The Normatec Premier compression boots use integrated air pumps and eliminate external hoses to make recovery easier than ever
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Hyperice)
(Image credit: Hyperice)
T3 Verdict
Reasons to buy+Very user-friendly+Integrated control unit and no external hoses+Lightweight+Less bulky and lighter than Normatec 3 Legs+Able to run different sessions on each leg+Available in different leg lengthsReasons to avoid-Not the easiest to fold up-Not the best option for those on a budget (expensive)
Reasons to buy+Very user-friendly+Integrated control unit and no external hoses+Lightweight+Less bulky and lighter than Normatec 3 Legs+Able to run different sessions on each leg+Available in different leg lengths
Very user-friendly
Integrated control unit and no external hoses
Lightweight
Less bulky and lighter than Normatec 3 Legs
Able to run different sessions on each leg
Available in different leg lengths
Reasons to avoid-Not the easiest to fold up-Not the best option for those on a budget (expensive)
Not the easiest to fold up
Not the best option for those on a budget (expensive)
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jump to category:Price and availabilityWhat’s new?How do they work?Ease of useRecovery performanceNormatec Premier: Verdict
Jump to category:Price and availabilityWhat’s new?How do they work?Ease of useRecovery performanceNormatec Premier: Verdict
I had yet to try a pair myself, so when Hyperice reached out asking if I wanted to test the new Normatec Premier boots, I was keen. Unlike most compression boots on the market, the Normatec Premier eliminates external hoses and control units. Instead, they have a slim controller attached to the side of the boot, making them less bulky, lighter and easy to use.
I’ve always been a little skeptical about compression boots, as studies show mixed evidence on efficacy. However, after having used the Normatec Premier for the past three months, I can happily say that I’m a compression boot convert and that I’ll be very sad to hand them back over.
Read my full review below to see whether it’s the right tool to add to your recovery routine.
Normatec Premier: Price and availability
The Normatec Premier (known as the ‘Normatec Elite’ in the US) was launched in October 2024 and is available to buy now directly fromHyperice USandHyperice UKfor a recommended return price of $999/£999. For this price you also receive a soft carry pouch for storing the boots and a charger.
Normatec Premier: what’s new?
(Image credit: Hyperice)
(Image credit: Hyperice)
The Normatec Premier presents considerable upgrades from its predecessor, theNormatec 3 Legs. The most significant change is there is no separate control unit or external hoses. Instead, there are two small units attached to the side of each boot, similar to the Normatec Lower Legs, which doubles up as a control unit and air pump.
This makes them considerably less bulky and more portable if you’re planning to take them out and about on the go. According to Hyperice, it’s the lightest compression boot on the market, with each boot also weighing 1.45kg (the 3 Legs control unit alone weighs this while Therabody’s Recovery AirJet Boots range from 1.86kg to 2.03kg per boot). I still wouldn’t go as far as to say that I found them ‘easy’ to pack down, but it definitely is doable.
There’s been a battery boost too. Now, you get up to four hours of charge time— an additional hour up from the Legs 3 and the same as theRecovery AirJet Boots.
Normatec Premier: How do they work?
Hyperice claims that they help with lymphatic drainage, pain, and soreness so thatdelayed onset muscle soreness(DOMS) never gets in the way of your training performance.
Is there any science to back up air compression on muscle recovery though? A2015 studyfound pneumatic compression “was not effective” in improving recovery in well-trained athletes, when used in between cycling and running intervals. Whereas, a2018 studyfound that daily 20-minute treatments of pneumatic compression “provided superior recovery from DOMS” in the elbow flexors.
Anotherstudyrevealed wearing compression boots for 20 minutes after an ultramarathon saw a reduction in muscle fatigue and soreness. However, the same benefits weren’t experienced when worn the following day during a max-effort 400-metre run.
As you can see, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
Normatec Premier: Ease of use
(Image credit: Hyperice)
(Image credit: Hyperice)
The Normatec Premier boots are easier than ever to use, especially with the integrated control unit. You simply zip on the boots (they’re already synced to each other), hit on, choose your level of air compression (1-7), the time you’d like your treatment for (15-60 minutes), hit start, then sit back and relax.
There’s also a ‘pause’ button, if you need a loo break or to do a quick errand in between those longer treatments, and, similar to the 3 Legs, a ‘ZoneBoost’ button which allows you to increase the intensity of a particular zone where you may need some additional TLC. You can use the boots while on charge too.
Although I didn’t think the Hyperice app was worth downloading when I reviewed theNormatec Lower Legs, it’s worth it for the Premier. With the app, you can select an ‘Active Zone’ (the area on your leg you’d like to target), as shown in the picture below for a more focused treatment.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Normatec Premier: recovery performance
(Image credit: Hyperice)
(Image credit: Hyperice)
I was sent the ‘standard’ size boots, however, these were a little too long for me (I’m around 5.5ft), so my foot didn’t entirely reach the bottom of the boot. Fellow shorties out there will be pleased to know there is a ‘short’ size available (for those under 160cm), and for taller folk, a ‘long’ size, if you’re 192cm and over.
I would typically slip on the boots after a heavy deadlift and squat session, or if my conditioning consisted of any running. Anywhere between levels 5 and 7 was my go-to. Level 7 gives an incredibly tight squeeze, to the point where it became slightly uncomfortable around my foot and thigh. However, I personally found that after an intense training session my stiff, achy muscles were significantly reduced the following day so I could continue training to my full potential.
(Image credit: Hyperice)
(Image credit: Hyperice)
I would never really use the boots for longer than 30 minutes and I never found they became too hot during this time, albeit, I’ve been using them during the colder months. I can imagine they’d probably get a little stuffy on a longer cycle during the summer. However, the boots are easy to maintain; a quick wipe down and leaving them open to air-dry will do the job.
Overall, I preferred using the boots to my regular massage gun or foam roller. Both these options may be significantly cheaper, but I feel like the boots do a more thorough job of targeting your entire leg. The only caveat is that they’re a lot louder than these recovery tools, so if you are sitting back and watching TV while getting your daily dose of air compression, you’re going to want to crank up the volume a few notches.
They’re also not that easy to stuff inside yourgym bag. I know Hyperice says they’re more portable, and I did manage to get them folded back up after about five attempts once deflated, but they still weren’t quite small enough to fit in my bag.
Normatec Premier: Verdict
Are the Normatec Premier’s worth purchasing? If you’re someone whose training demands a lot of lower body attention and you’re serious about recovery, then— price aside— I don’t think you can go wrong with the Normatec Premier boots. The integrated control unit and air pumps make them incredibly easy to use, they have a wide range of compression levels and (despite still not being the easiest to fold) they are one of the more portable compression boots on the market.
They may be £100 more than the Normatec Legs 3, but, for this, you get a better battery life, they’re lighter and easier to use with the integrated control units.
If, however, the Premier’s eye-watering price is a bit of a problem, you’ll be pleased to know there are cheaper alternatives from other leading brands, such as Therabody’s newJetBoots Prime. Similar to the Premier, these boots are wireless and lightweight with the intention of being more travel-friendly. They’ll only set you back £449, making them ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
You only need two dumbbells and this 30-minute workout to grow your glutes at home
New Samsung Galaxy S25 marketing images show all phones in close-up detailNew leak reveals more on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and standard models
New leak reveals more on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and standard models
Research shows your should test your home for radon every 2 years – this tiny smart device will help you do itRadon detection can save lives
Radon detection can save lives
