Therabody’s Compression Boots Are a Total Game Changer For Recovery — Here’s Why

If you’re someone who loves to stay active — whether you’re running outdoors, cycling through challenging terrains, or enjoying whatever other fitness routine may be your favorite — you know how important recovery is. While “recovery” can look like “resting,” these days there are also plenty of products to help you recover faster. One that recently caught my eye: the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus ($999) from Therabody. This innovative, fully wireless pair of compression boots combines pneumatic compression, soothing vibration, and infrared LED light therapy, all of which are meant to help you bounce back faster and perform better.

The JetBoots Pro Plus is the first-ever wireless system to offer all three of these therapies together — and I was eager to see how well they worked IRL. The brand sent me a pair of boots to try; here are my honest thoughts.

What’s the Criteria For a Good Pair of Recovery Boots?

If you’re not familiar with compression boots, they’re typically fabric “boots” or sleeves that slip over your feet and cover your legs, including your thighs. The sleeves fill with air to gently compress each leg, typically working in one section at a time. This boosts circulation and reduces swelling. Although they may look a little silly, many top athletes use them as part of their regular training programs.

Good compression boots are comfortable and customizable, letting you control which part of your leg is receiving compression and how intense a squeeze you’re feeling. These days, compression boots may offer additional features with recovery benefits, such as vibration and infrared LED light therapy. And while many compression boots need to be plugged in to work, wireless options are typically more convenient and comfortable.

What I Like About the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus

Overall, I really appreciate that the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus are completely wireless. It’s so convenient not having to sit by an outlet or deal with tangled cords while wearing compression boots. I can use them on the floor in my home gym or on a couch.

The time efficiency is another big plus. There are preset recovery programs that range from 10 to 45 minutes, making it easy to fit into my routine. The shortest programs are warm up, pain relief, and sleep prep at 10 minutes apiece, or you can focus on just the upper leg, knee, or lower leg for 20 minute bouts. The 45-minute recovery program, which targets the whole leg, is my top pick. As it begins, the boots slowly fill up with air while vibration patterns start at the feet. Over the course of several minutes the boots inflate in sections, working up from the lower leg to the thigh. Then, when they’re nearly fully inflated and compression is at its peak, the boots release the air all at once, sounding like a balloon that’s gently deflating or a heavy sigh in corpse pose. It’s repetitive and it definitely feels relaxing and soothing.

I also love the combination of compression therapy, vibration, and infrared LED light, three therapies that together are meant to help increase blood flow, reduce swelling, reduce inflammation, and ease muscle tension. After tough workouts like strength training, dancing, or martial arts, these boots feel like they help reducing muscle stiffness or tension. They allow me to focus on self-care, relaxing my muscles and relieving soreness. Each session leaves me feeling recharged, refreshed, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

What to Consider Before Trying the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus

At a price point of $999, the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus is certainly an investment, and it might be tough to justify for some. If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable option, the company also offers a version without the infrared light therapy strips, the Therabody JetBoots Prime ($499), for half the price of the JetBoots Pro Plus. While it doesn’t offer the full range of features, it can still provide significant relief and might be a good choice for those on a budget.

It’s also important to consider any preexisting health conditions. If you have concerns about using compression therapy, especially if you suffer from conditions like circulation issues or joint problems, it’s always best to consult your doctor before using the boots. While the JetBoots are designed to enhance recovery and alleviate soreness, it’s crucial to ensure they are safe for your specific needs and health status.

It’s also worth noting that the actual research into the effectiveness of compression boots isn’t conclusive. Researchers found that using Therabody’s compression boots helped reduce fatigue and improved hematocrit levels (a measurable sign of recovery), according to a study in the Sport Sciences for Health journal. However, the effects on short-term performance were mixed, meaning the boots didn’t always boost performance right away. (One of the authors of that study had freelanced for Therabody, but no other conflicts of interest were reported.) A 2021 review in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation found that compression boots seemed to prevent DOMS, but didn’t necessarily have an effect on exercise-related muscle damage. It’s one of those therapies that’s somewhat personal — one person may swear by compression boots, while another can go without them, so if possible, try them first before taking the plunge.

Who Are The Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus Best For?

The Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus are ideal for anyone with an active lifestyle, whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a coach, a weekend warrior, or a performer pushing your body to its limits. These boots are designed to help you recover faster and perform at your best.

Because of the price point, I’d recommend them most for people who really need to prioritize recovery, such as runners during a marathon training cycle. But Therabody points out that their boots aren’t just for athletes. I’m sure people who are often on their feet for work, like waiters, teachers, or first responders and tactical personnel would also appreciate the muscle-soothing effects of compression boots. Just be sure to talk to a doctor before using them, especially if you have any medical conditions, recently experienced injury, or are pregnant.

Additional Details About the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus

Where Is the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus Available?

You can buy the Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus ($999) and the JetBoots Prime ($499) from Therabody, Best Buy, Rogue Fitness and Backcountry.

Rating
★★★★☆

Jade Esmeralda (she/her), MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.