Which recovery boots are the best?
Everyone from professional athletes to the average runner can potentially benefit from a set of recovery boots. Although they may be unnecessary for some people, if you’re serious about your training and recovery, a set of recovery boots can help you stay in top shape. If you’re looking for a pair of recovery boots to take your training to the next level, check out the Quick Reboot Recovery System.
What to know before buying recovery boots
Cost
A set of recovery boots is an investment. While there are some budget options, anything from a big brand like Therabody or Hyperice doesn’t come cheap. If you’re serious about your fitness and want something long-term, a set of recovery boots can be a worthwhile purchase for your long-term health. If you’re on the fence, a set of compression socks or a massage gun is probably a better bet, at least to start with.
Training intensity
Recovery boots are gear designed for intense athletes. If you like to push yourself in the gym or on the running trails every day or commit to a high-intensity training regimen, this is probably a smart buy. Conversely, if you’re someone who likes to play flag football a few times a month, you probably don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a recovery system.
Portability
Recovery boots aren’t the most portable accessory – you can’t throw them in your jacket pocket and walk out the door. If you are someone who travels often, it may not be practical to take them with you. There are a few more portable options, and you can buy carrying cases from them. If you’re on the go a lot but want to take charge of your recovery, make sure you have something reasonably portable.
What to Look for in Quality Recovery Boots
Compression levels and types
Ideally, you should get a set of boots with at least a handful of different compression levels. Some boots only have a few and some have dozens. Some boots also have varying types of compression and massage. Make sure you get something with some variability, but don’t overpay to have 50 levels if you could get away with five or 10.
Sizing options
With the amount of options on the market, most recovery boots come in different sizes, but be sure to find something that works for you. If you’re average height, this might not be difficult, but if you’re shorter or taller than average, look for something that matches your inseam and leg size.
Ease of use
Especially if you’re not an avid athlete, physical therapist, or some sort of trainer, go for an intuitive model. Many boot options have physical buttons on the outside, but some come with their own app. Whatever you choose, make sure it matches your level of expertise.
How much you can expect to spend on recovery boots
The price range of recovery boots is wide and mostly depends on the features you want. You can spend between $50 and $1,000, although the average price tends to hover between $500 and $700.
Recovery Boots FAQ
How are recovery boots different from compression socks?
A. There are two main ways. First, compression socks are stagnant, which means they have a grip on your calves but no variability beyond that. Second, since compression socks are just regular compression instead of intermittent compression, they will be tighter at the bottom and looser at the top. Compression socks are a great budget option for recovery, but they won’t replace compression boots.
Are recovery boots only for use after a workout?
A. Although they are mainly used after working out, some people like to use them after a trip or even just a long day at the office. Since you really only need 15-20 minutes of use at a time, they’re easy to incorporate into your routine.
What are the best recovery boots to buy?
Top recovery boots
Fast reboot recovery system
What do you want to know: Rapid Reboot is quickly becoming a popular brand for its high quality, average price, and variety of sizes.
What you will love: With sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, you can find the perfect fit for your inseam length. The price is fair for the level of quality you get. These boots come with a free travel case, which isn’t always a given. A two-year warranty is included.
What you should consider: The Control Kit is a separate physical controller that some users may find bulky and inconvenient.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Best recovery boots for the money
QUINEAR Leg massager with heat
What do you want to know: While not a replacement for high end recovery boots, the combination of warmth and compression is great value for the money.
What you will love: At just over $100, these are definitely some of the cheapest recovery boots available. With 18 different combinations of heat, massage modes, and massage intensities, you get a high level of customization for the price. A 20 minute timer is included. These are easier to transport.
What you should consider: This boot only covers your foot and ankle; if you need quadriceps and hamstring relief, you’ll need a full-size boot.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Exerscribe Flyte Recovery Boot System
What do you want to know: Exerscribe features “overlapping cuff” technology to prevent any part of your legs from missing out on the massage benefits.
What you will love: You can get a hyper-specific experience with the remote control. You can choose your pressure, target zones, massage settings and treatment times with the controller. Two different sizes are available.
What you should consider: The two different sizes claim to be able to fit anyone from 4ft 11in to 6ft 7in. However, if you are on the end of either size, you may not get the best fit.
Or buy: Sold by Amazon
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Joe Coleman writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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