GOOD GEAR RATING — 9/10 STARS

Summary: I’ve used Hyperice’s Normatec compression boots for over a year. It’s become an essential part of my recovery routine after long workouts, and I’ve noticed improvements in circulation and my overall athletic performance. They’ve also helped relieve my restless leg syndrome.

Pros:

  • I’ve genuinely noticed a difference in circulation and overall recovery. 
  • I’ve had these for over a year, and they function as well as day one. 
  • The motor holds an excellent charge (I can get a dozen or so sessions out of one charge). This is nice when I want to use the boots away from an outlet. 
  • Everything from Hyperice is FSA/HSA eligible.

Cons: 

  • The compression boots are expensive ($700+).
  • The boots are also bulky and can take up a lot of space, especially if you live in an apartment. The carrying case is a great solution, but you have to buy it separately.

The first time I tried a pair of compression boots was at my chiropractor’s office. He specializes in chiropractic care for athletes, and I’ve long loved visiting him because he knows how to offer great adjustments for people who run or do HIIT, CrossFit, etc. 

While I’m a gym-loving, intense workout kind of gal, I don’t really consider myself an athlete — but I love trying out all of the tips for recovery and performance. So when my chiropractor finally got a pair of compression boots for his office, I jumped at the chance to try them. 

“I don’t really consider myself an athlete — but I love trying out all of the tips for recovery and performance.”

But first, if you’re unfamiliar with compression boots, or the Hyperice brand, here’s a quick rundown.

About Hyperice 

If you haven’t heard of the wellness brand, Hyperice is favored by athletes for its impressive and innovative line of recovery tech and devices.

“Hyperice is favored by athletes for its impressive and innovative line of recovery tech and devices.”

The company was founded by Anthony Katz, a former collegiate basketball player, in 2010 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. From massage guns to advanced rollers to the Normatec line, everything is crafted with advanced materials and technologies to meet the needs of athletes and address common problems like muscle soreness and injuries. 

Science is in the brand’s DNA, and the Normatec line is no different. It was created by medical professionals and designed with input from top pro athletes and sports medicine professionals. According to the brand, the boots are proven to help with lymphatic drainage and decrease pain and soreness.

What are compression boots? 

Compression boots, also known as pneumatic compression devices, can be worn on our legs, hips, and arms. They work by applying intermittent pressure, which enhances circulation and helps reduce swelling and inflammation. The improved circulation can aid in quicker muscle recovery after an intense workout — aka leg day. 

“They work by applying intermittent pressure, which enhances circulation and helps reduce swelling and inflammation.”

“Normatec air compression technology is a powerful tool that benefits both athletes and individuals who want to increase their circulation, move better, and speed the natural recovery process,” says Gilad Jacobs, Chief Innovation Officer at Hyperice, Inc. and Founder of Normatec Recovery. “Relaxing in the boots for 30-60 minutes is a great way to get ‘fresh legs faster’ and to feel lighter on your feet.”

Compression boots are also useful after long races, competitions, or any intense training, as they can help minimize soreness and fatigue. For example, my husband uses them as part of his recovery routine for triathlon training. 

“The Normatec boots mimic normal physiology to allow the user to recover quicker,” says Jacobs. “Typical feedback is that legs feel lighter, rejuvenated, and that you’re ready to get after it again sooner.” 

Studies also suggest compression boots can prevent lactic acid buildup in muscles, though more research is needed for this to be conclusive. Overall though, the benefits sound promising, and as Jacobs puts it, “the Normatec technology allows you to get the best in recovery in a passive, relaxing, and enjoyable setting.”

“Normatec technology allows you to get the best in recovery in a passive, relaxing, and enjoyable setting.”

– Gilad Jacobs, Chief Innovation Officer at Hyperice, Inc.

Most notably, compression boots are safe to use regularly and even daily. You can nap in them since they will automatically shut off once the cycle is complete. Pregnant women also find them beneficial for reducing swelling and soreness.

As always, it’s best to talk with your doctor before adding anything new to your routine, especially if you have an injury or major health condition. 

Trying out Hyperice’s Normatec Boots at home

I was hooked after my first experience with the compression boots in my chiropractor’s office. After 30 minutes of air pressure, my legs felt a bit shaky, but they also felt lighter and like they’d been massaged.

“After 30 minutes of air pressure, my legs felt a bit shaky, but they also felt lighter and like they’d been massaged.”

I started using them regularly after every visit. And when I had the opportunity to receive a pair of my own Hyperice Normatec Boots to review at home, I, of course, said yes. They quickly become one of my favorite recovery and self-care tools; here’s why: 

For starters, the boots truly aid recovery. I noticed it when I was doing HIIT classes, and I notice it even more now that I’ve been running for six months. My performance is much better when I use the compression boots the night before (or even a few hours before I go for a run), and I experience minimal soreness the next day. For example, I logged my most miles ever a few ago and did a quick thirty minutes in the boots. Guess what? I woke up without the hobbles and could even walk up and down my apartment stairs without pain the following day! 

A black Hyperice Normatec 3 device displays settings for pressure level, zone selection, and a 30-minute timer, adding to the versatility of massage guns for personalized recovery.
Person using leg compression therapy sleeves while reclining on a couch, with a control device connected to the sleeves and a couple of massage guns nearby.
Just thirty minutes in the compression boots had made a huge difference in both my performance and recovery. And the boots are so comfy I’ve even fallen asleep wearing them!

Additionally, I love how convenient the boots are for multitasking. I know that sounds silly, but let’s be honest — all the recovery and wellness trends add up in terms of time!

The Normatecs are easy to wear when I’m watching a show or working on my laptop, and that’s always a big bonus for me. I like that the boots benefit sedentary individuals (hi, it’s me, a WFH desk employee!). While I’d love to be one of those girls who could easily log their 10k steps daily, it’s just not practical most days. I also struggle with restless leg syndrome, and nothing has helped with relief quite like the Nomatecs. The compression boots promote the blood flow and circulation that I know I’m often lacking while spending the day at my computer.

“The compression boots promote the blood flow and circulation that I know I’m often lacking while spending the day at my computer.”

The boots are also comfortable and fit my legs despite my being 5’3”. I’ve never been a huge fan of foam rolling or even percussion guns because my legs are sensitive, and they can feel painful — not the boots, though. The compression feels like a tight and firm squeeze, and you can always adjust it to more or less constriction. The experience is relaxing, and I’ve even fallen asleep while wearing them! 

So, would I buy these compression boots?

In full transparency, I didn’t purchase these boots for myself, and the price tag is steep ($799). But I would buy them (or rather, save up for them) because of the benefits mentioned above. Unlike most wellness devices I’ve tried for a few weeks and then packed away because of time or lack of results, the boots are what I reach for consistently. My family loves them too (almost too much, ha!). Whenever I visit my parents, they want to make sure I bring the boots along. 

“Unlike most wellness devices I’ve tried for a few weeks and then packed away because of time or lack of results, the boots are what I reach for consistently.”

Even for people who aren’t athletes, the boots are therapeutic and offer so much relief from built-up tension. While I wish they weren’t as bulky and a bit easier to store, I also can’t imagine them functioning any differently and offering the same results. 

A pair of black NormaTec leg compression sleeves are laid out on a white couch next to a control unit, a hose, and a couple of sleek massage guns.
A black Hyperice bag with a shoulder strap sits on a grey fabric surface, likely housing massage guns. Shelves with books and a window with curtains are in the background.
The carrying case makes it easy to take the boots with me to visit my family, who all love the boots as much as I do. We use these boots so much we are definitely getting every penny’s worth of the $799 price tag.

Mostly, though, I just love Hyperice as a brand and trust their team. The products are quality and science-backed. I know when I’m investing in one of their devices, I am getting the best of the best. Plus, the team offers warranties and a goldmine of resourceful tutorials and tips. 

My two cents: I would save up for these if you’re a serious athlete or want to take your recovery to the next level. It’s an investment for sure, but one that will pay off in better performance. You’ll also just feel better in your body as you push yourself to new levels. 

“It’s an investment for sure, but one that will pay off in better performance.”

Other pros to consider are that the Normatecs come with a Bluetooth app, and the carrying case makes it easy to store and travel. While the hose attachment is a pain, the brand has recently upgraded its model (though it costs $200 more) to a hose-free version of the boots. If I were to buy these for myself, I’d likely go that route since the hose can be frustrating as it constricts movement.

Either way, though, you can’t go wrong. And if you’re not ready to invest just yet, you can always check them out in person at one of the Hyperice retailers.  

Kayti Christian is Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. She has an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing and has been featured in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. She is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a newsletter for sensitive people, and cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, a podcast about IVF and infertility.