Best Shoes for Hyrox 2025: Top Trainers Ranked for Grip, Speed & Comfort
- Harry Smith
- Mar 10
- 12 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Looking for the best shoes for Hyrox in 2025? Whether you're crushing sled pushes, bounding through burpee broad jumps, or grinding out your 8km of running, your footwear can make or break race day.
In this guide, we rank the best Hyrox shoes for grip, comfort, and transition speed — all tested by hybrid fitness athletes like you.
Why Hyrox Demands a Specific Type of Shoe
Hyrox is no ordinary race. Combining eight 1km running intervals with eight demanding functional fitness stations, it places unique demands on your footwear:
Sled Push & Pull: Requires maximum traction and ground contact.
Burpee Broad Jumps & Lunges: Demand lateral stability and flexibility.
Running Sections: Call for energy return, breathability, and speed.
This hybrid format means your shoe must be a jack-of-all-trades—stable under load, cushioned for impact, and nimble on the runs. Picking the wrong footwear for Hyrox can mean the difference between a smooth, powerful performance and a frustrating, potentially injury-prone experience.
Quick Comparison Table: Top Hyrox Shoes in 2025
Shoe | Price | Grip | Comfort | Speed | Best For |
TYR Valkyrie Elite | £216 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Competitive Racers |
Puma ForeverRun NITRO | £140 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | All-Rounders |
Nike Invincible 3 | £174 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High Cushioning |
Saucony Triumph 22 | £170 | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Long-Distance Comfort |
HOKA Carbon X 2 | £170 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Race-Day Speed |
Best Hyrox Shoes For Athletes
Here are our top picks for the best Hyrox shoes for athletes preparing for a HYROX race with our recommendations as well as our three core factors for a great Hyrox trainer: Comfort, Grip and Speed.
We also take into account price - these trainers can quickly get expensive so choose wisely and if you can, try before you buy. Our links take you to the manufacturer's website or the best price on Amazon.
$250.00(£216.38)
Comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grip ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Our top pick with unrivalled performance, the only drawback is price."
The pinnacle of performance, the Valkyrie Elite Carbon runner is equipped with an anatomical toe box and the LaunchPX midsole that features a full length carbon fiber plate, positioned between two full length pieces of 100% Pebax® supercritical foam for ultimate comfort, response and durable support for any movement. This runner features a hyperweave upper for unmatched breathability that's perfect for long distance running or walking. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting into racing, this versatile shoe is perfect for those who view speed as a pathway to covering more miles and experiencing new unbeatable highs.
$173.23 (£140)
Comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grip ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Puma's entrants into the Hyrox Shoe race, with a solid shoe that is great for hybrid training."
The ForeverRun NITRO dawns a new era of support and guidance. Targeting specific foot strikes stages through a combination of the RUNGUIDE SYSTEM features, this innovative model takes support to a new level. This shoe performs for all runners but is specifically designed for those looking for the softness of a full NITRO™ midsole without compromising stability.
$120.00(£104.27)
Comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grip ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed ⭐️⭐️⭐️
"More of an all-rounder and great for hybrid training too, key feature is comfort. "
All day comfort and versatility. The Techknit RNR-1 Trainer features SurgeNRG+ enhanced with supercritical foam for ultimate all day comfort and durable support for any movement. The Techknit 3D knit upper construction is also a key feature of this shoe, as it provides the perfect amount of breathability to keep you moving comfortably.
$164.51 (£129.99)
Comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grip ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Nike's option for a closer but comfortable runner for the budding athlete."
Responsive cushioning in the Pegasus provides an energised ride for everyday road running. Experience lighter-weight energy return with dual Air Zoom units and a ReactX foam midsole. Plus, improved engineered mesh on the upper decreases weight and increases breathability.
$221.51 (£174.99)
Comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grip ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Another top pick of ours, again the biggest drawback is price!"
Maximum cushioning provides our most comfortable ride for everyday runs. Experience a breathable Flyknit upper and the robust platform of lightweight ZoomX foam that softens impact. Plus, the midsole of this model is wider and taller than the last for even more cushioned comfort.
$215.20 (£170.00)
Comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grip ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Saucony is a brand that is churning out some great runners and options for Hyrox athletes, their Triumph is a great choice.
Superior comfort: PWRRUN PB foam provides maximum cushioning and energy return, making any distance a joy. Responsive ride: Experience a responsive running shoe that adds a pep to your step. All-day wear: Designed to be both a running shoe and an everyday shoe, the modern silhouette and feel-good fit make the Triumph 22 as versatile as it is comfortable.
Comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grip ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Hoka is a great runner brand and their Carbon runner is a great option for Hyrox athletes."
With the same stack height for comfort, heel-toe drop and PROFLY™ experience, we’ve kept all the elements that runners loved about the Carbon X 2 and made it even better.
Carbon X 3 provides a softer and more responsive running experience through our latest lightweight and responsive foam on the top layer of the midsole, along with a rubberised EVA sole. Lighter than its predecessor, (17g lighter for men’s and 10g lighter for the women’s version) the mesh upper has been updated to an engineered knit upper with integrated tongue and eyestays, creating a glove like fit. The Zonal knit areas in the upper provides added breathability, foot-lockdown and comfort.
$120.00(£104.27)
Comfort ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grip ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"A great lightweight runner for those wanting a less cushioned runner."
Speed. Traction. Lightweight comfort. The SR-1 Tempo Runner is equipped with the latest in foam technology, Surge NRG+ enhanced with supercritical foam for ultimate comfort, response and durable support for any movement. This runner features a lightweight monomesh upper for unmatched breathability that's perfect for interval training, jogging, or walking. It's designed to keep your feet cool and comfortable throughout your exercise routine.
What Makes a Great Hyrox Shoe?
Finding the perfect shoe for Hyrox is like finding the right weapon for battle—it needs to be versatile, durable, and built for the challenge ahead. Based on athlete feedback from Reddit, coaching communities, and first-hand experience, here’s what matters most in the best Hyrox shoe for you.
Versatility is King
In a typical running race, you need speed and breathability. In a lifting-focused workout, you need stability and grip. In Hyrox workouts? You need both—and more.
One Redditor shared, “I loved my Saucony Endorphins for running but almost wiped out pushing the sled. I had to change shoes mid-training block.”
Look for a shoe with enough stack height and responsiveness to handle the 8 x 1km runs, while also offering ground connection and stability for movements like sandbag lunges, burpee broad jumps, and wall balls.
Key specs to look for:
Responsive midsole (ZoomX, Pebax, NITRO foam)
Flexible but structured upper
Stable heel and arch for power transfer
Grip Matters – More Than You Think
Grip is the unsung hero of Hyrox shoes. Without it, sled pushes become inefficient and frustrating; with it, you gain confidence and control.
“I tried a standard road shoe and had zero traction on the sled turf. Switched to Puma’s PUMAGRIP and it was a game changer,” wrote another Reddit user prepping for Hyrox Manchester.
Grip comes down to tread pattern, rubber quality, and contact area. Flat outsole shoes with minimal tread are a liability here.
Best for grip: Puma ForeverRun NITRO, TYR SR-1 Tempo, Saucony Endorphin Edge
Avoid: Ultra-cushioned road shoes like the Nike Invincible if the outsole is smooth
Also consider: venues with rubber or turf floors will expose grip weaknesses fast—ask around if you’re competing somewhere specific like Hyrox London or Hamburg.
Cushioning for the Long Haul
8,000m of running. Countless jumps. Slammed sleds. Your joints will thank you for cushioning—but not too much.
“I wore Nike Invincibles and it felt like running on clouds… until I hit the lunges. I couldn’t feel the floor!” said one Reddit poster who switched to HOKA for race day.
Hyrox isn’t just about absorbing impact—it’s about recovery between movements and managing cumulative fatigue. The best shoes use modern midsole tech to provide bounce-back and reduce foot fatigue without sacrificing ground feel.
Best materials:
Pebax (used in TYR Valkyrie)
ZoomX (Nike Invincible 3)
PWRRUN PB (Saucony Triumph)
Pro tip: If you’re prone to shin splints or knee pain, prioritise midsole tech with high energy return and softer density foams.
Fit & Lockdown: Don't Ignore the Basics
A shoe can be built like a rocket ship—but if the fit is off, you’ll feel it on every lunge and step. Hyrox demands a secure lockdown in the heel and midfoot, plus space for toe splay during dynamic movements.
“I didn’t realise how narrow the TYRs were until I hit the burpees—my toes were cramping. Switched to Nike Pegasus and it made a huge difference,” one athlete reported.
Checklist:
✅ Heel: Secure, no slippage
✅ Midfoot: Firm support without pressure points
✅ Forefoot: Room for movement and swelling
✅ Arch: Matches your gait (neutral vs support)
Break them in early and often—no shoe is race-ready out of the box.
Price vs Performance: Don’t Pay Just for a Logo
While flagship models like the TYR Valkyrie and HOKA Carbon X2 offer premium performance, there are solid mid-range options too.
“Honestly, my £100 Puma ForeverRun shoes did better than the £220 carbon-plated runners I tried first,” said one Reddit commenter prepping for his third Hyrox.
Higher price doesn’t always mean better performance—it might just mean newer tech or a bigger brand name.
Consider:
Your gait (neutral vs overpronator)
Your surface (venue flooring)
Your budget (don’t skip food or sleep for a shoe upgrade)
What to Avoid in a Hyrox Shoe
Here are the most common mistakes we see athletes make—many of which are echoed across Reddit threads and YouTube reviews:
Too Much Cushioning
“I wore my Clifton 9s once for Hyrox. Never again. Felt like running in marshmallows when I needed control.” Stick to cushioning that supports transitions—not max-stack marathon shoes with no lateral control.
CrossFit-Only Trainers
While great for lifting, many are too stiff and flat for 8km of running.Examples: Reebok Nano, Nike Metcon (unless hybrid version)
Racing Flats
They’re great on the track, but lack grip and comfort for the stations. They also tend to wear out fast under lateral load.
Poor Fit or Narrow Toe Box
Toe splay is crucial during explosive movements. If your feet cramp or blister mid-race, you’ll lose valuable seconds—or worse, DNF.
Hyrox Shoe FAQs
Do I need different shoes for training vs race day?
If you're doing longer runs, hybrid workouts, Hyrox workouts or turf practice, a more cushioned and versatile shoe (e.g., Pegasus 41, Triumph 22) is ideal. But for race day, you may benefit from something more aggressive and race-tuned like the Valkyrie or Carbon X.
What shoes do Hyrox pros wear?
You’ll spot TYR, Saucony, and Nike most commonly, but remember: pros have custom insoles, multiple pairs, and often brand partnerships.
Should I get custom insoles?
If you have flat feet, overpronate, or experience recurring aches, yes. Many Reddit athletes reported improved performance and reduced fatigue with custom or semi-custom insoles (like Superfeet or Sidas).
How far in advance should I break them in?
4–6 weeks before race day. Include them in your long runs, sled pushes, and burpee sets. Watch for any hotspots or slippage.
Finding the Best Hyrox Shoes for You
There’s no universal winner when it comes to the best Hyrox shoes. The perfect shoe will depend on your running style, foot shape, experience level, and performance goals. Whether you're aiming to complete your first event or push for a podium finish, the right footwear can make a significant difference.
To help you make the right choice, here are the key performance factors to look for in the best Hyrox shoes:
Versatility Across Movements
Hyrox is unique in that it blends endurance running with strength-based functional movements. That means the best Hyrox shoes must be versatile enough to handle running at pace while also providing control and stability under heavy load.
Look for a shoe that combines:
A responsive, energy-returning midsole for running efficiency
Lateral support and firmness underfoot for lunges, sled pushes, and carries
Flexibility through the forefoot to allow explosive movement transitions
If your shoe lacks in any one area, it could compromise your efficiency across the race.
Traction and Grip for Sled Pushes and Pulls
Sled pushes are one of the most demanding movements in Hyrox—and they reveal quickly whether your shoes are up to standard. The best Hyrox shoes have a durable, grippy outsole that works well on both rubber and turf surfaces.
A multi-directional tread pattern helps maintain control during change-of-direction movements, while a rubber compound with strong ground contact gives you the grip needed to generate force through the feet.
If you're competing at a venue with slick floors or artificial turf, prioritise grip above all else.
Long-Distance Cushioning and Energy Return
Hyrox races typically last between 60 to 90 minutes, with 8 kilometres of running interspersed throughout. The best Hyrox shoes offer midsole cushioning that protects your joints without compromising performance.
Ideal midsole materials include:
Pebax foam (found in TYR Valkyrie)
ZoomX (Nike Invincible series)
PWRRUN PB (Saucony Triumph)
These foams deliver impact absorption, reduce fatigue, and enhance propulsion—particularly valuable in the later stages of the race.
Types of Trainers That Perform Best in Hyrox
While personal preference matters, some categories of footwear consistently deliver in Hyrox competitions. Here’s how each type stacks up when considering the best Hyrox shoes for different athlete profiles:
Racing Flats
Racing flats are ideal for athletes prioritising speed in the running sections. They are lightweight, responsive, and designed for quick turnover. However, they generally lack the stability and cushioning needed for heavy Hyrox movements like sled pushes or lunges.
Best suited for: advanced Hyrox athletes who can tolerate minimal support and want every advantage during running intervals.
Neutral Running Trainers
Neutral trainers are among the most reliable choices when searching for the best Hyrox shoes. They provide balanced cushioning and stability, perform well in both running and functional stations, and typically come with wider toe boxes—an asset during explosive movements like burpees and lunges.
Best suited for: intermediate to advanced athletes looking for all-round performance across the Hyrox race.
Cross-Training Shoes
Cross-trainers are built with functional movements in mind. They offer excellent lateral stability and are particularly effective during sled pushes, wall balls, and carries. However, their construction often lacks the flexibility and propulsion required for efficient running.
Best suited for: athletes who prioritise control and power over running efficiency, or those new to Hyrox who want a stable, supportive platform.
Buying Tips When Choosing the Best Hyrox Shoes
Choosing the best Hyrox shoes isn’t just about brand or style—it’s about performance, fit, and function. Here’s how to ensure you select the right pair for your body and training style:
Know Your Foot Type
Understanding your gait and foot mechanics is essential. Whether you overpronate, supinate, or have a neutral stride, you need Hyrox shoes that work with your movement patterns—not against them.
Many specialist running stores offer gait analysis, which can help match you with the right support level.
Test Before You Commit
Trying before buying is always best. Visit a store with a treadmill or turf area and test shoes in real-life scenarios. Ask for recommendations based on Hyrox-specific training needs, such as sled work and interval running.
Make sure the shoes feel secure, responsive, and comfortable across a variety of movement patterns.
Comfort is Essential from Day One
The best Hyrox shoes feel good the moment you lace them up. Avoid any models that cause pinching, slipping, or excess pressure. You’ll want room in the forefoot for toe splay and a snug heel for stable movement under fatigue.
If your shoes don’t feel right after 10 minutes of use, they’re unlikely to hold up across 90 minutes of high-intensity racing.
Break Them in During Hyrox Training
Race day isn’t the time to test a new pair of shoes. Break in your footwear during training workouts, runs, functional workouts, and Hyrox Race Sim days. This helps mould the shoe to your foot shape and ensures you can rely on it under pressure.
Aim for at least 3–4 weeks of training in your chosen shoe before your Hyrox Race.
Consider Custom Insoles
Athletes with biomechanical issues—such as fallen arches, overpronation, or leg length discrepancies—may benefit from custom insoles. Many stores now offer heat-mouldable or podiatrist-designed inserts that can turn a good shoe into the best Hyrox shoe for your unique needs.
What Is Hyrox and Why Footwear Matters
Hyrox is a global fitness racing event that blends endurance running with strength-based functional exercises. Participants complete eight 1km runs, each followed by a demanding fitness station. It’s a full-body test of strength, stamina, and mental grit—and the best Hyrox shoes are essential for success.
Functional Stations
You’ll face exercises like:
Sled pushes and pulls
Sandbag lunges
Burpee broad jumps
Wall balls
Rowing and ski erg intervals
These require Hyrox specific footwear that delivers stability, responsiveness, and grip under load.
Running Sections
Between each station is a 1km run. These 8 running segments demand efficient energy return, breathability, and consistent support. Hyrox shoes that are too bulky or unstable can dramatically affect your pacing and recovery between stations.
Sled Work
The sled push and pull stations are unique to Hyrox and demand a combination of traction and lower body strength. The best Hyrox shoes are those that anchor you to the ground, helping you transfer force effectively without slipping or losing control.
Remember, the ideal Hyrox shoe is an extension of your body, allowing you to move with confidence, power, and efficiency throughout the entire competition. Don't forget to get your body prepared with our Hyrox Training Plan.
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