Run Smarter Not Harder: AI Training for Casual Runners [f7cf]

Since I started systematic running, I have worn several brands of compression products, from SKINS compression pants to 2XU and COMPRESSPORT compression leg sleeves. These products have indeed played a significant role in preventing lactic acid buildup. This time, I was fortunate to be selected to participate in the evaluation of HANDRAGON 3X gradient pressure functional socks. It felt just as refreshing as the first time I participated in the evaluation of domestic running shoes.

1. Basic Product Features:

Product Name: JINRUN Series Pressure Running Socks

Brand: HANDRAGON

Origin: China

Price: 299

Color: See below image

2. Special Craftsmanship

A. Precise pressure gradient provides stable support for the legs.

B. Selected functional technological fabric—Lycra elastic fiber, achieving strong stretch and rebound performance, making it more durable and less prone to deformation.

C. The sock body is temperature-controlled and breathable, designed to fit the human body structure, perfectly adhering to the skin without loosening or slipping.

D. Extended design at the Achilles tendon area to enhance support and protection, effectively reducing muscle vibration.

E. Rod-shaped flow-guiding weave at the sole for effective heat dissipation and moisture wicking, keeping the feet dry.

F. Unique invisible seam design at the toe area for added comfort.

3. Product Functions

◆ Provides stable support, reducing muscle strains, soreness, and cramps.

◆ Stabilizes joints, relieves pressure, reduces wear on the Achilles tendon, and alleviates chronic Achilles tendonitis.

◆ Increases blood circulation and lactic acid excretion, alleviating muscle soreness and aiding in post-exercise recovery.

◆ Contains bamboo charcoal fiber, temperature-controlled and breathable, moisture-wicking and odor-eliminating.

1. Packaging

The product introduction mentions exquisite box packaging, but the received product came in traditional sock packaging. The head part is separated by packaging paper forming a paper slot, with the socks fixed inside using plastic strings. The rest of the socks are exposed. The packaging paper has a plastic hook for easy shelf display, which feels unimpressive. Personally, I think that for a product with technological content, the packaging is inadequate. How can one be tempted to buy a pair of socks costing several hundred yuan (tag price 299 yuan/pair) with such packaging? In this regard, I prefer the packaging of SKINS' A400.

2. Sock Appearance

It's clear that the socks are differentiated for the left (L) and right (R) feet. The pattern on the socks is also clearly visible. I chose white, and the white-gray combination is my favorite minimalist style. However, the dragon-shaped logo clashes with this style, giving an uncomfortable feeling. But overall, the appearance is acceptable.

3. Details

For running socks, I pay the most attention to the toe seam area, due to a previous experience of getting blisters from the seam. This pressure sock uses an invisible seam, adding more comfort to the feet.

The above image compares the seam of HANDRAGON pressure socks with other running socks. The right side shows other brands, where the seam bulge is clearly visible.

Both shoes and socks share a common trait: they tend to deform and expand due to deep wear, repeated compression, washing, and drying, commonly known as 'getting bigger.' As they 'get bigger,' they gradually lose their tight and compact feel. The HANDRAGON socks being evaluated this time focus on providing different gradient pressures to the heel, instep, ankle, and calf muscles. Therefore, it is necessary to test how the socks' characteristics change after being worn for a period. Since aging tests take too long, this time, I used a method of rapid aging and reinforced pressure to obtain similar test results.

For this test, I used a method of hanging weights, using a 2.5KG dumbbell plate suspended for 48 hours.

After 48 hours, it was evident that the sock with the dumbbell hanging from it had significantly stretched.

I thought the sock was ruined, but after a night, it miraculously returned to its original state. The width of the sock head, the gradient horizontal stripes on the sole, the patterns on the instep, and the shape of the heel showed no changes, demonstrating excellent elasticity.

I first conducted an anti-lactic acid run, 12 kilometers at a 4:30 pace. Throughout the run, I did not feel any muscle soreness from lactic acid buildup. The socks had excellent wrapping, with no slipping, lack of grip, or sliding down at the ankle and sock mouth.

I then ran for two consecutive days at a slower pace, 17 kilometers one day and 23 kilometers the next. In both tests, the socks' excellent elasticity provided comprehensive wrapping and protection for the feet, ankles, and calf muscles and joints. Notably, even after two days of high-intensity exercise, my legs remained energetic thanks to these gradient pressure socks.

The final test was wearing the socks after completing a half marathon at a 4:40 pace. The main goal was to experience the product's muscle recovery function after high-intensity exercise. Based on past experience, muscle soreness usually lasts four to five hours after completing a half marathon at a fast pace. This time, I wore the pressure socks an hour after completing the half marathon, and the muscle soreness disappeared within two hours.

Advantages:

1. In terms of efficacy, the equipment wrapping the calf is tight but not constricting, providing appropriate pressure. It effectively treats varicose veins, helps improve oxygen circulation, accelerates lactic acid metabolism, alleviates muscle fatigue and soreness, and reduces cramps.

2. High-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship, with outstanding stretch and rebound.

3. Based on the evaluation results, HANDRAGON has accurately grasped the needs of runners with its gradient pressure socks, combining stability, anti-slip, tight fit, and protective wrapping into a simple and elegant product.

4. Good breathability. The outdoor tests were conducted in nearly 30°C weather, but there was no stuffy feeling. Even after the half marathon, there was only slight dampness, and the quick-drying effect was better than expected.

5. Excellent durability. After 50 kilometers of wear and washing in a washing machine, there was almost no sign of wear or pilling, and no loosening or deformation.

Suggestions:

1. The knitting technology should be more refined (personal opinion, not professional). Compared to international brands like CEP, X-Socks, and Compressport, each part of the foot and calf muscles and joints has different gradient compression and protection, representing different knitting methods.

2. Consider adding cushioning cotton to the sole for more comfort and softness, which can also help prevent blisters.

3. The dragon-shaped logo clashes with the sock's style. It is recommended to use the HK logo directly.

4. More effort should be put into the packaging to match the tag price.