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First of all, I would like to thank Codoon for the review activity. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to review this product, and both the shipping and logistics were exceptionally fast. I received the package on the third day after winning the review slot—the HNK 3X Gradient Compression Functional Sports Socks.

The brand 'HNK' is a newly established brand under Dongfang Baifu Hosiery. Many people may not have noticed Dongfang Baifu Hosiery, which started as an OEM and now holds dozens of invention patents and has served dozens of international top sports brands. In July last year, based on the original company Dongfang Baifu Hosiery, Hangzhou HNK Sports Technology Co., Ltd. was established, dedicating 5% of its annual revenue to the design and development of functional sports socks. They have also set up a 5000-square-meter R&D center and have sponsored more than ten famous domestic sports events in just a few months. In November last year, they became the designated product for the 13th National Winter Games.

Official partner of the 13th National Winter Games

Although it is an emerging brand, looking at its development trajectory, strong corporate foundation, professional R&D team, and status as the 'official partner of the National Winter Games,' it feels very similar to domestic brands like Li-Ning, Anta, and 361° that have gone global. I hope it can also go global and take Chinese brands further.

HNK logo—Chinese Dragon

Now let's unbox it and take a look.

Traditional sock packaging, quite low-end

Its packaging is just traditional ordinary sock packaging. I have to say this is quite low-end and doesn't look like the packaging of functional socks costing two to three hundred yuan. I bought a pair of HNK trail running short socks for 78 yuan, and their packaging was much more high-end.

Product information at a glance

Did you notice the Lycra trademark in the picture above? This indicates that it uses Lycra functional fibers. The excellent elasticity and recovery of Lycra functional fibers ensure that the socks do not deform after multiple uses and washes. Additionally, its sweat-absorbing and wicking functions are quite good. I usually wear a shoe size of 42 and have a calf circumference of 43, so I chose size L-T1. After unboxing and measuring, I found that the sock is 35cm long overall, and when worn, the cuff reaches just 3cm below my knee.

Overall view of the socks (please ignore the left sock being placed on the right in the picture)

The 3X gradient compression socks can be explained in two parts: the foot and the calf.

1. Foot part:The foot part of the 3X gradient compression socks is almost identical to my previous trail running short socks of the same brand, likely made with the same process (the red ones are the trail running short socks, and the yellow ones are the 3X gradient compression socks).

Comparison picture

From the picture above, you can see that they both have a towel bottom and use an extended protection structure at the Achilles tendon area to enhance support and protection, ensuring that the heel is well-wrapped and does not slide, preventing Achilles tendon friction and damage during running. The anti-slip design at the arch and the heat dissipation design on the instep are just right, allowing us to adapt to various running environments.

2. Calf part:There are no special elastic compression patterns in the compression area, only digital camouflage patterns, so the compression ability can only be evaluated after actual use. Speaking of which, I personally think a plus point is the digital camouflage and transparency effect. The digital camouflage is low-key yet maintains a unique mystery, and the transparency showcases the charm of movement as light changes during exercise.

Visual effect when worn

Running field test

No matter how much is said, the purpose of runners wearing gradient compression functional socks is to improve blood circulation, reduce muscle vibration during exercise, and reduce lactic acid buildup. Therefore, to evaluate the quality of a piece of equipment, it is essential to run with it first.

Warm-up, ready to start the field test

The first time I wore them, I found that the socks had excellent wrapping, and my feet did not slide or rub inside the shoes. The pressure from the ankle to just below the knee was gradually increasing, and the cuff elasticity was moderate.

Field test (left road run, right trail run)

In Hangzhou, in mid to late June, the temperature was about 28°C to 32°C, with frequent showers. I went for a road run wearing the HNK socks. During the run, there was no slipping inside the shoes, and I did not feel any calf vibration. After the run, the socks were dry and odorless (the sole area was slightly damp), excellent!

Field test (left road run + trail, right road run)

After wearing them multiple times, I found that the socks still did not deform, and the sole area did not pill, indicating good durability. However, possibly because my calves are too thick, it is always quite laborious to put them on. I hope HNK can optimize the ease of wearing while maintaining its compression function.

Mileage for the review month

I received the package on June 15 and started running with it that day. For someone like me, who is a pseudo-expert (zha), such a large mileage this month would have crippled me without good compression gear to help me recover quickly (laughs). After two 30+ road runs and one West Lake standard hike, I wore the HNK socks for recovery. They helped reduce lactic acid buildup, improve blood circulation, and allowed me to be fully recovered the next morning. The continuous pressure transmission and muscle relaxation effect of the HNK socks are excellent!

SummaryTheir CEO Zhang Weijun said, 'We dedicate 5% of our annual revenue to the design and development of functional sports socks and have now established a 5000-square-meter R&D center.' I believe that with the spirit of craftsmanship, active research and development, and dedication, the products will not be bad. The various performances of the HNK 3X Gradient Compression Functional Sports Socks are excellent, and the affordable price of 299 yuan is also very good. Runners preparing for long distances or full marathons can consider getting a pair.