valiant professional running socks art beauty in womans eyes a running red dragon
The first time I wore Hanjian was during the Chongqing Marathon, and it was also my first time wearing domestic compression socks. Just like my first review of domestic running shoes, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of domestic sports products. Fortunately, this time I was a reviewer for Hanjian, evaluating HNK's commemorative 3X gradient compression socks.
(A photo of my drawing and the socks)
3X Gradient Compression Socks: As the name suggests, these socks are designed based on ergonomic principles, providing reasonable pressure values on the calf muscles and presenting a gradient decrease to enhance athletic explosiveness. Their leg-binding function minimizes ineffective movements caused by muscle vibrations during running, promoting blood circulation in the legs, alleviating fatigue from lactic acid buildup, effectively increasing endurance, and reducing calf muscle damage.
However, the actual experience and effectiveness need to be compared after wearing them during exercise.
Unboxing and Appearance
The socks are fixed in a paper slot made of packaging paper, with a plastic hook. It's relatively simple and practical, but not particularly eye-catching.
The packaging paper is black, with Hanjian's logo and product series on the front. This time, I received the Hanjian's Power Run series.
The back of the packaging provides a description of the socks and their functions.
Details
In terms of color choices, Hanjian offers seven colors for these socks—I chose red (since most of my socks are blue and turquoise). The actual color of the socks is a bright, highly saturated pink. The left (L) and right (R) markers are clearly visible on the soles, and there are two yellow dragons near the calf area (personally, I find the color combination a bit awkward).
My sock size is M_T2, with a foot size of 38, corresponding to the M size socks, and a calf circumference between 31-37 cm, which falls under T2. Hanjian's socks come in three foot sizes (S, M, L) and two calf circumferences (T1 and T2), and the sizing is quite accurate.
The entire sock is divided into two main parts: from the calf to the instep (the red part of the sock) and the sole, including the foot and heel (the blue part).
First, the calf part of the sock, which is the main part. In terms of material composition: 68.8% nylon, 23.9% Lycra spandex, 6.3% polyester, and 1% cotton. The calf area fabric is made of nylon, which is lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. One of the highlights of this sock's material is the use of Lycra elastic fiber, a trademark of Invista from the USA, which can stretch to 4-7 times its original length under tension and has excellent rebound performance, making it less likely to deform.
Next, the main body of the sock is clearly visible, featuring only a dragon pattern without any other excessive designs. The sock opening is adjustable with elastic, making it comfortable to wear without a sense of pressure.
(Comfortable sock opening)
The sole design of the sock features yellow bars for heat dissipation and moisture wicking. The staggered stripes on the outer part of the sole increase friction. The Y-shaped heel ensures the sock doesn't slip during exercise. Compared to the lightweight material used above the ankle (the red part), the blue part (the sole and heel) is thicker, providing some protection.
The sole material is slightly thicker, resembling towel-bottom socks, making them more comfortable and better at absorbing and wicking sweat.
(Yes, it... actually pilled...)
Actual Review
Test 1: 14KM (Tempo Run + Interval Training)
Temperature: 24-26℃
Venue: Stadium track
Shoes: Xtep Racing 160
Clothing: Chongqing Marathon women's half marathon blue top + Asics shorts + sun protection sleeves + Hanjian socks
Today, I wore the Racing 160 for my weekly speed run practice—10KM in 47-49 minutes. However, due to the heavy training load yesterday and the weather, I ran at a slower pace today. The socks were easy to put on, unlike my previous experiences with other socks. The length was just right, not too long. Previously, I wore OBX performance socks, which were slightly too long and sometimes chafed my knees. Hanjian's socks were easy to put on and take off, with good elasticity, providing a snug fit on the calves without feeling too tight or burdensome.
After a few kilometers of warm-up, I started to accelerate, especially during the interval training, totaling 3KM, with each set being 1KM. The times were 4:34, 4:16, and 4:18. During the fast sprints, I could feel the socks wrapping my calf muscles well, with no shaking. After the run, my leg muscles didn't feel any discomfort. Compared to running intervals without socks, I felt slightly less fatigued.
Test 2: 30KM LSD
Temperature: 18-22℃
Venue: Cement hard ground and park rubber track
Shoes: Asics GT2000 4th generation
Clothing: Compresport sports vest + Salomon sports skirt + Hanjian socks
After a mid-distance run, I had to try a long-distance run. LSD training focuses on endurance. Since I ran a mountain the day before, I slowed down the pace for this LSD, running at a 6-minute pace with a heart rate of 147, feeling relaxed and comfortable. Long-distance running better demonstrates the compression socks' ability to alleviate lactic acid buildup. However, since I usually have a high training volume, running over 300KM per month (333KM last month, 322KM in June), the socks' effect on alleviating muscle lactic acid wasn't very noticeable for me.
Summary
Overall, Hanjian's socks are pretty good, but they do have some drawbacks.
The durability isn't as good as advertised. After only a few uses, the soles started to pill and wear out. However, the overall wrapping performance is good. As for the lactic acid relief, I didn't find it very noticeable, which may vary from person to person. As a high-mileage runner who does regular muscle training, I don't rely heavily on compression socks. I mainly use them for speed runs or when my calves are sore, providing some relief. For me, they also serve as sun protection in summer, warmth in winter, and for women, they help elongate the calf proportions.
For some novice runners and even some experienced ones, these socks can be useful. However, I suggest not relying too much on compression socks or other external sports gear like knee braces. They can only provide auxiliary support. The best way to prevent injuries and improve performance is through good running form and solid training, including strength improvement. Good muscle capability will enhance the effectiveness of these auxiliary sports gear.
Final Evaluation
Compression: The compression is decent, providing some relief.
Breathability: I give high marks for breathability. After long or mid-distance runs, the socks remain dry and don't have a strong odor.
Durability: Not as good as advertised, average durability.
Cost-Effectiveness: The tag price is 299, which I find slightly expensive. The material is good, and the performance is comparable to some foreign brands, but some details need improvement, such as packaging and durability. The price is close to some better foreign brands. In terms of design, adding more sporty and dynamic elements would be better (this is a personal critique: as a professional artist, I feel that although Hanjian wants to showcase domestic elements by adding Chinese dragons to the design, the color combination isn't very appealing. I suggest improving the design).
Finally, I hope Hanjian's products can gradually improve in details and become better.
If you want these cute professional running socks, click here: