The Best Compression Boots of 2025, Tested and Reviewed by Our Experts

As certified personal trainer Kate Meier points out, “Recovery tools can be incredibly subjective.” While your training partner or colleagues may be raving about the best massage guns, this post-workout modality may be too invasive or irritating for your personal needs. The best compression boots may offer a convenient solution, utilizing pneumatic compression across your lower limbs to help alleviate muscle soreness through improved blood flow and muscle stimulation. (1)(2)

These helpful recovery devices, though, aren’t the cheapest post-workout accessories on the market, so understanding what to look for prior to purchase is a must. To help you soothe away that nagging muscle fatigue, we’ve tested over a dozen different compression boot products and had our team of fitness experts rate each silhouette based on our equipment testing methodology. Scores were tallied in categories such as:

• Adjustability: Do the boots feature multiple compression levels to support different recovery intensities?
• Portability: Can these recovery tools be toted around easily, or are they best reserved for at-home use?
• Ease of Use: How bulky is the setup? Are there added features like Bluetooth controls or on-boot pumps?
• Value: Are you getting your money’s worth when comparing the recovery effectiveness to the listed price tag?

The BarBend team has helped over 300,000 athletes connect with high-quality recovery gear to support their workout performance and growth. If you’re interested in adding a pair of compression boots to your arsenal, we’re confident that the following details can help you put your best foot forward in your upcoming muscle recovery sessions.

The 7 Best Compression Boots of 2025

• Best Compression Boots Overall: Hyperice Normatec Elite
• Best Budget Compression Boots: ReAthlete Air-C Full Leg Compression Massager
• Best Wireless Compression Boots: Therabody JetBoots Prime
• Best Portable Compression Boots: Hyperice Normatec Go
• Best Compression Boots for Beginners: Ublives SoleFlex Relax Air Compression Boots
• Best Compression Boots for Athletes: Therabody JetBoots PRO Plus
• Best Full-Body Compression Recovery System: Hyperice Normatec 3 — Full Body

Best Compression Boots Overall: Hyperice Normatec Elite

Pros

Built-in pumps require no additional hoses

ZoneBoost technology for targeted compression therapy

Long battery life up to 4 hours

Cons

No available recovery modules through the Hyperice app

Expensive at nearly $1,000

Built-in pumps can fall out of sync at times

Why We Like It

If there’s a gold standard in the realm of recovery boots, then Normatec holds the crown. Now owned by Hyperice, the brand’s latest Normatec Elite compression boots offer excellent features and conveniences that can make post-workout recovery a walk (err, rest) in the park. I’ve personally owned a pair of Normatec Elites for multiple years now and routinely turn to them for any leg-related aches and pains brought on by taxing running workouts or heavy lifting sessions.

One of the biggest upgrades over previous Normatec models is the built-in pumps on each leg. These units eliminate the need for bulky hoses and heavy head units, clearing up space for a comfier setup during recovery bouts. Plus, you can perform single-leg or dual-leg treatments thanks to the HyperSync tech that has the pumps work in tandem for uniform pressure across both limbs. Granted, I have had some syncing issues at times — one pump will finish quicker than the other — but the difference isn’t too drastic.

I rate the ease of use at 4 out of 5, too, given the multiple control options. You can either manually toggle your pressure settings on the built-in pump or adjust each leg independently through the Hyperice app. I particularly like this service when using ZoneBoost — a feature that provides extra time and pressure across a chosen air chamber.

The lightweight, portable design of the Normatec Elites is also noteworthy. Each boot weighs just 3.2 pounds and easily folds up for convenient storage. I rate the portability at 4 out of 5, too, since the Normatec Elite compression boots are TSA-approved for carry-on if you’re travelling and want to take your muscle recovery protocols on the road.

Of course, though, I cannot ignore the price tag. While I do think the $999 is justified given how these boots perform, I do rate the price at 3.5 out of 5 since it may be too rich for some budgets. If you’re in need of a more wallet-friendly pair of compression boots, consider the Normatec Go or ReAthlete Air-C Full Leg Compression Massager. 

Good For: Those looking for a premium compression device with built-in pumps, Bluetooth settings adjustments, and impressive portability.

Read our full Hyperice Normatec Elite Review.

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Best Budget Compression Boots: ReAthlete Air-C Full Leg Compression Massager

Pros

Affordable price tag at less than $400

Sizing can accommodate a range of athletes, per our tester

Convenient carrying bag for compact storage

Cons

No alternate sizes for shorter or taller athletes

Requires access to a standard wall outlet

Fewer compression levels than other boots we’ve tested

Why We Like It

If you’re interested in compression boot benefits yet aren’t exactly ready to drop upwards of $1,000 on a pair for your wellness routine, fear not. There are budget-friendly options like the ReAthlete Air-C Full Leg Compression Massager system. At roughly $400 — over half the average $820 cost of other high-quality compression boots — these recovery tools can be excellent for athletes wanting to elevate their recovery without breaking the bank.

Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, rates the value at 5 out of 5. “They’re comfortable and effective when I’m trying to increase blood circulation over tired muscles,” she notes. “Plus, the included Hot/Cold gel packs give you the opportunity to implement some hot or cold therapy — a feature that would otherwise raise the price tag of other silhouettes.”

In terms of sizing, these ReAthlete recovery boots are sold in one size, which may be detrimental to those with longer or shorter limbs. However, we score the fitment at 4 out of 5 since there are hook-and-loop extension pads that can help improve coverage over key areas like thighs and calves. “The sizing says the boots can fit athletes between 5’ 1” and 6’ 2”, but I do like that the brand includes extenders for those with more musculature,” Meier adds.

With their approachable price point, these boots can be excellent for compression boot beginners and veterans, alike. However, I do want to point out that there are fewer conveniences baked into each leg attachment. For one, you only get three compression levels, meaning you’re less capable of dialing into a preferred pressure. Plus, there are no built-in batteries with the ReAthlete Air-C Full Leg Compression Massager system — you’ll need to be sitting near a wall outlet to power up for a session. As such, we score the convenience at a modest 3 out of 5.

If you don’t want to string a cord across your lap for the sake of relaxation, we recommend opting for a wireless set of compression boots like the Therabody JetBoots Prime or Hyperice Normatec Elite.

Good For: Individuals on a budget looking for compression boots below the average $820 cost.

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Best Wireless Compression Boots: Therabody JetBoots Prime

Pros

Built-in pump eliminates lengthy hoses and wires

Fold neatly into included drawstring bag

Can be purchased with HSA or FSA funds

Cons

Not yet supported through the Therabody app

Connected boots limit comfortability

Shortest recovery session is 20 minutes

Why We Like It

Like the best compact exercise equipment, wireless leg compression boots can help you save space and recover comfortably without the need for lengthy hoses, extended wiring, and bulky exterior head units. Of this subcategory, we’re big fans of the new JetBoots Prime setup from Therabody.

While I’ve yet to personally test these recovery boots, I have had experience with similar Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots and can attest that the brand knows how to keep your muscle recovery convenient for travel. I rate the portability at 4.5 out of 5 since the entire silhouette folds neatly like your favorite pair of jeans, and there aren’t any hoses, wires, or head units to try and pack, as well. Plus, Therabody even includes a convenient drawstring bag to make organizing your leg massager components neat, tidy, and travel friendly.

The embedded tech features on the JetBoots Prime are similar to what you’ll find on the Normatec Elite boots from Hyperice. Both boast built-in pumps for a streamlined look, and both offer multiple pressure settings that can be toggled across the available air chambers. However, I rate the adjustability at 4 out of 5 for this Therabody offering, as you cannot control your settings through the compatible Therabody app just yet. I’m sure this integration will come down the road, but at the time of this writing, you need to make pressure changes on the built-in pump.

Another callout I have is that the boots are connected and fill simultaneously during sessions. This does help keep the profile compact and packable, but may limit your in-session comfort since you can’t exactly stretch your legs to a wider stance. This also eliminates the opportunity for single-leg treatments, which may be a detriment to some.

Despite the limitations at play, I still rate the value of these recovery boots at 4 out of 5. The $499 price tag is approachable when compared to other compression boots we’ve tested, and I do appreciate that you can use HSA or FSA funds to make your purchase.

Good For: Athletes wanting high-quality compression therapy without lengthy hoses or external head units.

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Best Portable Compression Boots: Hyperice Normatec Go

Pros

Lightweight design easily fits in a gym bag or tote

Built-in pumps for single- or dual-leg recovery

Affordable pricing at roughly $400

Cons

Only targets lower legs — no coverage across feet, knees or thighs

No routines available through Hyperice app

Accurate tightening can sometimes be difficult

Why We Like It

Today’s leg compression boots aren’t nearly as bulky as previous iterations, with multiple silhouettes taking a page from the best portable home gyms with compact, packable materials and built-in features designed for travel. For athletes on the go, I love the Normatec Go compression sleeves from Hyperice.

These compression recovery tools target your calf rather than your entire leg. For one, this helps keep the profile to a bare minimum, taking up far less space than your standard pair of boots. This calf focus is also based in treatment — studies report that the calves are essentially the body’s “second heart” thanks to their crucial roles in pumping venous blood back to the heart through muscle contractions. (3)

Having owned a pair of Normatec Gos for multiple years, I really enjoy the portability at play and rate these Hyperice offerings at 5 out of 5 for the category. You can simply toss them in any bag you desire, like your best gym bag or carry-on, with ample room to spare for other necessities. Plus, the built-in pumps eliminate any need for hoses or wires.

I also rate the adjustability at 4 out of 5 since your time and pressure settings can be controlled through the available Hyperice app. This eliminates the need to stretch downward for mid-session adjustments, allowing you to sprawl out and relax as the pumps do their thing. I will point out, though, that unlike other Hyperice compression tools like the Normatec 3 lineup, there are no pre-built recovery routines available through the app — you’ll need to make all time and pressure adjustments yourself.

Finally, I rate the effectiveness at a conservative 3.75 out of 5. I definitely get a sense of relief from them, but I do reserve these compression sleeves for when I cannot comfortably tote my full-length boots around. If you need a full-length design for targeting areas like your knees and thighs, be sure to opt for a more standard profile.

Good For: People looking for travel-friendly compression therapy tools that won’t eat up a ton of space.

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Best Compression Boots for Beginners: Ublives SoleFlex Relax Air Compression Boots

Pros

Versatile compression modes for different needs, per our tester

Can often be found on sale

Impressive battery life

Cons

Bulky on-boot pumps can feel heavy

May feel oversized for shorter athletes, per our tester

Why We Like It

We understand that hopping headfirst into an equipment category can be intimidating for newcomers, especially when the category is riddled with high-priced profiles. Thankfully, though, we’re accustomed to finding the best home exercise equipment for beginners, so we feel that we can point you in the right direction from the start. When it comes to compression boots, the Ublives SoleFlex Relax Airs can be great for novices and seasoned recovery enthusiasts, alike.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, likes that these recovery tools feature an on-boot pump for a streamlined design, and the available compression levels help make choosing a pressure setting for your specific needs much easier. “The brand states that the max 165 mmHG of pressure is more intense than competitors, but I really enjoy the different ‘modes’ that give you a more of a tailored treatment, as well,” they note in reference to their 4-out-of-5 compression rating. “I tend to favor the ‘Sport Recovery’ modality, but I’ve used the other options, too, and appreciate the baked-in versatility.”

In terms of sizing, the Ublives SoleFlex Relax Air compression boots are only available in a single, One Size Fits Most silhouette. Our tester rates the sizing at 4 out of 5 given that the boots can accommodate inseams between 29.53 and 33.46 inches, but does caution that shorter athletes may feel lost in the extra room. “I’m 5’ 2” and these boots are a little too long for my frame, but my taller husband has no issues,” they add.

If you are looking for a more customizable boot length, we recommend opting for a pair from Hyperice or Therabody. Both of these brands offer shorter and longer boot sizes to accommodate different athlete profiles.

The MSRP for Ublives SoleFlex Relax Air compression boots is listed at $988, which is slightly above the average $820 cost. However, we rate the value at 4 out of 5, still, since we’ve routinely found these boots on sale at a lower price. “You may need to stay sharp to catch a deal, but the markdowns are definitely worth it, in my opinion,” says our tester.

Good For: People just getting into compression therapy looking for a pair of boots with streamlined controls and accommodating size dimensions.

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Best Compression Boots for Athletes: Therabody JetBoots PRO Plus

Pros

Features red light and vibration therapy for faster recovery

Eight built-in recovery routines

On-boot pumps remove cumbersome hoses

Cons

Heavy units weighing upwards of 12.8 pounds

More expensive than the average $820 price tag

Shorter battery life than other compression boots we’ve tested

Why We Like It

Athletes can certainly benefit from compression therapy, whether in the heat of balancing running and strength training in preparation for a marathon or dialing in your performance before your first powerlifting meet. With competition looming around the corner, though, all time is precious, so you need to make the most of your available recovery sessions. The JetBoots PRO Plus compression boots from Therabody can help you do just that with not one, but three different recovery modalities in one silhouette.

In addition to the pneumatic compression benefits of better blood flow and lymphatic drainage, these recovery boots also employ red light and vibration therapy which can be helpful for relieving inflammation and myofascial soreness. (1)(2)(4)(5) Toggling through the disciplines is easy, too, thanks to the on-boot head units packed with eight different recovery routines. Accordingly, we rate the versatility at 5 out of 5.

Since these are some of the latest compression boots to hit the market, we’ve yet to get our hands on these Therabody JetBoots PRO Plus tools, but from the listed specs, we can infer that these are less portable than other options we’ve trialed. The listed weight can reach up to 12.8 pounds for the Tall-sized profiles, which is far heavier than other picks like the Therabody JetBoots Prime. We score the portability at 3 out of 5 and recommend keeping these reserved for at-home use where you won’t need to necessarily lug them around (aside from room to room).

Despite the lack of travel-friendly design elements, I do appreciate that Therabody keeps the silhouette streamlined with on-boot pumps. These units can be used independently or in sync, as well, giving you further options for post-workout relief. I score the comfortability at 4 out of 5, too, since this independent boot design gives you some added wiggle room for sprawling out during treatment.

Good For: Athletes wanting multiple recovery modalities in a single silhouette.

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Best Full-Body Compression Recovery System: Hyperice Normatec 3 — Full Body

Pros

Full kit includes attachments for arms, hips, and legs

Interchangeable with singular Normatec 3 head unit

ZoneBoost technology for targeted muscle relief

Cons

Only two attachment ports on the hose

Sizing only available for Normatec 3 legs attachments

Most expensive compression therapy kit we’ve tested

Why We LIke It

One of the limitations of compression boots is, well, in the name itself — they’re primarily designed for lower body recovery. Rather than splurging on one of the best infrared saunas for full-body treatment, consider the Hyperice Normatec 3 Full Body bundle. You get the high-powered Hyperice Normatec 3 legs attachments and head unit along with attachments for your hips and arms.

I’ve used all three attachment profiles in the past and do enjoy the sequential sequencing I can do when trying to perform well-rounded, all-encompassing recovery. Plus, each attachment is capable of ZoneBoost technology, which can apply extra time and pressure to a specific chamber for more targeted relief. I score the versatility of this all-in-one bundle at a perfect 5 out of 5, too, since the Hyperice app is loaded with recovery routines for each available attachment — no need to blindly set your time and pressure.

While having all available Normatec 3 profiles in a single bundle is convenient, especially when unplanned aches and pains arise post-training, I do admit that this does compromise the portability at play. Carrying each piece can be cumbersome, especially since the external pump is quite heavy. I rate the Normatec 3 Full Body compression package at 2 out of 5 for the category and recommend a lighter silhouette such as the Normatec Elite or Normatec Go for those taking their compression therapy on the road.

Using the Normatec 3 system is also straightforward. I like how each setting is clearly labeled across the head unit, and the Bluetooth compatibility only adds to the ease of use. That said, though, I have had some issues with the connection ports where the attachments connect to the included hose. Also, having an external pump and connecting hoses does limit your comfort mid-session, meaning you’re taking up more space with your equipment. I’ll rate the ease of use at a modest 3.5 out of 5.

Good For: Individuals looking to open up compression therapy opportunities to other muscle groups beyond just the legs.

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How We Tested and Chose the Best Compression Boots

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To compile this round-up of the best compression boots available today, we got hands-on with 14 different products from some of the category’s most well-known brands. Using our equipment testing methodology for protocol, we then rated each pick in the following categories on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

• Compression Levels: Delayed onset muscle soreness can come in different intensities, so it’s helpful to have compression boots that offer multiple pressure settings to soothe any aches and pains. When crafting this guide, we prioritized compression boots with at least three different compression settings.
• Ease of Use: Compression therapy, while straightforward in theory, can be complicated in practice. As such, we made sure to include picks that offered understandable functions and settings that beginner and veteran athletes could quickly grasp. We also highlighted a mix of simplified profiles as well as some that offered more detailed routines in an effort to cater to more wants and needs.
• Portability: Every athlete’s schedule is different — some may be fine with larger equipment best kept at home while others need handy tools that can be easily carried around during trips. We made sure to note which compression boots could be used for travel as well as which silhouettes may be better suited for at-home use only.
• Other Features: The compression boot landscape has shifted since its inception with multiple products offering extra features like wireless controls, Bluetooth compatibility, and other recovery modalities like vibration or red light therapy. We’ve included bare bones and more luxe picks, alike, in this round-up, calling out which features were favored amongst our testers and which weren’t as worthwhile during trials.
• Price: OK, compression boots can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean their benefits are completely hidden behind a paywall. We made sure to note the MSRP of each chosen compression boot setup along with which silhouettes resembled more of the best budget home gym equipment in terms of value and overall cost.

What is Compression Therapy?

In definition, compression therapy is the implementation of pressure — typically in the form of pneumatic, i.e., air or gas — to specific muscle areas for the sake of improving blood flow and reducing swelling. (7) Compression therapy devices can be designed for any part of the body, but a majority of at-home profiles target the legs.

The air is passed into a specific chamber of an attached sleeve, creating a squeezing sensation across the area for an allotted amount of time. Then, the chamber deflates and allows for the circulation to do its magic.

Benefits of Compression Boots

Like the best foam rollers, massage guns, and red e-stim machines, compression boots can be an effective way to alleviate post-workout soreness thanks to their effects on blood flow and getting vital nutrients into your musculature for proper recovery. (1)(2) Of course, though, there are other perks associated with this modality. Below are some of our favorites that can come from adding these soothing kicks to your post-training repertoire.

• Improved Blood Circulation: According to Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer, “A compression boot is designed to simulate muscle contractions. When your muscles contract and relax, blood flow to the area increases, delivering a number of benefits that include delivering nutrients and oxygen to your muscles.” Stimulating circulation via pneumatic compression therapy can help you increase delivery of these vital compounds for improved post-workout recovery.
• Faster Muscle Recovery: The increased blood flow can also help potentially soothe away pesky aches along your muscles. This sequential inflation and deflation across each air chamber sort of acts like a deep tissue massage, so while it may not erase muscle soreness completely, it can be a comfortable way to minimize noticeable pain.
• Pre-Workout Activation: While they’re pronounced as a post-workout recovery tool, compression can also be just as beneficial prior to training. Meier notes, “While I wouldn’t recommend replacing your typical warm-up routine solely with compression boots, the circulation benefits can be a quick, effective way to activate muscles before getting into a session.”
• Convenient Pain Relief and Relaxation: When you use compression boots, you essentially let the machine do the work for you. Rather than painting across your muscles with a massage gun or rolling over a dense tube of foam, you simply sit back and relax while the pressure changes help direct increased blood flow through your lower extremities. This hands-off approach to post-workout recovery could be appealing to athletes, particularly those that may feel intimidated about covering all required areas with other apparatuses.

Negatives of Compression Boots

While compression boots can be a beacon of recovery for many athletes, there are some negatives to be aware of. Below are a handful of cons we recommend thinking through before deciding on a pair of recovery boots for yourself.

• Skin Irritation: When wearing compression boots, you’re essentially placing a large sock overtop your entire leg and keeping it there for your entire session. These leg attachments can be humid, at times, leading to pooled sweat that may irritate your skin. Additionally, the enhanced blood flow may lead to some itching that may be uncomfortable to some.
• Discomfort: As the air chambers fill and deflate, the increased pressure could feel uncomfortable, especially when the experience is over a particularly achy area. We recommend paying close attention to your body and limiting or avoiding compression therapy over sensitive areas.
• Cost: Compression boots are oftentimes expensive, which may be less inviting for athletes on a budget. This is due to the implemented technologies required from the discipline. If you can afford a pair of compression boots, great! Remember, though, that no recovery modality is worth overspending for — there are plenty of disciplines to keep you well-rested and performing without breaking the bank.

How Do Compression Boots Work?

Compression boots use pneumatic compression to provide post-workout relief to tired leg muscles. Each leg attachment features multiple air chambers that fill and deflate in a prescribed sequence. This inflation and deflation simulates muscle contractions, which can increase blood circulation and deliver much-needed nutrients to your muscle fibers for optimal recovery. (1)(2)

The pressure provided can be toggled to your preferred intensity, giving you room to adjust how much of a squeeze you feel across targeted areas. Typically, sessions can last upwards of 30 minutes, but you can always shorten your routine if you’re crunched for time. Control-wise, you can expect to find either external head units that connect to the boots via hoses and wires, or on-boot pumps. Some compression boots are Bluetooth-compatible, too, which can be great for toggling your pressure and time while scrolling your social media feeds or updating your best workout apps with your completed training metrics.

How Much Do Compression Boots Cost? 

On average, you can expect to pay roughly $820 for compression recovery boots with natural outliers on either end of this median cost. Below, we’ve gathered the prices of each compression boot featured in this guide. Take a gander at the chart and see which silhouette fits your interests (and budget) best.

Best Compression Boots Overall	Hyperice Normatec Elite	$999
Best Budget Compression Boots	ReAthlete Air-C Full Leg Compression Massager	$399.99
Best Wireless Compression Boots	Therabody JetBoots Prime	$499
Best Portable Compression Boots	Hyperice Normatec Go	$399
Best Compression Boots for Beginners	Ublives SoleFlex Relax Air Compression Boots	$988
Best Compression Boots for Athletes	Therabody JetBoots PRO Plus	$999
Best Full-Body Compression Recovery System	Hyperice Normatec 3 — Full Body	$1,449

What to Consider Before Buying Compression Boots

Like any major fitness purchase — from the best squat racks to treadmills, home saunas, and more — there are a handful of considerations to ponder over before finalizing your shopping cart with a brand-new pair of compression boots.

Pressure Levels and Adjustability

One of the major factors we recommend thinking through when purchasing compression boots is the available compression levels offered through the head unit, i.e., how many pressure settings are available for different recovery intensities. “Some boots are pretty straightforward with just a few available levels, whereas others may offer different programs or even vary intensities based on targeted muscle groups,” states Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and certified personal trainer. “If simplicity matters to you, find boots that are basically plug-and-play. if you’re more particular with what you’re trying to accomplish, then boots with optionality will be key.”

Portability

Interested in keeping your compression boots handy while you travel? Perhaps you just want a sleek, compact pair of boots for easier storage. Regardless of your reasons, compression boots can come in varying profiles and weights. Typically, silhouettes with built-in pumps are more lightweight and packable, with some even carrying TSA approval as carry-on luggage. Larger compression boots with heavy external head units may be less portable but still offer the same recovery benefits. Think about your post-workout habits and whether a portable pair of recovery boots is right for your needs.

Size

Like shopping for the best running shoes, you should also be mindful of your compression boot size. While it can be common to find One Size Fits Most designs, some profiles are available in shorter or longer dimensions. Be sure to read any available size charts and match your personal dimensions to your boots of choice.

Targeted Areas

As the name suggests, compression boots are primarily going to target your leg muscles with a majority of profiles featuring air chambers that target your feet, calves, knees, and thighs. There are some silhouettes, though, that only cover the calves or below-the-knee muscle groups in an effort to minimize heft and improve portability. Take a look at the design and make sure that your preferred muscles can receive effective treatment.

In addition, some compression boot systems, like the Hyperice Normatec 3, offer different attachments that can provide recovery for areas like the arms and hips. While these are typically accessory purchases, it could be a worthwhile way to practice full-body recovery.

Ease of Use

“Ease of use” can be interpreted multiple ways. For us, it indicates how simple the settings are across the unit as well as how involved the setup is prior to a session. Some compression boots require multiple attachments and hoses that can be tricky to maneuver and set beforehand, while others have everything conveniently built into each individual leg attachment. Settings-wise, we recommend looking for compression boots with well-labeled consoles with clear readouts for available adjustments like time of session and pressure rating.

It can also be helpful to seek compression boots with Bluetooth compatibility. This can allow you to pair your smartphone to your boots for remote toggling. If anything, it eliminates the need to bend over toward the head unit for intra-recovery changes.

Price

Compression boots are an investment with some price tags floating near or above $1,000. Naturally, then it’s important to think through your budget and see if pneumatic compression therapy is right for your fitness needs.

Remember, too, that these aren’t the lone recovery tools you can use to promote muscle growth and comfort. “I personally love using compression boots, but there are much more affordable alternatives that could accomplish similar outcomes,” says Meier. “Foam rolling, voodoo flossing, and even old-fashioned active stretches are significantly more budget-friendly.”

Compression Boots FAQs

References

1. Maia, F., Nakamura, F. Y., Sarmento, H., Marcelino, R., & Ribeiro, J. (2024). Effects of lower-limb intermittent pneumatic compression on sports recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Biology of Sport, 41(4), 263–275. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39416507/
2. O’Riordan, S. F., Bishop, D. J., Halson, S. L., & Broatch, J. R. (2022). Compression-induced improvements in post-exercise recovery are associated with enhanced blood flow, and are not due to the placebo effect. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9537593/
3. Halkar, M., Medina Inojosa, J., Liedl, D., Wysokinski, W., Houghton, D. E., Wennberg, P. W., Lin, G., Kane, G., Fischer, K., Rooke, T. W., Saadiq, R., Bonikowske, A., & McBane, R. D. (2020). Calf muscle pump function as a predictor of all-cause mortality. Vascular Medicine, 25(6), 519–526. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32975489/
4. Lupowitz, L. (2022). Vibration therapy – A clinical commentary. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 17(6). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9528696/
5. R Hamblin, M. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5523874/
6. DVT prevention: Intermittent pneumatic compression devices. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024, November 20). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/dvt-prevention-intermittent-pneumatic-compression-devices
7. Partsch, H. (2012). Compression therapy: Clinical and experimental evidence. Annals of Vascular Diseases, 5(4), 416–422. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3641539/