Best Compression Recovery Boots (2022)

A round up of the industries best compression recovery boots from 5 leading brands...

By Pat, 2021

With so many reputable brands producing great quality recovery devices these days rounding up what I think are the best compression recovery boots for athletes was a tough one.

Here’s what I think makes an athletes recovery boot a category leader:

Reliable strong compression, 100mmHg and over
A range of time, more + pressure settings
Tech integration
Easy to Travel with
Good boot size options
Trusted reviews from a range of athletes

Leading Brands of Compression Recovery Boots

With recovery now recognised as an important piece of the puzzle for pro or budding athletes we’re seeing more and more brands hit the market with strong products.

Some of the leading brands include NormaTec, Flyer, Rapid Reboot, Flyer, Doctor Lide, Cincom, Fit King, SLS3, Air Relax, Speed Hound, Recovery Pump and Game Ready.

We’re also seeing the medical brands produce great compression boots that while they are intended for use on lymphedema and swelling patients will still hit the mark as quality compression for athletes.

Why are Compression Recovery Boots so hot right now?

Everyday athletes are flocking to the latest innovation in compression, that being recovery boots for their performance and recovery benefits.

Intense compression therapy like this is thought to allow harder with less recovery which can fast track results. The benefits of compression are improves circulation and lymphatic drainage which is ensures rapid removal of metabolic waste products like lactic acid build up. Dynamic compression is also thought to improve range of motion and flexibility.

Many athletes choose to use compression boots before training as well as after training, with pre workout benefits focused on oxygenating the blood ahead of a tough session and essentially warming up the muscle belly.

The added benefit of compression boots is the relaxing massage that helps you unwind after a long day or a gruelling training session – it really offers a bit of R+R.

So here are the 5 that made my 'best compression recovery boots' list for 2021

1. Rapid Reboot 'Regan' Compression Boots

Rapid Reboot Regan Recovery System Review

The Regan is a strong addition to the Rapid Reboot offering, the Regan has all the high quality features the brand is respected for with the addition of great tech integration and an improved control device.

Rapid Reboot Regan Recovery System Features

Up to 200mmHg pressure compression
App compatability, to track recovery and control device
Lithium-Ion Battery for cordless use
4 inflation sequences or "modes"
5 sizes of boot to ensure the perfect fit

Against other top of the range competitors the Rapid Reboot options do always tend to be a bit bulkier and a bit heavier. While I can see that they have tried to improve on this with the Regan, it still presents more cumbersome than other brands to me.

Rapid Reboot Regan Pros

Great for travel, with battery and rapid deflate
Easy to use touchscreen
The strongest pressure on the market
Complete control of each chamber
5 sizes to choose from, great for extra short or extra tall people

Rapid Reboot Regan Cons

My overall rating of the Rapid Reboot Regan

 4.5/5

With this device only having recently hit the market you won’t see too many review online for the Regan. I expect over the coming months for this to lead the ratings.

2. Flyte Recovery System

Flyte Recovery System Review

One of the especially good parts of the Flyte Recovery Boots system is the price. Coming in at a few hundred dollars less than Rapid Reboot and the NormaTec options in this article, it is a more realistic price point for most people.

Flyte Recovery Boots Features

While the Flyte recovery boots have super strong compression pressure it should be noted that this is generally not necessary. Most people won’t go beyond 100mmHg, and it can be dangerous to use too much pressure too regularly if you aren’t educated on what you are doing.

Flyte Recovery Boots Pros

Flyte Recovery Boots Cons

Overall rating of the Flyte Recovery Boots System

 3.8/5

The Flyte loses some marks for it’s lesser quality construction and also because it doesn’t come in many leg lengths making it tough to get the perfect fit for all – which is actually quite important. But it really is still a great dynamic compression option for the everyday athlete.

3. NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0

NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 Recovery Boots Review

NormaTec haven’t just penetrated the competitive athlete demographic from influencer marketing. As one of the emerging brands they have long had an edge on other options in the market due to their longstanding experience in compression.

The Leg Pulse 2.0 is a recovery device I have on heavy rotation – one that I have never tested and “moved on”.

NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 Features

Up to 110mmHg pressure compression
Bluetooth connectivity to app to track your recovery and control the device
7 intensity levels
"Gapless" compression, due to overlapping zones
ZoneBoost™ to target specific zones

Just a note that I deliberately omitted the NormaTec PRO range from this review because they really are unattainably expensive. But they certainly pack every feature in to their pro offering that do make them hard to beat for teams or professional athletes.

Leg Pulse 2.0 Pros

Leg Pulse 2.0 Cons

Overall rating of product name

 4.7/5

NormaTec are known market leaders and I do truly believe they deserve that recognition. They have produced a high quality compression system and lead the rest of the industry in the way of tech integration. They really only lose marks because their price point is high.

4. AirRelax Sequential Compression Device

Air Relax Sequential Compression Device Review

I included the Air Relax Compression Device as a great lower price point option. This system seems to be favoured by everyday athletes and those seeking out a compression solution for a medical issue. The compression is spot on, with just a few less fancy features than some of the aforementioned models.

Air Relax Compression Features

This south korean designed and manufactured option is a reliable low cost compression recovery boot. I chose to include them because I know they are highly rated in my training circles. With a 1 year warranty you really can’t go wrong.

Air Relax Pros

Air Relax Cons

Overall rating of Air Relax Compression Device

 3.5/5

Interestingly, although these boots have less added features and tech compatibility then the other brands I have mentioned, they are still regarded as a good reliable recovery option for athletes. So if you aren’t fussed by “bells and whistles” the Air Relax Compression Device could be the way to go.

5. Doctor Life Air Compression System by DSMAREF

Doctor Life Air Compression System by DSMAREF Recovery Boots Review

DRMAREF is a known quality medical production company. This compression recovery boot system is less pitched at athletes and more referred to in the medical scene. None the less, the pneumatic compression is well done in this device so was worth dropping in to my best compression recovery boots round up people chasing less frills. Dynamic compression is dynamic compression after all.

Doctor Life Air Compression System by DSMAREF Recovery Boots Features

Highly rated by it’s verified purchasers on Amazon . The proof is in the pudding. But as mentioned, this affordable option really does have less features and benefits than the others in this article.

Doctor Life Recovery Boots Pros

Doctor Life Recovery Boots Cons

Overall rating of product name

 3.5/5

Another great budget option with high quality compression but fewer “luxury” features like tech compatibility and portability. I would recommend this to those wanting to try out pneumatic compression or price conscious buyers.

Wrapping up my best compression recovery boots opinion

There truly is no one best compression recovery boot system which is why I have tried to include a range of options that tick different boxes my readers may have.

I think the answer is clear that if you want all the tech features and favourable branding you will be best off with the NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 or the Rapid Reboot Regan. But if it’s just the compression you are after then the other three options will serve you top notch compression to aid in your recovery and performance.