IF YOU’RE ALL ABOUT pounding the pavement, hooked on running, cycling, or taking on the field, you know that recovery is the name of the game. After all, you can’t be a star athlete or smash those Strava goals if your legs feel like lead. Sure, you could go the traditional route with nutrition and sleep, but why not shake things up?
We’re talking about the magical world of compression boots. These self-inflating sleeves may look like something out of a Robocop movie, but trust us, they’re the real deal. Compression boots help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation from those tight muscles by applying pressure to different points on your legs and feet. Your worst enemy when training will be tight legs, and it doesn’t take an expert to tell you that running on aching calves or a sore hammy, as unbearable as it might be, could only cause further injury.
How do compression boots work?
Welcome to optimal tissue health through sequential compression. Sounds pretty fancy, but these boots enhance blood circulation, delivering much-needed oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, promoting cellular repair, and reducing inflammation.
Compression boots are fabric boots that cover feet, lower legs, and thighs and contain multiple chambers. Each sleeve fills with air to compress one section of the lower body at a time, starting at the feet and working up towards the hip. This process is called intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). Medical professionals use it to reduce leg swelling in patients with severe health conditions. Compression boots help push deoxygenated blood from the lower body back towards the heart.
It’s like having a personal masseuse without any awkward small talk. And the best part? All you have to do is sit back, relax, and let the boots work their magic. That’s right; there is no need to lift a finger. So, let’s jump in and check out some of the best compression boots to get your hands on and get those legs in tip-top shape.
Celsius Air Compression Boots
We kick things off with the the Celsius Air Compression Boots, a perfect comprehensive leg massage tool for beginners designed to enhance exercise recovery, prevent injuries, and relieve calf and foot soreness and fatigue. Featuring six massage modes and adjustable sizing for a customised fit, each leg has three airbags targeting the calf, lower leg, and foot areas. The built-in 10-minute auto-timer ensures convenience and safety in your relaxation.
Levels of compression: 6
Blackroll – Compression Boots
The Blackroll Compression Boots, another perfect introductory compression tool for anyone looking to soothe their aching muscles and improve their recovery time after a tough workout. These boots have a solid and stylish design, using pneumatic compression to gently massage your calves and feet, increasing blood flow and reducing soreness. With five pressure levels ranging from 20 to 120 mmHg, users can alter the pressure and intensity with the touch of a button. And the best part? You can use them while watching your favourite TV show, catching up on work emails, or just lounging around the house. How easy is that!
Battery life: 1 hour
Levels of compression: 5
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Compex Ayre Wireless Air Compression Boots
The Compex Ayre™ wireless air compression recovery boots are here to save the day (and your legs) when you’re feeling the tight post workout pinch. These boots are like a spa day for your lower half, offering a customisable dynamic air compression system that flushes out lactic acid and increases blood flow. The Compex Ayre Compression Recovery Boots are designed for athletes on the go who need a quick and easy way to aid in the relief of sore or aching muscles. These wireless, ultra-portable boots use intermittent pneumatic compression to promote quick healing.
They work by using dynamic pulsing compression up the limbs in waves, which helps to prevent and treat pain and swelling of the muscles. With the Compex Ayre boots, you’ll be recovering like a pro athlete in no time. So don’t settle for a regular old foam roller and upgrade to these nifty boots and give your muscles the TLC they deserve.
Battery life: Up to 3 hours
Air pressure: 0-120mmHg
Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots
Climbing the compression boot ladder, we make out way to the Therabody RecoveryAir Jetboots. A new addition to the company’s product line, designed to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts recover faster and more efficiently. These boots use air compression technology to provide a massage-like experience that targets not only your feet and calves but also your thighs, helping to improve circulation, reduce soreness, and speed up recovery time. A key takeaway is that the boots are fully wireless and equipped with customisable settings that allow users to adjust the intensity of the massage.
They are also compatible with the Therabody app, which offers personalised routines based on individual needs and preferences. These guys are also 2-3 times faster than competitors, with total inflation and deflation in just 60 seconds. The boots are also portable, lightweight, and easy to use, making them a go-to option for deep lower-body recovery.
Battery life: 4 hours
Levels of compression: 4
Normatec 3 Legs Massager
Wrapping our list up, these compression boots are the big swingers in recovery technology. They provide an ultimate therapeutic massage to your legs, improve blood circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and speed up recovery like a champ. With a whopping seven levels of compression and patented pulse technology, they use biomimicry to replicate the natural muscle pumps and one-way valves of the legs. You can massage one or both legs simultaneously with the control unit and two-leg attachments. Trust us; your legs will thank you for giving them the spa treatment they deserve. Warm up and recover like never before with the NormaTec 3 Leg Massager Compression Boots.
Battery life: Up to 3 hours
Levels of compression : 7
