The Very Best Compression Boots To Step Up Your Recovery Game In 2024

Wall-plug required: No | Sizes: Short, standard, tall | Battery life: 3 hours | App compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Durable and comfortable materials
• Versatile compression zones
• TSA-approved for travel

Cons:

• Three standard size options might not be enough

Although pricey, the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs are a high-quality compression boot investment, and are less expensive than the top-shelf products of its competitor, Therabody.

Two key technological components are behind its muscle-ache-relieving functions. First, its patented precision pulse technology has seven compression levels, so you have the ability to customize how much pressure you want during your recovery session. Second is the patented Zoneboost, which has five overlapping zones along the length of the leg that use biomimicry (that’s engineering emulating natural biological systems) to move in a fashion as close to your natural muscle pumping action.

Additional stand-out features include Bluetooth connectivity to the Hyperice app for additional functions and three hours of battery life. These boots have approval from the TSA to be a carry-on item, so you won’t have issues packing them for the big race.

Wall-plug required: Yes | Sizes: One size with adjustable size extensions | Battery life: N/A | App compatible: No

Pros:

• Affordable
• Strong compression

Cons:

• Requires plug-in power source
• Nonintuitive user interface

If you’re fresh on the fitness scene or perhaps embarking on your first long-distance race, why not dip your toe in the compression boot market with a budget buy? These wallet-friendly options have fewer embellishments, but they’re still designed to increase circulation and relieve post-workout muscle aches for less than $100.

The Aicutti Compression Foot And Leg Massager is a solid introduction to this form of technology, using heat alongside massaging action to soothe your muscle aches and improve circulation.

The handheld controller allows you to alternate between three massage modes and three intensities depending on your recovery needs. A built-in safety feature has an automatic 20-minute shut-off function to prevent overheating.

Although the boots are a one-size product, two extensions let you adjust them to fit the length of your legs and your feet.

Wall-plug required: No | Sizes: One size | Battery life: 3 hours | App compatible: Yes

Pros:

• Great battery life for the portable size
• Seven compression levels
• FSA/HSA-eligible purchase

Cons:

• Design doesn’t target lower leg/foot

Whether you’re traveling across the country for your first marathon or managing chronic aches and pains on the road, Hyperice’s Normatec Go boots are small and simple enough for use away from home. Weighing only 1.2 pounds and measuring 25 x 12 x 1 inches, they’re approved by the TSA for carry-on and easily fit in a backpack or small duffel.

Don’t let their size fool you into thinking they lack power. With seven compression levels and Bluetooth connectivity to the Hyperice app, they deliver serious compression that’s easy to manage from your phone. Just keep in mind that these “boots” are really just compression sleeves for your calves, so you’ll need a full-size boot to target the lower leg and foot.

Wall-plug required: No | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Battery life: 4 hours | App compatible: Yes

Pros:

• HSA/FSA-qualified purchase
• Multiple recovery modes to choose from
• Multiple sizing options

Cons:

• Expensive

A notch above its predecessors, Therabody’s RecoveryAir Pro boots are an elite investment for sports pros. Yes, they’ll set you back a cool $1,300, but the price tag is justified by the technical specs. The brand’s FastFlush Technology (the magic behind its proprietary pneumatic compression) claims to deliver a pressure massage two to three times faster than its competitors. The TruGrade Technology allows for pinpoint pressure.

To break down the jargon, the boots inflate and deflate on a 60-second looped cycle, moving from your feet towards your heart (and back again) in a squeezing motion to promote enhanced blood flow.

Other bells and whistles include adjustable treatment times, four inflation cycles— sequential, wave, isolation and flow—or choose freestyle with Pro mode. For the most personalized experience, the boots offer Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app for complete customization.

Wall-plug required: No | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Battery life: 4 hours | App compatible: Yes

Pros:

• More affordable than the RecoveryAir Pro boots
• Wireless functionality
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons:

• Still pricey
• Lack freestyle customization modes

Jet boot-like in design and power, Therabody’s RecoveryAir JetBoots are a top-of-the-line compression boot infused with advanced features that you’d expect from the recovery brand. Similar to the RecoveryAir Pro boots, the JetBoots feature FastFlush Technology and TruGrade Technology for pinpoint pressure relief.

Yes, they’re pricey, but they’re also a wireless boot for on-the-go recovery whenever you need it, whether you’re recovering from a trail race in the parking lot or treating chronic discomfort on vacation. Aside from time interval choices (20, 40, 60 minutes and continuous) and four pressure settings, the boots have a 240-minute battery life from fully charged and Bluetooth connectivity to one another and the Therabody app.

Wall-plug required: No | Sizes: XS to XL | Battery life: 3 hours | App compatible: Yes

Pros:

• 20 levels of compression
• Touchscreen control unit
• Decent battery life for the size

Cons:

• Expensive
• Bulky

If you want to have options at your fingertips, consider the Regen compression boot by Rapid Reboot. These snazzy boots boast 20 levels of compression settings for a customizable massage. Plus, you can choose from four massage patterns straight from the HD touchscreen control unit and cycle the inflation speed—whether at full, half or two-thirds speed. 

These functions come at a price, though. Far from the cheapest compression boot on the market, the boots are geared toward serious gym goers and athletes who require speedy recovery. The design takes it a step further on the individualization front with program options in the app tailored to your workouts—whether it’s pre- or post-leg day or simply a moment for knee rehab. You can also set and manage multiple compression times from the control unit and app.

The travel-friendly boots have international voltage for recharging if you plan to bring them on vacation.