Blog / HYROX Gear
Best HYROX Gear Guide 2026
Essential equipment for training and race day success in the world's largest fitness racing series
The HYROX Challenge
8 rounds of 1km running + 8 functional fitness stations. Your gear needs to handle everything from sled pushes to wall balls to sustained running.
1000m
50m
50m
80m
1000m
200m
100m
75-100
Our Top HYROX Gear Picks
The Quick Answer
HYROX demands hybrid gear that handles both running and functional fitness. For shoes, the Nike Metcon 9 ($150) offers the best balance of stability for stations and cushioning for 8km of running. The Reebok Nano X4 ($140) is an excellent alternative. Don't overlook grip assistance—the Bear KompleX grips ($40) protect hands during sled pulls and farmers carries. For training, a Concept2 SkiErg or rower will accelerate your preparation more than any other single piece of equipment.
What's in This Guide
- 1. HYROX Shoes - The most critical gear decision
- 2. Race Day Apparel - What to wear for 60-90+ minutes of work
- 3. Grips & Hand Protection - Save your hands for all 8 stations
- 4. Watches & Heart Rate Monitors - Track training and race effort
- 5. Training Equipment - Build your home HYROX gym
- 6. Recovery Tools - Prepare for high training volumes
- 7. Race Day Essentials - Nutrition, hydration, and gear bags
Why You Should Trust This Guide
Glen
Endurance Athlete & HYROX Competitor
Multiple HYROX finishes across Open and Pro divisions. Functional fitness enthusiast with CrossFit and running background.
I've competed in multiple HYROX events and spent hundreds of hours training specifically for this unique format. The gear recommendations here come from real experience—discovering what works when you're exhausted at station 6 and still have lunges and wall balls ahead.
HYROX demands different things from your equipment than pure running or pure CrossFit. I've learned through trial and error (and some painful blisters) what actually performs when fatigue sets in and the clock is running.
1. HYROX Shoes: The Most Critical Decision
The Challenge
Your shoes must handle 8km of running PLUS sled pushes, wall balls, burpee broad jumps, and farmers carries. Pure running shoes lack stability; pure CrossFit shoes are too heavy for the running volume.
Nike Metcon 9
The gold standard for HYROX. Stable heel for lifting and pushing, responsive forefoot for running, durable construction that survives the punishment.
Strengths
- • Flat, stable heel for sleds
- • Responsive React foam forefoot
- • Rope-wrap durability
- • Excellent grip on gym floors
- • Handles 8km running well
Tradeoffs
- • Less cushioned than runners
- • Break-in period needed
- • Narrow for some feet
The Nike Metcon 9 is purpose-built for workouts that combine lifting and cardio—exactly what HYROX demands. The flat, stable heel provides a solid platform for sled pushes and lunges, while the React foam in the forefoot offers enough responsiveness for the running segments.
After multiple HYROX events in Metcons, they consistently perform when it matters. The outsole grips smooth gym floors confidently, and the durability means they'll last through hundreds of training sessions. The 4mm heel-to-toe drop is low enough for stability work but not so minimal that running feels punishing.
Reebok Nano X4
The classic CrossFit shoe, now with improved cushioning for hybrid workouts. Wide toe box accommodates more foot shapes.
The Reebok Nano X4 is the Metcon's main rival and an excellent HYROX option. It offers a wider toe box that suits more foot shapes and has improved cushioning in the heel compared to previous Nano versions. The Floatride Energy foam provides slightly more bounce for running than the Metcon, though it sacrifices a bit of stability during heavy sled work.
NOBULL Trainer+
Minimalist design with solid all-around performance. Durable SuperFabric upper handles any abuse.
Nike Pegasus 41
If running is your strength and you need max cushioning, the Pegasus works—but expect less stability during stations.
Some athletes with strong running backgrounds opt for the Nike Pegasus 41 or similar running shoes. This works if running is your advantage and stations are where you're catching your breath. However, you'll sacrifice stability during sled work and may find wall balls less comfortable. Only recommended if you've trained extensively in running shoes for functional work.
Shoe Fit Tip
Your feet will swell during 60-90 minutes of HYROX. Size up a half size from your regular training shoe, or ensure you have adequate toe room. Test your race shoes in full simulation workouts before race day.
2. Race Day Apparel
HYROX apparel needs to handle sweat, allow full range of motion for burpee broad jumps and wall balls, and not irritate during sustained effort. Keep it simple and fitted.
Tops
Nike Dri-FIT ADV
Lightweight, highly breathable, stays in place during burpees. The ADV fabric manages sweat better than standard Dri-FIT.
$55-65
Lululemon Metal Vent Tech
Premium option with excellent ventilation and anti-stink properties. Fitted cut won't catch on equipment.
$78
Ten Thousand Versatile Shirt
Budget-friendly with solid performance. Flatlock seams prevent chafing.
$54
Bottoms
Nike Dri-FIT Stride Shorts
5" inseam with built-in briefs. Lightweight with good mobility. Won't ride up during burpees.
$55
Lululemon Pace Breaker
7" or 5" options. Four-way stretch, secure fit, phone pocket that actually stays put.
$68
2XU Compression Shorts
Compression option for those who prefer it. Muscle support through stations and running.
$80
Pro Tips: HYROX Apparel
- High socks: Wear crew or knee-high socks to protect shins during sled work. Many athletes get scraped on sled pulls.
- No loose clothing: Baggy shorts catch on equipment; loose shirts make wall balls harder.
- Skip pockets: You won't need anything in your pockets during the race. Nutrition stations are provided.
- Test everything: If you haven't trained in it, don't race in it. Chafing destroys race times.
3. Grips & Hand Protection
Why Grips Matter
By station 6 (Farmers Carry) and 7 (Sandbag Lunges), your grip is shot. Sled pulls and rowing have already taxed your forearms. Proper hand protection can save precious seconds and prevent race-ending blisters.
Bear KompleX Carbon Grips
Three-finger carbon fiber grips that protect palms while maintaining bar feel. Used by CrossFit athletes worldwide.
Strengths
- • Thin profile, good feel
- • Wrist strap support
- • Durable carbon material
- • Quick on/off between stations
Tradeoffs
- • Must be trained in
- • Can slip when very sweaty
Liquid Chalk
Many HYROX athletes skip grips and use liquid chalk. Improves grip without adding bulk. Allowed at most HYROX events.
Liquid chalk is popular because it's quick to apply and doesn't interfere with grip feel. Apply before sled pulls, farmers carries, and wall balls. Check venue rules—most HYROX events allow chalk, but some indoor venues restrict it.
The Great Debate: Grips vs. Bare Hands
Some athletes swear by grips; others insist on bare hands with chalk. The right choice depends on:
- Your callus development and hand conditioning
- How sweaty your hands get
- Whether you've trained with grips
Key rule: Never try grips for the first time on race day.
4. Watches & Heart Rate Monitors
For HYROX training, a GPS watch with heart rate monitoring helps you manage intensity and track running progress. For race day, a simple watch with interval capabilities is sufficient—GPS won't work well in the indoor venue anyway.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Excellent HR accuracy, AMOLED display, comprehensive training metrics. Perfect for HYROX preparation with running and strength tracking.
Strengths
- • Outstanding GPS accuracy
- • Good wrist HR for training
- • HIIT workout mode
- • Bright AMOLED display
- • Training load/recovery metrics
Tradeoffs
- • Wrist HR lags during intervals
- • Premium price
- • GPS useless indoors
COROS PACE 3
Outstanding value with similar features to the Garmin at nearly half the price. Great GPS and battery life.
Polar H10 Chest Strap
Gold standard for accurate heart rate during high-intensity intervals. Pairs with any watch or app. Essential for serious training.
For serious HYROX training, pair your watch with the Polar H10 chest strap. Wrist-based HR struggles during burpees, sled work, and transitions. A chest strap gives you accurate data to manage your effort across training sessions.
Race Day Watch Strategy
During HYROX races, keep it simple:
- Use HR zones to manage effort, not pace (GPS is unreliable indoors)
- Set up intervals for each station if your watch supports it
- Focus on RPE - you know your body better than any metric
- Consider wearing the watch on your non-dominant hand to avoid interference during stations
5. Training Equipment
The right home equipment can dramatically improve your HYROX preparation. You don't need everything, but these items provide the highest training return.
Priority Order
If you're building a home HYROX gym, invest in this order: 1) Rower or SkiErg, 2) Wall Ball, 3) Kettlebells/Dumbbells, 4) Sandbag. These cover the most station-specific training.
Concept2 SkiErg
The exact equipment used in HYROX races. Nothing replaces specific SkiErg training. Wall-mounted or floor stand options available.
The Concept2 SkiErg is a significant investment, but nothing else replicates station 1 of HYROX. If you have gym access to a SkiErg, use it. If building a home gym and can only afford one cardio machine, the SkiErg provides more HYROX-specific benefit than a rower (station 5) because proper ski technique is harder to develop.
Concept2 RowErg
The rowing machine used in HYROX. Also excellent for general conditioning and building the engine needed for the entire race.
Station-Specific Equipment
Wall Ball
6kg (men) / 4kg (women)
Titan Fitness, Rogue: $50-80
Essential for station 8 training (75-100 reps)
Sandbag
20kg (Open men) / 10kg (Open women)
GORUCK, Rogue, Titan: $80-150
Station 7 lunges - 100m of pain
Kettlebells / Dumbbells
24kg pair (Open men) / 16kg (Open women)
Kettlebell Kings, Rogue, Rep: $100-200
Farmers carry simulation (200m)
Sled + Weight Plates
Most expensive but trains 2 stations
Titan Fitness, Rogue: $150-400 + plates
Stations 2 & 3 - the race breakers
No Sled? Alternative Exercises
If you can't access a sled, these exercises build similar strength and capacity:
- Sled Push alternatives: Weighted walking lunges, leg press, heavy prowler pushes, wall sits
- Sled Pull alternatives: Seated cable rows, bent-over rows, face pulls, TRX rows for grip endurance
- Key muscles: Quads, glutes, grip, upper back - train these heavily
Still try to access actual sled work at least 1-2x per month leading up to race day. The technique and loading are unique.
Conditioning Essential: Jump Rope
Speed rope for conditioning work. Builds the cardio engine and calf endurance needed for 8km of running.
RPM, RX Smart Gear, Rogue: $25-50
6. Recovery Tools
HYROX training is demanding. Proper recovery tools help you train more consistently and arrive at race day healthy.
Foam Roller
Daily rolling of quads, IT bands, and calves helps manage the volume of running and squatting.
$35
Massage Gun
Percussive therapy for deep muscle work. Target quads, glutes, and forearms.
$299
Compression Boots
Pneumatic compression for leg recovery after high-volume running weeks.
$599
Lacrosse Ball
Roll out grip fatigue after sled and farmers carry training. Keep one at your desk.
$8
Recovery Priority for HYROX
- 1. Sleep: 7-9 hours. No recovery tool beats adequate sleep.
- 2. Nutrition: Adequate protein (1.6-2.2g/kg bodyweight) and calories.
- 3. Active recovery: Easy walking, swimming, or cycling on rest days.
- 4. Mobility work: Daily stretching, foam rolling, and targeted work.
- 5. Recovery tools: Massage guns, compression, etc. - supplements to the above.
7. Race Day Essentials
HYROX race day requires some planning. Here's what to pack and what to leave behind.
Bring These
- Race shoes (broken in)
- Race apparel (tested in training)
- High socks for shin protection
- Grips or chalk (if you use them)
- Watch (simple setup)
- Warm-up clothes / throwaway layer
- Flip flops for after
- Change of clothes
- Pre-race nutrition (familiar foods)
- Electrolyte drink for after
- Foam roller (optional)
- Race bib and timing chip
Leave Behind
- New/untested shoes
- New apparel
- Heavy gear bag (traveling light is key)
- Complicated watch settings
- New nutrition products
- Grips you haven't trained with
- Unnecessary extras
Race Day Nutrition
Pre-Race (2-3 hours before):
Familiar carbohydrates, moderate protein, low fat and fiber. Oatmeal, banana, toast with peanut butter - whatever you've practiced.
During Race:
HYROX provides water and nutrition stations. For races under 75 minutes, water is usually sufficient. For longer efforts, consider one gel or energy chews at the midpoint.
Recommended Products:
- Maurten Gel 100 - easy on stomach
- Science in Sport GO Isotonic - no water needed
- Clif Bloks - easy to chew while moving
Recommended Gear Bag
A functional gym bag with compartments keeps race day organized.
GORUCK GR1 26L
Durable, organized, built to last. Fits all essentials with room for post-race clothes.
$295
Nike Brasilia (Budget)
Affordable option with good organization. Shoe compartment keeps dirty gear separate.
$45
Complete HYROX Gear Checklist
| Category | Our Pick | Price | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoes | Nike Metcon 9 | $150 | Essential |
| Grips | Bear KompleX Carbon | $40 | Recommended |
| Watch | Garmin Forerunner 265 | $450 | Recommended |
| HR Strap | Polar H10 | $90 | Recommended |
| SkiErg | Concept2 SkiErg | $1,000 | Training Priority |
| Rower | Concept2 RowErg | $990 | Training Priority |
| Wall Ball | Rogue Medicine Ball | $60 | Essential |
| Sandbag | Rogue Sandbag | $95 | Essential |
| Kettlebells | Kettlebell Kings | $100-200 | Recommended |
| Foam Roller | TriggerPoint GRID | $35 | Essential |
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes are best for HYROX?
The best HYROX shoes need to handle both 8km of running and functional fitness stations. The Nike Metcon 9 and Reebok Nano X4 are top choices, offering stability for sled pushes and wall balls while providing enough cushioning for the running segments.
Should I wear gloves for HYROX?
Gloves are optional and personal preference. Many athletes prefer bare hands with chalk for better grip feel, while others use lightweight training gloves for blister protection. If you use gloves, train in them—don't try anything new on race day.
What equipment do I need to train for HYROX at home?
Essential home HYROX equipment includes: a wall ball, sandbag, kettlebells or heavy dumbbells for farmers carry simulation, and a jump rope for conditioning. If budget allows, a rower or SkiErg dramatically improves training specificity.
Do I need a GPS watch for HYROX?
A GPS watch with heart rate monitoring is highly recommended for training to track running pace and manage effort. For race day, a simple watch with interval timer is sufficient since GPS won't work well indoors.
How much does it cost to fully gear up for HYROX?
A basic HYROX setup (shoes, grips, watch) costs around $250-500. A complete home training setup with SkiErg, rower, and station equipment runs $2,000-3,000. You can start with just shoes and a gym membership, then build equipment over time.
Related HYROX Resources
The Bottom Line
HYROX success starts with the right gear, but remember: no equipment compensates for training. Start with quality hybrid shoes (Nike Metcon 9 or Reebok Nano X4), protect your hands with grips or chalk, and track your training with a capable watch and HR strap.
For training equipment, prioritize station-specific gear: a wall ball and sandbag are affordable and essential. If budget allows, a Concept2 SkiErg or rower will accelerate your preparation more than any other single investment.
Most importantly, test everything in training. Race day is not the time to discover your shoes give you blisters or your new grips slip when sweaty. The best gear is the gear you've proven works for you.