The Best Shoes for HYROX: Top Picks for Peak Performance

Hayden Wilcox
Jul 11
3 min read

Updated: Oct 17

What to Look for in a HYROX Shoe

HYROX is a hybrid fitness event that is part endurance, part functional strength. So your shoe must be:

✅ Stable: For sleds, lunges, and wall balls

✅ Responsive: For quick transitions and running economy

✅ Durable: To handle high-impact movements and indoor terrain

✅ Grippy: For sled push/pull and skiers/rowers

✅ Lightweight: To prevent fatigue over the course of 60 to 90 minutes

No one shoe is perfect for every athlete, but these are the features that consistently deliver the best performance in HYROX settings.

AT-HOME HYROX GYM SUPPLIES

1) Ski ERG Machine

2) Rower

3) Wall Ball

4) Sled

5) Sandbag for Lunges

6) Energy Waffles

7) Rope for Sled Pulls

Top Shoe Picks for HYROX

1. Nike Metcon 9

Best for: All-around stability and sled work
Why it works: Rigid heel, solid base, rope guard traction
Bonus: Great crossover for lifting days and CrossFit

💬 "The Metcon holds up on sled pushes and gives just enough cushioning for runs."

2. NOBULL Trainer+

Best for: Stability and durability
Why it works: Wider toe box, grippy outsole, minimal drop for control
Drawback: Heavier than some options – not ideal for pure runners

💬 "Feels like armor for your feet during lunges and carries."

3. Reebok Nano X4

Best for: Functional training and balance
Why it works: Flexweave upper, floatride energy foam, stable heel
Hybrid-ready: Excellent for transitions between run and station

💬 "Best balance between comfort and performance."

4. Hoka Mach X

Best for: Runners who want cushioning without sacrificing speed
Why it works: Pebax plate for propulsion, super light, great for the 1K intervals
Caution: Less lateral stability for sled and lunge movements

💬 "Perfect if you come from a running background but need a little more stability."

5. TYR CXT-1 Trainer

Best for: Functional athletes looking for premium feel
Why it works: Dual-foam midsole, forefoot flexibility, lockdown support
Rising star: Gaining popularity fast in HYROX and CrossFit circles

💬 "Most versatile shoe I've found. It's stable, fast, and breathable."

What Do Top HYROX Athletes Wear?

Many elite competitors like Hunter McIntyre and Meg Jacoby rotate between two types of shoes:

👟 Running-specific shoes for training intervals and race day (e.g. Nike Alphafly, Saucony Endorphin Speed)

🧱 Stability/cross-trainers for sleds, lunges, and strength sessions (e.g. TYR, Metcons)

Some even change shoes between workouts in training blocks to prevent injuries and train movement-specific mechanics.

Final Tips Before You Buy

Test before race day. Don’t wear new shoes on race day. Break them in during training.
Try with your insoles or socks. What you wear in HYROX matters. Make sure they fit as a unit.
Consider dual-purpose shoes. If you’re not ready to own multiple pairs, go for a hybrid trainer like the Nano X4 or TYR CXT-1.

While Cross-Trainer shoes offer excellent grip and support for functional movements, they tend to lack the cushioning and comfort needed for over 8 kilometers of running. That’s where running shoes emerge as a top pick, as they’re specifically designed for mileage and can provide a smoother, more efficient stride throughout the race.

That said, not all running shoes are created equal. At the end of the day, features largely come down to individual preference and running style.

As a general guideline: opt for lightweight shoes, but don’t stress over a few extra grams, as it won’t make or break your time. If you tend to land on your heel when running, a slightly higher heel drop (around 5 - 10mm) can provide better comfort and support.

Just remember that HYROX includes ALOT of running, so if you’d be comfortable running a 5 to 10K in those shoes, they’re likely a solid choice for your HYROX race.

Best Shoes by Category

Category	Shoe	Why It Stands Out
Best Overall	TYR CXT-1	Balanced for run + strength
Best Stability	Nike Metcon 9	Rock-solid for sled and lunges
Best for Runners	Hoka Mach X	Light, fast, cushioned
Most Durable	NOBULL Trainer+	Built like a tank
Best Crossover	Reebok Nano X4	Great hybrid function

Ready to Dominate Race Day?

Choosing the right shoe can take your HYROX training and racing to the next level. Whether you’re chasing a podium or crushing your personal best, make sure your footwear works for you, not against you.

🔗 Looking for a personalized training plan or race day gear checklist? Reach out to our training team at AqilFitness Training Solutions