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The 6 best Hyrox shoes to help you smash your next race
Nail every run, row, push and lunge in a pair of these performance-ready Hyrox shoes
Hyrox, the fast-paced, high-intensity fitness race that combines running with functional strength exercises, isn’t your average workout — so you need more than an average shoe. You need a decent pair of Hyrox shoes.
At least half of a Hyrox race is spent running, so you might think that any of the best running shoes or carbon plate running shoes will do the trick. But each of the race's eight, one-kilometre segments are interspersed by a variety of workouts, from a 1000-metre row to sled pushes and pulls, weighted lunges and the hideous finale of 100 wall balls. So, a pair of shoes that offer good grip, flexibility and stability is essential. Luckily, given that fitness racing is a booming market these days, these are several trainers which work well for Hyrox and I've put many of them to the test.
The expert: I’ve worked as a health and fitness journalist and writer for over ten years, alongside teaching strength classes at studios around London. I’m always up for a challenge, which is how I got into Hyrox – and quickly became obsessed. Between writing about it and training for it myself, I’ve properly thrown myself into the Hyrox world. Whether I’m putting together expert features or sweating through the workouts, I’ve got a solid mix of know-how and real-life experience when it comes to prepping for this global fitness race – including the gear you need to perform at your best.
The best Hyrox shoes, at a glance
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What to consider
Before we dive into the best Hyrox shoes, there are a few things to consider.
Grip
Exercises like the sled push and pull, burpee broad jumps and lunges all require you to stay stable. The last thing you need is to be slipping around on the floor when you’re lunging with a heavy weight on your back. The following picks have all been chosen thanks to their grippy outsoles.
Comfort and weight
Bounce and cushioning is also key. After all, you're going to be running 8km in these shoes, along with the area between the runs and the stations (known as the RoxZone), so they need to be comfortable. Look for shoes that tread the middle ground between soft and firm cushioning.
You also don’t want to feel as though your feet are heavy; instead, you want to feel as though you’re propelling off the ground with every stride. That's why I've strayed away from super-stacked, max-cushioned running shoes in this round-up; while they might offer up an abundance of comfort, they can feel quite bulky and heavy.
Stability
A huge chunky midsole and a high heel-to-toe drop might hold you back on the workouts. Ever tried weighted lunges in a pair of Nike Alphaflys? It’s not the easiest. Stability is therefore important when choosing your Hyrox shoes. A firmer midsole will offer support during strength based movements, while a shoe that’s too soft might make you wobble. Look for structure, without too much stiffness.
And finally, don’t forget breathability. You’ll be competing intensely for at least an hour, so let your feet have some respite. For Hyrox shoes specifically, mesh uppers tend to be the most breathable.
How we selected
As a 13-time Hyrox competitor (I know, it really is an addiction at this point), I’ve become pretty familiar with the Hyrox course. But whether it’s been a solo, doubles or relay, one thing has always rung true: the shoes I’ve worn have had a big impact on my performance.
I also know what type of trainers are a total Hyrox no-go. In the early Hyrox days, I competed in a pair of Nike Metcon 3 and was rightly mocked for it. Turns out, they really are too hard to run in. I also competed in an old pair of Adidas Ultraboost, which were useless for sled pushes and lunges as they pretty much came off during the exercise.
The recommendations below are based on my own experience competing in Hyrox over the past four years, along with additional input from external Hyrox-loving wear testers. Each of the chosen shoes have been put through their paces before making it into the final line-up. A mix of runs, lunges, squats, rows and sled work helped me put together a fine-tuned list of Hyrox shoes.
Why trust us?
At Runner’s World, we’ve been testing gear for over 30 years — and when Hyrox emerged onto the scene, we brought that same rigour to the shoes designed for it. Our testers have put countless hours into wall balls, sled pushes, and burpee broad jumps in shoes from every major brand. We train for and compete in Hyrox races ourselves, so we know how much the right shoe matters for transitions, grip, and comfort across running and functional movements. Our team includes athletes of all levels, each with unique needs — and we’re not afraid to say which shoes perform when the pressure’s on, and which ones fall short.
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Pros
- Great grip and stability
- Super snug without being uncomfortable
- Good cushioning without being OTT
Cons
- Toebox is narrow
Read our full Puma Deviate Nitro 3 review
As the official footwear and apparel sponsor of Hyrox, it’s no surprise that these Puma shoes impressed. I wore them when I competed in Hyrox Berlin and from the moment I left the start line, they offered me the perfect level of support, with zero slippage.
Quite simply, running feels brilliant in the Deviate Nitro 3. The sole isn’t too spongy, but there's still a nice sense of forward propulsion. Plus, they feel light on the foot.
As for the workout sections, at no point did I feel unstable while competing in the shoes, especially considering they have a fairly generous heel-to-toe drop. They stayed on my feet as I pushed and pulled the sled and the Pumagrip outsole was second to none. When I was pulling the sled down the track, I didn’t slide or lose my footing, which would have wasted serious energy and momentum. I’d go so far as to say these are some of the most comfortable trainers I’ve ever worn, hence why they earn our coveted number one spot.
| Weight | 252g (W UK 4.5), 270g (M UK 8) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39mm (heel)/29mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral |
| Carbon plate | Yes |
Pros
- Balanced cushioning
- Gusseted tongue stays in place
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slightly narrower fit may not suit wider feet
Read our full Hoka Mach 6 review
This versatile all-rounder is a RW favourite on and off the Hyrox course, providing a great balance of cushioning, support and energy return. Thanks to its firm midsole, the Mach 6 has the snappy responsiveness that helps to energise even your easier efforts. Its lower heel-to-toe drop also gives it less of a rocking sensation compared with some running trainers nowadays, which provides stability and a sense of connectedness during the workout stations of Hyrox.
On sled workouts, there was zero budging in these trainers and my feet felt secure and snug thanks to a cushioned heel collar and a gusseted tongue. Plus, these are seriously lightweight — you won’t feel weighed down at all.
| Weight | 232g (M), 189g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 37mm/32mm (M), 35mm/30mm (W) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
| Type | Neutral |
| Carbon plate | No |
Pros
- Fantastic grip
- Reliable
- Stable with zero rocking side-to-side
Cons
- Energy return could be better
The latest Brooks Ghost is here and it’s a good’en! In terms of running, this is a solid shoe, with even more nitrogen-infused DNA Loft foam (+3mm in the forefoot) than the Ghost 16. The ride feels smooth on every step, and while there's a generous heel to-toe drop, the cushioning is firm enough to feel stable for functional-based workouts.
Feet are supported from all sides, which is particularly welcome during sled-based work. It was also noticeable during lunges, when it’s common to lose balance or feel unstable when wearing soft or overly-stacked trainers. A breathable upper keeps feet cool too.
The Ghost 17 also features a newly designed outsole with precise flex grooves, which offer great grip. Oh, and looks wise, these tick all the boxes, with a few attractive colourways to choose from. If you want a reliable pair of Hyrox shoes that don’t wear down, these are a wise choice.
| Weight | 286.3g (M), 255.1g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 36.5mm (heel), 26.5mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral |
| Carbon plate | No |
Pros
- Excellent grip
- Great energy return
- Breathable
Cons
- Tighter toe box
Thanks to the lightweight, high energy return ZoomX midsole, these Nike Pegasus Plus really do propel you forward — exactly what you need for those one kilometre splits. When it comes to the workout side of things, the stretchy Flyknit upper wraps hugs the foot, providing a secure midfoot hold, which makes things feel nice and secure. Those with wider feet might find these a little too snug, however, particularly as the toe box is a little tight.
In terms of grip, these are some of the best I have tried. The high-abrasion rubber outsole provides excellent traction, meaning track work such as the sleds, lunges and burpees felt stable. Wall balls also feel good in these and the midsole makes it easy to power up from the squat and throw the ball at the target. Breathability is a stand out feature, too, with perforations adding an extra helping, while also helping to keep weight down.
| Weight | 245g (M), 205g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 33mm (heel), 23mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral |
| Carbon plate | No |
Pros
- Responsive
- Super stable
- Good bounce and cushioning
Cons
- Pricey
When you want to supercharge your speed around the Hyrox running track, then a pair of carbon-plated shoes will help. And Saucony's Endorphin Pro 4 will help. At the heart of the shoe is Saucony’s Speedroll Technology, designed to propel you forward with minimal effort, making each stride feel smoother and faster. The Super Responsive Sockliner, made from supercritical foam, also boosts cushioning and energy return for speedier runs.
Again, despite the high stack, these feel very stable so tackling functional workouts is doable. The upper is really breathable and the shoe generally is spacious and lightweight. It’s easy to forget you’re even wearing them.
All in all, there’s not much to fault about the Pro 4s. Sure, the price tag is on the steep side, but for the tech and performance you’re getting, it’s a solid investment — especially if you're chasing PBs on or off the Hyrox course. Fast, cushioned and built for serious runners, these are race day ready.
| Weight | 212g (M), 185g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 31.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
| Carbon plate | Yes |
Pros
- Look great
- Eco-credentials
- Stable for wall balls and lunges
- Lots of colour options
Cons
- Minimal energy return
- Difficult to build speed on runs
R.A.D (which stands for Rally Against Destruction) isn’t an overly mainstream brand just yet, but it definitely knows how to make a good hybrid trainer that’s comfortable for a variety of workouts.
R.A.D ensures its products are made as sustainably as possible, with the SwellFoam N2 in these R-1s made from a 50/50 sugar cane/fossil composition. Considering how bulky they look, the shoes are actually very light on the foot, which makes them a nice choice to run in.
Although they certainly do feel cushioned and comfortable, the chunky sole is slightly deceiving in that they don't necessarily offer a huge amount of energy return and they're fairly firm underfoot. For the workout parts of Hyrox, this is ideal. I tested these in the gym, on the rower, the ski erg and on the track, pushing and pulling sleds. Throughout, I felt supported and had a decent grip on the floor.
| Weight | 276g (M), 242g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 32mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
| Type | Neutral |
| Carbon plate | No |
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