The 5 Best Compression Recovery Boots - A Helpful Buyers Guide

If you’ve ever trained for a race or competed in a sporting event, then you know your leg muscles can take a brutal beating that leaves you feeling stiff and sore. The cells in your muscles have to work hard to recover after strenuous exercise. Whether it’s work-out related or caused by a medical issue, such as lymphedema, heart conditions, kidney issues, liver problems, or deep vein thrombosis, pain and swelling in the lower extremities is no fun.

The quickest way to relieve the swelling and discomfort is by increasing blood flow to the legs and feet. One of the best, not to mention most relaxing, ways to do this is by using compression recovery boots.

Name	Price	Best Feature	Our rating	Best Price
Rapid Reboot Boot Complete System	$$$	Complete upper and lower body system - our favorite tested	9.7/10	See Current Price
NormaTec Pulse 2.0 Leg Recovery System	$$$	Excellent quality - Great Company	9.5/10	See Current Price
DSMAREF Recovery Compression System Full Package	$$$	Great full body system at an affordable price	9.5/10	See Current Price
Compex Ayre Wireless Rapid Recovery Compression Boots	$$	Fully wireless recovery system	9.4/10	See Current Price
Flyte Recovery Boots System	$$	Easy to use system at a lower price point	9.4/10	See Current Price

What is a Compression Recovery Boot System?

Compression recovery boots are sleeves that you slide onto each leg. The sleeves are attached to a pump that uses pneumatic airflow to apply varying amounts of pressure to different parts of your legs. They work in a pattern, starting at the base of the ankle and moving the pressure upwards. Compression recovery boots improve blood circulation and help eliminate toxins via the lymphatic system.

What are the Benefits of using a Compression Recovery Boot?

Pneumatic compression boots have been shown to have many beneficial effects, including:

Compression boots work to reduce blood waste products, such as serum creatinine kinase. This is an enzyme released into the blood when muscles are damaged.
Use can lead to the reduction of post-exercise soreness and swelling.
Facilitates removal of lactic acid, which builds up during exercise or strenuous activity.
Simulates a lower limb massage to help alleviate inflammation.
Compression recovery boots have been shown to increase flexibility when used post-workout.
They can reduce oxidative stress to the skeletal system and muscles.
These devices have been used by hospitals for years to help prevent blood clots from forming post-surgery.

How do Pneumatic Compression Recovery Boots Work?

Similar to regular compression socks, pneumatic compression recovery boots work by increasing blood flow through the veins in your lower extremities. However, unlike regular compression socks, these boots provide a higher rate of compression. This higher rate of compression often produces better results.

These boots are slipped onto the legs and envelop the lower extremity like a sleeve. Each sleeve contains a certain number of air chambers that are cyclically inflated and deflated via compressed air and a pump.

How to Use a Recovery Boot System

How you use a recovery boot system will depend on why you need them in the first place. Many athletes use them after strenuous runs, marathon training, or demanding workouts. It’s recommended to use recovery boots 3-4 times a week at sessions around 30 minutes in length for optimal recuperation.

If you’re someone who stands on your feet a lot during the day, you should consider using recovery boots at home after a long shift. If you’re using pneumatic compression recovery boots for medical reasons, be sure to follow your doctor’s guidance for desired results.

What to Look for in a Recovery Boot System

Recovery boots can be pretty pricey, so you’re smart for doing plenty of research. Look for quality and a great warranty to protect your investment.

Other factors to consider include:

Number of chambers in the sleeve of the device
Ability to use the device on other parts of the body as well as the legs
Degree of control over how much pressure is used
Total pressure output available
Wase of use and set-up
Size and storage

Recovery Boot System FAQ

How Often Can You Use Recovery Boots?

You can use recovery boots multiple times a day if you want. It has been recommended to use them before and after exercises. We personally use ours every time after a good workout and even the next morning if there is muscle soreness from the day before.

Are recovery boots painful?

Not at all. The compression should not be strong enough to be painful. There may be some mild discomfort but it should be minimal and classified more in the “hurt so good” category.

If it is painful, then you need to turn down the pressure until it is comfortable.

Can recovery boots cause injury?

No, it’s extremely unlikely that that recovery boots can cause an injury. That being said do not use recovery boots if you currently have a fracture, open wound, or current infection. This would only make things worse.

When is the best time to use recovery boots?

As mentioned above we recommend and personally love to use our recovery boots after exercise. This speeds up recovery and reduces soreness to get back after it the next day.

The Best Compression Recovery Boots

With the number of compression recovery boots available, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow your search. Here are a few of our favorites that stand out among the competition.

Rapid Reboot Compression Boot Complete System

Summary: This boot recovery system allows you to control how much pressure you want to use and for how long. It offers attachments for use on your entire body, both arms in addition to legs. We love how easy the control unit is to work and that it comes with a carrying case. Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty ensuring that you get your moneys worth.

Pros: Boasts two different zipper sizes to accommodate different body types. Offers good quality and a good price.

Cons: It may be hard to store this unit as the air hoses are permanently affixed to the unit.