
- Cold therapy targets entire foot
- High-quality materials
Cons:
- No compression therapy
- Only stays chilled for 30-minutes
Podiatrist Favorite: Ice Pack Wrap by MaxComfort
Main Features
- Neoprene wrap
- Gel ice pack and heat pack in one
- Adjustable compression
- Fits all size feet
- Gel ice packs remain flexible when frozen
Pros:
- Gel packs freeze quickly
- Gel packs are microwavable for heat therapy
- Gives targeted pain relief
- Foot wrap is comfortable to wear
Cons:
- Not a tight-fitting compression wrap
- Gel packs can overheat in the microwave
Top Choice: Ankle Ice Pack Wrap by Vive
The leak-proof gel packs in this latex-free neoprene wrap slide into an ankle wrap that gives both pain relief and targeted compression. Perfect for heel spurs, inflammation, or arthritis, this ankle wrap is microwaveable, freezable, and comfortable to wear.
Main Features
- Soft neoprene blend
- One size fits all
- Leak-proof gel packs
- Machine washable
- Breathable materials
Pros:
- Latex-free
- Flexible fit
- Gives excellent compression
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Only stays cold for 20 minutes
- Not the best choice for plantar fasciitis
The Other Foot Ice Packs We Reviewed
Foot Ankle Ice Wrap by The Coldest
Ideal for ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and heel injuries, this ankle and foot cold therapy wrap eases pain via reusable gel packs. The included ice packs remain flexible and mold to the foot well, though they can be a hassle to slide into the wrap’s pockets.
Buy on AmazonCold Therapy Wrap by NatraCure
This cold therapy wrap comes with a small reusable gel pack that fastens to the wrap’s bottom. The neoprene materials are then pulled around the top of the foot to provide targeted pain relief and adjustable compression. This ice pack is ideal for arch pain but doesn’t fit well around the heel area.
Buy on AmazonIce Pack for Ankle Injuries by ARRIS
This is an ice pack and heat pack in one. It has a neoprene ankle brace design that eases the pain of sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis, sore feet, and aching muscles. The fit is secure, offering a little compression therapy, but the wrap is bulky and difficult to put on or take off by yourself.
Buy on AmazonHot/Cold Foot and Ankle Wrap by Elasto-Gel
The cold therapy packs in this hot/cold foot and ankle wrap never leak, stay safe even at -20 degrees, and are latex-free. A four-way stretch boot wraps around the ankle, securing itself in place with hook and loop closures. This is an excellent choice for quick treatments, but the gel packs don’t stay cold or hot for long.
Buy on AmazonWhat is the RICE Treatment for Foot Pain?
Foot pain is a common problem with many causes. Whether you suffer from aches from overuse, an injury, bursitis, tendonitis, or another ailment, there are a few proven ways you can help curb your suffering. The most common doctor-recommended treatment is RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Rest
Giving your body adequate rest between activities, especially when you’re hurting, is your number one line of defense against pain. When soreness hits, take a break from activities and if necessary, stay off your foot so your body can heal.
Ice
Ice packs, gel packs, and other forms of cold therapy reduce swelling and pain. Cold packs should be used for no more than 20 minutes at a time, three or more times a day, for the first 72 hours after an injury. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, ice therapy may be used daily to reduce inflammation and lower pain levels.
Compression
Wrapping your foot, whether it’s with an elastic bandage or a cold compression wrap, applies compression to sore muscles and injured tissues. Compression is proven to reduce swelling and lessen pain.
Elevation
Elevating your foot on a stack of pillows while using an ice pack speeds healing by increasing circulation and reducing swelling. Try to keep your foot at or above your heart’s level to put an end to throbbing pain.
Which Ice Therapy Wrap is Right for You?
The best foot ice packs give almost immediate pain relief, but only if you properly use the right tool.
Size
Choose a cold therapy wrap, sock, or boot that will completely cover the area of your injury naturally. A small wrap meant to address arch pain will not help you deal with ankle pain.
Weight
Adding too much weight to a sprained ankle or injured foot will increase your pain level. Instead of using bulky, weighty ice bags, seek out lightweight gel packs to keep the weight down.
Type of Injury
What part of your foot hurts, and what is the cause of your pain? Answering these two questions will better help you understand how to treat yourself. Sports injuries and pain are temporary, while bursitis and plantar fasciitis will require more intense therapy. When dealing with the latter, alternating between cold and heat therapy can keep pain and swelling to a minimum.
Weighing All the Factors
The best foot ice packs on our list are Cold Therapy Socks by Natracure. The included leak-proof gel packs offer cryotherapy to swollen, tired, achy, injured feet, and they naturally increase circulation. The socks are soft and comfortable, and the gel packs refreeze quickly. The Ice Pack Wrap by maxComfort and the Ankle Ice Pack Wrap by Vive are also great options for taking the sting out of foot pain.
Our Winner - Cold Therapy Socks by Natracure
Natracure’s therapy socks are reusable slippers that provide cooling relief for ankle and foot pain caused by injury, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and other conditions.
Buy on Amazon