Best Compression Boots 2023

Aug 04, 2023

Compression boots aren't an especially new concept in the fitness universe. They’ve been around since the 90s, though their function has evolved over time. Initially designed to aid circulation, they're now a trend-setting wellness product for easing muscle aches and speeding recovery after exercise. “Aside from improving blood flow and lymphatic circulation, compression boots are much like getting a massage in that they're helpful for recovery by reducing swelling,” says Natasha Caleel, a licensed occupational therapist and corrective exercise specialist in Santa Barbara, CA. Similar to a foam roller, they can also help clear workout byproducts like lactic acid, easing muscle soreness faster. For this reason, they’re a go-to tool for athletes and gym enthusiasts.

Massage away post-workout muscle aches with the best compression boots.

Caleel says the best compression boots have rechargeable batteries and the ability to choose your intensity level. “Portability, quality of materials and design champion heavier and clunkier models that may be more difficult to use,” she says.

Two big-brand names—Therabody and Normatec—dominate the compression boot market. Well-known brands tend to have better customer service, which is helpful for providing replacement parts or troubleshooting problems. But that’s not to say lesser-known brands should be overlooked. Plenty of less-expensive, tech-savvy brands churn out competitive compression boots that also do the trick. Our list of the best compression boots features a mix of options across functions, technology and price.

Hyperice

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

Although pricey, the Normatec 3 Legs wireless compression boots are a high-quality 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 customize how much pressure you want during your recovery session. Second is the 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 fuctions and three hours of battery life. These boots have approval from the TSA to be a carry-on item.

Therabody

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

A notch above its predecessors, Therabody’s Recoveryair Pro Gen2 is 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.

Amazon

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

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.

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 your height and foot size.

Therabody

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

Jet boot-like in design and power, Therabody’s Recoveryair Jetboots are a top-of-the-line product infused with technologically advanced features, much like its predecessors. Similar to the Recovery Airpro, the boots feature Fastflush Technology and Trugrade Technology for pinpoint pressure relief.

Yes, they’re pricey, but they’re also a seamless, wireless boot for on-the-go recovery whenever you need it. 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.

AIR RELAX

Wall-plug required: Yes | Sizes: Three size options | Battery life: N/A | App compatible: No

The Air Relax AR-2.0 compression boots are an excellent option if you’re looking for a mid-priced plug-in compression boot to slip on post-workout. A powerful medical-grade pump ensures fast and efficient cycles whether for improving blood circulation, aiding a sports injury or working on your lymphatic system. It’s customizable depending on how you’re feeling with four modes—peristaltic, sequential, massage and auto mode—plus another four pressure level options.

Although the machine has a 15-minute shut-off, you can use it for additional cycles. You can also add a carrying case to your purchase. However, keep in mind that the 110-volt product is designed for use in the US only and is not suitable for international travel. For that, you’ll need to splurge on the Air Relax AR-3.0 or Air Relax AR-4.0.

Rapid Reboot

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

If you want to have many 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 your cycle inflation speed—whether at full, half or two-thirds.

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 time. The product 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.

Amazon

Wall-plug required: No | Sizes: One-size adjustable | Battery life: 4 hours | App compatible: No

Lightweight at just 3 pounds, the Fit King Cordless compression boots are ideal for toting around from workout to the office or tossing in your carry-on for vacation. It’s a battery-operated massager, with four hours of battery life and re-chargeable with any USB port.

These cordless massagers have Velcro enclosures for adjusting your size, and don’t use external controllers and tubes—in short, they’re fuss-free. Unlike many compression boots, each leg operates independently and can be used separately. Plus, there are three massage modes and three levels that target your calves and feet.

A 20-minute auto-off snaps into action if you doze off or forget to set a timer.

Although Therabody and Normatec are the two major brands dominating the field of compression boots, plenty of competitors sell products with alternative functions and at a lower cost. We filtered through dozens of compression boots and boiled down hundreds of reviews to fine-tine our round-up of the best compression boots for different budgets and needs. Only products with a four-star average and above were included. This list was last updated in August 2023.

Compression boots provide gentle massage, continuous pressure and warmth to aid in warmup and recovery. Compression boots are popular among those who workout because they promote increased circulation and improve blood flow and lymphatic circulation, according to occupational therapist Natasha Caleel. Wearing compression boots, particularly after a heavy workout, can reduce muscle soreness and help deliver more oxygen to the muscles, clear metabolites like lactic acid, aid recovery and potentially prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness, Caleel says.

“If you have existing circulatory conditions, such as peripheral artery disease or venous insufficiency, you should consult your physician before using compression boots as the increase in pressure may worsen the condition,” explains Caleel. You should also consult your doctor if you have uncontrolled hypertension, kidney problems, neuropathy or heart problems before using compression therapy. She also warns against using compression boots when you have a skin infection, open wounds or rashes, as increased circulation can worsen infections.

Pregnant women should also use caution when using compression boots. “Although they can be very helpful, every pregnancy is different, so it is always advisable to check with your healthcare provider.”