The 5 Best Compression Boots of 2023 for Recovery
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There’a massive industry emerging built around post-workout recovery. The latest innovation is compression boots. Basically a blood pressure cuff that fits over both legs, compression boots have been shown to enhance circulation, improve waste removal, and reduce post-workout soreness.
Compression boots represent a significant investment. So, before you buy a pair, you’d better do your due diligence. In this round-up review, I’ve sorted out the best from the rest to bring you the five best compression boots on the market.
What is the Best Compression Boot?
The best compression boots on the current market are Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots. These are the first compression boots to be totally portable and hoseless. You get four levels of compression, fast inflation, and three size options to suit every leg height in an easy-to-clean, nonabrasive design.
Best Overall
RecoveryAir JetBoots
Overview
Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots are fully portable with integrated pumps built into the sole. The synthetic inner material is nonabrasive and doesn’t trap moisture, creating a comfortable feel against the skin. This is a battery-operated boot, with a charge lasting for up to four hours. There are four levels of compression to suit all levels of user.
Top Features
- Fully portable—no wires or hoses
- Non-abrasive inner material
- Fast inflation/deflation
- Four levels of compression: 25, 50, 75, and 100 mmHg
Pricing
There are three versions of the Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoot available on the Therabody website.
- The RecoveryAir Prime is listed at $699.
- The RecoveryAir JetBoots are listed at $899.
- The RecoveryAir PRO is listed at $1299.
A Great Contender
Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs
Overview
The Hyperice Normatec compression boot is on its third version. It has seven levels of compression and patented Pulse technology to deliver customized treatment to the five overlapping zones that make up each boot.
The Normatec control units integrate with the Hyperice app, allowing you to choose your own settings to customize the treatment. These boots are designed for comfort and ease of movement.
Top Features
- Seven compression levels for ultimate customization
- Compact, lightweight control unit
- Three-hour battery charge
- You can skip compression zones to focus on key areas
Pricing
The Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs retails for $799.
Best for Athletes
Rapid Reboot REGEN System
Overview
The Rapid Reboot REGEN system is an advanced system that provides two modes. Mode A massages in peristaltic mode to deliver constant involuntary contractions. Mode B is known as recovery mode, providing successive compression through each of the four zones. Pressure can be adjusted from 20 mmHg to 200 mmHg, providing the most powerful compression of any of my reviewed boots.
Top Features
- Two compression modes for graduated recovery
- Max compression 200 mmHg to meet the needs of athletes
- Multiple sizes to suit all heights
Pricing
The Rapid Reboot System REGEN Boots Pack system retails for $1295.
The system includes the REGEN Control Unit, boots, travel case, and power adapter. The company provides a two-year warranty.
Honorable Mention
Therabody RecoveryAir Prime
Overview
The Therabody RecoveryAir Prime is the entry-level model in Therabody’s range of compression boots. It provides just two preset routines (warm up and recovery), compared with the four routines on the RecoveryAir PRO. The battery life is also an hour shorter and it doesn’t have inflation cycles or individual chamber zones control. However, the RecoveryAir Prime still provides quality compression massage—and it’s $600 cheaper than the RecoveryAir PRO.
Top Features
- Budget price
- Two preset routines
- Fully inflates in 60 seconds, allowing for more cycles per session
- Seamless, easy-to-clean internal chamber
Pricing
The RecoveryAir Prime retails for $699.
Best Value
ReAthlete Air C Pro
Overview
With a retail price around half of many competitors, the ReAthlete Air C Pro is the most affordable compression boot on the market. Don’t expect to get the customization that is standard with more expensive models, but the ReAthlete Air C Pro will deliver a functional, no-frills compression experience.
Top Features
- 4 airbags to compress all areas of the lower body
- 60 minute battery charge
- Budget price
- Carry bag included
- Portable
Pricing
The ReAthlete Air C Pro retails for $299.00
Check out the best price on the ReAthlete Air C Pro
What are Compression Boots?
Compression boots are inflatable leggings that fill with air to provide compression to the lower body. The boots inflate and relax to simulate the natural pumping of blood and lymphatic fluid in the legs. They feel as if you have blood pressure cuffs on your legs.
Studies suggest that wearing compression boots after exercise may improve blood circulation, speed up lymphatic drainage, enhance the removal of lactic acid and waste products, and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Wrap Up
Compression boots allow you to transform your post-exercise recovery. The best boots on the market are Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots, which are fully portable, offer four levels of compression and fast inflation. This is also the most comfortable compression boot I’ve come across, with a seamless, moisture-wicking, non-abrasive inner lining.
