Comparing Therabody RecoveryAir compression boots to classic compression socks, Radermacher says there’s no competition. Compression socks are designed to compress the legs without any movement or change in pressure. Compression boots offer active compression and allow the user to control the amount of pressure applied. “It’s similar to the difference between active and passive stretching, as mechanical devices provide a much higher degree of compression and work exponentially faster than socks,” adds Radermacher.

By covering the entire lower body, compression boots are more effective and comfortable than systems that act on one ankle, knee or elbow. RecoveryAir compression boots from Therabody are designed to work on both feet at the same time.

Radermacher notes that RecoveryAir is ahead of the competition by using precise pressure based on the size of the limb inside the sleeve to prevent excessive compression, which can cause discomfort, numbness and tingling in the compressed area. RecoveryAir also has a smoother, more gradual compression as it moves up the leg compared to those that fill each section individually, he says.