The Sharper Image Powerboost compression sleeves utilize air pressure to massage the legs and feet, aiding in workout recovery and relief from discomfort. The set has five different selectable massage modes, which includes two user-customizable options. Some modes squeeze the legs so tightly that I can feel the pulse in my legs quite strongly with the sleeves fully inflated. The set includes an air pumping control unit, a sleeve extension connector with dual-output heads, and two zippered leg sleeves. The sleeves are easy to put onto the legs and use. Air pressure is consistently strong throughout the entire sleeve, from the feet through the thighs. Noise is moderate and noticeable, but not overly loud during use. It is tolerable if trying to watch TV or listen to music during use. The sleeves can be used as a pair or solo. To use as a pair, I first connect the extension cable to the control unit and then connect both sleeves to the extension cable. To use a sleeve solo, a single sleeve can be connected directly to the control unit instead of using the extension. The other option is to connect the extension line to the control unit and then connect one sleeve to the extension, and plug the other empty output with the included rubber plug tethered to the extension hose head. Run time per session can last from ten to thirty minutes and can be increased or decreased in ten-minute increments. Air pressure can also be adjusted on the fly. The five treatment modes include the following: Pulse: inflates and deflates all regions simultaneously for a continuous full leg massage. This feels like the most aggressive of the modes and applies strong compression pressure throughout the legs and feet. It is also the most preferred and effective mode in our household. It repeatedly loosens and tightens during therapy to massage the legs and feet. Gradual: similar to Pulse but the sleeves inflate gradually rather than simultaneously, as the name suggests. It too has tight compression at max inflation and also loosens and tightens repeatedly to massage. Sequence: different sections fill with alternating pressure working its way up through different zones from feet to thighs. This mode doesn’t seem to squeeze the legs quite as tightly as the first two due to the individual zones being inflated alternately rather than all at once or gradually. Zone: the user selects up to five treatment areas for a pulse massage. Manual: user selects up to five treatment zones and adjusts the air pressure to the desired setting. The last two modes offer more customized massages. However, we seldom use them due to the convenience and good results we see from the automated modes. They work fine for our needs at the moment. If I start to feel like the treatment hits a plateau or becomes less effective, I may mix in the zone or manual mode. Otherwise, the first three automated modes are sufficient. The pump deflates the sleeves automatically at the end of a session, allowing them to be easily removed. The feature works fine if we allow the session to end on its own, but as everyone knows, that’s not always possible. For such instances, the user guide says quickly pressing the power button during use is supposed to deflate the sleeves and power off the control unit within three minutes. However, this quick stop feature never seems to work when we try it. The pump turns off, but the sleeve(s) remain inflated. My son is a distance runner who medaled in cross country in both high school and college. He regularly still runs 4 to 8 miles daily. I used to run 3-5 miles daily myself at his age, but no longer do so due to joint pain. I still work out my legs rigorously during the week through aerobic exercise, power walking, hiking, and strength training. I find the sleeves helpful for muscle soreness, joint pain, and cramping after strenuous leg activity. My son advised me that using the sleeves help make his legs feel more loose and agile after long runs and help him experience quicker, easier recovery times. He also uses them after strength training and feels they are helpful with quicker, less painful recovery there as well. The Powerboost compression sleeves are a quick and easy to use self treatment option that work well on sore or over exerted muscles. The air compressor is a bit bulky but manageable. The sleeves themselves don’t contain any heavy components, which is a plus, and the entire set is easy to disassemble and store away when not in use. Overall, it’s a good set for the price and it provides a solid and effective leg massage.

It's perfect for recovering after workouts or unwinding after a long day. Comes in one size, fitting inseams 25 inches and up. Tightness means the boots are working as intended. Fully intuitive control on the included control panel means you can target different areas of your legs, intensity levels, and 4 compression modes. It truly provides personalized comfort, relief, and reduces swelling. Boots are relatively convenient to story as they can be made flat and then folded to hang or pack away when not in use. The materials these boots are made of feel sturdy and seem to be built to last. They are comfortable when on and relatively easy to put on. These are also great to take anywhere, including for use right after a workout at the gym. These boots deliver just the right amount and targeted pressure to soothe tight, sore muscles, and promote quick recovery. These are recommended to those on a budget to experience quick relaxation and recover. These boots do wonders in that regard. I used to have leg pain that could last through the night and into the next day after a workout that was physically demanding, but the boots have me feeling better that same night.

[PROS] Effective Compression: The number one thing any compression equipment should do is to work well which is something the Sharper Image Powerboost Boots does. Compared to other premium compression equipment I own, I noticed no difference. I able to feel refreshed and recuperated with every session. Premium Design: Although this device is short on features, it has a sturdy build. Furthermore, I'm a fan of the flat cable design which are more comfortable laying near me rather than the round bulky ones that I am used to. [CONS] Quirky: Where do I start? So the power button did get stuck a few times as I tried to start he device. Also, there's no way to set a specific time. The timer starts running as soon as you power on the device. I'm not a fan of the button construction on the control unit. They're a rubber material that feels like it could degrade if mashed improperly or with long nails. No app: Unfortunately, you have to use the physical control unit for everything. There's no stop or start functionality with a phone which makes it more challenging when you need to interact with the device. No internal, rechargeable battery: This unit must be plugged into an AC outlet at all times. I would very much prefer to be able to move amongst the bed or couch without having to be tethered to a adapter. No Case: I believe an included case would've been a good concession for the lack of a rechargeable control unit. Portability is not everything, but it is valuable in a number of scenarios. [Mixed Bag] Limited Customization: Customization exists, but there's more to be desired. You can adjust the zones that you prefer to work out and compression pattern, but I wish that there were more sophisticated programs established based on activity. [Conclusion] I would best describe these as entry-level. There are no bells and whistles. It's basic, but it's complete as far as compression boots goes.

These Sharper Image PowerBoost boots are amazing function and quality at a fantastic price point. I swear it wasn't that long ago that recovery compression boots cost 2x as much as this, and the quality has improved in just a short time as well. So much for inflation and everything going up in price!!! So the pace of innovation here is your gain, here's what really stuck out to me with these Sharper Image PowerBoost boots (full leg sleeves). 1. They are EXCELLENT quality, craftmanship is outstanding, every stitch is perfect, material is clearly durable andeasy to clean and all the tubes are covered and concealed in the same high quality material as the rest of the boots. The connections are also easy to connect and disconnect with very high quality feeling connectors. The Red Zipper adds a nice contrast that makes these things really pop. 2. The compressor pump unit is extremely quiet and very relaxing rather than jarring when it runs. It doesn't sound like a pump that inflates your tire or even an air mattress pump, more like a fish tank air pump. 3. Pressure and duty cycle control is excellent. I actually stopped at setting 3/5 as that was more than enough pressure to feel a good compression on my legs. 4. There is a nice timer and display on the pump portion itself, that shows you how much time the unit is set to and how much time is remaining. It takes about 50s to complete a pump and release cycle and adding time is in 10 min increments. 5. The whole unit is very light and portable, maybe 10lbs in total so you can easily take it with you in a small duffel bag or a large backpack and use it to recover between games or matches if you are at an all day tournament, swim meet, etc. I only have a few minor complaints. The different buttons and settings are not illuminated like the Zone display and timer. It would've been nice if the buttons were at least a contrast in color from the body of the unit, as its very hard to see the etched functions on the pump unit. Also, using words instead of logos would help, but you will quickly remember what buttons do what. The up and down arrows only work for certain modes and aren't used to control the pump pressure up/down, that's one of the other buttons that cycles all the way through from 1-5, which isn't super intuitive. That said, this is an AWESOME pair of compression boots at a great price point. My legs are literally tingling after a brisk walk around the neighborhood and then using these boots. I can't wait for cycling and softball season to start again so I can use these boots to help circulation and recovery.

I have a cross country runner in my household. He has been suffering from sore legs and knees lately that has been affecting his running. We decided to give these a try. They are amazing! They are very easy to put on solo- no help needed. Once on, you have a choice of several massage modes. My runner liked "gradual" the best. It slowly inflates from feet to thigh and back again. Keep the unit with the buttons close by. You can adjust the pressure, type of massage and time while using it. The motor is not very loud. You can watch TV while using it. Pulse- Fills both legs fully. It will feel like your legs are getting squished but then it will stop, hold for a few, and release. The squeezing feels so good! Gradual starts at the feet and moves up the legs holding the squeeze as it goes. The visual on the motor unit shows you what sections are filling. It then holds, and releases and starts again. Sequence also starts at the feet, the releases the pressure, then works up the legs, releasing as it goes (unlike gradual that stays full as it moves up) Zones- I did not figure this mode out. It flashes the feet, I press it again and it's solid but it never filled the boots. Manual- Lets you set the sections that massage. Again, I did not really use this one either. My opinion is that if you want leg massages after a workout, you might as well massage the whole leg! This has definitely improved the performance and endurance of the runner in my house. His muscles have recuperated faster and he is back to top form in no time. This is great for athletes and others alike!