Barefoot Reflexology

Years ago when it first opened I bought the buy 5 get 1 free package. Back then the majority of masseuse were women. So I went with my daughter and we were sitting side by side and it started… the water in the bucket was not even lukewarm. My guy was older and began kneading by back and shoulders but that’s all he seemed to do and if you have the same area pinched and rubbed over and over it gets to irritate. I was getting tired of sitting and my lower back and waist were begging to get some pummeling. Well my daughter’s guy was doing a much more enthusiastic job and I felt my guy was just booooored. I finally asked him to stop doing my neck and shoulders and go on to the foot part. Not much better, repetitive, irritating, blah and so not what I expected. It wasn’t relaxing, it wasn’t that feeling where you don’t want them to stop. I couldn’t wait to get out of there and all the while watching the massage happening next to me. So there’s good and bad and I got bad and then they wanted to sell us a package !!!@@&&! PASS!
I don’t know where he trained or if but it needs much improvement.

Went for a «tui na» massage this morning. I am not exaggerating even a little bit when I say that the horrible man wreaking of cigarette smoke who gave me this «massage» simply SMASHED my tender upper back into the table for 45 minutes straight. Needless to say, I am in excruciating pain.
When I tried to lift my head and tell me he was hurting me, several times, he forcefully pushed me back down and said «okay okay.» He pulled my hair, telling me I have «good hair.» Face up, he grabbed at my stomach and sides, when I said no. Apparently, it’s «good for your liver.»
I feel like my internal organs have been run over by a truck and like I was violated for $ 60 by a horrible Chinese man with a silver tooth and tobacco-​laden fingers.
Never. Again.

There is no better massage in Boston at this price.
There is no better price.
They could easily charge 2x the amount (please don’t!) for the quality of massage you get. Super nice and professional masseurs and they’ll easily adjust for what you’d like done.

Best foot massage in the Boston area! Dark room with small partitions. Starts with a lovely shoulder massage all the way down your back. Seamless transition to a lounging chair complete with a fuzzy blanket on top. I always try to stay awake but they have magic hands!

Wow-​$ 35 for a one hour massage.
The massage quality was perfect
My best friend goes here religiously after work because they are open til 10pm so I really like the ability to go in late at night after a stressful work day when I need to unwind
They have a big room where like 10 people are getting a massage at once and the chairs are subdivided into curtained off sections. They don’t have you get undressed so wear sweatpants that can roll up. I think it’s against their policy for you to take your clothes off, the massage over it. Lighting is a little too bright but other than that awesome
Their speciality is definitely feet massages. My guy did my feet for like half an hour just so amazing. He never slacked, talked, stared at me or went to the bathroom– I hate when I get a creepy or lazy massage person but all the employees here are great

I need to down grade the many experiences that I’ve had here. There seems to have been a change of therapists. There are now predominantly men and not only are they not consistent, they are dressed poorly and reek of cigarette smoke– something that should not be happening in a «health environment.» Two men were doing foot massages and I nearly had to ask THEM to stop talking. I do miss the professional women who were focused on their craft. They brought my family members back time and time again. They were kind and consistent.

Listen up peeps, when you only spend 35.00 for an hour massage, don’t expect a 5 star facility. I think some of the previous reviews unfairly rated Barefoot as if it should be compared to a high end spa. This place is totally in line w/​standard reflex & Tu nua spots. The price is right.
The only drawback is sometimes they do get a few new guys in that aren’t as good as the ones w/​more experience, but become a regular and you’ll know who to as for.
Sit back and relax!

Back again and this time I got someone who is amazing! I just got a full body massage yesterday at another massage place but when the lady asked me where it hurts the most and I told her my shoulders she only massaged it for 2 Min. Today I came into barefoot reflexology and right away the guy knew to massage my shoulders. Loved every minute of it. I like how we can just walk in and get in right away. I like getting a massage when I want it that same day and this place for sure gets you in right away. Very professional friendly staff.

This place is wonderful. The storefront doesn’t look like much but wait until you get inside. Its tastefully decorated, comfortable and very serene and you feel the stress leaving your body when you sit down. Water with rose petals are presented for you to put your feet in. The chairs are so comfortable. The foot reflexology and massage amazing. They even give you a head massage… I wish this place was closer to home as I would go more often.

I scheduled a massage at Barefoot for the first time after running my third marathon this past weekend. My physical therapist had recommended going to a place with foot reflexology, and I thought the combination of positive Unilocal reviews, both body and foot work, and low prices sounded pretty ideal. You get what you pay for, I guess. Never again.
I probably should have been tipped off by the open schedule; I called day-​of and got my requested 5:00pm appointment. I scheduled the 90-​minute foot and body work package. I have no problem with out-​of-​the-​way places, but the room I was deposited in looked unclean. My first impression was that it was a converted bathroom. Also, the whole place smelled less than great. I was dropped in the room without instruction, and though I’ve had many massages in the past I was confused about whether I was supposed to just undress or wait for the masseur. As it turns out, I was supposed to undress and cover myself with a sheet that was folded up on the end of the table. The masseur came in, and without asking me about comfort level, desired pressure, or why I was there, began the «massage».
I will say that he was a very nice man and I’m sure he was just going through a routine he goes through with everyone. But this was not a massage. This was a weird, slightly awkward rubdown. I was so uncomfortable that, 15 – 20 minutes in, I asked that the session be cut to 60 minutes. As anyone who has ever recovered from an endurance activity knows, you need to be able to trust that your masseuse knows how the body works and isn’t going to hurt you. I want to keep running marathons, and I was legitimately concerned at times that this session was going to do more harm than good.
So, in short:
Pros: easy to schedule, cheap
Cons: not very clean-​looking or smelling, thin walls (I could hear everything going on in the place), untrained masseur, lack of professionalism, uncomfortable, can’t personalize massage to comfort level.

This place is a great deal and I will definitely return. I am happy I looked over the Unilocal reviews before I went in for my first visit, because everything mentioned on here is accurate.
I walked in and the lady behind the desk (through an obvious language barrier) asked me if I had a package. Confused, I told her this is my first visit. She then asked if I wanted full body or just feet. She mentioned the full body was an extra 15 dollars, and I asked how much the feet alone was. She said $ 35, and then I think she was confused, because she told me they are running a special and she will give me the full body for $ 35. I said ok, told her I like harder pressure, and waited for my appointment.
I was called into the room and a very nice man walked in. Immediately I could smell cigarettes, which another Unilocaler mentioned in an earlier review. However, he has very strong hands and my massage was AMAZING. It’s a bit awkward to hear other people getting massages not only in your room but the room next door. But overall, you tune it out and enjoy. Try to come after dinner, it was fairly quiet then. I will definitely be a regular here.

Ok I would give 6 stars if possible. they are amazing! I have high expectations after seeing the positive reviews, but they WOWed me! For the price, there is no where in boston that offers better reflexology. they are not a cheap chinatown type massage place! The atmosphere is so nice with the comfy sofas and background music. There are a lot if people but it’s really quiet and relaxing! they are busy but sometimes take walk-​ins. Anyways, I’m definitely coming back.

This place is as good as it gets. You get a full hour for such a reasonable price. Facility is very clean and therapists are very professional. It’s more than just a foot massage, while your feet are soaking they practically give you a full body massage. Arms, legs, back, neck, head. I will get the full body assage next time. It’s not a place to go with a group if you want to talk while getting the foot massage. They expect clients to be quiet.

I do love this place and it is a great deal. I have been at least 10 times and will return, but sometimes I decide not to go because of noise.
Most of the employees are great at what they do, they follow a format, but they each have a different style. Do not expect to be able to convey all your needs as some speak limited English.
I have been in a couple times and employees were moderately sick with colds, that should not be allowed since they are touching you and my sister got sick since she was sneezed all over. Obviously that is not fair to the employee or guest.
The big change I wish for is that they would do some sound proofing– white noise machines, panels, anything!
You can hear road noise, people outside on phones and the business phone being answered constantly. I think a headset would be great for the desk, so they can turn off the ringer.
Many clueless people come in and don’t catch on that it is a quiet space, so you hear their chatter. I understand there is not much waiting area, but check in and stand outside if you need to talk loudly.
One time a lady getting a massage insisted on talking loudly the entire time to her masseuse, who obviously could not understand her. Really lady? Good effort to be nice, but be aware of your surroundings.

Let me start by telling you that I’m very ticklish and usually avoid foot-​touching scenarios outside of the realm of pedicures. The ticklish should not fear this.
This place is FABULOUS!
Yesterday, I woke up with a terrible headache that no amount of caffeine or Aleve could cure. After my session last night at BR, I am literally a new woman. He worked out all the knots in my shoulders, neck, and back.
This place isn’t just feet. Your $ 35 60-​minute job begins with a foot soak while they lovingly jam their elbows into your muscles. Then they move onto your calves and feet. Best massage ever. You can always ask them to go harder or softer.
They have a frequent flyer card they’ll stamp for you each time you go. Your 10^th visit is free.
Why are you still reading this? GO.

Okay… it’s been a while since my last review on this place. I was quite traumatized after my last experience there. I thought for sure this place was going to be in the news as a coverup for something else, based on the sheer shadiness it presents as. But, to my surprise, they are still in business, and getting some consistently good reviews… so I figured I’d go check it out again.
The first time I was there I went for a massage. This time I decided to get their $ 35/​hour foot reflexology (damn good deal)
definitely request to be put in the back of the room, so A: You won’t here the cars driving by as you’re trying to relax, and B: so you don’t have other customers walking by you as they come in and out of the room (there are only partitions between customers).
They do a relaxing foot bath and a good massage. And you generally don’t need to make an appointment much ahead of time, as they are pretty available, since they have about 6 or 8 different little partitions.

Based on some of the reviews here, I was a bit wary of what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a very nice, clean spa. Everyone was very nice and the service was great.
I had the foot massage, which is a really nice affordable treat when you don’t want to spend $$$ on a full-​blown massage. It begin with a really nice shoulder/​neck/​scalp massage, followed by foot massage, for 60 minutes. I was really happy that the massage therapist was strong, since I tend to like deep tissue and was concerned it might be too light. My boyfriend got the Tui Na massage, which he said was pretty good— not the best he’s ever had and it did hurt a bit the next day (maybe more than it should). I would maybe say just stick the reflexology.
A few tips:
1. Consider bringing earplugs — overall the experience and music was really relaxing. However, one customer came in and had a really loud voice. The therapists told her to quiet down (you’re separated from your neighbor with a large silk screen, but it’s not totally sound proof), however, a spare pair of ear plugs could have quickly remedied the situation. Might be something to consider if you end up with a clueless patron nearby.
2. Wear comfortable pants/​skirt — - I was a complete idiot and wore skinny jeans. Nothing is sadder than your massage therapist having to almost whip out plyers/​tools to help you roll up your jeans for foot massage.
3. Call ahead — We called on our way over and got a reservation, versus people who showed up and had to wait. Better to call and make reservation than having to wait it out.
Overall a really relaxing, indulgent treat for cheap. Definitely a good rainy day/​winter activity.

I’ve been to this place several times, and have enjoyed myself each time. They work on you in this separate room – you’ve got your own reclining chair and ottoman, and this space is divided by curtains, so every two chairs, I think, has their own «area.»
When you start, you begin soaking your feet in warm water that has rose petals in it. Pretty romantic. Haha. While you’re seated on the ottoman, and your feet are soaking, the masseuse will work on your neck and shoulders and arms for 15 minutes, and then… the best part, 45 minutes of relaxing in the recliner, and having your feet rubbed and worked like nobody’s business. I didn’t even realize I had so many knots in my SOLES. But I always do. Probably because of all that walking people tend to do in the summer, especially with flip flop-​style sandals on.
Anyway, it’s only $ 35 per hour, so I always end up tipping them generously… I mean, they were pampering me for a pretty long time, and I appreciate it!
The only thing I have a tiiiny gripe about is that sometimes it’s distracting to be so close to your fellow patrons, but I mean, what can you do when ten different people want foot reflexology done? It’s just funny when I hear people next to me or close to me snoring up a storm. (Yes, it’s THAT relaxing.)

The best $ 35 I ever spent on a pamper service! This is dangerous because it is around the corner from where I live.
And I agree with one of the Unilocalers that it the pricing seems out of whack, so I gave a big tip.
I walked in just to check it out and there was someone available. The difference between when I walked in and when I walked out was a world apart.

Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Definitely yes.