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Recovery from training is one of the most overlooked, yet important, aspects of your fitness journey. Many love trying the best gym equipment, the latest workouts, or the best supplements, but don’t pay enough attention to how they’re recovering day to day.
While nothing can replace proper nutrition and sleep, the best muscle recovery tools can make a significant difference, especially when you’re feeling beat up after a tough workout. A staple in physical therapy clinics around the world, compression boots can enhance your recovery by providing an air-powered, pulsing massage throughout your legs.
Unlike massage guns, which require you to use a heavy, vibrating object, boots don’t require any unnecessary work. All you need to do is slip them on and relax.
However, there are plenty of compression boots to choose from, and deciding which features you need can feel challenging. To help you find the perfect pair, we’ve tested some of the most popular recovery devices on the market and used our testing methodology to score and rank them on a number of criteria, including:
- Compression level
- Durability
- Sizing and adjustability
- Value
In this article, I’m going to share our top five picks to help give your legs the recovery they deserve.
Best Compression Boots
Best Overall Compression Boots: Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs
Good for: Anyone who wants the best compression technology
Best Overall
Product Highlights
* 7 compression levels
* Compatible with Hyperice app
* Premium materials
* Multiple sizes available
Pros
- Multiple compression levels
- Mimics the body’s natural blood flow
- Durable materials
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
- Fewer compression settings than competitors
The Hyperice Normatec 3 compression boots are some of the best boots on the market. They’re made of premium, durable materials and feature a unique system that mimics your body’s natural blood flow. Users can choose one of seven compression levels.
If you’re looking for the best of the best, it’s hard to beat the Hyperice Normatec 3 compression boots. Packed with smart features and available in multiple sizes, these are some of the most versatile and effective boots on the market.
Normatec also offers the Normatec Go, which is meant for calves, and the Normatec Elite, an upgraded version of the Normatec 3 that we’ll cover later.
The Normatec 3 has seven different pressure levels and can be used on the legs, hips, or arms, making it extremely versatile. Normatec also uses a technology called ZoneBoost™ biomimicry, which sends sequential pulses of compression through multiple air chambers to mimic the natural blood flow of your body. With so many options and biomimicry, we give these boots a 5-out-of-5-star score for compression.
Rather than applying general compression throughout the entire leg, the pulses encourage blood flow along its natural pattern, which is a great feature.
They’re quite durable, and our tester has owned a pair for two years with no issues. He noted that he trains early in the mornings and mostly uses them as a warm-up to get the blood flowing before leg day.
The boots pair with the Hyperice app via Bluetooth, allowing you to view multiple preset options to choose from for a customized compression experience. They’re not cheap, but if you’re looking for the gold standard in compression boots, the Normatec 3 is the one to choose.
| Price | $799 |
| Dimensions | 15.5” x 40.5” (single boot, estimate based on Elite specs) |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (single boot, estimate based on Elite specs) |
| Available Sizes | Short (5’3” and under), Standard (5’4” to 6’3”), Tall (6’4” and above) |
| Compression Levels | 7 levels |
Best Compression Boots for Recovery: Rapid Reboot REGEN Boots
Good for: Those looking to ease the pain after a tough workout
Best for Recovery
Product Highlights
Join Olympic, professional, collegiate, and athletes of sports, levels, and sizes by becoming a member of our Rapid Reboot team today with your purchase of the Rapid Reboot recovery system and see why it’s simply the best fit.
Train like world-class Olympic, professional, and collegiate athletes by supercharging your recovery with the Rapid Reboot recovery system! The system, which utilizes dynamic, sequential air compression, is based on important medical technology and principles proven to improve circulation, mobilize metabolites and other toxins like carbon dioxide from muscle tissue, flush out lactic acid, mitigate edema, reduce exercise-induced swelling, alleviate inflammation, and facilitate protein synthesis by increasing blood flow to muscles.
Designed for active individuals and athletes of all levels, the Rapid Reboot REGEN Boots are our top pick for those who want to prioritize recovery from training.
The boots have 20 levels of compression and four massage patterns, so you’ll have plenty of options when choosing your settings. You can customize the compression using the included control unit or pair your boots with the Rapid Reboot app to control them from your phone.
Now, at $945, they aren’t cheap, but you can save money by choosing the original Rabid Reboot system. The boots are identical, but the control unit isn’t as portable and only has 10 compression settings instead of 20. However, they still work great.
Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, has owned the original boots for about 6 years and says they’ve held up great, earning a 5 out of 5 for durability. However, sizing may be an issue depending on your body’s proportions.
“I find them pretty effective in helping flush out my legs after a heavy leg workout, and I typically use them after a heavy session to help jumpstart my recovery,” said Caine. “I have the extra-long boots, which fit me length-wise, but fitting my thighs into them is a hassle. It’s possible, but it’s a tight fit. I usually have to drop the pressure a bit because of how tight my legs are in the upper chamber already.”
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Keep in mind that Caine is an Olympian, which means he lifts weights at the highest level and has stronger legs than most of us. Still, this sizing issue is worth noting for anyone with larger-than-average thighs.
For more, check out our in-depth review of the original Rapid Reboot Recovery System.
| Price | $945 |
| Dimensions | Depends on the size |
| Weight | 4-5 lbs, depending on the size |
| Available Sizes | X-Short (5’ and under), Short (5’1” to 5’3”), Medium (5’4” to 5’10”), Long (5’10” to 6’3”), X-Long (6’4” and above) |
| Compression Levels | 20 levels |
Best Compression Boots for Athletes: Reathlete Air-C Leg Massager
Good for: Individuals who need to customize the sizing at every part of their leg
Best for Athletes
Product Highlights
* Adjustable sizing throughout the leg
* Very durable
* Fits users of most sizes
Pros
- Adjustable velcro sizing
- Fits most users
- 4 compression levels
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Only available in one size
- No wireless option
The Reathlete Air-C Leg Massager boots are a great choice for anyone who wants a truly customizable compression experience. There are multiple velcro straps to adjust the boots to your preferences, and 4 compression levels to choose from.
One potential drawback of compression boots is their adjustability. Many are shaped like one giant leg boot that zips up, and while you may be able to customize the compression, that’s about it.
For athletes with large quads or anyone worried about the proportions of their legs, the Reathlete Air-C Leg Massager is an excellent choice. The boots can be adjusted with multiple Velcro straps along the leg, allowing customization throughout the entire leg.
GGR editorial team member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, has used these boots in her gym and is very impressed, especially with the adjustable sizing. She gave them a 4 out of 5 for sizing as they only come in one size, but that one size should fit most users.
Kate said, “We have had a 5-foot, barely 100-pound person in them as well as competitive weightlifters who weigh north of 220. Everyone has fit inside them thanks to the adjustable Velcro straps on them.”
She added, “I think these are pretty decent for how affordable they are. I have also used the Normatec boots, and those are probably the top-of-the-line, best-you-can-find for compression. These boots still do the trick, though! I’ve used these on rest days and after heavy leg days, and I love them.”
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Normatec boots that can be sized to fit most legs, the Reathlete Air-C Leg Massagers are an excellent, more affordable choice. The normal price is $399, but we’ve seen them on sale for as low as $169.
| Price | $399 |
| Dimensions | Not disclosed; suggested user height is 5’1” to 6’2” |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs |
| Available Sizes | 1 size |
| Compression Levels | 4 levels |
Best Budget Compression Boots: FIT KING Leg Air Massager
Good for: Those who want recovery boots that won’t break the bank
Best Budget
Product Highlights
* Small, portable design
* Lower leg compression boot
* Affordable product that’s often on sale
Pros
- Very affordable
- Durable material
- Easy to use
- 3 compression levels
Cons
- Only fits the lower leg
- Only one size available
The Fit King Leg Air Massager is a budget-friendly compression boot that’s great for home use. It only massages the lower leg, including the calf, ankle, and foot, but it is significantly cheaper than many full-leg competitors.
If you want a great pair of boots that won’t break the bank, the FIT KING Leg Air Massager is our top choice. With a list price of $129 that’s often on sale (we’ve seen it as low as $89), it’s priced to fit most budgets and significantly cheaper than most of the other options on our list.
However, with a low price, you are sacrificing some quality, most notably in the size. These boots are 16.8 inches tall and are only meant to cover the lower legs, so you won’t be able to enjoy compression on your entire leg. If most of your pain is in the feet, ankles, and calves, this is fine, but sore quads and glutes aren’t going to benefit from the FIT KING boots.
That said, they do have three pressure settings and two massage modes, so if your feet are aching after a long day, you have plenty of ways to enjoy a relaxing foot massage. We also like the Velcro closure system, which allows you to make these as tight or loose as you want.
These are very affordable and earn a 4 out of 5 for value. With over 19,000 reviews and an average score of 4.3 on Amazon, they’re both popular and loved by many. If you’re looking for an affordable way to try out compression therapy, the FIT KING Leg Air Massagers are a great choice.
| Price | $129 |
| Dimensions | 10.5” x 16.8” (single boot) |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs |
| Available Sizes | 1 size |
| Compression Levels | 3 levels |
Best Wireless Compression Boots: Hyperice Normatec Elite
Good for: Anyone who wants portable, wireless compression boots
Best Wireless
Product Highlights
- Portable air compression boots
- 7 levels of compression
- 4 hours of battery life
- Bluetooth-enabled controls
- Supposed benefits include decreasing muscle soreness, increased circulation, and improved recovery
Pros
- More portable than previous iterations
- 4-hour battery life
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Expensive piece of equipment
- Can’t replace traditional hands-on massage from a professional
The Normatec Elite boots are the latest iteration of air compression boots from Hyperice. These are more portable than previous versions and are controlled via the Hyperice app. You’ll get a 4-hour battery life and 7 levels of compression with these boots to supposedly help recovery and muscle soreness.
The Normatec 3 boots were named the best overall, but if you’re looking for an upgraded version and are willing to spend a little extra, these are even better.
The primary difference? The Normatec Elite is fully wireless. Each leg has an integrated control unit that’s ready to go right out of the box, so you don’t need to worry about a standalone control unit or air hoses.
No pesky cables or power cords are required; all you need to do is slip on the boots, and you’ll be ready to go. Our tester, Pete Nastasi, CPT, CNC, used these boots and was extremely impressed with the quality, particularly the battery life, which is always a concern with wireless products.
The battery is meant to last for up to 4 hours, but Pete used the boots for 6 hours before he needed to charge them. Normatec Elite boots also earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating for durability and construction, with a premium feel and sleek design. He was also impressed with the ease of setup, saying he was able to open the box and start using them within 5 minutes.
If it sounds like the Normatec Elite is better than the Normatec 3, that’s because it is. However, it’s also going to cost more, which is why we didn’t name it the best overall. It’s great, but an extra $200 for wireless convenience isn’t necessary to experience Normatec quality.
To read more about the Normatec Elite boots, be sure to check out our complete Normatec Elite review.
| Price | $999 |
| Dimensions | 15.5” x 40.5” (single boot) |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (single boot) |
| Available Sizes | Short (5’3” and under), Standard (5’4” to 6’3”), Tall (6’4” and above) |
| Compression Levels | 7 levels |
Other Compression Boots We Researched
We narrowed our list down to the top five boots, but there were a few more we considered that didn’t quite make the cut.
- Therabody RecoveryAir Pro: These look like high-quality boots, and we generally love Therabody products. However, the boots are significantly more expensive than most competitors, so we didn’t include them.
- QUINEAR Leg Massager with Heat: The idea of adding heat to a compression boot sounds nice in theory, but several of our testers mentioned specifically using boots post-workout. If you’re already hot and sweaty, sliding into a hot compression boot may not be the most comfortable experience, so we went with standard, non-heated boots.
How We Picked and Tested the Best Compression Boots
We didn’t simply browse a list of best-selling compression boots and put them on our list; we made sure to spend plenty of time using each pair.
Several of these boots have been owned and used for years by our team members. For example, Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, has owned his boots for 5 to 6 years now, which is plenty of time to test every feature.
After testing, we used our equipment testing methodology to assign a score to each boot. Our methodology rates each product on a scale of 1 to 5 in the most important categories, like durability, technology, value, and customer experience.
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Benefits of Compression Boots
Compression boots can be quite expensive, but depending on your health and wellness goals, they may be worth a try, especially if you find yourself suffering from chronically sore legs. Here are the two primary benefits you can expect when using air compression recovery tools.
Can Decrease Muscular Soreness
Delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, is that painful feeling you experience a day or two after a tough workout. If you’ve ever felt great immediately after a leg workout, only to struggle to stand from a chair a day or two later, you can thank DOMS.
Thankfully, several studies have shown that compression boots can reduce DOMS, like this 2021 research review1 published in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. After examining the currently available literature on intermittent pneumatic compression, which is the technology used in compression boots, the authors found that compression had no impact on exercise-induced muscle damage.
However, they did say that compression may temporarily reduce soreness. While these boots don’t minimize muscular damage, reduce muscle fatigue, or promote faster recovery, they can certainly reduce the pain you may feel after a workout.
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Can Improve Blood Flow
Compression boots apply pressure throughout your leg, often in a pulsing manner, meant to simulate a leg massage. This pulsing compression can stimulate blood circulation throughout the leg, which is why many compression boot manufacturers suggest using them to warm up your legs before a workout.
I couldn’t find any research supporting the benefits of using compression boots before a workout, but if they can relieve pain and improve blood flow through the leg, I don’t see any downsides to giving them a try.
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May Be HSA/FSA Eligible
If you’re on the fence about spending so much on compression boots, keep in mind that most can be purchased with an eligible FSA or HSA plan.
If you’re not sure where to spend your HSA/FSA funds and want to indulge in a bit of self-care, leg compression boots are a great choice. There’s no reason you can’t buy them with your own money, of course, but we know many are always looking for creative ways to use those funds, and compression boots are a great choice.
May Promote Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in the body due to excess fluid from the lymph nodes, often in the lower limbs. Massage can be a great treatment option, but it’s not always convenient.
Thankfully, regular treatment with compression devices has been shown to be safe and effective. This 2014 study2 looked at the effectiveness of air compression in long-term lymphedema treatment in the legs. The authors found that compression therapy resulted in a permanent decrease in limb circumference, concluding that “long inflation timed therapy can be safely recommended to patients with lower limb lymphedema.”
Experts Who Contributed To This Article
What to Look For In Compression Boots
If you’re still unsure which boots to choose from our list or you’ve got your eyes on a different pair we didn’t include, here are a few of the most important things to consider before making your decision.
Portability
Yes, when using recovery boots, you’ll be lying down and relaxing. However, if you travel a lot, you’ll still want a pair that’s easy to move around in.
Many compression boots include a carrying case, but you’ll also want to consider the accessories. Do you need power cables? How long are the cords, and how bulky is the control unit?
If you’re mainly going to use these at home, this isn’t a huge deal. However, if you travel frequently and want your boots with you, or you’re taking them to and from the gym, portability absolutely matters.
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Some models are also wireless, so if you don’t want to be bothered by cords at all (aside from charging), you may want to spend a little extra for a wireless set.
Sizing and Adjustability
Depending on your body’s shape, you may want to choose boots that allow you to make plenty of adjustments.
While many boots are available in several sizes, that may still be an issue for some. For example, one of our testers is an Olympian with larger-than-average quads due to the number of years he spent training and the impressive amount of weight he can lift. He found that while his compression boots fit perfectly around his calves, they’re a bit snug in the thighs, and getting them on can be a challenge.
If you regularly find that pants or leggings often have an unusual fit due to the shape or size of your legs, you’ll want to choose a pair of compression boots with plenty of adjustability.
Pricing
As with all purchases, your budget plays a large role in what you choose to buy. Compression boots can range from less than $100 to more than $1,000. While there are certainly differences in quality and features, ultimately, they all do the same thing.
Many of the more expensive boots will have additional features not found in affordable options, like wireless technology, and they may be a bit more durable. However, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a more affordable pair and saving your money for something else.
We made sure to choose boots that fit a variety of budgets, and there’s no need to buy the most expensive pair on the market to see the benefits of using compression boots.
Best Compression Boots: FAQs
What is the best brand of compression boots?
Do compression boots really work?
Compression boots may not improve recovery time, but they can improve blood flow and reduce post-workout soreness1, which is very helpful for those who train regularly and want to minimize pain between workouts.
What is the best compression company?
The best compression company will have good customer service, fair prices, and offer things like warranties and generous return policies. Hyperice, Rapid Reboot, and Reathlete are some of our favorite brands for compression boots, but there are plenty of options to choose from.
References
- Stedge, H. L., & Armstrong, K. (2021). The Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on the Reduction of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Endurance Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 30(4), 668–671. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2020-0364
- Zaleska, M., Olszewski, W. L., & Durlik, M. (2014). The effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression in long-term therapy of lymphedema of lower limbs. Lymphatic research and biology, 12(2), 103–109.
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