Navigating the world of compression recovery boots can be a bit of a mine field. Especially given retailers never stock a broad enough range to not show bias towards their slender offering. As not everyone is a sponsored elite athlete I thought this post on the best recovery boots “by price” could be useful to your average joe. For the purpose of keeping things clean and simple I have recommended what I believe to be the best option in the budget or affordable category, middle of the range and top of the line elite category.
It’s also important to note that I don’t mention prices on this page for a reason – that being, they change! I have positioned links to show you the current price from various retailers.
What is the best leg recovery system?
Is there one “best” recovery system?! Quite simply, there probably is a system that operates most effectively. But given we all have various budgets and individual preferences (do you even need the fancy travel bag?) there is clearly never going to be one best option for all.
Hopefully my pro’s and con’s of each budget category help you to find the best leg recovery system to suit your budget and needs.
PS: Yes, I play favourites. And mine is *currrently* the Normatec Pulse 2.0 Leg recovery system 😜.
Are cheap recovery boots worth buying?
Yes I truly believe cheap recovery boots are still worth buying. So long as they delivery compression therapy – they are worth it.
I believe a cheap syustem that works is better than an expensive (well marketed) system that doesn’t. Just like a pair of expensive compression tights that are too big are not worth it, but a cheap pair of compression tights that do fit are.
If we assume that compression therapy is going to be delivered by even the cheaper models, the price will mainly dictate what value for money you get out of the machine. And which boxes it ticks for you.
Budget Recovery Boots - $
ReAthlete Air-C Pro Review
For a budget friendly option the ReAthlete Leg Recovery System ticks a lot of boxes. For starters, it’s really well made with heavy duty fabrics and good zippers. The handset is quality, not junky. The air bags are broken in to three zones which is adequate for the average weekend warrior.
ReAthlete Air-C Leg Compression Boots
- 3 compression modes, 4 intensity levels.
- 3 zones to target
- Well made product, with quality fabric + fastenings
- Good handset that is easy and intuitive to use
- Good price point for an entry level athlete
The recent update on this model has been well received by it’s online reviewers. ReAthlete listened to the woes of it’s previous customers and elevated the brand to delivery a quality but affordable let recovery system for athletes – or those simply looking to get the compression therapy benefits.
ReAthlete Air-C Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use device
- Adjustable intensity and modes
- Lithium Battery
- Comes with a neat carry bag
ReAthlete Air-C Cons
- 60 mins battery. It's enough for two sessions, but you'll need your charger for a weekend event
- No knee coverage
- Not available in a broad range of sizes
Overall rating
As rated by hundreds of online reviewers. The overall consensus is that this boot is a great budget option when compared to it’s competitor styles.
Middle Range Recovery Boots - $$$
Rapid Reboot Recovery System
Rapid Reboot Review
This recovery boot is pitched at the elite athlete but has a price tag your average weekend warrior could justify more easily. It may have less total features and accessories than the $$$$ option below, but the value is undeniable.
Rapid Reboot Features
- 2 compression modes, 10 intensities
- Up to 200mg of compression
- Isolate zones or choose all 4 chambers
- High qualityrip-stop fabric
- 5 sizes to customise experience
- A strong competitor to models double it's price
The Rapid Reboot get a huge amount of positive feedback on online reviews. With negative feedback being inconsistent and sparse – which is always a good sign!
Pros
- Solid control head unit, easy to use
- Hoses are integrated so they won't fail as much as competitor units
- Targeted fit with 5 sizes to choose from
- Has a quiet mode
- Comes with a travel case as standard
Cons
- Control head unit is quite heavy
- Travel case is a bit small, it can be tough to get the unit and boots in without a great deal of effort
Overall Rating of Rapid Reboot Leg Recovery System
As rated by hundreds of online reviewers. We agree this is a great mid tier product, that represents good value for money.
Top of the range Recovery Boots | $$$$
NormaTec Pulse 2.0
NormaTec Leg Pulse 2.0 Review
Known as the industry leader by elite athletes, teams/ squads and recovery centres; the NormaTec has a hefty price tag to match its inflated (pun intended) reputation.
Note: The NormaTec Pro range will blow the budget, but is considered a great reliable option for high use settings like teams.
NormaTec Pulse 2.0 Features
- App connection to control from your smart phone + Strava or Training Peaks
- ZoneBoost setting that allows you to focus on a specific zone
- Patented Pulse developed by NormaTec to improve recovery
- Maximum of 100mmHg pressure (which is less than the Rapid Reboot, but more than enough)
- Available with arm + hip accessories to broaden treatment areas
The tech compatability of a NormaTec unit is hard to beat. Just another reason why stat obsessed athletes and coaches value the NormaTec brand.
Pros
- Optional accessories for arm, hip and torso compression options
- Travel Friendly design, with TSA approval
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Only 3 sizes, compared to 5 from other brands.
- A tough price point for individuals
Overall rating of NormaTec Pulse 2.0
As rated by hundreds of online reviewers.
A final note about finding your best recovery boots - by price!
While recovery is an important part of the puzzle for any budding athlete it’s important to remember not to spend outside of your means.
Some people justify a bigger spend because they *know* it’s going to save them money on additional therapies. If that’s you I’d spend some time figuring out if you can afford to spend a little more as a quality unit may well last you longer and get you better results.
That being said, their are benefits to milder diffuse (not as targeted!) compression so starting with a cheaper unit will likely still get you some results – which is better than “no results”.
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