Air Relax Classic 2.0 Leg Recovery System Review - Compression Boots For All Levels
We strapped on the Air Relax Classic 2.0 Compression Boots for fresh legs after a solid session
Air Relax 2.0 Compression Boots Review
We’ve lately been focussing on the benefits of compression boots, and our testing has been supported by Air Relax Compression Boots. Basic post workout recovery methods and muscle repair techniques stretching and rolling are outdated when you look at the latest recovery tools like compression boots, massage guns, red light therapy, infrared saunas and even hyperbaric chambers.
Of course, intelligent stretching and mobility programs have an irreplaceable function in smart recovery from training, optimal performance and injury prevention in sport and everyday life, but using tools like compression boots should be considered a tool of regular use, and one that gives an exercise recovery advantage.
Compression therapy is rooted in science and is achieved by using compression boots and other compression sleeves and body garments to provide the benefits of increasing blood flow and circulation, removing waste products and metabolites from exercise, reducing DOMS, and reducing muscular aches and pains.
In this article, we strap on the Air Relax Classic 2.0 Leg Recovery System and run through how compression boots should be used, if these compression boots are worth the money, how they compare to other compression boots and an overall Air Relax Review on performance metrics for their recovery boots.
Who are Air Relax?
Air Relax are a wellness brand originating in the USA, producing recovery gear in the form of compression technology for the last 20 years. Air Relax have expanded their brands through strong performance and are selling quality compression boots in Australia, UK, Europe, New Zealand and still with a heavy presence in the US market.
Air Relax currently has global sites spanning across Australia, Canada, Europe, Israel, Mexico, Central America, Philippines, Turkey, South America and other available countries.
The brand is used widely by a lot of elite sports men and women. Air Relax’s ethos is rooted is supporting athletes to perform and they indeed have been helping many world class athletes to recover well and perform at their peak.
Athletes like F1 Driver Alex Albon, Triathlete Anna Noguera, MMA Fighter Ian Heinisch, Trail Runner Thibaut Garrivier, Ironman Shonnon Eckstein, Superbike Rider Danny Buchan, cyclist Donny Carroll and many more, have been supported by Air Relax and swear by their compression technology for their own performance wins.
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Why We Use Compression Boots For Recovery
Air Relax Review
Compression boots have their roots in medical use, for the treatment of circulatory disorders like varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. Although compression therapy is still used for these treatments today, the benefits of compression boots have extended deep in the fitness and wellness community for recovering from exercise.
What do compression boots do for recovery? The way in which compression boots work at a physiological level is quite simple. From an exercise perspective, as you push your body to the limits with physical exertion from exercise and energy output, your body produces metabolic waste products which are released into the blood, something you’ve probably physically felt as ‘fatigue’ in the muscles when you push yourself to your limits.
When we engage in anaerobic exercise types, a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles from exerting the body beyond the limits of available oxygen can be produced which can reduce muscle function. Although evidence suggest that muscle soreness and pain (DOMS) is more a result of muscle tears and trauma from physical exertion, not lactic acid, compression boots serve the purpose of increasing the flow of blood, oxygen and essential nutrients for faster removal of these waste products and faster repair of microscopic muscle tears.
Compression boots, like the Air Relax 2.0 Leg Recovery System, create a massaging effect by creating a flow of pressure in a wave along the legs, essentially squeezing fresh blood and therefore more oxygen around the body. By increasing blood flow, compression boots compression boots are promoting faster repair of damaged or torn muscle fibres and improving lymphatic drainage.
Many athletes use compression boots in conjunction with other recovery modalities like ice baths and infrared sauna therapy to promote the best environment for optimal recovery. Post exercise it is important to push blood supply around the body for growth and repair. In short, more blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients being delivered to the muscles, meaning more rapid recovery and faster healing.
When you look at the science of compression therapy it is very clear that using compression boots, like Air Relax Boots, can offer the following benefits:
Decreased Inflammation
Increased Circulation
Increased Flexibility
Increased Pain Threshold
Air Relax 2.0 Leg Recovery Review
Air Relax Review
Air Relax have a number of quality compression boots models online and are currently releasing the Air Relax Pro 4.0 Leg Recovery System. We were lucky enough to have a set of the Air Relax Classic 2.0 Leg Recovery Boots shipped to our testing space and we have been able to work through a comprehensive Air Relax Review for you, with 3 months of using the boots leading up to a Spartan Race.
With our primary focus being optimal recovery for humans, when using compression boots, we are testing their efficacy for how they make the legs and body feel following strenuous exercise, how quickly they help you be able to perform again but also how they feel to wear and how they compare to other recovery modalities.
In the lead up to the Spartan event in 2022, the Air Relax Classic 2.0 Leg Recovery Boots were used after a variety of training types with varying levels of intensity, volume, load and duration. I can personally say that my legs have never felt fresher after a 30-minute session in the Air Relax Compression Boots after an interval session or strength endurance block preparing for a race.
Bottom Line
Air Relax 2.0 Compression Boots are an entry level compression boot with high end feel and really solid value for money at $575USD. If you are someone who is new to compression boots and don’t have the budget for rechargeable or wireless compression boots but still get all the benefits of compression boots, these are the best compression boots for you.
Pros
Affordable price
Easy set up
Multiple massage modes
Fast inflation
4 different pressure intensities
Comfortable and non-toxic material
3 different sizing options
Cons
Not portable or rechargeable
No Bluetooth connectivity
Air Relax 2.0 Setup
Compression technology has come a long way, and common compression boots, even the most basic, have really simple plug-and-play design for using compression boots at home. Setting up the Air Relax Classic 2.0 Leg Recovery Boots is achievable in about 30 seconds or less.
To set up the Air Relax 2.0 Boots, the main compression unit plugs straight into a standard wall socket in whichever country you purchased the boots including Australia, USA, UK, Europe, New Zealand and more. The Air Relax system has a series of plugs running up the leg seam which is where the hoses plug into to be able to fill the compression boots chambers with air from the compression unit.
Air Relax provides basic setup instructions with the purchase of all of their compression boots systems but the way these boots are designed makes them reasonably simple to plug-and-play. When we set up the Air Relax 2.0 for the first time out of the box, we were able to set them up in about 5 minutes with no instructions.
For some pretty basic step-by-step instructions:
1. Plug the compressor unit into the wall
2. Connect the hoses to the individual boot sleeve
3. Plug the connector for each boot sleeve onto the corresponding space on the compressor unit
4. Unzip the boots and slide your legs as far into the boot sleeve as possible, then zip up to the top
5. Select your desired session length, select your massage mode, I really like Mode B. Select your pressure setting
6. Sit back and ideally elevate your legs to further increase the flow of blood around the body
The Air Relax 2.0 compressor unit has very simple touch buttons and an LED display that allows you to adjust the pressure settings, massage mode and session length. This can all be changed mid compression session and the boots will adjust accordingly.
The boots take about 3 minutes to complete their initial fill when you first turn them on then will fill and release much faster than this during subsequent fills.
Air Relax 2.0 Boots Specs
The features of the Air Relax 2.0 or AR 2 Compression Boots give them a very high value for money feel. These compression boots are the first in the range for Air Relax however they have since released another three models of compression boots. When you buy the Air Relax 2.0 Leg Recovery System you have the following features and specifications:
· Digital Controlled Operation Cycle – The compressor unit features a number of LED displays that allow you to choose from three massage modes including auto mode, four pressure levels and multiple session lengths
· Medical Grade Pump – The Air Relax compressor unit pumps 15 litres per minute into the boots which allows for a high number of cycles per session
· Biocompatible Garment – The Air Relax boot sleeves are designed and made using non-toxic, lead free material that is medical grade and features a high level of manufacturer test procedures
· YKK Zippers – All zips on the Air Relax boots are made from YKK zips which are a highly dependable and trusted industrial/commercial grade zip
· Air Relax Classic Leg Recovery System – Each purchase includes the AR 2.0 control unit with 110V US Plug, pair of two leg sleeves, and user manual
Air Relax 2.0 Price
You can buy the Air Relax with or without a carry case
The Air Relax 2.0 Leg Recovery System costs $575USD or $650USD to include the carry case for the boots. The Air Relax Boots can be purchased into three different sizes which we will touch on later.
Air Relax also give the option when purchasing through their website to add product protection through Extend, with three different levels of protection. The Extend addition offers an addition year cover for $46.99, 2 years for $109 or 3 years for $129.
We have tested loads of compression boots and the price of the Air Relax compression boots is very reasonable. Compression boots can reach upwards of $2000 for some of the most high-tech compression boots, which include added features like Bluetooth connectivity, app integration, wireless technology and portable, battery powered functionality.
At $575, the Air Relax Boots are a true entry level no-brainer for people who are training almost every day of the week or preparing for an event that requires rapid recovery from regular bouts of intense exercise, without the budget or need for super high tech compression boots.
Air Relax 2.0 Warranty
The Air Relax Compression Boots come with a 1 year warranty which is the industry standard manufacturer’s warranty. The 1 year warranty covers all sleeves and device pumps including sleeve zippers and electronic components.
Ideally, we look for a longer warranty period but considering these compression boots offer a competitive price point, the warranty period matches the boots. As mentioned previously, you can also add additional protection through Extend when shopping Air Relax online.
Air Relax 2.0 Performance
The Air Relax Compression Boots have high level of performance and functionality for their price.
The Air Relax Classic 2.0 compression boots offer four different massage programmes, four different pressure settings between 30-230mmHg and four compression chambers for a precise and even treatment.
Put simply, the Air Relax compression boots feel much more high tech than their price tag. You can get the benefits of compression boot use without spending too much. Not only do the Air Relax boots have a simple design, achievable price tag and good functionality, I have seriously never felt fresher legs after a 10 km run or solid interval session.
Massage Settings
The four massage settings or modes on the Air Relax boots can be broken down into the following descriptions:
Mode A – inflates chambers one at a time
Mode B – sequentially inflates chambers from bottom to top, maintaining pressure as each chamber inflates
Mode C – inflates all chambers at once for all over pressure, then releases
Auto Mode – Combines all three modes
Our preferred massage mode is Mode B, which provides a sequential pressure up the four compression chambers in the boots. This give a really like squeezing affect and can be described like squeezing a toothpaste tube from the bottom. This massage mode seems like it would give the greatest benefit for lymphatic drainage as it provides a constant pressure flowing up the leg.
Other Air Relax reviews have reported that Mode A is the best massage mode as it provides individual bouts of pressure to isolated sections of the leg before releasing and moving to the next section.
Portability
The Air Relax Compression boots may be lacking a little bit in portability, being a compression boots system that you have to plug into the wall. Many compression boots now come with a rechargeable battery pack that allows you to go cord free and mean that the compression boots are more portable. Although these compression boots are not portable, the price reflects this as portable compression boots with Lithium battery packs are generally double the price.
Air Relax 2.0 Leg Recovery Sizes
It is super important to shop for the correct size compression boots for your legs or limbs. When fitting recovery boots, it should be noted that they should be pulled as high as possible to get the right fit and ideal coverage around the muscles, with the feet being the least important or necessary part of the body to compress with the boots.
For the Air Relax Classic Compression Boots there are three different sizes: 2, 3 and 4. These sizes allow for different leg length and width requirements and suit various body types.
Compression boots that are too small for your legs will not allow the boots to cover enough of the leg and get high enough on the body to fully compression the leg and flush the blood around the body. Both boots too big, and boots too small, will be uncomfortable and reduce the effectiveness of the compression therapy potential that you are aiming for using compression boots.
I am 175cm tall with an athletic build and the Size 3 Air Relax boots suited me. If you have long legs size 4 is definitely better, as you want full coverage of your legs to get the most out of your compression boots.
Too small, and the boots will be too tight around your legs and won’t cover your quads which is the area most people want to massage. Too large, and the compression boots won’t be able to inflate tight enough to get full compression benefits and the boots may compress your feet which is not ideal.
The sizing options can be summarised below:
Size 2
Inseam - 26” – 30”
Height - 5’ 2” – 5’ 6”
Size 3
Inseam - 30” – 34”
Height - 5’ 7” – 6’ 0”
Size 4
Inseam - 34” – 38”
Height - 6’ 1” – Above
Air Relax Compression Boot Options and Models
Air Relax has a good range of compression gear available on their website.
Aside from the Classic 2.0 Leg Recovery System, Air Relax also have the AR 3 and AR 4 compression boots in their range.
The more expensive compression boot models offer a greater number of compression programmes, modes and intensities and also include more compression chambers to give a better quality compression. Some of the higher priced compression boots on their range also come with a remote control so you can adjust the controls without having to adjust the body which can be difficult while the boots are inflated.
The base model that we tested are the ideal model for those who are new to compression boots and don’t want to spend too much money on compression boots but still experience the benefits of compression boots.
The newer model compression boots in the Air Relax range, the Air Relax Pro 4.0 Compression Boots, are almost double the price of the AR 2.0 Boots but include far superior compression technology and have a much higher tech compressor unit with more features, compression modes, intensities, compression chambers and a more sleek design.
Air Relax FAQ’s
What are the benefits of compression boots?
The benefits of compression boots have been used for decades in the treatment of circulatory issues like lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. Compression boot offer multiple benefits in the fitness and wellness space, with science showing that compression boots can be used as an effective tool for treatment for muscle pain, inflammation following exercise, faster muscle repair, reducing swelling, removing lactic build up after exercise
When using compression boots, you can expect that you will be helping to remove lactic acid build up faster, boost the circulation of oxygen rich blood to aid in muscle and injury repair, reduce the effect of DOMS and muscle soreness and stiffness, increase the flexibility and range of motion, and reduce perception of pain.
How long should you use Air Relax recovery boots for?
Compression boots are relatively safe to use for session lengths of up to 1 hour. The Air Relax Recovery boots allow you to set your session length and I usually aim for about 30 minutes after a run or cycle to have my legs feeling super fresh the next day. It also depends what intensity you use the boots on and how sore you muscle are. You may find that 20 minutes at pressure level 3 is enough for you.
Are compression boots safe to use?
Compression boots are relatively safe to use for most people but you should definitely consult your doctor to see if compression boots are suitable for you to use, particularly if you have any of the following:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Infections
- Osteoporosis
- Embolisms or diving related injuries
- Blood clotting
- Open wounds and cuts
How many massage modes does Air Relax have?
The Air Relax Classic 2.0 has 4 modes of massage.
"A'' mode inflates and deflates the chambers from the bottom up, one at a time.
"B" mode also inflates the chambers from the bottom up, but maintains the pressure in the lowers chambers as it works its way to the top.
"C" mode maintains pressure in all chambers at once, and then releases.
"AUTO" function starts when it's pressed during the operation. "AUTO" program combines "MODE" (A, B, C)
Compression boots vs compression socks
Compression socks do not offer any where close to the same benefits as compression boots. Yes, compression socks offer some benefits for reducing inflammation and swelling, particularly useful for flying with. But, compression boots are an active device that helps to push fresh blood around the body which helps with faster recovery, whereas compression socks and other compression garments are static.
Obviously, compression boots are much more expensive than compression socks, but if you are looking for a tool that actually helps speed up recovery time, reduce DOMS, reduce swelling and inflammation after a hard workout, then compression boots are a much more effective treatment protocol than compression socks or compression tights.
Compression boots vs massage gun
Compression boots are a much more all round treatment than a massage gun. While a massage gun can offer a targeted release for small areas of tight muscles and knots in areas like the glutes, quads, shoulders and even neck and feet, compression boots offer a much closer treatment to a traditional hands on massage.
As far as recovery goes, massage guns are more effective for releasing acute tension in isolated areas of muscles, but compression boots are a more effective overall recovery method as they actually help to push fresh blood around the body and remove waste products which massage guns can not do as well. In term of price comparison, most massage guns are about half to one quarter of the price of compression boots so massage guns are more budget option for recovery.
If you have the budget, using both massage guns to release tight muscles and then using compression boots after to flush out the legs and increase blood flow is a very effective way to recover from exercise.
Final Word on Air Relax 2.0 Leg Recovery Boots
Honestly, I am now addicted to using the Air Relax Boots. Compression boots have become a staple recovery modality for me and 30 minutes in the Air Relax boots have a huge effect on how well recovered and fresh my legs feel even after a solid run or strength session.
The science of compression boots and the results experienced when using compression boots vs not using them makes having a set of compression boots at home a no-brainer for anyone serious about athletic performance and maximising recovery potential.
There are definitely much more expensive compression boots on the market and some that have a few additional features, but the Air Relax Classic, being the base model in the Air Relax range, provide really good functionality at an affordable price.
If you are a high level athlete or someone who is preparing for an upcoming race, run, triathlon, team game, marathon or ironman and want to perform better, having a set of Air Relax boots that you can use for 20-30 minutes at home a few times a week is an smart way to recover.
