Walk into any HYROX race and you'll see a dizzying array of gear: fancy shoes, compression everything, wrist wraps, weight belts, high-tech watches.
The question every beginner asks: "What do I actually need?"
Key Takeaway
HYROX doesn't require a ton of gear. The essentials (shoes, clothes, watch) cost $200-400. Everything else is optional. Focus your money on injury prevention and performance, not flashy extras.
This guide breaks down HYROX gear into three categories:
- Essential (you must have this)
- Recommended (makes a noticeable difference)
- Optional (nice to have, not necessary)
Essential Gear (Must-Have)
1. CrossFit / Training Shoes
Why you need them:
HYROX requires running (8km) AND heavy lifting (152kg sleds, 48kg carries). You need shoes that do both.
What to look for:
- Flat, stable sole (for 152kg sled push, 48kg farmers carry, 20kg lunges)
- Moderate cushioning (for 8km of running)
- Durable upper (for rope pulls, abrasion)
- Good grip (slippery floors = wasted energy)
Best Options:
- Nike Metcon 9/10 – Best all-around HYROX shoe
- Reebok Nano X4 – Wider toe box, great for heavy lifts
- NOBULL Trainers – Durable, minimalist, cult favorite
- Inov-8 F-Lite – Lightweight, excellent for hybrid athletes
Price: $130-180
Avoid: Running shoes (too soft for 152kg sleds), lifting shoes (too stiff for 8km running), minimalist shoes (not enough cushion).
Pro tip:
Break in shoes with at least 3-4 training sessions before race day. New shoes = blisters.
2. Moisture-Wicking Shirt
Why you need it:
You'll sweat heavily. Cotton shirts absorb sweat, get heavy, and chafe.
What to look for:
- Polyester or nylon blend
- Lightweight (not thick)
- Fitted (loose shirts catch on equipment)
Best Options:
- Any tech tee from Nike, Adidas, Under Armour
- HYROX branded shirts (if you want the official look)
- Compression shirts (optional but popular)
Price: $20-50
What to avoid:
- ❌ Cotton (holds moisture, gets heavy)
- ❌ Loose/baggy shirts (catches on wall ball target, sled handles)
3. Athletic Shorts or Leggings
What to look for:
- Stretchy (for lunges, burpees)
- Secure waistband (no falling down mid-race)
- No flapping pockets
Best Options:
- Men: Compression shorts, running shorts with built-in liner
- Women: Running shorts, compression leggings (avoid loose leggings)
Price: $25-60
Pro tip:
Test during a full simulation (8km + stations). If they ride up or shift, try something else.
4. Sports Bra (Women)
Why it matters:
8km running + jumping (burpees, wall balls). High-impact support is crucial.
What to look for:
- High-impact support rating
- No underwire (uncomfortable for long efforts)
- Moisture-wicking fabric
Best Options:
- Lululemon Energy Bra (high support)
- Nike Alpha High-Support Bra
- Under Armour Infinity High Bra
Price: $40-70
5. Socks
Why they matter:
Bad socks = blisters. Blisters = misery.
What to look for:
- Synthetic blend (not cotton)
- Snug fit (no bunching)
- No-show or crew (personal preference)
Best Options:
- Balega Hidden Comfort
- Feetures Elite
- Darn Tough (lifetime warranty)
Price: $10-20 per pair
Recommended Gear (Makes a Difference)
6. GPS Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
Why it helps:
Pacing is everything in HYROX. A watch lets you monitor pace, heart rate, and time in real-time.
What to look for:
- GPS tracking (1km lap splits)
- Heart rate monitor (wrist-based or chest strap)
- Race mode (for tracking intervals/stations)
Best Options:
- Garmin Forerunner 255/265 – Best value for HYROX
- Apple Watch Ultra – Great if you're in Apple ecosystem
- Polar Vantage – Excellent HR tracking
- Garmin Fenix – Premium option
Price: $200-800
Set 1km lap alerts so your watch beeps every run. This helps you stay on pace without constantly checking.
Budget alternative:
Basic GPS watch ($50-100) or smartphone app (free, but awkward to carry).
7. Weight Belt (for Carries & Lunges)
Why it helps:
Supports lower back during 48kg farmers carry and 20kg sandbag lunges.
What to look for:
- 4-6 inches wide
- Velcro or lever closure (quick on/off)
- Not too bulky (you're running, not powerlifting)
Best Options:
- Rogue Nylon Lifting Belt
- Harbinger Nylon Belt
- Element 26 Self-Locking Belt
Price: $30-60
When to use it:
Practice with it in training. Some athletes love it, others find it restrictive.
8. Wrist Wraps
Why they help:
Support wrists for rowing, wall balls, and sled pulls.
What to look for:
- 12-18 inches long
- Thumb loop (stays in place)
- Not too tight (restricts movement)
Best Options:
- Rogue Wrist Wraps
- Gymreapers Wrist Wraps
- IronMind Strong-Enough Straps
Price: $15-30
Optional Gear (Nice to Have)
9. Compression Gear
Types:
- Compression socks (calf support)
- Compression sleeves (arms, calves, quads)
- Full-leg compression tights
Why athletes use them:
- Reduces muscle vibration
- May improve blood flow
- Might reduce cramping (evidence is mixed)
Price: $30-100
Our take:
Marginal gains at best. If you believe they help, wear them. Placebo effect is real.
10. Foam Roller / Massage Gun
Why athletes use them:
Recovery. HYROX destroys legs. Rolling helps reduce soreness.
Best Options:
- Foam Roller: TriggerPoint GRID ($30)
- Massage Gun: Theragun Mini ($150)
Our take:
Great for recovery, but not necessary. Stretching, walking, and sleep work too.
Training Equipment (For Home/Gym)
Want to train HYROX at home? Here's what you need:
Must-Have Training Gear
1. Concept2 Rower ($900-1,100)
- Gold standard. Every HYROX race uses Concept2.
2. Concept2 SkiErg ($850-950)
- Elite athletes own one. Most use gym SkiErgs.
3. Sled ($150-400)
- Essential for practicing 152kg/102kg sled push/pull.
- Options: Rogue Echo Sled ($295), Titan Fitness ($150)
- DIY: Push a car (seriously—works great)
4. Kettlebells
- Men: 2x24kg = 48kg total (for farmers carry)
- Women: 2x16kg = 32kg total
- Price: $80-150
Critical: Practice with race weight kettlebells (2x24kg men, 2x16kg women). Training with lighter weights won't prepare you for race day.
5. Sandbag
- Men: 20kg adjustable
- Women: 10kg adjustable
- Price: $40-80
- Options: Rogue, Rep Fitness
6. Medicine Ball
- Men: 6kg (dead ball, doesn't bounce)
- Women: 4kg
- Price: $40-80
- Options: Rogue Echo Ball, Titan Fitness
7. Wall Ball Target ($30-50)
- Mark a spot: 3m (men), 2.75m (women)
- Or buy a target sticker
Total Cost for Home HYROX Setup
Bare Minimum (no rower/ski): $500-700
(Sled, kettlebells, sandbag, ball)
Serious Setup (with machines): $2,500-3,500
(Everything above + Concept2 rower + SkiErg)
Reality check:
Most people train at a CrossFit gym or HYROX gym. Much cheaper.
Gear You DON'T Need (Save Your Money)
❌ Expensive Smartwatches with 50 Features
A basic GPS watch is fine. You don't need altimeter, dive modes, or solar charging.
❌ Specialized HYROX Gloves
Regular lifting gloves or no gloves work fine. Don't overpay.
❌ Fancy Hydration Vests/Belts
Water stations are provided. You don't need to carry water.
❌ Energy Drinks During Race
You're racing for 1:15-2:00, not 4+ hours. Water is enough.
❌ Brand-Name HYROX Gear
Official gear looks cool but costs 2x. Buy generic.
Race Day Gear Checklist
The Night Before
- Lay out race outfit (shoes, clothes, bib)
- Charge GPS watch
- Pack race bag (post-race clothes, snacks, towel)
- Pin bib to shirt (test it—does it bounce?)
Race Morning
- Eat normal pre-workout meal (2-3 hours before)
- Arrive 90 minutes early
- Drop off bag at gear check
- Bathroom (you'll go 3-4 times)
- Warm up (10 min jog, stretching, 10 wall balls)
On Your Body During Race
- CrossFit shoes (broken in, tested)
- Moisture-wicking shirt
- Shorts/leggings (no chafing)
- Sports bra (women)
- Socks (synthetic, not cotton)
- GPS watch (charged, lap alerts set)
- Race bib (pinned securely)
Optional (Personal Preference)
- Weight belt (if you trained with it)
- Wrist wraps (if you use them)
- Compression gear (if it helps mentally)
Gear Tips by Experience Level
First-Time Racer (Beginner)
Buy:
- CrossFit shoes ($130-180)
- Moisture-wicking shirt + shorts ($40-80)
- GPS watch (if you don't have one: $50-200)
Skip:
- Weight belt (wait until race 2-3)
- Compression gear (test first)
- Expensive accessories
Total cost: $220-460
Experienced Racer (Intermediate)
Add:
- Weight belt ($30-60)
- Wrist wraps ($15-30)
Total extra: $45-90
Competitive / Elite Racer
Add:
- Premium GPS watch ($400-800)
- Home training equipment (sled, rower, SkiErg)
- Custom race kit
Total: Sky's the limit
FAQs
Q: Can I wear running shoes instead of CrossFit shoes?
A: Technically yes, but you'll struggle with 152kg sled push, 48kg carries, and 20kg lunges. CrossFit shoes are worth it.
Q: Do I need a weight belt?
A: Not required. Try it in training. If it helps with 48kg carries and 20kg lunges, use it. If not, skip it.
Q: What if I don't have a GPS watch?
A: You can race without one, but pacing will be harder. Borrow one or use a basic model ($50).
Q: Do I need gloves for sled pulls or farmers carry?
A: No. Most athletes go bare-handed. If you have weak grip, try gloves in training first.
Q: Why are HYROX kettlebells 24kg/16kg?
A: That's the race weight for farmers carry (2x24kg men = 48kg total, 2x16kg women = 32kg total). Train with these weights.
Conclusion: Buy Smart, Train Hard
HYROX doesn't require tons of gear. The essentials (shoes, clothes, watch) cost $200-400. Everything else is optional.
The golden rule:
Spend money on things that prevent injury (good shoes) and improve performance (GPS watch for pacing). Skip the flashy extras.
Key Takeaway
Your fitness matters 100x more than your gear. An elite athlete in $50 shoes will crush a beginner in $500 shoes. Focus on training, not shopping.
Next Steps:
- Buy essential gear (shoes, clothes, watch)
- Test it in training (at least 3 sessions)
- Check out our First HYROX Race Guide for training plans
- Use our Pacing Calculator for race strategy
See you at the start line. 🏁