Therabody RecoveryAir Compression Boots Review, From A CPT

The best compression boots, such as Therabody's RecoveryAir, use intermittent pneumatic air pressure to improve circulation and reduce leg swelling. These boots are becoming increasingly popular with athletes looking for ways to recover more efficiently and individuals with circulatory issues, according to Grant Radermacher, doctor of chiropractic at Ascent Chiropractic in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Radermacher explains that muscles continually produce metabolic waste as they generate and use energy. This waste (specifically, hydrogen ions and reactive oxygen species) is then circulated throughout the bloodstream.

The lymphatic system is responsible for getting rid of metabolic waste. However, since your legs are situated below the heart, it is more challenging for your circulatory system to move waste from your legs to your lymphatic system. Enter: compression therapy.

When comparing Therabody's RecoveryAir Compression Boots to classic compression socks, Radermacher says there's no competition. Compression socks are designed to squeeze the legs without any movement or variation in pressure. Compression boots offer active compression and allow the user to control the amount of pressure applied.

"It's akin to the difference between an active and a passive stretch, as the mechanical devices provide a significantly higher degree of compression and work exponentially faster than socks," Radermacher adds.

Covering the entire lower body, compression boots are more effective and convenient than systems that work on a single ankle, knee, or elbow. Therabody's RecoveryAir compression boots are equipped to work on both legs simultaneously.

Radermacher points out that the RecoveryAir edges out the competition by utilizing precise pressures based on the size of the limb within the sleeve to prevent over-compression, which can cause discomfort, numbness, and tingling in the compressed area.

Our tester, Andreas Von Scheele says the Therabody RecoveryAir Boots are an amazing addition to any athlete's recovery routine. He describes the sensation as feeling like "a boa constrictor is hugging your legs, but in a good way."

His favorite part? The fact that you can adjust the strength of compression, making it as intense or gentle as you want. While he prefers to crank it all the way up, others on our team like to use compression boots on a lighter setting. Von Scheele reports a noticeable relief for his tired muscles, adding that the boots feel well designed, the materials feel very durable, and the controls are easy to use.

Compression boots can be used as part of your post-workout recovery routine or on rest days. If you don't have time to use them every day, reserve them for after your most strenuous workouts. "The more work you do, the more recovery you need," Radermacher explains.

"The harder the effort, the more metabolic waste your muscles produce that needs to be cleared. So, compression boots are particularly helpful after your most taxing, strenuous workouts."