RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Unlike many wellness gadgets that make big promises with little evidence behind them, intermittent pneumatic compression has been used for decades in medical and rehabilitation settings. Today, brands like Hyperice and Therabody have created at-home systems designed for everyone from marathon runners to workers who spend long hours on their feet.
But with prices ranging from a few hundred to well over $1,000—like our top pick, the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus—and add-ons like heat and red light therapy, it can be difficult to know which boots are worth the investment. I tested the best compression boots to find the models that deliver the ideal combination of comfort, performance, and customization.
For more muscle recovery tools, check out our guides to the Best Massage Guns, Best Massagers, and Best Therabody Devices.
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The Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus are the most feature-packed recovery boots I tested, combining pneumatic compression, vibrations, and infrared LED light therapy in one wireless system.
Why WIRED recommends: The compression and vibrating pairing is therapeutic, to say the least; it consistently left my legs feeling less stiff after workouts. Everything is controlled from an LCD screen built into the lead boot, so there’s no separate controller to keep track of. You can tailor every session to your preference, with durations ranging from 10 to 60 minutes in five-minute increments and manual controls to adjust both pressure—measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)—and vibration intensity. You can also choose from four compression modes and eight preset routines.
The trade-offs: Therabody doesn’t publish key specs about the LEDs, and I didn’t notice a significant difference in my post-workout recovery that I could attribute to the infrared light therapy. The boots also don’t connect to the Therabody app, which may disappoint some users, but I didn’t find it necessary. At $1,150, these are also among the priciest compression boots on the market.
Buy if: You want the most premium, customizable recovery system available and don’t mind the splurge. They’re especially suited for athletes and anyone who exercises regularly, or for people managing conditions like lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
20–100 mmHg in 5-minute and 5-mmHg increments
Short: 27 to 32 inches; Regular: 32 to 37 inches; Long: 37+ inches
Short: 11.3 pounds; Regular: 12.4 pounds; Long: 12.8 pounds
If all you want is effective pneumatic compression, the Therabody JetBoots Prime delivers the essentials at a more affordable price point.
Why WIRED recommends: For half the cost of the JetBoots Pro Plus, the Prime skips the vibration and infrared LED therapies but still offers four compression levels (25, 50, 75, and 100 mmHg) and three session lengths (20, 40, or 60 minutes), all controlled from a built-in panel on the boot. They’re wireless compression boots, offer up to three hours of battery life, and can even be used while charging. Weighing about 6 pounds, they’re surprisingly portable and fold down into the included drawstring backpack.
The trade-offs: Customization is limited compared to pricier models. While the boots are foldable, they’re still bulky enough that squeezing them into the drawstring bag can be a bit of a hassle.
Buy if: You want an affordable, no-frills pair of compression boots that nail the basics. They’re a great choice for first-time buyers or anyone who doesn’t want the extras like vibration or red-light therapy.
Short: 27 to 32 inches; Regular: 32 to 37 inches; Long: 37+ inches
Short: 5.5 pounds; Regular: 6 pounds; Long: 6.3 pounds
If you want the recovery benefits of compression therapy without investing in full-length boots, the Normatec Go is the easiest system to live with.
Why WIRED recommends: These calf sleeves ditch the hoses and external control unit in favor of a wearable design. You can recover while making dinner, working from home, or walking around the airport. Each sleeve delivers 360-degree dynamic air compression across three overlapping zones with seven intensity levels. They’re compact, TSA-approved, and light enough to pack in a carry-on or personal item. They’re also compatible with the Hyperice app.
The trade-offs: Since the Normatec Go only targets your calves, you won’t get the full leg compression that traditional boots provide. They also don’t include a storage case, which feels like a necessity for a product designed to be portable.
Buy if: You travel frequently, want a recovery device you can use on the go, or are looking to reduce calf fatigue without packing a full-size pair of recovery boots.
Most compression systems focus on your legs, but the Normatec Elite Hips targets your hips and glutes, which are just as prone to tightness.
Why WIRED recommends: Two overlapping air pumps deliver even, consistent pressure across your hips, glutes, IT bands, and lower back, without leaving noticeable gaps in coverage. They feature seven intensity levels, making it just as useful for loosening up after a long run as it is for activating your hips before a workout. The Elite Hips are also wireless and offer up to four hours of battery life.
The trade-offs: They’re not a replacement for compression boots. While they provide some relief to your upper quads and hamstrings, their primary focus is the hips and glutes.
Buy if: You regularly struggle with tight hips after activities like running or cycling, or you want to improve hip mobility and range of motion. They’re also worth considering if you’re looking for a noninvasive remedy to help manage conditions like sciatica or hip arthritis—just be sure to consult your health care provider first.
20–100 mmHg in 5-minute and 5-mmHg increments
Short: 11.3 pounds; Regular: 12.4 pounds; Long: 12.8 pounds
Short: 5.5 pounds; Regular: 6 pounds; Long: 6.3 pounds
Hips, glutes, lower back, upper ...
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