The 5 Best Compression Boots For Recovery, According to PS Editors and Reviews

Posted by author January 30, 2025 Fitness

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Although they may appear to be designed for astronauts, compression boots are actually a surprisingly practical investment. Supernatural looks aside, these boots harness the power of compression massage to (temporarily) encourage circulation, improve lymphatic drainage, and increase blood flow. Think of them as a blood pressure cuff for your legs. Consequently, the boots may also alleviate sore muscles, prevent injury, and facilitate faster recovery, making them a big hit among celebrities like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Aniston, plus athletes like LeBron James and Naomi Osaka.

The good news is, you don’t have to be an A-lister to reap the benefits of compression boots. In fact, the original Normatec compression boots were created by Laura F. Jacobs, MD, PhD, for breast cancer patients dealing with lymphedema — a chronic condition that causes swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid. Her son, Gilad Jacobs, later decided to expand their usage to athletes looking to recover faster — as previously explained to PS — but the boots were always meant to be relatively accessible.

Whether you’re a runner trying to prevent injuries, or a gym-goer fed up with muscle pain, there’s a chance you could benefit from a pair of compression boots yourself. To help you out, we rounded up the best compression boots on the market, including a few pairs vetted by our own PS editors. Read on to shop our favorite picks for pain reduction and recovery.

What to Look For

When shopping for compression boots, we recommend keeping the following elements top of mind. We’ve also used this criteria in our own roundup:

Storage: Good compression boots should be easy to store (and transport, if necessary). When shopping online, see if the price includes storage accessories like a tote bag or case.
Battery Life: Depending on how long you’re planning on using your compression boots (a single session usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes), battery life matters. For context, we typically see boots with a battery life within the three to four hour range.
Amount of Compression: Most boots allow you to adjust the level of compression, but it’s important to ensure you’re getting the intensity you need.
Fit: The boots should feel snug and secure around your legs, but not uncomfortable. If there’s an opportunity to try them on, definitely do so.
User Compatibility: Your boots should be easy to use. Look for a brand with simple controls, so you can take full advantage of what the boots have to offer. This might also mean seeking out wireless compression boots, which are generally easier to navigate.