The Best Compression Boots to Support Muscle Recovery in 2025, Tested by Fitness Editors

From the moment that the Normatec Elites arrive at your door, fully charged and ready to help you recover within moments, you know that you’ve made the right choice in compression boot. Normatec has been at the forefront of compression boot technology since it launched in 1998, and has only got better since it was acquired by recovery brand Hyperice in 2020.

I am a fan of how simple it is to get started, just zip your legs into the sleeves and select the compression level and desired treatment time. The attachments begin to inflate in sequence, starting with your feet and moving upwards. For the amount of relief they provide, the sleeves are fairly light, but you can’t really move around much one you are zipped up.

There are no external cords necessary, which is nice. The package comes with a charger that can be used to charge both attachments at the same time. It also comes with a travel bag that you can use to pack the attachments if you want to take them on any trips.

We were fans of the Therabody JetBoots when they first released, with a streamlined design eliminating cords and separate controllers. Now the JetBoots Prime from Therabody bring those same benefits we enjoyed for a few hundred dollars less. So we’re not going to complain.

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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 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. “I’ve had to travel for a few races and these sleeves are a great recovery tool that don’t take up an entire piece of luggage,” says Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM.

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

For those in search of a full spa experience for their legs, the PRO Plus system from Therabody aims to give it to you, daring to integrate vibration and red light therapy into its compression boots. Like other models on this list, they show up at your door fully charged. Even with all the additional technology, these boots are surprisingly lightweight, and don’t feel to bulky on the legs.

The red light therapy isn’t a game-changer (although it does make for a cool selling point). But the vibration is a nice addition to the treatment, and while the actual recovery benefits from it may be negligible, it is pleasant. We also like that the Pros can be programmed with your favorite preset settings, so they’re locked and loaded whenever you’re ready to get a session in.

They also come with two special preset programs you can’t get on the Prime or the original 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.

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Normatec’s Full Body system is practical than most other full-body systems out there. Reason being, this version covers the areas people are more likely to be sore in, like the hips and legs, as well as the arms. Hyperice’s attachments here are just better, and the straps make them fairly simple to put on by yourself. The only pain point is if you want to use both arm attachments, you’ll likely need someone to help you strap in.

The ability to treat your hips and arms is a big win for anyone looking for a more well-rounded solution. And while compression to this extent doesn’t guarantee muscle recovery, a half hour treatment will definitely help you relax after an intense session or even just rough day at the office. (Just note that the arms are pretty restrictive to don; don’t expect to type emails comfortably while treating your biceps and triceps.)

The Normatec 3.0 control unit can plug into two attachments at a time, so it is up to you whether you want to treat both legs, two arms, or any other combination of two. For a true full body treatment, you can alternate between sides after your first session is complete.

Read more: Hyperice X Review

The Hyperboots were first revealed at the 2024 Paris Olympics and were used by athletes like LeBreon James during the games, along with a vest that also featured similar technology. After the reveal, the MH team was excited to get our hands on these, and when we did this summer, we weren’t disappointed.

The Hyperboots, which look more like high-tech, high-top sneakers than boots, show up in a sleek black box emblazoned with the logos for Hyperice and Nike like any other pair of footwear. The boots themselves have a great aesthetic that look cool enough to rock down the streets of New York. In order to be used, they are charged with a standard USB-C cable (a welcome sight as opposed to other devices that try to create proprietary chargers).

Once you’re strapped into the shoes, there are three compression settings, going up to 210 mmHg—more than any other device in this guide. There are also three heat settings going up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than you need. “Nike definitely got things right from a tech perspective,” says MH Fitness Director, Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. who got an early pair sent. “The compression and heat is great, especially around the heel. I only wish I was feeling the compression the same on my entire foot.”

The consensus on the Hyperboots is that they are an impressive piece of technology that bring relief to a part of our body that takes a lot of punishment, especially if you are training hard. And while the cost is a little high, these stylish sneakers do provide help alleviate aches, making them a valid purchase if you have the means. Hyperice’s Normatec Elites have become a regular part of my recovery routine, and I could see the Hyperboots becoming one, too.

How Do Compression Boots Work?

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.

Why Are Compression Boots So Expensive?

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. Features 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 to make them relatively easy to move around the house and travel with. Last is safety, as brands have to make sure the 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.

When (and How Long) to Use Compression Boots

Compression boots can be used every day, according to Dr. Giordano. Especially for intense exercisers.

Aim to wait a few hours after any workout, says Samuel, to get the most out of your compression boots. “Removing inflammation too soon after a workout doesn’t give your body a chance to adapt to the training stimulus you just created,” says Samuel. “Think of compression boots as an ideal way to end a tough training day, instead of using them immediately after a run or workout.”

There’s another use for them, too. “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.