These are the tools we turn to for a blissful (and effective) post-workout recovery routine.
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IF YOU ASKED us for our thoughts on compression boots a couple of years ago, we would've told you they were an innovative product with potential. The big question was, "Would they wane out of existence like other muscle recovery fads, or would the tech continue to improve?" The latter has taken shape, thanks to the innovative product design of two key brands: Hyperice and Therabody.
While other brands offer compression boots for workout recovery, it's clear to us that Hyperice and Therabody reign supreme. Since our initial 2021 review of Therabody compression boots, the brand has introduced an innovative wireless iteration known as the JetBoots. On the Hyperice front, a compact solution called the Normatec Go is an uber-portable compression boot system that targets the calves and allows for easy on-the-go recovery.
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"Compression boots were initially designed to treat various medical conditions related to poor circulation and fluid retention," explains Dr. Sanchez. It's only recently that compression therapy has gained popularity in the fitness industry as a muscle recovery tool.
For those who may have doubts regarding how effective compression boots really are in terms of muscle recovery, we understand your concerns. Let's clarify that there is still a significant shortage of scientific research supporting claims about the effectiveness of compression boots in expediting or enhancing the recovery process. (Brands might tell you otherwise, but we only go by the independent studies.) Instead, we can only tell you how we've felt after using them firsthand.
"Compression boots do have value," says Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., MH Fitness Director. "The end result is definitely relaxing—thus allowing my nervous system to down regulate. That down regulation has recovery value."
To simplify the process of choosing from the massive range of options, we've curated a list of top-notch compression boots for various individuals. Up next, you'll find our thoughtfully selected lineup of the six best compression boots, suitable for every workout routine and budget.
The ability to adjust compression intensity is essential to accommodate varying recovery needs and your own preferences. Some products offer more adjustability and levels of compression than others, allowing you to fine-tune your experience to the exact intensity you're looking for. Look for boots that offer as much adjustability as possible, with no less than four compression levels.
Consider the convenience of putting on and taking off the compression boots. Look for user-friendly designs with simple controls or automated features that make using and operating the boots—from start to finish—simple and accessible.
If you plan to use the boots at home or while traveling, consider portability and storage options. Compact designs (such as the Normatec Go) or accompanying carrying cases can make transportation and storage more convenient.
For battery-operated compression boots, evaluate the battery life and charging time. Longer battery life ensures uninterrupted use during recovery sessions, while quick charging capabilities reduce downtime between uses. We recommend looking for a battery life of three hours or more for an optimal experience. While you won't (read: shouldn't) use your boots for three hours in a single session, a long battery life ensures you have to charge them after every session.
Explore any extra features or functionalities offered by the compression boots, such as massage modes, heat therapy, or integration with mobile apps for personalized recovery programs. The Hyperice products on this list feature connectivity with the brand's App, while the Therabody products will have more features via Bluetooth connectivity to when its app goes live later this year.
Research the reputation of the brand and read reviews from other users to gauge the effectiveness and reliability of the compression boots. Many brands provide compression boots for post-workout recovery, but our testing has revealed Hyperice and Therabody as the most trusted. Since our initial evaluation in 2021, we have been continuously impressed by the reliability and quality of these two brands.
For the past two years, Men's Health fitness editors and experts including Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S, and Fitness and Commerce Editor Talene Appleton, NASM, have invested countless hours to put all major compression boot brands to the evaluate their comfort, fit, ease of use, value, and overall performance. We also sought expertise from physical therapists Renato Sanchez PT, DPT, C.S.C.S., of Bespoke Treatments San Diego, and Dan Giordano, PT, DPT, C.S.C.S., of Bespoke Treatments NYC to understand the role compression can play in recovery and rehabilitation.
Our Therabody JetBoots review garnered wide support from our editors thanks to the boot's wireless internal pumps that are integrated at the bottom of each foot. There are zero cords or controllers the user needs to hold, which means we could pretty much throw these bad boys on and enjoy 20-100 mmHg pressure handsfree from wherever we pleased.
We'd go as far to say we're completely won over by the wireless design. These boots have accompanied us on the couch, in bed, and even inside an airport lounge.
We like that JetBoots are user-friendly. It's an untethered experience that's super convenient, whether you're new to compression boots or not. Put em on, press the buttons on one leg (they're auto-paired, which we found even more convenient), and the air-massage begins.
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We consider these a more affordable alternative to the RecoveryAir JetBoots for those looking to save a few (hundred) bucks. The main trade-offs we noticed are a lower battery life and the dependency on an external pump. Consider those the two main differences when comparing the Therabody Prime to the JetBoots and Pro System.
Despite those drawbacks, we found it well worth the price. The Prime features a simple control panel that's easy to use, smart app connectivity, and all the same pressure settings and performance features as you'd get using the JetBoots. If you're not wanting to splurge for the JetBoots or compromise on high-quality performance, these are the boots for you.
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This is the crème de la crème of Therabody's compression boot lineup. The only downside about the Pro System is they're dependable on an external pump (not truly wireless), but the controller helps deliver a fully customized recovery experience like no other.
We love that the Pros can be programmed with your favorite preset settings, so they're locked and loaded whenever you're ready the get a session in. They also come with two special preset programs you can't get on the Prime or JetBoots: Isolation and Interval mode. From there, the customization gets more intense. We're talking adjustable pressure time, hold time, and pressure range that provide the opportunity to work your muscles the best way you see fit at any given moment.
While most compression boots are simple to use, Normatec's latest generation provides a no-nonsense experience thanks to the clean zip-up design and lightweight controller. We love that it offers seven customizable compression settings, which makes it suitable for different fitness levels and preferences. The real star in our eyes is Normatec's ZoneBoost tech, which adds extra time and pressure on specific points of soreness. Imagine this at the top of your quads the morning after leg day–it's that touch of a little extra something something that can make all the difference.
We geeked out about the Normatec Legs with Peloton Instructor Rad Lopez, who pointed out how reliable and quick to start the device is compared to some other boots on the market. "Normally I'll use them on the couch while watching TV or doing work on my laptop. I love that I can still be productive wearing them," Lopez previously told Men's Health.
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Even though Therabody has a legitimate full body system, we found Normatec's more practical. Reason being, this version covers the areas people are more likely to be sore in, like the hips and legs.
This bundle is also significantly cheaper compared to Therabody's, which is about $300 more and still requires an additional arm sleeve attachment to unlock the ability to work both arms at the same time.
Read more: Hyperice X Review
Perhaps the coolest design of compression boots yet, our editors found the portable Normatec Go boots easy to transport and simple to use. The one downside we noticed is that they only cover the calves, so it's not ideal for those looking to tackle hamstring and quad soreness and recovery. But, if you're someone whose calves cry out following a workout and are looking to dip your toes in the world of compression boots without making too significant of an investment, these are an excellent choice.
These boots don't sacrifice on performance even though they're smaller. We found that the Go especially shines following a long run or full day of walking.
Plus, it can be functional to get the compression your calves need without being stuck in a lying position on the couch. The Go's offer a bit more mobility to play video games or work from a laptop–we've even used a pair on an airplane.
Read more: Hyperice Normatec Go Review
Compression boots work by using air pressure to control the blood circulation in your legs.
"As each chamber in the boots fills with air and compresses more tightly, it prevents a large amount of blood from circulating through that part of your body," says Samuel. "So when the boots tighten around your feet first and then your calves, your blood flow to those areas is limited. As this compression continues around your entire leg, you’re left with even more limited blood flow. But just a moment after all that, the chambers methodically deflate, permitting blood to travel first into your thighs, then down through your lower legs, then into your feet."
The theory behind this practice is the onrush of blood will help bring nutrients to help your legs recover efficiently, but this has not been proven for fact.
"There is conflicting evidence that compression devices aid in long term muscle recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness," according to Dr. Sanchez. "However, there has been research that suggests short term relief from exercise induced muscle damage."
Despite the lack of proof, the gentle squeezing of the leg muscles can feel relaxing—even massage-like at times.
To ensure your blood circulation doesn't get cut off Therabody and Hyperice have capped its devices to only reach specific amounts of pressure (measured in mmHG). So as long as you properly place the boots on your legs and use them for the time settings given, your risk of injury is low. Just make sure if you're new to using compression boots you start with the lowest setting first with short periods of time. Then, as you get more comfortable with using your compression boots, you can play with the higher mmHG levels and time settings.
Buying a pair of compression boots is no small investment, which is why we took the time to vet the most trustworthy products above. Painting in broad brushstrokes, compression boots are largely expensive because you're bringing high-level compression therapy tech into to the comfort of your own home.
So with the price points you see with Hyperice and Therabody, you have to consider the amount of research and development needed to help advanced the compression boots while still being easy to use. Specs like simple control panels, built-in internal pumps, preset programs, and compression targeting are several examples of tech that's been improved upon in the last few years.
Second to consider is portability, as brands have been able to condense the size of their products and make them relatively easy to move around the house and travel with. Last is safety, as brands have to make sure their compression boots operate within a specific boundary to ensure you receive a tightening effect on your muscles without going too far and potentially causing injury.
Compression boots can be used every day, according to Dr. Giordano. Especially for intense exercisers.
"They can be used immediately after exercise, and for a duration of around 30 minutes to 1 hour."
"They are commonly used after intense exercise, but can also be used prior to exercise as part of a warm up routine," says Dr. Sanchez. "I suggest using them for 10-15 minutes pre exercise."
Keep in mind: It’s important to first discuss with a healthcare professional to determine if compression boots are right for you.
At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. For this story, we spent hours over the course of the last few years researching and testing 10 of the best-rated compression boots on the market. We also interviewed experts including physical therapists Renato Sanchez, PT, DPT, C.S.C.S., and Dan Giordano, PT, DPT, C.S.C.S..
Our writers and editors are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage, which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.
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Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.
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