FILL YOUR BOOTS

Hyperice's Normatec Lower Legs offer instant relief for sore calves. But with an RRP over £400, are they worth the punt? 

- Lee Bell

Whether you’re a part-time fitness buff or a pro athlete, no doubt you’ve noticed that workouts demand a lot from our calves. As the unsung heroes of our muscular makeup, they’re usually the first place the DOMS hit – especially after leg day.

Recognising this, recovery brand Hyperice has launched a more portable version of its iconic Legs 3 full-length compression boots, the Normatec Lower Legs. Designed to focus solely on the calves, this nifty post-workout gizmo boasts dynamic air compression tech that can help enhance circulation, reduce muscle soreness and accelerate recovery times. All without the need to be plugged into a nearby electrical socket.

But with a price tag of nearly £429, are the Normatec Lower Legs worth the investment?

Slick design

Each leg sleeve is a featherweight champion at just 540g. That is crucial for athletes and fitness fans who are always on the move and need a recovery solution that won’t weigh them down.

And when it comes to real-life usage, the sleeves are a breeze to operate. The integration of the control units directly onto the sleeves and not as a separate, wired unit (as seen on the brand’s full-size offering) eliminates the need for external pumps or wires, which feels liberating. This self-contained system not only makes the Normatec Lower Legs more portable, but it also helps simplify the user experience. You can wrap the sleeves around your calves, secure them with the robust Velcro fastenings and start your recovery session with just a few taps on the built-in interface.