The best foam rollers to buy in 2023

Options for deep-tissue massage, travel, gentle rolling and more

Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.

Foam rollers have rapidly gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts, offering a simple yet effective solution for muscle recovery, flexibility improvement and overall physical well-being. These versatile cylindrical tools, often made from dense foam, have become a go-to accessory for athletes, fitness enthusiasts and individuals seeking relief from everyday muscle tension. Foam rollers assist in self-myofascial release, which helps to relieve muscle knots, improve blood flow, and extend your range of motion by providing tailored pressure to different muscle areas.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Don't have an account? Create Account

Moreover, foam rollers can play a crucial role in your fitness regimen, fostering incredible healing, injury prevention, and enhanced athletic performance, whether you’re a frequent gym goer, a runner, a desk-bound professional or someone recuperating from an ailment. This guide will explore the diverse uses and scenarios where foam rollers can significantly impact your overall health and wellness. Scroll to the bottom for some foam roller FAQs.

Best overall: TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller Best deep tissue: RumbleRoller Deep Tissue Massage Roller Best splurge: LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller Best density: ProsourceFit High-Density Extra Firm Foam Roller Best soft surface: OPTP Pro-Roller Soft Density Foam Roller Best budget pick: AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller Also consider: Gaiam Foam Roller Most underrated: Brazyn Morph Trek Foam Roller

Best overall: TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller

Why buy: The TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller is our top choice for those seeking an exceptional self-massage experience. With its durable construction and multi-density surface, this foam roller effectively targets specific muscle groups, releasing tension and improving flexibility. The hollow core design ensures lightweight portability, making it ideal for home use or on the go. Additionally, it offers the perfect balance of strength, adaptability and efficiency to improve your recovery and general well-being, whether you’re an athlete recuperating from strenuous workouts or seeking relief from regular muscular tightness.

Price: $49.99Where to buy: Amazon

Best deep tissue: RumbleRoller Deep Tissue Massage Roller

Why buy: The RumbleRoller Deep Tissue Massage Roller is a must-have for those targeting a deep and therapeutic self-massage experience. Featuring specially designed bumps, the foam roller mimics the pressure of a massage therapist’s thumbs, effectively targeting and breaking up muscle knots and tightness. Moreover, its textured surface stimulates blood flow and enhances muscle recovery. The RumbleRoller offers a unique and powerful massage that encourages muscular relaxation, increases flexibility, and speeds up healing, whether you’re an athlete or someone with chronic muscle tension.

Price: $74.99Where to buy: Amazon

Best splurge: LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller

Why buy: This roller is crafted from high-density EPP foam and supports muscle recovery and myofascial release. It effectively targets tight muscles and trigger points, improving flexibility and reducing muscle soreness. Available in various sizes, the LuxFit foam roller caters to different needs and body types. The LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller is a dependable option that offers long-lasting durability and beneficial muscle healing advantages, whether you’re a fitness fanatic or searching for post-workout comfort.

Price: $44Where to buy: Amazon

Best density: ProsourceFit High-Density Extra Firm Foam Roller

Why buy: This roller is made from dense EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam and provides optimal support for self-massage and myofascial release. Its extra firmness effectively targets tight muscles, knots, and trigger points, aiding muscle recovery and improved flexibility.

Available in various lengths, the ProsourceFit foam roller accommodates different body sizes and workout needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, the ProsourceFit High-Density Extra Firm Foam Roller offers durability, versatility, and an affordable solution for muscle relief and recovery.

Price: $24Where to buy: Amazon

Best soft surface: OPTP Pro-Roller Soft Density Foam Roller

Why buy: The OPTP Pro-Roller Soft Density Foam Roller is the perfect choice for individuals seeking a gentler approach to self-massage and muscle recovery. Made from cross-linked, closed-cell foam, this foam roller provides a softer surface for those with sensitive muscles or those who prefer gentler pressure.

It is ideal for beginners, seniors or individuals recovering from injuries. Despite its soft density, the OPTP Pro-Roller still effectively targets muscle tension, aids in myofascial release and promotes improved flexibility. If you’re looking for a foam roller that offers a more gentle and comfortable experience without compromising effectiveness, the OPTP Pro-Roller Soft Density Foam Roller is an excellent option.

Price: $154Where to buy: Amazon

Best budget pick: AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller

Why buy: The AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise quality or effectiveness. Made from moulded polypropylene foam, this foam roller provides moderate firmness and support for muscle recovery and self-massage. Its round shape allows for versatile use, targeting various muscle groups. And it’s dependable for general muscular relief and flexibility enhancement, regardless of your experience level.

Price: Starting from $20 (depends on size)Where to buy: Amazon

Also consider: Gaiam Foam Roller

Why buy: With its multi-textured surface, this foam roller provides various massage options to target different muscle groups and release tension. It has a downloadable exercise guide, offering additional guidance and workout ideas. The Gaiam Foam Roller is built of high-quality materials, providing durability and long-lasting performance and is appropriate for novice and expert users. Including this foam roller in your exercise regimen may enhance muscular mobility, reduce discomfort and enhance general well-being.

Price: $39.99Where to buy: Amazon

Most underrated: Brazyn Morph Trek Foam Roller

Why buy: The Brazyn Morph Bravo Foam Roller stands out as a unique and convenient option for fitness enthusiasts on the go. Its collapsible design makes it easily foldable, incredibly portable and travel-friendly. Crafted from durable EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam, this roller provides moderate density for effective muscle release and recovery. Whether at home, at the office, or on vacation, the Brazyn Morph Bravo Foam Roller offers a compact and reliable solution for self-massage and muscle relief.

Price: $109Where to buy: Amazon

As more people discover the benefits of foam rolling, questions naturally arise regarding their usage, benefit, and how to choose the right one. Below we’ll discuss some of consumers’ most frequently asked questions about foam rollers. From understanding how foam rollers work to selecting the right one for your needs and addressing concerns about pain or frequency of use, these answers will help you navigate the world of foam rolling and maximize its potential benefits for your fitness and well-being journey.

How do foam rollers work?

Foam rollers apply pressure to specific muscles and fascia, promoting myofascial release. By rolling over the foam roller, you can target and release muscle tension, knots, and trigger points, improving flexibility and aiding muscle recovery.

What advantages can foam rollers offer?

Numerous advantages of foam rollers include enhanced blood circulation, reduced muscular soreness, improved range of motion, muscle recovery, increased flexibility and improved blood flow. They can also support general physical well-being by assisting in the relief of tight and knotted muscles.

How do I choose the right foam roller for me?

Consider density, texture, size and specific needs when choosing a foam roller. Beginners or individuals with sensitive muscles may prefer a softer density foam roller, while experienced users may opt for a firmer one. The size of the foam roller should match your body size, and considering the texture or surface pattern can provide different levels of massage intensity.

How often should I use a foam roller?

The frequency of foam rolling can vary depending on your needs and fitness routine. Generally speaking, stretching regularly and using a foam roller for a few minutes before and after exercise is advised. However, pay attention to your body and modify the frequency according to your comfort level and any specific advice from a healthcare or fitness specialist.

Can foam rolling be painful?

Foam rolling may cause discomfort, mainly when targeting tight muscles or trigger points. However, it should not be excruciating. Begin with light pressure and progressively up the ante as your muscles get used to it. Before introducing foam rolling into your routine, you should speak with a healthcare provider if you experience significant discomfort or have any underlying medical concerns.

Shopping Essentials is a category that features highly researched products and reviews, new and exciting launches, plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter.

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

To contribute to the conversation, you need to be logged in. If you are not yet registered, create your account now - it's FREE.

These nice knits are sure to keep you chic-and-cosy this fall.

Smart and comfortable, cool and chic, loafers are the most versatile shoe we’ve slipped into in awhile.

Clean every 30 days or 30 cycles

From flexible to firm to ultra-strong hold

Options for different preferences and budgets