3 Best Shoes for HYROX in 2026!

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New to HYROX or experienced and fed up with a lack of grip on the Sled Pull or want more speed on the 1km runs?

I found out first hand on the Sled Push what can happen if you don’t have the right shoes (It wasn’t pretty)

50% of a HYROX race is running and the biggest failure on Sled Push and Pull is lack of footwear grip, so getting your footwear right is essential!

Imagine smashing each stage of the HYROX, with shoes that feel like an extension of you. Shoes that offer the perfect blend of grip, comfort, speed, and stability.

Through research, trial and error during my 5 year HYROX obsession, that is exactly what I’ve narrowed down for you. The best shoes for HYROX shoes in 2026 that will give you that critical edge.

Once you’ve picked your shoes the next focus should be on the best clothing and training equipment to get you race ready.

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What is HYROX?

HYROX is a unique bled of 1km runs and 8 functional fitness stations. This setup puts you through a variety of motions including running, pushing, pulling, jumping, lunging and squatting.

The best shoes are ones that won’t let you down in any of these areas.

The Best Shoes for HYROX in 2026

1. Puma HYROX Deviate 4

Price Range

Approximately £150

Key Benefits

• The most complete all rounder for Grip, Stability, Response and Durability

Features

Responsive NITROFOAM™ Midsole
This is a nitrogen-infused foam that feels lively underfoot. It delivers springy cushioning and good energy return for running — letting you link repeated 1 km segments with less fatigue.

Carbon Composite PWRPLATE
There’s a carbon-based plate built into the midsole that helps you carry speed through your stride. It’s designed to keep the forward motion smooth and efficient — useful when you’re trying to hit a pace during the run sections.

Engineered Mesh Upper
The upper uses a lightweight, breathable mesh that feels airy and comfortable. It won’t overheat your feet in long sessions, and it keeps the overall shoe weight down.

PWRTAPE Support
Reinforcements in the upper help keep your foot secure without adding bulk. That matters when you’re transitioning from a run to sled pushes, lunges and wall balls — you want your foot stable, not sliding inside the shoe.

PUMAGRIP Outsole
The durable rubber on the sole gives you grip on lots of surfaces — gym floor, track, pavement — so you can push, run and cut without feeling uncertain underfoot.

8 mm Heel-to-Toe Drop
This moderate drop places you in a balanced running position. It helps you move efficiently on the runs, while still feeling stable when you need to push hard on strength stations.

Balanced Cushioning for Long Runs
There’s plenty of cushioning underfoot, but it’s tuned to feel responsive rather than mushy. That lets you cover the 8 km of running without feeling like you’re running through deep foam.

Overview

These are the No.1 ranked shoes and for good reason. They pack all the essential features for your HYROX race including; responsive, light weight foam and carbon plate for the 1k runs, rubber compound grip to get you through the Sled Push, Sled Pull and Burpees Broad Jumps and a 8mm Heel to Toe Drop for better stability through the Lunges and Wall Balls.

They’re the trainer of choice worn by the HYROX Legend Hunter McIntyre, who commented on Puma HYROX Deviate in Sept 2023: “I wear them not because I get paid to, I wear them because they are the best shoes for the job.”

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2. Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

Price Range

Approximately £140 – £230

Key Benefits

• Excellent responsive foam and high heel-to-toe drop means these are brilliant for the running sections.

Features

Dual-Layer Cushioning (Two Foams, Two Jobs)

You get two foams working together underfoot. One absorbs impact and smooths things out. The other adds bounce and energy return. The result? Running feels easier, especially when fatigue starts to build in the later laps.

Full-Length Carbon Plate

There’s a carbon plate running through the shoe to help push you forward with each step. This helps you hold pace during the 1 km runs and saves energy you’ll need for sleds, lunges and wall balls.

SPEEDROLL Geometry

The shape of the sole gently rolls you forward as you run. You don’t have to force your stride. It naturally keeps you moving, which is gold when your legs are already heavy.

Lightweight, Breathable Upper

The upper is thin and airy, so your feet don’t feel boxed in or overheated. That matters in indoor arenas where things warm up fast.

Locked-In Fit

The integrated tongue helps keep your foot secure during fast running and quick transitions. Less foot movement means fewer distractions when you’re tired.

Durable Rubber Outsole

Rubber is placed where you actually need it. That gives you reliable grip on indoor floors and road surfaces during the run sections and transitions.

8 mm Heel-to-Toe Drop

This moderate drop works well if you’re a natural runner. It supports efficient mechanics without feeling unstable when you hit the workout stations.

High Cushioning for Long Efforts

There’s plenty of cushioning underfoot to protect your legs across the full race distance. You’ll notice this most in the final runs, when others start to fade.

Overview

These shoes are both grippy and bouncy and give great forward momentum. They offer more than enough grip for the sled work. They are less stable than the flatter soled shoes in this list. Overall the added speed it gave me on the running sections more than outweighed the mild instability on the Sandbag Lunges and Wall Balls.

HYROX Men’s Doubles Champion Michael Sandbach races in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4.

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3. Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3

Price Range

Approximately £147 – £210

Key Benefits

• If you’re chasing speed on the run segments and want something that feels alive and powerful, this shoe deserves your attention.

Features

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Bouncy, Energetic Midsole (MIZUNO ENERZY XP)
Underneath your foot is Mizuno’s nitrogen-infused ENERZY XP foam. It feels soft and lively without being sloppy. That means you get a springy ride that helps you cover the repeated 1 km runs with less effort and feel a bit of pop on every step.

Carbon-Infused Wave Plate
There’s a carbon-reinforced Wave plate built into the midsole. This helps keep your stride efficient and gives that “forward push” feeling as you run faster. It supports propulsion at higher speeds — useful when you want time gains on the run sections.

SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST Geometry
Mizuno has shaped the sole so your foot feels guided forward from midfoot to toe with less drag. This “rocker” style helps you maintain rhythm and keeps transitions smooth, which matters in HYROX where you switch between running and workout stations.

Lightweight, Breathable Mesh Upper
The upper is made from engineered mesh that’s light and lets air circulate. That’s great in long races or warm arenas because your feet stay more comfortable and less sweaty.

Internal Support Strap & Lockdown Fit
Inside, straps and a smart lacing system help hold your midfoot securely without extra bulk. Your foot stays stable when you push hard, which is useful for quick transitions between movements.

G3 Outsole for Grip
The sole uses a grippy rubber compound that gives reliable traction on roads and gym floors alike. That’s a bonus in HYROX when you’re sprinting off the line or cutting between stations.

Low Heel-to-Toe Drop (4 mm)
This shoe has a small drop from heel to forefoot, which promotes a midfoot strike and feels snappy under pressure. If you’re comfortable with low-drop shoes, it can help you run more efficiently.

Responsive, Race-Focused Cushioning
There’s plenty of foam, but it’s more about energy return and responsiveness than deep plush comfort. It’s tuned for pace and performance — especially if you like to go fast.

Overview

The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is a pure performance running shoe that rewards strong, confident runners. It has a high stack height, but don’t let that put you off. The wide base and aggressive sole shape help keep things controlled when you’re moving fast, especially on the run segments.

Underfoot, you get energetic, responsive cushioning that feels springy rather than soft. There’s also a carbon-reinforced Wave plate, which helps push you forward and keeps your stride efficient when the pace ramps up. It’s designed to help you hold speed across all eight 1 km runs.

Grip is solid on indoor race floors and road-style surfaces. You’ll feel confident accelerating out of transitions and heading back into the runs. That said, this shoe is clearly run-first. It can handle HYROX, but it isn’t trying to be a flat gym trainer for heavy sled work.

Lauren Weeks chooses Mizuno Wave Rebellion for a reason. If you’re comfortable with a more aggressive, race-day feel and a lower drop, it can be a serious advantage.

Essential Features of the Best Shoes for HYROX

To get through all stations of the HYROX race, without problems, you want shoes with the following qualities;

Grip and traction

You need good grip on different surfaces, including the running circuit floor and Sled carpet to avoid slips and wasted time.

Stability and support

For the burpees, lunges, and wall balls, you want a stable shoe that you can push through that provides support and prevents ankle rolls.

Cushioning and responsiveness

You’ll need a balance of cushioning for comfort and responsiveness to quickly get through the 8x1km runs.

Durability

HYROX puts a lot of physical demand on your shoes so you need them to be tough and durable to avoid shopping for a new pair every 3 months.

Tips for Choosing the Best HYROX Shoes

When trying on your shoes you’re looking for ones that feel comfortable, springy, stable, grippy, lightweight and well built (Won’t split and fall apart after one race)

The main takeaway is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; your personal preference and your foot shape play a big role in choosing the best footwear. Any from the list above will serve you well.

How Can the Best HYROX Shoe Benefit You?

The right lightweight shoes allow you to confidently smash through the 8km+ run,  knowing discomfort won’t slow you down. Equally, when it comes to the sled push and pull exercises, great grip on the shoe ensures good traction and efficiency and prevents injury as a result of slips and falls.

The shoe with a solid base allows you to grind through the Wall Balls, Lunges and burpees with minimal energy burnt on stabilising. The right shoe, tailored to your personal preference can shave seconds off your finish time.

When talking about the performance of his Saucony Endorphin Pro shoes, Michael Sandbach said they take 2-5 seconds per km off his HYROX time.

Buyers Guide: How We Conducted Our Research

When doing our research to find the best product, we determined using these factors:

1. Pricing: We looked at how much each shoe costs and weighed it against its features and benefits.
2. Features: We closely examined the unique features of each shoe, from grip and stack height to comfort and weight.
3. Negatives: We took note of any potential drawbacks or issues raised by HYROX participants.

Wrapping Up

So there you have have it. Puma HYROX Deviate 4, Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 leading the way for the best shoes for HYROX in 2026.

Remember shoes are not the be all and end all. If you already have trusted trainers with enough grip for the sled work and are comfortable running 8 x 1km in them, they will still serve you well.

If you are definitely in the market for a new pair of HYROX shoes, the most important things to keep in mind are;

Speed in the runs – Boosted by bouncy foam and aggressive rockers.

Grip – Without the right grip your feet can slip, making the the sled work a nightmare.

Stability – A Good stable base the push through on the lunges, burpee broad jumps and wall balls.

Comfort – You don’t want your focus to be on blisters and discomfort instead of the exercises.

Once you’ve run a HYROX in your new shoes, check your times and compare to see the difference they made.

The most important thing is getting yourself out there and grinding through the training sessions to smash your next HYROX Race!

If you’re new to HYROX and want a HYROX training plan to follow, we have you covered.

And don’t forget to think about the rest of your race outfit.

FAQ’s

What is the HYROX workout?

HYROX is a one-day fitness competition event that combines functional training exercises and running. Designed to challenge both endurance and strength, participants go through a series of workout stations followed by a 1km run – a format that is repeated eight times.

The workout stations are 1km SkiErg, 50m Sled Push, 50m Sled Pull, 80m Burpee Broad Jump, 1km Row, 200m Farmer’s Carry, 100m Sandbag Lunge and 100 Wall Balls. The event is often dubbed the “World Series of Fitness” and is open to athletes of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

What do you wear to HYROX?

You’ll want to wear sportswear that is comfortable and allows for a full range of motion since you’ll be engaging in a variety of exercises;

• Top: A moisture-wicking shirt or tank top. Some prefer to wear compression tops for muscle support.
• Bottom: Flexible shorts or leggings that allow for running, squatting, and other movements.
• Shoes: Trainers that provide the support and grip needed for functional exercises and the cushioning needed for the running portions.
• Accessories: Consider wearing gloves for grip during certain exercises, such as the sled push or pull. A sweatband or headband can help keep sweat out of your eyes.

How fit do you have to be for HYROX?

HYROX is designed to accommodate participants of varying fitness levels. While elite athletes may compete for the best times, many participants view HYROX as a personal challenge. That said, the event is demanding, combining 8km of running with functional exercises.

It’s beneficial to have a foundation in both cardiovascular fitness (From running or other cardio exercises) and strength training. If you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to train for several months in advance to prepare. You can find tips to improve your fitness here. Always consult with a fitness professional before embarking on a new fitness challenge.

HYROX Events 2026

HYROX Turin – 30.01.26 – 01.02.26

HYROX Vienna – 06.02.26 – 08.02.26

HYROX Guadalajara – 07.02.26 – 08.02.26

HYROX Bilbao – 07.02.26 – 08.02.26

HYROX Katowice – 21.02.26 – 22.02.26

HYROX Taipei – 28.02.26 – 01.03.26

HYROX Washington D.C. Open North American Championships – 07.03.26 – 08.03.26

HYROX Glasgow – 11.03.26 – 15.03.26

HYROX Copenhagen – 13.03.26 – 15.03.26

HYROX Toulouse – 19.03.26 – 22.03.26

HYROX Bangkok – 20.03.26 – 22.03.26

HYROX Beijing – 21.03.26 – 22.03.26

HYROX London – 21.03.26 – 22.03.26 (Regional Championships), 24.03.26 – 29.03.26 (Standard HYROX) and 28.03.26 – 29.03.26 (HYROX Youngstars)

HYROX Houston – 26.03.26 – 29.03.26

HYROX Singapore – 03.04.26 – 05.04.26

HYROX Miami – 03.04.26 – 05.04.26

HYROX Cape Town – 03.04.26 – 05.04.26

HYROX Brisbane – 09.04.26 – 13.04.26 and 11.04.26 – 12.04.26 (Regional Championships)

HYROX Rotterdam – 15.04.26 – 19.04.26

HYROX Warsaw – 16.04.26 – 19.04.26

HYROX Cologne – 16.04.26 – 19.04.26

HYROX Malaga – 16.04.26 – 19.04.26

HYROX Monterrey – 18.04.26 – 19.04.26

HYROX Paris – 23.04.26 – 26.04.26

HYROX Cardiff – 29.04.26 – 04.05.26

HYROX Hong Kong – 08.05.26 – 10.05.26

HYROX Barcelona – 14.05.26 – 17.05.26

HYROX Heerenveen – 14.05.26 – 17.05.26

HYROX Incheon – 15.05.26 – 17.05.26

HYROX New York – 28.05.26 – 31.05.26 and 04.06.26 – 07.06.26

HYROX Rimini – 28.05.26 – 31.05.26

HYROX Riga – 30.05.26 – 31.05.26