Hyperice Normatec Legs 3 Review: Yes, These Compression Boots Are Actually Worth the Investment

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If you’ve ever engaged in a competitive sport or trained for a marathon, you know how a grueling game or long endurance run feels. While amazing and energizing at times, your muscles can feel heavy, sore and outright painful. Rest and recovery are essential components of any exercise and wellness program, giving the body time to repair, rebuild and strengthen between workouts.

One warm-up and recovery tool many athletes have turned to are compression boots, also known as compression sleeves or pneumatic compression systems. These devices are designed to improve circulation in the legs and reduce swelling. While originally created as medical devices to help patients with certain conditions, they’ve since proven useful at helping athletes recover from taxing workouts, too.

There are several compression therapy devices on the market. To help you find the right one for you, we tested the newest evolution of the iconic Normatec series—the Hyperice Normatec 3—to see how it works and the benefits it offers. Here’s a product overview and our tested feedback.

Spec Overview:

• Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Compression Levels: 3
• Battery Life: 3 hours
• Connection: Bluetooth
• Price: $699 (HSA/FSA eligible)

What we like about the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs:

• Leg attachments are made with durable materials
• Convenient sturdy carrying case available
• Seven intensity levels plus Zone Boost technology for targeted compression
• Comes in a variety of sizes, including short, standard, long and extra-wide

What to consider about the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs:

• Bulky and may not be practical to travel with and carrying case must be purchased separately
• Compression specs (mmHg, or millimeters of mercury) not available
• Set-up and actually getting in to the boots can be awkward
• With a price tag of $699, it won’t fit all budgets

What Are the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs?

Compression boots are awkward-looking devices. They consist of inflatable chambers, or sleeves, that wrap around the legs and are connected to a device that intermittently inflates and deflates the chambers. This process creates a squeezing or compression action that helps to enhance blood flow in the veins of the leg. The Normatec is the original dynamic air compression machine. It was designed by medical doctors and researchers and has been scientifically tested for effectiveness and efficiency.

The Normatec 3 is a refreshed system design from its previous iterations. It’s lighter in weight and comes with additional features and customizations through the Hyperice App, which the device connects to via Bluetooth. It offers seven levels of compression plus the company’s patented ZoneBoost technology to provide precise treatment to five overlapping zones.

What’s great about this devices is it’s one of the only recovery tools that you don’t have to manually control while in use, which is a big part of the appeal. Massage guns and foam rollers, for instance, use manual pressure—you have to do the work to get the reward. But with leg compression machines, you just sit down and cozy up until the session is over, and you get free use of your hands. Simply slide your legs into the inflatable sleeves, zip in, and power up the device. Then, sit back and relax, watch TV or pet your dog, and let the massaging power of the machine do its job.

While you rest, the machine pumps air into the sleeves, which compresses your legs, then quickly deflates and releases the tension. According to Normatec, this action supposedly helps flush out toxins and metabolic waste from the muscles, allowing hormones to repair and rebuild the tissues. This, in turn, is purported to increase circulation and help with lymphatic drainage, which may result in less pain and soreness.

Standout Features of the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs

The Hyperice Normatec 3 is not the only compression recovery system on the market. The Therabody RecoveryAir JetBoots and Recovapro Air are good options as well. What makes the Normatec 3 legs device stand out is the multiple compression and zone settings, which make it great for routine training or high-level competition, whether as a high-tech massage to warm up your muscles before a workout or reduce recovery time after a grueling training session.

The device comes with a small console that indicates the pressure level, zone and time left in your session. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can fine-tune your pre-workout and recovery sessions in the Hyperice App.

Using the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs

Senior Editor Jordan Smith, NASM-CPT, tested the Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs and provided her feedback:

“Right out of the box, the Normatec Legs 3 were super easy to use—you just unfold them, zip them on and go,” she said. “The control unit was already charged, and so far I’ve used it about seven times and it does not seem like it will need a charge anytime soon.”

However, she notes that getting into the boots can be a little awkward, and you’ll need to use them in a space where you can fully stretch out, such as a bed, couch or comfortable spot on the floor (keep in mind you’ll be in the position you choose for 15–60 minutes, depending on the cycle you choose).

“I tested the Normatec 3 “Legs,” during a time when I was going to a bootcamp class multiple days in a row to complete a challenge, so I was super glad to have this recovery aid. Zipping in for a post-workout recovery session helped me be able to tackle class the next day feeling much less sore than I would've without it.” Her favorite part of use? That you can just zip them on and pop on 30 minutes of your favorite Bravo show or read a couple chapters and before you know it, your recovery session is over.

As mentioned above, there are seven levels of compression, powered by air. Level four was the highest she ever went, noting that it was a surprise that the boots are super compressive even on the lower levels.

“I really like that the legs are split into five 'zones' and you can either let the cycle run its course, or choose a zone for the cycle to focus on,” she said. “The Normatec app allows for further customization, you can choose routines such as a pre-workout warm up, post-run recovery and post-workout recovery.”

While Smith isn’t currently training for anything, and said her fitness goals right now include getting back into running longer distances after rehabbing an injury, she hopes that continued use of these boots will help boost her recovery and help her to stay injury-free. 

“I’ll be the first to admit I don’t do enough when it comes to recovery, and these boots really take the guesswork out of it,” she said. “As I’m getting back into running, I know that I need to focus more on my pre-run warmup and I will definitely be taking advantage of the pre-workout warm up setting: using it before a recent run had my legs feeling fresh and ready to go.”

After testing, Smith notes that she wouldn’t necessarily recommend these boots for just anyone, as they do take up a lot of space and they are pricey. However, the boots are great quality and work really well, so if you’re training for a marathon or are a serious powerlifter, these boots would be great to add to your recovery routine.

Construction and Design

ZoneBoost Tech

The Normatec 3’s ZoneBoost technology is an optional setting that targets specific sections of your legs. There are five zones in each boot: feet, calves, knees, lower quads and upper quads. You can set it so that the device cycles through all five zones, or you can select a specific zone to target. The ZoneBoost also provides a tad more compression than the non-ZoneBoost settings. Theoretically, this extra targeted compression may help speed up recovery in those areas more than the non-ZoneBoost selections.

Attachments

If you’re looking to target other areas of your body, Hyperice also has arm and hip attachments for sale for an additional cost. Arm attachments provide dynamic air compression massage from your shoulders to your fingertips. The hip attachments target the lower-back and hip areas to potentially help alleviate soreness and tightness in those spots.

The compression boots come with a Nerf-ball-sized control unit, which weighs 3.4 pounds and feels like a giant battery in your hand, which it pretty much is. The battery life is about two to three hours, which is plenty long to last multiple uses between charges.

Another “attachment” is the sturdy carrying case. Yep, they don’t automatically come with a carry-on case, which is odd. There’s a rubber-handled, suitcase-like version and a backpack version, both of which make it a lot easier to carry the bulky device around. These cases are sturdy and convenient, but they also add about $250 to the price tag.

Controls

Compression Levels

There are seven intensity levels along with the ZoneBoost technology, which provides. Extra time and pressure in a particular zone of the legs. Compression is measured in mmHg, or millimeters of mercury, so I attempted to find specs on this for the Normatec 3 boots. (For example, compression socks or stockings may specify they provide 20-30 mmHg of compression.)

However, I couldn’t find anything on the mmHg of these zones, and I’m disappointed (though not surprised) because Normatec was acquired by Hyperice, which regularly fails to provide specs like this.

Hyperice App

The app allows you to use your smartphone to change the pressure and zone settings rather than picking up the large attached console. It also allows you to choose from a selection of routines that automatically change pressures and zones so you can relax and let the machine do the work for you. Bottom line, it’s a convenient remote option if you don’t like working off the console or if you prefer a more structured therapy session.

Benefits of Leg Compression Machines

Leg compression machines were originally designed as medical devices because the therapy offers several benefits. Here are some of the potential advantages:

Blood clots

Compression devices use sequential pneumatic compression to apply pressure to different parts of the legs, helping to enhance blood circulation. This can be beneficial for potentially reducing swelling, preventing blood clot formation, treating or preventing varicose veins and possibly aiding in overall vascular health, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Inflammation

Compression can assist in reducing inflammation and edema (swelling) by promoting the movement of fluids and preventing the build-up of excess fluid in the tissues. This can be particularly useful for individuals with conditions like lymphedema (fluid build-up in soft tissue) or those recovering from surgery, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Faster Injury Recovery

Compression therapy is often incorporated into rehabilitation programs for individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, or orthopedic procedures. The enhanced circulation and reduction of swelling can aid in the healing process, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Pain Management

Compression devices may help in managing pain, especially in individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. By improving circulation and reducing inflammation, these devices can contribute to a reduction in pain levels.

Related Post: The Best Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Customer Reviews

Here are what customers say about the Normatec 3:

“As an avid soccer player, I've tried various recovery methods, but the Hyperice NormaTec 3 system has truly taken my post-soccer recovery to the next level...It's simply amazing in reducing post-game soreness and helping me recover faster. I highly recommend it to fellow soccer enthusiasts looking to elevate their recovery game. It's an investment in your well-being and performance that‘s truly worth it,” said one Amazon customer.

Monica H., another Amazon purchaser, said, “My teenage boys train soccer at a higher level and they get the usual splints and the growing pains. Adding Normatec to their current list of recovery routines of massages and Cold Water Treatment was (in my mind) worth the investment.”

Normatec 2 vs. Normatec 3

Normatec 2 and 3 are similar models of the same device. They’re both fully customizable and both allow you to target areas for specific time and pressure. Normatec 2 uses a program called Recovery Flush that allows you to set a treatment time and intensity level and the system applies that same level of pressure throughout the boot, cycling from bottom to top until the session is finished.

Normatec 3 has a newly designed control unit that’s more ergonomic and an attachment selection feature that allows you to easily switch between attachments and modes. It also has five zones that you can access and customize through the Hyperice App. Normatec 3 is also lighter and has 50 percent more battery life.

Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs FAQs

How often can you use the Normatec 3?

You can use the Normatec 3 Legs as often as you like—every day and even multiple times a day. But for the most benefit, it’s recommended to use them after a grueling workout to ease sore, stiff legs. You can also use them pre-workout to help warmup your muscles.

Who shouldn’t use Normatec 3 Legs?

People with extreme limb deformities, local skin conditions or the known presence of malignancy in the legs or arms shouldn’t use this device. You also shouldn’t use the therapy if you have untreated limb infections, including cellulitis, a deep infection of the skin caused by bacteria. If you have any questions or underlying conditions, be sure to consult with your physician before using.

Is the Normatec 3 Legs worth it?

This depends on your budget and goals. If you are an endurance athlete or you suffer from a condition such as lymphedema, you will feel the therapeutic benefits, according to research published in Lymphatic Research and Biology. For some, who fit in one of these categories, the boots are a real game changer. But at $699 a pair, if you don’t have a need, they’re probably not worth it. It’s important to call out that these boots are FSA/HSA eligible, so if you’re on the fence and have some leftover funds in your account at the end of the year, this can be a great way to spend it.

Final Thoughts

The Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs compression therapy is an updated version of its Normatec 2 that offers five zones of cycling pressure that also allows you to target a single zone for a more customized session. While there are several compression therapy devices on the market, the Normatec 3 is a total game-changer for athletes or those who benefit from compression therapy for medical purposes. If you’re looking to invest in a compression therapy device, this is a great choice.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.