As the training miles start to accumulate, so does fatigue. Therefore, the ability to recover in between workouts is almost as important as the workouts themselves.
I have a foam roller, epsom salts, and a massage gun, but nothing works quite as well as my compression boots. Benefits of compression boots include increased circulation, reduction of muscle fatigue, and removal of the toxins and waste that lead to the dreaded DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
But they’re expensive! Therabody’s Recovery Air can set you back anywhere from $1,299-$599, and Hyperice’s Normatec ranges from $1,249- $699. If only there was a budget-friendly option for compression boots that provided the same benefits…
There is! Meet Air Relax- the recovery boots I’ve been using for the past five years.
Game-changing compression boots that are portable and easy to use. A fraction of the price of other models. Hands-down the best investment you can make for injury prevention and recovery!
Air Relax has three different models of compression boots: Classic, Plus, and Pro. I have the original Classic model, and while I’m sure it’s received some upgrades over the past five years, mine still works great.
The way the boots work is by pumping air into two leg sleeves that have four compression chambers. It’s super easy to operate. You simply get in a comfy position, zip up the boots, and press a button to start a recovery cycle on the machine. Air Relax has easy-to-use digital controls with three recovery cycles to choose from.
- Cycle A– Peristaltic- wave-like pressure that starts at your feet and moves toward your thighs. (Ideal for beginners)
- Cycle B– Sequential- pressure that starts at your feet and fills up each chamber in succession as it moves toward your thighs. (My favorite!)
- Cycle C– Continuous- all chambers inflate at the same time with the same amount of pressure. (Most intense)
You can also pick from four pressure levels. I typically use 3 out of 4.
Because we’re all built differently, Air Relax has different size options based upon your inseam measurement. The device also has a built-in sensor that measures leg circumference and delivers even pressure, no matter how large or small a person’s legs are. So you don’t have to worry that they might get too tight and cut off circulation. Also, if you ever feel uncomfortable in a certain mode, just turn the machine off and the pressure will release.
The motor is super quiet, so I use my Air Relax boots while watching a movie, taking a nap, or working on my laptop. (I’m wearing them as I write this post!) One con is that they aren’t super portable, because the device, boots, and hose takes up some space, but they’re still less bulky than my husband’s Normatec boots.
Yes, with two athletes in this household, we have different brands of compression boots, so I’m pretty familiar with the pros and cons of the different brands. One big difference is that while Normatec uses a rechargeable battery, Air Relax has to be plugged into an outlet. (I have the Classic model, but Plus and Pro are both battery powered and have the option for a rechargeable power bank.) But, we’ve had some hose failure with my husband’s Normatec, where the connection makes a whistling sound. Since there’s no way to order a replacement part, we ended up wrapping it the best we could with plastic wrap. In contrast, my Air Relax works the same as it did the day I bought it- five years ago.
Another pro for Air Relax is that it’s a fraction of the price of other compression boots on the market. Also, not many people know that it has a 60% stronger pump than other brands (goes up to 200 mmHg), and it’s a FDA cleared medical device.
When should you use compression boots?
Typically, I use my Air Relax after a hard interval run or a long bike ride. I practically lived in them while training for Ironman Florida last year, and I take my recovery boots to all of my races. They’ve been with me to Chattanooga 70.3, North Carolina 70.3, and the 70.3 World Championship in St. George. I just pack them in my suitcase. It’s non-negotiable; I won’t go to a race without them! They’re great to use the day before a race, when you’re supposed to be taking it easy, and they help my legs feel fresh after a long car ride or plane flight.
What are the benefits of compression boots?
In addition to reducing muscle fatigue and increasing circulation, compression boots also remove excess fluid and reduce swelling, which leads to better recovery and less likelihood of getting injured.
Air Relax even lists “reduces the appearance of cellulite” as one of the benefits, but I can’t speak to that effect, personally.
In addition to the Classic model that I have, Air Relax does have other models with upgraded features similar to the more expensive brands, but they have prices to match. I have the Classic AR- 2.0, which is typically $575. (at the time of publication, it’s listed as $50 off for a Valentine’s Day promo.) Then, there’s the Plus AR 3.0, regularly $645, and the Pro AR- 4.0, regularly $1,250.
Check out the differences and similarities in the tables below.
Game-changing compression boots that are portable and easy to use. A fraction of the price of other models. Hands-down the best investment you can make for injury prevention and recovery!
- Digital, easy to use controls
- Plugs into an outlet
- 15 min. cycle run time.
- 4 chambers and 4 pressure modes
- Digital screen with easy to use controls
- Battery operated w/ power bank option
- 15 min. or 30 min. cycle run time.
- 4 pressure levels and 4 chambers
- Pressure calibration and dual voltage
- Touch screen
- Battery powered w/ option for power bank
- 5 min. to 95. min. cycle run time
- 14 pressure levels
- 6 chambers and customized chamber selection
- Pressure calibration and dual voltage
- Deflate option
All Air Relax models have a limited, one-year warranty and a medical grade pump.
Classic and Plus have a digital screen, while Pro has a touch screen. Plus and Pro are battery powered, have pressure calibration, and the option for a power bank. Pro is the only model with a deflate option and customized chamber selection, as well as 14 pressure levels. (Classic and Plus have four pressure levels.) Also, Pro has six chambers, while Classic and Plus have four.
In my opinion, the biggest difference between each model is the session time. Classic has a 15-minute cycle. Plus is 15 minutes or 30 minutes, and Pro is 5 minutes to 95 minutes. But honestly, I’d rather save a couple hundred bucks and just press the button again. Normally, I sit in my boots for up to an hour at a time, and I feel like that provides the most benefit. Literally, the first time I got up after wearing these compression boots, it felt like I was walking on air!
If you want all the upgraded features like more pressure levels, chambers, power bank, and a touch screen, then the Pro might be the version for you. But, my pick is the Classic. Simple, effective, and easy on the wallet.
The crazy thing is that Air Relax has a trade-in program, which will get you a $300 credit towards the Air Relax Pro! I don’t know any other company that does that.
Overall, I just don’t think you can beat Air Relax, as far as quality for the price, when looking at compression boots on the market today. I know that buying a pair was the single, best investment I’ve ever made in my health, recovery, and performance.
