Conversations regarding compression boots as recovery equipment are not new. In an email to me from Oyshia Hamman, a multi-sport athlete, Leg Compression Boot User, who has helped me in the past on this question, she brings up the topic of leg compression boots as part of leg training.

Some leg training guides suggest using boots to simulate compression training (Paul Levy’s book Work Hard, Feel Good and Michael Levin’s Legology provide detailed instructions for this). However, using leg compression boots for recovery is far different than what might be expected from compression therapy.

What are the aims of leg compression boots?

The sole aim of leg compression boots is to increase blood flow and improve circulation during a leg workout. However, in order to achieve this goal, boots need to be worn for prolonged periods and can sometimes be tough to breathe in during a quick leg workout. The practice of leg compression boots is usually reserved for advanced leg workouts that involve the leg in a limited or painful manner (thighs, feet). Therefore, you will want to use leg compression boots only for weeks that require a lot of leg work.

The sole aim of leg compression boots is to increase blood flow and improve circulation during a leg workout. However, in order to achieve this goal, boots need to be worn for prolonged periods and can sometimes be tough to breathe in during a quick leg workout. The practice of leg compression boots is usually reserved for advanced leg workouts that involve the leg in a limited or painful manner (thighs, feet). Therefore, you will want to use leg compression boots only for weeks that require a lot of leg work. For most people who work out regularly, this should be every couple of weeks.

Leg compression boots are also ideal to prevent leg burn while cycling, which often happens during longer rides. In fact, riders using leg compression boots report that they ride much longer without experiencing leg burn.

In my opinion, leg compression boots and cycling go hand-in-hand. A cyclist who travels on road with leg compression boots on can use their legs to increase leg muscle endurance in a manner that will ultimately help them stay upright and maintain optimal pedal strokes. That’s why using leg compression boots as a cycling technique is so beneficial to your leg workouts, but why they can also be used for leg workouts outside of cycling. If you have never tried leg compression boots before, I highly recommend you give them a try. If you have an active lifestyle and like cycling and yoga, a leg compression boot will surely enhance your fitness and help you get in the zone.

Conclusion

Leg compression boots seem to work well for recovery from leg training. Leg compression boots are recommended for recovery from leg training, compression boot reviews appear to find compression boots to be helpful in enhancing leg recovery after leg training.

If professional athletes and those who participate in sports at a competitive-enough level swear by these, then the answer to your question about using them is clear!