Recovery boots are now commonplace in fitness circles, yet pneumatic compression therapy itself is far from a trend. It’s a long-established medical technique—used in hospitals for decades to improve circulation and aid healing—that has recently gained traction for at-home muscle recovery. Therabody’s JetBoots Pro Plus represent the latest evolution in this space, combining compression with vibration and infrared LED light. But at $1,150, the question isn’t whether they work but whether the added features justify the premium price.
The Rise of At-Home Recovery
For years, compression boots were a niche tool for athletes and medical patients dealing with conditions like lymphedema or deep vein thrombosis. Now, brands like Normatec (now Hyperice) and Therabody have brought the technology mainstream. This shift reflects a growing wellness trend: proactive recovery as essential to performance and health, not just an afterthought.
What You Get with the JetBoots Pro Plus
Therabody’s JetBoots Pro Plus are designed to cover the entire leg—from foot to thigh—with synchronized compression, vibration, and infrared light. The boots are wireless, controlled via a built-in LCD panel on one of the units. Connectivity is seamless; they automatically re-link if disconnected.
The key features include:
- Pneumatic Compression: The core technology, improving blood flow and reducing muscle soreness.
- Vibration Therapy: Three intensity levels for additional muscle relief and pre-workout warm-up.
- Infrared LED Light: Designed to reduce inflammation, though efficacy is debated (more on this later).
- Customizable Settings: Eight preset routines, plus manual control of pressure (20-100 mmHg), vibration, and session length (10-60 minutes).
Notably, the JetBoots lack app integration, which some users may miss. However, the built-in controls are intuitive and eliminate the need for a phone connection.
Performance in Practice
After three months of testing, the JetBoots Pro Plus deliver on their core promise: effective compression therapy. The boots apply consistent pressure, noticeably reducing leg fatigue after workouts. The vibration function adds an extra layer of comfort, particularly helpful for warming up muscles before activity.
The infrared LED light, however, remains the biggest question mark. Therabody claims the boots emit 850 nanometer light—a wavelength commonly used for inflammation reduction. The company specifies that muscle tissue receives between 60-300 Joules of energy per session, citing research on muscular performance. However, without independent verification, the impact of this feature is hard to quantify.
One caveat: wearing synthetic clothing while using the boots will block the LED light and cause discomfort. Bare legs are recommended for optimal results.
The Verdict
The Therabody JetBoots Pro Plus are a high-end recovery tool that delivers on compression and vibration. The infrared light is a nice addition, but its effectiveness remains subjective. At $1,150, they represent a significant investment. If you already own a more affordable Therabody or Hyperice model, the upgrade may not be worth it. But for serious athletes or those seeking a premium recovery experience, the JetBoots Pro Plus are a powerful and well-engineered solution.
