Not only was Normatec designed by an expert, Gilad Jacobs, M.D. and Ph.D., but it also comes expert-recommended by Kasprowicz. Acquired by Hypervice in 2020, Normatec has been spotted on a slew of professional athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka and basketball player Lebron James—and they were also a favorite of mindbodygreen tester and marathon runner Carleigh Ferrante.

The brand's latest model, which a lighter and more intuitive design than previous versions, covers the full leg from thigh to toes. Simply use the connected app on a smartphone to start the treatment; you can opt into a precurate treatment or choose between seven levels of compression. We love that these boots offer a patented pulse technology, which gives a more precise therapy that targets specific zones with extra compression. 

Along with three-hour battery life, the device comes with attachments for the hips and arms for a full-body recovery. While pricey at just under $800, they're well worth the investment if they fall into your budget.

What our tester says: "My initial reason for testing these boots was to speed my recovery while marathon training, but I had no idea how relaxing they’d turn out to be. I always find myself adding time to my sessions! I feel immediate relief while they’re on, and my legs feel less sore and more refreshed the next day than on days when I don’t use the boots. They definitely help with inflammation, too. My only complaint is the boots are a bit long for my 5’4” height. The quality is great, though, and they’re incredibly easy to fold up and store." — Ferrante

Navigating the world of compression therapy can be a scary endeavor, but you can't go wrong with this pick from Theragun. It's the most simplified option from Theragun's lineup of compression boots—yep, there are multiple—which all feature the brand's signature TruGrade Technology™. 

This unique approach to compression therapy applies decreasing amounts of pressure as you go up the leg to encourage circulation. For example, if the foot starts at 80 mmHg of pressure, the knee will tap out around 77 mmHG. 

Designed for an easy clean, especially if used after a sweaty workout, the boots can inflate (and deflate) in less than 60 seconds. Available in small, medium, and large, these boots are the most simplified model from the brand and one of its cheapest, although still in the mid-range of affordability at $699.

Most compression therapy boots are bulky, making multitasking a no-go, but these wearable units break the status quo (and allow for greater flexibility in your recovery routine). Worn only on the calves, the devices feature individual control panels on each leg, which allow you to better customize your treatment.

Despite the smaller size, the portable pick still packs many of the same standout features of the full Normatec compression boots, such as three-hour battery life, 360-degree compression, app compatibility, and pulse technology. However, you can wear the device while sitting or standing—and they weigh just over 0.5 pound each.

What our tester says: "I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved wearing these boots during a normal workday. If last night's sweat session was just a little too intense, I'll slip these around my calves and select a level 5 compression. I found anything lower was simply too gentle, while anything higher hurts. My calves rarely get as tight as other body parts, so I've not noticed a huge difference in soreness post-treatment. However, the compression treatment feels just as good, if not better, than a massage. Sometimes I'll even pop them on when I'm not sore, just to relax."

If you're someone who finds cords extra annoying, then this Therabody model is just for you. It skips the abundance of wiring needed for most compression boots by incorporating internal pumps, which fully inflate (or deflate) in less than 60 seconds. While no cords equals faster relaxation—at least in our books–it also means you give up a few settings. 

Unlike the original, it offers just four compression settings: 25, 50, 75, and 100 mmHG. However, the highest level of compression is the same as the brand's other offerings. Similarly, it also comes in four sizes, features an easy-to-clean interior, and packs a 240-minute battery life. And while features may feel limited now compared to some other models, new ones are launching soon for the Bluetooth-compatible boots in the Therabody app.

Most compression boots have a higher price point, so it's understandable that you may be tempted by a more affordable option. Just remember, you'll get what you pay for—whether that's the number of features offered, customization allowed, or even the amount of information offered by a company.

From our research, these massagers are the best budget option you'll find with two separate compression chambers, three levels of intensities, and a built-in heating mode. Reviewers generally agree these boots do the job for the price and actually churn out results by helping with soreness and pain.

For the most customizable treatment, opt for the Rapid Reboot Regen. Also recommended by our experts, it offers 20 compression levels, starting at just 100 mmHg and working up to 200 mmHg of compression. (FYI, most over-the-counter socks apply less than 20 mmHg of pressure). 

Connect the zip-on boots to your smartphone, or use the remote to optimize your treatment. Each leg features four air chambers, which inflate and deflate with the press of a button. Further personalize your treatment by choosing the session time, cycle speed, and preferred chamber (foot, calf, knee, or thigh). Once your treatment is over, pack the 5-pound device into the included carrying bag and take on the go—just remember you only get three hours of battery life. 

Bonus: Rapid Reboot makes its full-leg boots in sizes XS to XL. There's also an upgraded package for the full-body system, which adds hip and arm attachments. You can also save by swapping to the slightly less advanced Gensis model.