The best HYROX shoes in 2026, according to a podiatrist

HYROX has quickly become one of the fastest-growing fitness competitions in Singapore. For those who aren’t familiar, the competition combines running with functional workout stations such as sled pushes, lunges and wall balls. Hence, HYROX races require specialised shoes that can handle both running and strength movements.

Unlike traditional races or gym workouts, HYROX demands footwear that can perform across multiple disciplines. The wrong pair can feel unstable during lunges, too soft for sled work or too heavy during the running segments.

As more athletes sign up for HYROX events, with the AIA HYROX Singapore race coming up in April this year, there is growing curiosity around the gear that can help competitors perform at their best, especially footwear.

To understand what really matters when choosing a HYROX shoe, we spoke with Lewis Nurney, Head of Podiatry at UFIT Clinic. We asked him how HYROX footwear differs from traditional running shoes and invited him to rank some of the most popular models worn by athletes today.

What makes a good HYROX shoe?

First and foremost, while HYROX may look like a gym competition to many, but according to Lewis, the foundation of the race is still running.

“Essentially, HYROX is a running event. So the winners of the HYROX competitions usually wear running shoes. It’s not necessarily a gym shoe, it’s a running shoe.”

However, because the race includes strength exercises and single-leg movements, stability becomes just as important as speed.

“HYROX has a lot of single-leg movements that we’re trying to do, so walking lunges, for example. So we essentially want a running shoe that still has enough stability that we can do our exercises safely.”

That’s why traditional lifting shoes are not ideal either.

“So not a lifting shoe because that’s designed to stand still when you’re doing your deadlift. It is essentially a running shoe, but one that’s still stable enough that you can do your exercises and your lifts with.”

Are carbon-plated running shoes good for HYROX?

Many HYROX athletes wear carbon-plated racing shoes, but Lewis says they may not work for everyone.

“Depends on who’s wearing the carbon-plated shoes. The person who wins HYROX is probably wearing a pair of carbon-plated shoes.”

These shoes are designed to perform best at very fast paces.

“The science of that is, the carbon-plated shoes are designed to work at certain speeds. So the winner at HYROX will probably do your runs in like three minutes or maybe faster than that.”

For the average competitor, however, the benefits may be limited.

“Most normal people are not running that fast, so you should match the shoes to your intended use and the pace. So for 90% of the people I see, HYROX in a non-carbon-plated shoe is the way to go.”

What are the best shoes for HYROX races?

Choosing the best shoes for HYROX is not as straightforward as picking a running shoe or a gym trainer. Reason being: the race combines running with functional workout stations, so athletes need footwear that can handle both speed and stability.

According to Lewis, the ideal HYROX shoe sits somewhere between a performance running shoe and a training shoe.

“You want something light enough to run in but stable enough to handle movements like lunges or sled pushes. If the shoe is too soft or unstable, it can make those exercises harder and increase injury risk.”

Most athletes, therefore, look for a shoe with the following:

• Good grip and traction for sled pushes and pulls
• Stable cushioning for single-leg movements like lunges
• Enough responsiveness for running intervals
• A secure fit that prevents foot movement during transitions

While elite athletes may opt for aggressive carbon-plated racing shoes, Lewis says the majority of competitors should prioritise stability and versatility instead.

The best HYROX shoes in 2026, ranked by a podiatrist

From carbon-plated race shoes to versatile training models, we asked Lewis to evaluate some of the most popular shoes worn in HYROX competitions today. Here are the shoes he recommends and which ones athletes should approach with caution.

ASICS Superblast 2

$255.20, ASICS from Lazada

Rating: 9/10

“ASICS Superblast 2 is probably going to be the most versatile shoe that anyone can get for HYROX. It has great grip, it’s very stable, it’s wide-fitting, and for that reason I’m going to give it a 9 out of 10.”

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

$359, Saucony from Running Lab

Rating: 9/10

“Great shoe as well. Really balanced shoe. This is one of my favourites because this is wider fitting and it’s quite a safe and stable carbon-plated shoe. I’m going to give that a 9 out of 10.”

PUMA x HYROX Deviate NITRO™ 4

$249, PUMA Singapore

Rating: 8/10

“Excellent shoe, excellent grip, however it is a little unstable as well. The Elite version has a carbon plate, so if you are the type of person who can run fast and make that work, this is an excellent HYROX shoe.”

“You just have to be careful and use it for what it’s intended for and run fast enough to make it work. So for that I’m going to give it an 8 out of 10.”

HOKA Mach 6

$229, HOKA from iRun

Rating: 6/10

“HOKA Mach 6 is a great shoe. A little bit more safe and friendly, so if you’re more of a beginner or entry level, comfort is more of a priority so HOKA Mach 6 is going to be a great option for that.”

“The winner of HYROX is unlikely to be wearing that shoe but if you’re a normal runner who just wants to survive at the end, then it’s a great shoe. Out of 10 I’d give that a 6.”

Brooks Hyperion 2

$208, Brooks

Rating: 5/10

“Great shoe, very aggressive. So this is quite a lightweight shoe, it’s very fast and nimble, however it is going to be a lot unstable as well.”

“Great shoe but proceed with caution, I’ll give it a 5 out of 10.”

Nike Pegasus 41

$219, Nike from Lazada

Rating: 4/10

“Great shoe, looks amazing. I would say it’s a little bit more of a fashion-based shoe rather than a HYROX shoe.”

“Looks good, the grip is good but it’s a little bit heavy and not so responsive, so I’m going to give it a 4 out of 10.”

lululemon Chargefeel 3

USD$158, lululemon

Rating: 4/10

“So lululemon is considered quite new to running shoes. These do work pretty well for HYROX. However, they are a little bit heavier and I’ve heard they are a little bit narrow as well.”

“So I’m going to give those a 4 out of 10.”

adidas Adizero EVO SL

$209, adidas

Rating: 3/10

“The adidas Adizero EVO SL looks amazing and is great for lots of runners, however it’s really unstable.”

“So if you have an unstable foot type, it’s going to cause a lot of problems. So for that I’m going to give it a 3 out of 10.”

What is the best shoe for HYROX?

Ultimately, the best HYROX shoe depends on your running pace, stability and experience level. While elite athletes may benefit from aggressive racing shoes with carbon plates, most competitors will perform better in a stable running shoe that balances cushioning, grip and control.

As Lewis puts it, the key is choosing footwear that matches how you actually race.

“Match the shoe to your intended use and the pace you run at. For most people doing HYROX, a stable running shoe without a carbon plate will probably work better.”

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