When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.
However, theres no evidence showing significant long-term recovery benefits.
Now, Im no elite athlete just a girl who runs, trains, and complains about the aftermath.
What are compression boots and what do they do?
Compression boots are like large fabric sleeves that cover your feet, lower legs, and thighs.
These devices use air to gently squeeze the legs in a rhythmic way, similar to a massage.
According to Dr. Botchey, compression boots are safe for most people to use.
Ready to hear what happened when I used compression boots for a month?
Lets get into it.
With 10 levels of massage intensity, I decided to play it safe and start at level three.
Even so, I wasnt prepared for what it would feel like when the six air chambers inflated.
After a few sessions, I realized my initial panic was simply due to not knowing what to expect.
I checked with Dr. Botchey on how often compression boots should be used.
He recommends 15 to 30 minutes per session.
For general recovery, a few times a week can help improve circulation and reduce fatigue.
I could feel a genuine difference
Whether its all placebo, I cant say for sure.
Using the boots after tough workouts, I noticed that my DOMS felt much more manageable.
I didnt experience the kind of soreness that makes you dread your next session.
To find out if compression boots can really have this effect, I asked Dr. Botchey.
He also pointed out that compression boots arent just for elite athletes.
I feel like its helped reduce muscle soreness and has become a comforting addition to my post-workout routine.
While I no longer dread DOMS, Ill admit the benefits might also be partly placebo.
Plus, theyre a significant investment, with options on the market ranging from $80 to $900.
If youre not ready to splurge, there are cheaper ways to get similar benefits.
Dr Botchey recommends leg elevation, compression socks, or some good old-fashioned walking or stretching.
While the compression boots surprised me with their perks, theyre not a must-have.
