Hyrox has quickly become the fitness challenge you can’t ignore. Whether you take it on alone or with a team, this race is the ultimate endurance test sweeping the fitness world.
A Hyrox event involves eight rounds of a 1km run, each followed by a demanding functional workout such as sled pushes, lunges and burpees. Races often sell out within minutes, and the upcoming London event at Olympia over the Bank Holiday weekend (May 3 to 5) is set to draw thousands of competitors.
So with a mix of running and strength-based exercises, athletes need a shoe that can handle a variety of challenges. With this in mind, the ES Best Shopping team has put some of our favourite Hyrox shoes to the test to see how they stand up in our training and spoke to Zara Piergianni, an Elite 15 Hyrox and Puma athlete for her expert advice.
What makes a quality Hyrox shoe?
“The shoe has to be versatile to meet the different demands of the Hyrox stations but foremost has to be suitable and comfortable for running. I tend to opt for a lighter shoe with a carbon plate which gives a spring-like effect and helps to keep me lighter on my feet. Grip and stability however are also important - particularly for stations like sled push or burpee broad jumps where you want to be reducing any foot movement within your shoe.”
What’s the most important feature - grip, cushioning, or flexibility?
“It's a tough call between the three and ideally your Hyrox shoe would have all of these. Cushioning for me is important with running being over 50 per cent of the race, I like a shoe that's responsive and more cushion tends to feel more comfortable, particularly when running on different surfaces across events.”
How do you test and break in a new shoe before race day?
“I always test my race day shoes in a number of different sessions; easy runs, threshold (race-pace running sessions) and more Hyrox-specific workouts. That way, I have the confidence that I can wear them for the duration of the race, can comfortably hit paces and they’re suitable in terms of grip and stability for station work. I'll also test them on a number of different surfaces as you never know what the event flooring will be like.”
What’s one mistake people make when picking shoes?
“Following trends and not prioritising a shoe that's suitable for you. We all have different mechanics when it comes to our arch height, foot width and personal preference of 'feel', so it's important you find a brand and model that gives you the greatest comfort and ability to perform, rather than prioritising having the latest super shoe.”
How do you know when it’s time to replace a pair?
“With grip being a really important consideration of a Hyrox shoe, the outer sole is usually a good place to start. If you're starting to see large changes in the sole or shoe structure, or if the shoe doesn't feel as responsive or as comfortable as you're used to, it could be time to replace.”
How we tested
With London’s Hyrox race on the horizon, I put a selection of shoes to the test takng into consideration our expert athlete’s advice. My training routine is a blend of outdoor and indoor workouts, designed to challenge the shoes in different environments. I run 5km to the gym near the office three times a week and attend two Hyrox classes at The Gym Group on my WFH days. Additionally, I practice all the functional movements – sled pushes, burpees, and lunges – on indoor gym flooring.
I focussed on key factors like grip, cushioning, stability, and fit. The grip was tested across both road surfaces and gym floors. Cushioning had to absorb the impact of running and provide comfort during high-intensity exercises. Stability was also important for supporting lateral movements and explosive actions, while a secure, flexible fit gave me comfort throughout my training.
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Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3
Puma’s newest Hyrox trainer for men and women ticks all the boxes for me. It’s supportive, lightweight and built for high-intensity training. The shoe’s breathable upper kept my feet cool during training sessions, and the lightweight design didn’t weigh me down.
The grip is another standout feature. Whether I’m running on concrete or pushing sleds, the traction works well. I’ve always struggled with slipping during certain movements, but with this shoe, I feel stable and secure on all surfaces.
Buy now £195.00, Puma
Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris
I know a lot of athletes who choose carbon shoes for Hyrox, particularly those focused on speed. The Metaspeed features a carbon plate that provides responsive propulsion, helping you power through the running sections. If your goal is to zoom through the 1km runs, this shoe excels, giving you that extra spring in your step.
But while it's comfortable and light for running, the shoe’s grip could be better, particularly in moments when traction is key. Despite this, the Metaspeed Carbon remains one of my running-focused shoes for Hyrox.
Buy now £220.00, Asics
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
These new Hyrox-designed trainers have become one of my favourite shoes for both running and training. The foam technology gives just the right amount of cushioning while still feeling light and fast, helping me through sprints and longer distances.
The carbon fibre plate also adds an extra level of stability and energy transfer, while the gripping outsole is useful for sticking to the ground on all surfaces.
Buy now £150.00, Puma
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4
The combination of high-layer cushioning and the carbon fibre propulsion plate in the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 offers the spring and responsiveness needed for fast-paced running. Plus, the lightweight design means that you won’t feel dragged down during the 1km runs.
I like the breathability and it has a snug fit, so your feet stay secure, even under intense effort like sled pushes.
Buy now £200.00, Brooks
Puma Velocity Nitro 3
I’ve taken the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 shoes on everything from outdoor runs to indoor workouts, and they grip the ground really well, especially when I’m pushing off with a lot of force.
The Nitro technology makes every step feel springy and energised - but without the heavy, bulky feel that some cushioned shoes have. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop is ideal for a comfortable stride too, especially during longer runs. It’s got enough cushioning, combining speed and comfort perfectly.
Buy now £110.00, Puma
Salomon Ultra Glide 3
The Ultra Glide 3 offers a cushioned, comfortable feel. It is a good choice for Hyrox racers who need that extra support for both running and functional exercises.
With maximal cushioning and a soft, responsive feel, this shoe is designed to keep your feet comfortable during long runs, making it ideal for those who are pushing through the running sections of a Hyrox race.
Buy now £135.00, Salomon
Nike Pegasus 41 Road Running Shoes
Perfect for daily runs or competitive races, the Nike Pegasus 41 Men’s Road Running Shoes combine innovative technology with thoughtful design to meet the needs of wide-footed runners. The all-new ReactX foam midsole is 13 per cent more responsive than previous React technology, providing lightweight energy return that propels you forward with every step.
The dual Air Zoom units at the forefoot and heel enhance cushioning, delivering a smooth and energised ride.
Buy now £129.99, Nike
New Balance Fuel Cell Rebel V4 Shoes
When it comes to Hyrox training, the Rebels are a decent choice of shoe. Known for their grip and lightweight construction, the New Balance trainers have excellent traction and stability during intense workouts.
Its responsive design also offers agility while maintaining enough support to handle high-impact movements.
Buy now £140.00, New Balance
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Running Shoes
These Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 Running Shoes gave me an effortless, forward-leaning motion, making it ideal for rapid transitions between running segments. This feature promotes a quick, snappy stride, helping you power through the 1km runs with minimal effort, and the carbon plate has a smooth, efficient turnover to maximise speed.
The overall construction offers a snug, secure fit, reducing the chance of foot fatigue as you push through the different segments of the race.
Buy now £230.00, Saucony
Verdict
The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is my top choice for Hyrox shoes. It's the perfect combination of support, speed and grip, making it ideal for the high-intensity demands of the race. The lightweight design means that you don't feel weighed down, even during the hardest parts of the course. Whether you're sprinting through the 1km runs or powering through the non-running challenges, the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 delivers on all fronts.
