Recovery tech has long been dominated by stationary, clinical-looking equipment that keeps athletes tethered to outlets and couches. After making waves with Olympians in Paris last summer, Nike and Hyperice are finally bringing their game-changing Hyperboot to the masses next month while also aiming to revolutionize how we think about pre- and post-workout routines.
HOW THE TECH WORKS
Hyperice’s Normatec compression boots have become favorites of high-profile athletes and physical therapists to aid with post-workout recovery and injury control. But with the Hyperboot, Nike is able to transpose what works with the Normatec to a sleeker package that can be worn on the go or while training.
Found in the bulky Normatec is Hyperice’s Dynamic Air Compression tech, which inflates air around your feet and legs at controlled rates, moving the pressure upwards as a sort of massage. Known as intermittent pneumatic compression, this technique reduces inflammation, helps with blood flow, and removes metabolic waste from your body.
For the new Hyperboot, that compression method is miniaturized and combined with the HyperHeat tech found in the Venom, which together create a “force multiplier” that drives the heat into the body. Using thermal imaging, the engineers saw this heat penetrating deep into the tissue and actually moving up the leg for a more effective recovery.
Obviously focusing on the foot and ankle rather than the entire leg, the compression boots are made to be worn when walking around, traveling, and even doing some light warmups. Power comes from battery packs cleverly integrated into the insoles, providing roughly 1 to 1.5 hours of use at max power or up to 8 hours with compression only.
ON-THE-GO CONTROLS
Unlike traditional recovery gear that requires sitting still for extended periods, the Hyperboot puts the controls right at your fingertips (or more precisely, at your heels). The interface on the boots is simple, with four buttons on each heel: on/off, heat, compression, and pause. Meanwhile, the heat and compression each feature three intensity settings and can work individually or in tandem. In other words, you can just treat one of your feet if you so choose.
With the new Hyperboot now available to the public, the stigma on ugly compression boots can be a thing of the past. Tapping into the athletic footwear giant’s knack for aesthetic design, these recovery boots are not only something you can wear on the go but they look quite stylish as well. And for comfort and lightweight durability, the boots utilize comfortable phylon EVA foam in the midsole.
New tech revealed for the production version of the Hyperboot includes Bluetooth connectivity to the Hyperice app, allowing for personalized profiles and over-the-air updates — a major development based on athlete feedback. We’ve also learned that these boots are TSA-approved, meaning athletes can wear them throughout tedious road trips.
ATHLETE-TESTED, EVERYDAY APPROVED
After more than two years of R&D and extensive testing with Olympic athletes in Paris, Nike and Hyperice have refined the design based on real-world feedback. Sprint superstar Sha’Carri Richardson was among the first testers, noting that the mobility factor was a game-changer, especially during travel when recovery is typically sacrificed.
What’s particularly interesting about the Hyperboot is how it addresses what Nike’s Senior Director of Athlete Innovation, Tobie Hatfield, calls “pre-covery.” This refers to the preparation phase many athletes now view as equally important to post-workout recovery. NFL quarterback Jayden Daniels describes the boots as “the first piece of tech I reach for before hitting the field,” highlighting how the pre-activation of feet and ankles can provide a competitive edge before the real warmup even begins. While it didn’t specify the upper or outsole material, these too were updated based on athlete feedback.
SPEC SHEET
Model: Nike x Hyperice Hyperboot
Technology: Normatec dynamic air compression and HyperHeat thermal therapy
Intensity Levels: 3
Heat Levels: 3
Battery Life: Up to 1.5 hours (max settings), up to 8 hours (compression only)
Charging Time: 5 to 6 hours
Weight: 3.7lbs (U.S. men’s size 8-10)
Midsole: Phylon EVA foam
TSA Approved: Yes
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Unlike the prototype exclusive to Olympians last summer in Paris, the Hyperboot will be available to the public starting May 17 for $899. Head to Hyperice or Nike’s website for more info.
Recap
Hyperboot by Nike x Hyperice
After an Olympian-exclusive prototype last summer, Nike and Hyperice have made their on-the-go recovery boot available to the masses next month. Perfect for traveling or training, the boot precludes any electrical cords with its 8-hour battery life.
