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Herzog socks: Scientific evidence

Herzog Medical is the only compression supplier worldwide that produces sports socks that have been scientifically proven to be effective in combating injuries and promoting recovery. Herzog has been investing in innovation and research for decades. Curious about the evidence behind our socks?

Research by UMC Utrecht

For decades, Herzog has been investing in innovation and research. For instance, a large-scale user study conducted by the University Medical Center Utrecht (Franke & Backx, 2021) examined more than 800 athletes who use Herzog compression socks. The study looked at injury history, recovery after exertion, and usage during training and competitions. The results provide a clear picture of the athletes' real-world experiences.

Research figures highlighted

We have listed the most interesting results especially for you...

Why athletes choose Herzog socks

This large-scale study shows that athletes primarily use the socks to: prevent recurring injuries (48.6%), alleviate existing complaints (14.8%), and provide injury-preventive support for the body (13.6%). For many runners, Herzog is not a first choice, but a deliberate one made after previous experiences with other brands.

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90%

OF ALL ATHLETES ARE NO LONGER CONFRONTED WITH RECURRING INJURY COMPLAINTS WITH HERZOG SOCKS

What do experienced athletes experience in practice?

Athletes report that, with Herzog, they experience less pain and tension in the lower leg, can train more consistently, recover faster between workouts, and feel more confident while running. Furthermore, a lower risk of lower-leg injuries was observed among avid runners (≥23 km per week) who used Herzog socks consistently.

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80%

OF THE ATHLETES REPORT FASTER RECOVERY WITH HERZOG SOCKS

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How Herzog socks stand out

Herzog compression stockings are distinguished by: - ​​Individual sizing based on 5 measurement points - Controlled pressure gradient (high at the ankle, decreasing upwards) - Medical certification (MDR). This ensures effective support for blood circulation and muscle function both during and after exercise.

Herzog compression stockings are distinguished by: - ​​Individual sizing based on 5 measurement points - Controlled pressure gradient (high at the ankle, decreasing upwards) - Medical certification (MDR). This ensures effective support for blood circulation and muscle function both during and after exercise.

Experience it for yourself

Discover what Herzog compression socks can do for your training and recovery.

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More about the user research:

Wie namen aan het onderzoek deel?
  • De onderzoeksdoelgroep bestond uit 800 sporters
  • Binnen deze groep was 88,1% duuratleet en 11,9% viel onder sportcategorie ‘anders’ (kracht/zaalsport/sprint etc.)
  • Voor 84,7% van de atleten was ‘hardlopen’ de primaire sport
  • Alle respondenten waren fanatieke Herzog gebruikers en droegen 75% tot 100% van de tijd kousen tijdens/na het sporten.
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What are the most common sports injuries?

Endurance athletes often experience injuries that develop gradually. Runners often experience Achilles tendon problems, shin splints, and calf tears. The most common injuries among endurance athletes are to the lower leg (64.8%) and the knee (16.4%). Injuries to non-endurance athletes most commonly occur in the lower leg (60.4%) and the ankle (16.7%).

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What is the most popular Herzog stocking?

Within the Herzog range, the Herzog PRO Sport Compression Socks (59.2%) and the Herzog PRO Sport Tubes (27.0%) are the most commonly used socks.

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Less chance of injuries... What about that?

Franke and Backx (2021) not only investigated the (positive) effects athletes experience when wearing Herzog socks. The researchers also delved into the physiological explanation for the injury-preventing effect of Herzog socks. For example, the study by Poppel, Scholten-Peeters, van Middelkoop, Koes, and Verhagen (2018) is cited. This study clearly shows that wearing compression socks while running reduces the vibration of the calf muscles (particularly the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior movements)*. The socks effectively reduce the shock load, preventing muscle damage. As a result, significantly fewer tensile forces can occur on your Achilles tendons and shinbone.

* van Poppel D, Scholten-Peeters GGM, van Middelkoop M, Koes BW, Verhagen AP. Risk models for lower extremity injuries among short- and long-distance runners: A prospective cohort study. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2018;36:48–53.

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Want to know more?

Would you like to read the full scientific publication? You can easily download the research using the button below.

Read the full research paper

Medical compression

Since May 2021, Herzog stockings have carried the official MDR seal of approval, or the "Medical Device Regulation," which ensures that all claims are scientifically proven and strictly monitored by EU regulations.

More about the medical application
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Medically certified stockings: