My Unfiltered Normatec Elite Boots Review — Worth The $999 Splurge?

As a strength-training-obsessed-marathoner, I get a lot of joy out of movement—but it also puts my body through a lot of stress. Recovery is essential for keeping up with my fitness routine, and compression therapy is one of my favorite ways to help my body bounce back.

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) promotes better circulation by moving blood and metabolic waste back into your circulatory system, which helps decrease swelling and speeds up recovery.

Not only does compression therapy feel great, I've found my running speed increases when I incorporate it into my routine (likely due to less downtime needed for recover).

But while I consider compression boots an essential part of my routine, I've struggled with how bulky and inconvenient they can be. Simply packing them for the Berlin Marathon last year would've taken up half my suitcase.

When comparing the Hyperice Normatec Elite boots to the Hyperice Normatec 3 (the brand’s previous model), the most notable change is that the Elite boots are wireless.

Even if you’ve never worn compression boots, you'll find this design super intuitive. Each boot is labeled as "L" and "R" to help you easily identify the correct leg.

A zipper runs down the front of each boot to help you zip them on, but I found them loose enough to slip on without unzipping. Once the boots are on your legs, simply press the power button on the side of the control panel to turn them on.

The control unit allows you to adjust the compression level, ranging from low pressure (levels one to three) to medium-high pressure (levels four to seven).

You also have the choice of an optional "Zone Boost," which adds 60 seconds of increased compression to one specific zone. Forewarning: You will feel the extra intensity of this boost (and I recommend treading lightly).

They’re more portable

Full-length compression boots will never be the most portable recovery tool, but this iteration is a huge improvement.

My number one complaint with the Normatec 3 boots was that the large control unit and plug-in design made the boots nearly impossible to travel with, so this upgrade is a total game-changer.

As I said, the Elite boots have the control unit built into each leg, so there are no wires or cords, and the device does not need to be plugged in while in use. Even with the built-in control unit, each boot weighs just 3.2 pounds.

Every order also comes with a lightweight drawstring bag that fits both boots and the charger, making traveling with the boots fairly easy. 

They’re comfortable

The material is the same as previous Normatec models, and I love that it feels lightweight and comfortable on my legs. The Normatec Elite boots are available in short (for people 5’3” and under), standard (5’4” to 6’3”), or tall (6’4” and above). 

I’m 5’4” and I got the standard, but they are definitely a bit too long. The boots are designed to cover your entire leg (from your foot up to your hip), and I have a good few inches of extra length at the top of mine. 

I mitigate this by simply unzipping the top of each leg slightly—and the boots are still very comfortable.

They have research-backed results

When it comes to the actual compression therapy, these boots feel pretty much exactly like the previous model (which was the goal!). The sensation is like a pulsing massage, and it instantly relaxes my sore muscles.

The technology helps with lymphatic drainage to decrease pain and soreness—and I personally feel like my legs are significantly less inflamed after each use. And research backs this, too. 

These boots addressed my only true concern with the previous model (the lack of portability), and I have minimal complaints about the new design. 

I will say that, while the drawstring bag is a nice touch, for the price of the boots it would be nice if the brand gave something a bit more substantial to store and carry them in.

If you have the budget for these boots, they are absolutely worth the spend. Compression therapy is nothing new, but the Hyperice Normatec Elite boots make the technology accessible for at-home or on the go.

Since adding them to my routine, my muscles are less sore and less inflamed—and my whole body feels more refreshed. Plus, I run significantly faster when I’m wearing my compression boots regularly.

If something were to happen to my Normatec Elite boots, I’d purchase a replacement in a heartbeat.