Introduction

In the world of athletic recovery, compression boots have emerged as a vital tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. Compression boots work by applying controlled pressure to the limbs through air-filled chambers in the boots. Otherwise known as pneumatic compression, they sequentially inflate and deflate to massage the legs. This helps to improve blood flow and flush out lactic acid, helping users to speed up their recovery as well as feel relaxed.

Best compression boots

So what are the best compression boots? In this article we compare two market leaders in the recovery space: the Normatec 3 Legs by Hyperice and the RecoveryAir JetBoots by Therabody. We delve into a detailed comparison of these two products, analysing their features, pros, cons, price, warranties, customer reviews, and ideal use cases.

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Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs Compression Boots

Key Features:

• Dynamic air compression
• Patented precision pulse technology
• 7 levels of compression
• ZoneBoost™ technology
• Bluetooth connectivity via the Hyperice App

Price:

Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs is generally priced slightly higher, with a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of AUD 1,499*.

Warranties:

Hyperice provides a 1-year warranty on the Normatec 3 Legs, offering coverage for any manufacturing defects or malfunctions.

Specifications:

The Normatec 3 Legs utilises sequential pulse technology to massage the legs and enhance blood flow. It also features a compact, lightweight control unit (3.2 lbs), up to 3 hours of battery life, 7 levels of compression for a tailored recovery experience, and is TSA-approved for carry on.

Customer Reviews:

“Encapsulates the user's foot for a better massage experience. While it requires dealing with cables and an extra unit, it offers more functionality. Provides a slower, longer hold with a gradual compression massage from 0 to 50 percent at the bottom, progressing to 100 percent throughout. Feels like it has massage balls and offers a unique sensation of going up and down." - Shervin Share  

"It feels really comfortable on your foot. It's a gentle squeeze, nice smooth fill. From the aesthetics of it, I do like the matte black of it, the old version shows a lot of fingerprints on the touch screen. Very easy to use, very simple, you just press the button it does what you'd expect it to do. The use is pretty much just plug and play. Really comfortable, really quality build, it doesn't feel like they're going to fall apart, they don't feel like they're going to burst or anything when it's filling with air. Fairly priced, I think for what it's able to do." - Best Massage Tech

"The console is simple and nice. It will show you the Normatec's current battery life and you can also adjust which attachments you are using. You can also adjust the zone boost which is for the extended durations of compression for a certain area. The battery life also lasts up to 3hrs. You can also have the ability to fully customise how long the Normatec spends on each area as well as dial in the exact pressure for that area. After using it, this has become my new favourite thing. One of the most valuable recovery tools!" - Connect The Watts 

Pros:

• Sequential pulse technology for enhanced circulation
• 7 pressure levels and customisable settings
• Encloses the user’s entire foot
• Has the longest hold
• Provides extra time and pressure in a particular zone

Cons:

• Limited battery life compared to some competitors
• Slower to become firm
• Higher initial investment

Use Cases:

• Well-suited for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to improve circulation and reduce muscle soreness through sequential pulse massage technology.

Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots

Key Features:

• Integrated pneumatic compression system
• Completely wireless
• Precise pressure technology with TruGrade Technology™
• FastFlush Technology™ for rapid pressure release
• 240 minutes battery life
• Bluetooth connectivity via the Therabody App.

Price:

Therabody's RecoveryAir JetBoots Recommended Retail Price (RRP) is AUD 1,299*.

Warranties:

Therabody offers a 1-year limited warranty on the RecoveryAir JetBoots, covering any defects in materials or workmanship.

Specifications:

The RecoveryAir JetBoots feature customisable pressure levels (25, 50, 75, 100 mmHg) to improve circulation and accelerate recovery, 4-time intervals (20, 40, 60, and continuous), 2 customisable programs, Bluetooth connectivity, and 240 minutes of battery life designed for portability and ease of use.

Customer Reviews:

"Compresses faster and firmer than Normatec, most convenient, easy to put on, easy to use. Fastest to compress, ideal for those seeking quick relief. Offers 0 to 100 percent firmness from the bottom up and then decompresses sequentially, providing targeted relief." - Shervin Share 

“They're real premium quality feeling boot with a good length on them. Overall, the Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots earn a score of 10.5 out of 15.” - Best Massage Tech 

“More affordable and more accessible. Much easier to stash and they're a little bit more compact. Much easier to get on, much easier to kind of maneuver.I kind of felt like I had to nip off into the bedroom and use them where I could lie out flat in the bed. The inside is deliberately designed with no seams and that makes them kind of easy to wipe clean. The compressive feeling moves section by section from your foot all the way up past to the calves onto your quads, takes about 60 sec then kind of releases and the whole cycle goes back and starts again. Do I like having them around? Absolutely! Do I think this is a really useful tool? I do!” - The Run Testers 

Pros:

• Completely wireless 
• Fastest to compress (fully inflates and deflates in 60 seconds - 2-3 times faster than competitors)
• Firmer
• Customisable compression levels
• Longer battery life (4 vs 3 hours)
• Slightly cheaper price point
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Shortest hold
• Less pressure levels (4 vs 7)

Use Cases:

• Ideal for on-the-go recovery, suitable for athletes and individuals needing quick muscle recovery.

Final Words:

In summary, both the Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots and the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs offer advanced compression therapy solutions for enhancing recovery and performance. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and specific recovery needs.

For those looking for wireless convenience and faster compression, we’d recommend Therabody’s RecoveryAir JetBoots. No need to mess around with cords, the battery for these boots is located within the foot of the boot. These also offer a firmer hold at a cheaper price point too.

For those looking for a more gradual compression and longer hold, we’d recommend the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs compression boots. Some would describe its massage as more therapeutic with a total of 7 pressure levels (vs 4 with the Therabody). It also fully encloses the foot and eases the massage up and down your leg. Whilst at a higher price point, it’s no surprise that the Normatecs are a renowned leader in the compression boot space.

Shop Now:

Keen to start experiencing the benefits of compression boots? Then why not take advantage of the code BOOTS50 to take $50 off one of these pairs today?

Head to  Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots and Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs and simply add the promo code at the checkout. 

*Prices subject to change.