You may be familiar with compression clothing—in particular stockings worn by people who are pregnant or stand all day for work—but it’s not the only way to improve circulation. The best compression boots are an equally (if not more) effective way to increase blood flow and improve circulation. Already popular with many professional athletes and even performers like Lady Gaga, compression boots can benefit a much wider audience than just the pros. An array of brands have stepped into the recovery space with their take on this high-tech device—but there’s plenty to consider before handing over your hard-earned cash. Below, uncover everything you need to know about compression boots and who might benefit from adding the high-tech recovery device to their routine. According to sports recovery specialist Joe Barthelemy, compression therapy is a great option for “high-level athletes, fitness enthusiasts, [and] individuals who stand all day for work (nurses, law enforcement, military personnel, teachers).” Because compression increases blood flow and circulation, it can speed up recovery from a tough workout or workday, he explains. Another unlikely use for compression boots? Barthelemy says they may also benefit individuals post-surgery with recovery. Of course, we recommend always checking with your doctor before starting a new routine, especially post-op. Compression boots aim to remove the metabolic and lymphatic waste from your muscles, which usually takes the body at least a full day to do, according to New Jersey–based chiropractor and sports recovery specialist Jan Kasprowicz. That’s because the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and other organs that keep your body fluids balanced, doesn’t have a built-in pump, per a previous interview with health coach Ivonne Boujaoude, DNM. Instead, the lymphatic system relies on movement for drainage. Adding a recovery tool, like compression boots, to your routine expedites this process, pushing lymphatic waste up your legs and into your lymph nodes to process and expel. (You might be familiar with a similar process in a lymphatic massage.) Furthermore, research backs the benefits of using IPC to improve recovery times. A small 2013 study of student-athletes found an IPC device could remove lactic acid more effectively than passive recovery; another randomized trial found it was comparable to massage1 in lowering musical fatigue for ultramarathoners. Research2 also indicates that compression boots may be effective at reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness, but it is questionable whether they can reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. Ultimately, your workout routine and budget will be two of the biggest factors in deciding whether compression boots for recovery are a must for your routine. The Normatec 3 is the brand’s latest model, with a lighter and more intuitive design than previous versions. Use the connected app on a smartphone to control the treatment, choosing from among seven levels of compression through dynamic air chambers. The patented pulse technology gives a more precise therapy with options to target specific zones with an extra boost of compression. Along with three-hour battery life, the device comes with attachments for the hips and arms for a full-body recovery. While pricey at just under $800, they’re well worth the investment if they fall into your budget—and testers say a post-run treatment leaves your legs feeling “lighter and less fatigued.” This unique approach to compression therapy applies decreasing amounts of pressure as you go up the leg to encourage circulation. For example, if the foot starts at 80 mmHg of pressure, the knee will tap out around 77 mmHG. Designed for an easy clean, especially if used after a sweaty workout, the boots can inflate (and deflate) in less than 60 seconds. Available in small, medium, and large, these boots are the most simplified model from the brand and one of its cheapest, although still in the mid-range of affordability at $699. Despite the smaller size, the portable pick still packs many of the same standout features of the full Normatec compression boots, such as three-hour battery life, 360-degree compression, app compatibility, and pulse technology. However, you can wear the device while sitting or standing—and they weigh just over 0.5 pound each. Unlike the original, it offers just four compression settings: 25, 50, 75, and 100 mmHG. However, the highest level of compression is the same as the brand’s other offerings. Similarly, it also comes in four sizes, features an easy-to-clean interior, and packs a 240-minute battery life. And while features may feel limited now compared to some other models, new ones are launching soon for the Bluetooth-compatible boots in the Therabody app. From our research, these massagers are the best budget option you’ll find with two separate compression chambers, three levels of intensities, and a built-in heating mode. Reviewers generally agree these boots do the job for the price and actually churn out results by helping with soreness and pain. Connect the zip-on boots to your smartphone, or use the remote to optimize your treatment. Each leg features four air chambers, which inflate and deflate with the press of a button. Further personalize your treatment by choosing the session time, cycle speed, and preferred chamber (foot, calf, knee, or thigh). Once your treatment is over, pack the 5-pound device into the included carrying bag and take on the go—just remember you only get three hours of battery life. Bonus: Rapid Reboot makes its full-leg boots in sizes XS to XL. There’s also an upgraded package for the full-body system, which adds hip and arm attachments. You can also save by swapping to the slightly less advanced Gensis model.
