Best HYROX Shoes 2026 // What to Look For & What to Avoid

Summary

In this video, Rich Ryan, a three-time Hyrox Elite 15 athlete, shares his insights on choosing the best race shoes for Hyrox competitions. Drawing on his extensive experience in running and footwear, he discusses the importance of underfoot action, grip, and stability when selecting shoes. Ryan offers recommendations for the best options in 2026, including the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro Low, Nike Zoomfly, Adidas Adios Pro, and Puma DV8 Nitro Elite 3. His tips help athletes avoid costly mistakes and enhance their performance by choosing shoes that match their needs for grip, comfort, and stability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choosing the right shoe for Hyrox races can significantly boost your performance and confidence, especially when you know your gear is reliable.
• 👟 Your shoe choice impacts three key factors: underfoot action (foam and plate feel), grip, and stability.
• ⚡ Underfoot action refers to the shoe's responsiveness during running. Shoes can be bouncy, soft, firm, or stiff, depending on personal preference.
• 🏃‍♂️ If you prefer bouncy shoes, consider options like the Nike Alphafly, Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro, or Adidas Adios Pro.
• 🛑 Grip is crucial, particularly for performance on the sleds. Shoes with raised rubber studs or grooves offer the best grip on carpets and turf.
• ⚖️ Stability is important, but should not outweigh underfoot action and grip. Station stability (control while stationary) and running stability (lateral control) are key.
• 🔄 For running stability, consider how the shoe affects your movement and mechanics during dynamic movements like squats and lunges.
• 🥇 The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro Low 3 is highly recommended due to its balance of grip, underfoot feel, and improved stability compared to the original version.
• 👟 The Nike Zoomfly offers great grip with raised studs and Zoom X foam, making it a solid mid-tier choice for Hyrox athletes.
• 🔧 If you prefer a lighter, faster feel, the Adidas Tacumi Sen offers excellent nimbleness and upgraded grip from the previous models.
• 🛠️ Despite the growing popularity of Hyrox, major shoe companies have not yet fully invested in creating Hyrox-specific shoes, but Puma has hinted at new developments.

Q & A

What is the primary focus when choosing a shoe for Hyrox?

The primary focus should be on underfoot action, grip, and stability. These factors directly affect your performance during the race, with grip being particularly important for tasks like sled pushes.

Why is underfoot grip so crucial in Hyrox races?

Underfoot grip is critical because it affects performance on slippery surfaces, especially during sled pushes. Without excellent grip, even a well-performing shoe in other areas can significantly hurt your race results.

What are the different types of underfoot action in performance shoes?

Underfoot action can vary between soft, bouncy, firm, and stiff, and this affects the energy return and overall feel while running. Each runner may prefer a different type based on their running style and comfort.

What is Rich Ryan’s personal preference when it comes to underfoot feel?

Rich Ryan prefers shoes that offer a lot of bounce and energy return, typically opting for shoes that are either soft and bouncy or bouncy and firm.

How should runners test shoes to understand their underfoot feel?

Runners should visit a specialty running store where they can try on various shoes to assess how each feels underfoot. This hands-on testing will help determine which shoe provides the best comfort and performance.

What are the key features Rich Ryan looks for in a shoe's grip?

Rich prioritizes shoes with full rubber coverage, grooves, and raised rubber studs. These features provide superior grip on Hyrox’s surfaces and reduce the risk of slipping.

What’s the trade-off Rich Ryan is willing to make when selecting a shoe for Hyrox?

Rich is willing to give up some stability if it means improving underfoot action and grip. He believes that grip is the most crucial factor for optimal performance.

What are some of the top shoe recommendations for 2026 based on Rich Ryan's analysis?

Rich recommends the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro Low 3, Nike Zoomfly, Adidas Adios Pro, Puma DV8 Nitro Elite 3, and Adidas Tacumi Sen as the best options for Hyrox in 2026.

How does the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro Low 3 differ from its predecessor?

The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro Low 3 is a more stable option compared to the original Wave Rebellion Pro. It provides better handling of turns and curves, though it sacrifices some of the exceptional underfoot action.

What is Rich Ryan’s opinion on trail shoes for Hyrox races?

Rich doesn't typically recommend trail shoes due to their weight and underfoot action. However, for athletes who prioritize grip and aren't concerned with the weight or underfoot feel, trail shoes could work.

Why hasn’t Hyrox-specific footwear been widely developed yet?

Although Hyrox is gaining popularity, major shoe companies haven’t fully invested in creating shoes tailored specifically for Hyrox. The process requires extensive research, development, and testing, which is why most companies are still offering their general running shoes.

How do regular training shoes compare to performance shoes for Hyrox races?

Regular training shoes like the Nike Pegasus offer solid grip and durability with full rubber coverage, but they lack the enhanced underfoot action of performance shoes. They can still work well for some athletes, especially if they race in what they train in.