Hyperice Normatec Elite compression boots review: Ultimate recovery experience - Seattle PI

[Emilia Benton]

Hyperice Normatec Elite compression boots review.

Emilia Benton


As a long-distance runner, 14-time marathoner and USATF Level 1-certified run coach, I know the importance of prioritizing recovery. And as a health and fitness writer, I've gotten to try my fair share of running gear, including various recovery tools and gadgets such as Hyperice's famous Normatec air compression boots, which I first tried out several years ago and have since become a go-to part of my long-run and speed workout recovery routine. So when the brand's public relations team reached out with the offer to try the latest version, the cordless and more compact Normatec Elite boots, I jumped at the chance.

How the Normatec Elite compression boots work​

The Hyperice Normatec Elite system is one example of air compression boots on the market that use compression massage to temporarily boost blood circulation in your legs. The original Normatec device was created with breast cancer patients in mind, as a tool to reduce the effects of lymphedema, which is a type of lymphatic swelling that can occur when the lymphatic system is affected.


Eventually, the company found that this massage technique can be helpful in preventing injury, decreasing aches and pains, and speeding up muscle recovery, which is why these boots are so popular for post-run recovery, or even as part of some athlete's pre-workout warmups. Not only that, but recent research has shown that 30 minutes of a sequential pulse massage like this system works to increase blood flow in the lower extremities, which can be helpful for providing relief from delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).


Normatec's HyperSync air compression technology is patented and works by synchronizing each leg to provide a symmetrical massage. Users can tailor their compression massage to meet their specific needs by adjusting pressure levels, and length of treatment.

Using the Hyperice Normatec Elite air compression boots​

The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Normatec Elite system was how compactly it was packed into such a small box. I admittedly had my doubts about the small drawstring bag provided for storage and travel, as there was no way the previous version I owned would have ever fit in there or been easy to travel with. But once I opened up each separate boot, I could see that this upgrade really was built with easier packing in mind. I set the boots up to charge first, which they did quickly in less than 30 minutes. It's also worth noting that the boots will stay charged for up to 4 hours while turned on.


I use the Normatec Elite system once to twice a week, for 30 to 60 minutes at a time (though you can adjust the controls to set a session as short as 15 minutes). While you can use the boots while sitting upright in a chair or on the couch, my preference is to wear them in my bed, with my legs stretched out straight in front of me while I watch TV, work on my laptop, or even just scroll social media on my phone. The system is also pretty quiet, which means you won't need to crank the sound up on whatever you may be watching or listening to.


Hyperice Normatec Elite compression boots case.

Emilia Benton


The first thing I noticed upon unfolding the boots to get ready to slip in them was the lack of the bulky hoses, large external air compressor, and charger from the previous version, which made me rejoice. Instead, the new version has thinner and more compact air pumps built into each leg sleeve. As an added bonus, the pumps are built into the side of each leg, which makes it easier to balance a laptop or book on your lap to get some work done during a session. Additionally, while it's pretty easy to reach in front of you to turn the boots on and adjust the compression level, the Elite version also offers the ability to use these controls via Bluetooth and the Hyperice app.

Details and specifications​

The Normatec Elite system is the lightest version yet, with each leg sleeve attachment weighing just 3.2 pounds. It provides seven levels of compression with ZoneBoost technology that allows you to apply extra time and pressure to a particular zone. The system is also TSA-approved for carry-on, which is definitely a plus considering how much easier this version is to travel with.


The leg sleeves also come in three sizes: short, (5'3" and under); standard (5'4"-6'3", which is what I tested) and tall (6'4" and over).

My results​

Just like with the previous version, I was pleased with how this air compression system worked to help me recover from long runs and speed workouts. I like to crank the strength up to the max Level 7, which provides a firm but not painful massage. I haven't noticed any difference in the compression strength of the boots compared to the previous version. However, I never had any complaints there, so I wouldn't necessarily call that a drawback.

The bottom line​

While some may think no change in the system's efficacy wouldn't merit the price increase of about $200, I would say the more compact system does make the higher cost worth it. I never would have traveled to an out-of-state race with the older, bulkier system, but now I just might take this upgraded version with me for my next goal half-marathon in 2025.


Additionally, while the high price point of just under $1,000 may seem hard to justify, in the long run it is way cheaper than scheduling regular sessions with a massage therapist. It's also way more relaxing and easier to commit to than other recovery techniques such as foam rolling or using a massage gun, which also don't allow for multi-tasking. I would say they are definitely a worthwhile purchase for any endurance athlete regularly putting in hard training for a specific event goal.

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