The best shoes for HYROX and hybrid training
A HYROX race is 8 × 1 km runs, each followed by a functional workout station: SkiErg, sled push, sled pull, burpee broad jumps, rowing, farmers carry, sandbag lunges and wall balls. That makes footwear a genuine compromise. You need cushioning for 8 km of running and a stable, grippy base for pushing, lunging and squatting.
Few shoes are designed specifically for HYROX, so the picks below are split by which side of that compromise matters more to you.
How we choose: each pick starts from our finder’s ranking for the brief shown, and we check it makes sense for the job. We haven’t tested these products ourselves. Some links are affiliate links, and commission never affects the picks. About affiliate links
Quick picks
| Best for | Model | Reference price | Sold by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best training shoe for HYROX | Nike Metcon 10 | £129.99 | Nike |
| Best hybrid shoe for HYROX | adidas Adizero Dropset Pro | £104 | Run4It |
| Best value training shoe | adidas Dropset 4 | £87.99 | SportsShoes |
| Best running shoe for HYROX | ASICS Novablast 6 | £105 | Run4It |
| Best for gym-based hybrid training | Reebok Nano X5 | £123 | Reebok |
| Best for a first HYROX | Nike Vomero 18 | £96.99 | Run4It |
Best training shoe for HYROX
Nike Metcon 10
The brief: Strong at the stations, wants stability for sleds, lunges and wall balls.
A stable, flat-soled training shoe that our finder picks for hybrid racing when versatility is the priority. It feels secure on the sled and in lunges and wall balls. The trade-off is the running: it’s firmer and less cushioned than a running shoe over 8 km, so do a full race simulation in it first. Nike says the women’s version fits small.
Designed for: Stable training footwear for weighted movements and gym sessions
A gym training shoe may be less comfortable than a running shoe for sustained HYROX running; test with race-specific sessions.
Best hybrid shoe for HYROX
adidas Adizero Dropset Pro
The brief: Wants one shoe that runs well and still feels planted at the stations.
adidas built this for hybrid racing: lighter and more cushioned than a gym shoe, so the 8 km of running feels easier, with a grippier, more stable base than a running shoe for sleds and lunges. It scored highly in independent lab tests. The toe box is narrow, so try it on if you have wide feet.
Designed for: Light, cushioned hybrid trainer built for HYROX: runs well between stations and stays planted for sleds and lunges
Narrow toe box, and less stable for heavy lifting than a flat gym shoe.
Best value training shoe
adidas Dropset 4
The brief: Wants a stable gym shoe for HYROX training without spending £130.
One of the highest-scoring training shoes in independent lab tests, reduced to about £88 when we checked. It’s low, stable and grippy for sleds, lunges and wall balls. It’s firm for running, so it suits training weeks and shorter runs better than long running blocks.
Designed for: Stable, low gym and HYROX trainer for sled pushes, lunges, wall balls and lifting
Low and firm: fine for short runs between stations, less comfortable for long running blocks.
Best running shoe for HYROX
ASICS Novablast 6
The brief: Runs are your strength or your worry, wants a shoe that stays lively for 8 km.
If the running is where you gain or lose most time, a light, responsive daily trainer is the better bet. It’s less stable than a training shoe at the stations, so practise sled pushes and lunges in it.
Designed for: Versatile one-shoe choice for easy runs, long runs and some faster workouts
A higher stack shoe is not everybody’s preferred feel; ensure secure fit.
Best for gym-based hybrid training
Reebok Nano X5
The brief: Mostly strength and conditioning classes, shorter runs.
A gym and conditioning shoe for weeks that are mostly strength sessions, with shorter runs. Like any training shoe, it isn’t designed for long, continuous running.
Designed for: Gym and conditioning sessions with strength movements
A gym training shoe may not be ideal for extended running; size and stock vary by colour.
Best for a first HYROX
Nike Vomero 18
The brief: First event, comfort over speed, mainly worried about the running.
A soft, comfortable everyday running shoe that takes the sting out of 8 km of running on tired legs. It’s heavier and less agile than a racing shoe, and the toe box can run narrow, so try it on.
Designed for: Soft, comfortable everyday and recovery miles
Heavier and less suitable for faster workouts; toe box can run narrow.
Not quite your brief?
Answer a few questions and the finder will pick the best model for your exact sport, experience, priorities and budget, plus two alternatives.
How to choose
Decide where you lose most time
If the runs are your weakness, prioritise a cushioned, responsive running shoe. If the sleds, lunges and wall balls are, prioritise a flatter, more stable training shoe. Many experienced athletes end up with a stable running shoe as a middle ground.
Grip on the sled
Sled pushes and pulls happen on carpet or turf. A sole with good forefoot grip helps you drive, while very soft, high-stack running shoes can feel unstable under load.
Be careful with carbon racers
Carbon-plated road racers feel fast on the runs, but their high, narrow stacks can feel wobbly in lunges, wall balls and burpee broad jumps. Test them in a full simulation before race day.
Train in what you’ll race in
Whatever you choose, do several race-simulation sessions in it so you find any rubbing, slipping or stability problems before the event.
Questions people ask
Should I wear running shoes or training shoes for HYROX?
It depends on your strengths. Running shoes make the 8 km of running more comfortable, while training shoes are more stable at the stations. Choose for the part of the race that costs you most time.
Can I use CrossFit-style shoes for HYROX?
Yes, many athletes do, especially for the stations. Their firmer, flatter soles are less comfortable for the running, so test them over a full simulation first.
Do I need special shoes for my first HYROX?
No. A comfortable running shoe you already own is a perfectly good choice for a first event. Buy something new only if your current pair is worn out or uncomfortable.
How we pick
Every pick starts from the EVENT/READY finder’s ranking for the brief shown. Products only qualify if we’ve opened and checked a UK retailer page for that exact model. We only include products that independent testers rated highly, and the best-rated rank highest, but we don’t reproduce anyone’s reviews here. We then check each result makes sense for the job. Prices are dated reference prices, not live prices. Read our full approach.