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.
This guide covers every category of HYROX gear and our recommendations for the best options in each—so you can make the right call for your goals and budget.
This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, HyroxDataLab earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
Race Day Gear
1. Running / HYROX Shoes
Why they matter: HYROX requires 8km of running AND heavy station work (152kg sleds, 48kg carries). Most competitive athletes now race in carbon-plated running shoes that still offer enough stability for the stations.
Our Top Picks:
Our #1 pick for HYROX. Carbon plate for speed, stable enough for all stations.
The official HYROX race shoe, designed specifically for the sport.
See our full HYROX shoe guide with detailed comparisons.
Avoid: Pure lifting shoes (too stiff for 8km running), minimalist shoes (not enough cushion for the distance).
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)
Our Top Picks:
Lightweight, quick-drying tech tee. The go-to training shirt for millions of athletes.
Ultra-light with seamless construction and moisture-wicking Dri-FIT fabric.
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
Our Top Picks:
Lightweight and breathable with built-in brief liner. Great for running and stations.
Four-way stretch, moisture-wicking, breathable mesh panels. Ideal for women.
Price: $30-70
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
Our Top Picks:
Molded cups, moisture-wicking, adjustable convertible straps. Designed for high-impact sports.
Also worth considering: Lululemon Energy Bra and Nike Alpha High-Support 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)
Our Top Picks:
Targeted compression, anatomical fit, moisture-wicking. Lifetime guarantee.
Also great: Balega Hidden Comfort and Darn Tough (lifetime warranty).
Price: $10-20 per pair
Accessories & Support Gear
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)
Our Top Pick:
AMOLED display, advanced training metrics, multi-band GPS. Everything a HYROX athlete needs.
Chest Strap HR Monitors (for more accurate heart rate data):
Dual-transmission chest strap with running dynamics. The gold standard.
Clip-on design for women, attaches to a sports bra.
See all our watch and HR monitor recommendations.
Set 1km lap alerts so your watch beeps every run. This helps you stay on pace without constantly checking.
Recovery
7. Massage Gun
Why athletes use them: Recovery. HYROX destroys legs. Percussion therapy helps reduce soreness and speed up recovery between sessions.
Our Top Picks:
Premium option. Quiet motor, Bluetooth app control, 2-hour battery.
Great value. Deep percussion at a fraction of the price.
See our full recovery tool recommendations.
Our take: Great for recovery and worth the investment if you train 4+ days a week. Stretching, walking, and sleep matter too.
Training Equipment (For Home/Gym)
Want to train HYROX at home? Here's what you need:
Gear Used in HYROX
1. Concept2 Rower ($900-1,100)
- Gold standard. Every HYROX race uses Concept2.
The gold standard. Used in every HYROX race worldwide.
2. Concept2 SkiErg ($850-950)
- Elite athletes own one. Most use gym SkiErgs.
Full-body workout machine. Wall-mounted or free-standing with optional floor stand.
3. Sled ($150-400)
- Essential for practicing 152kg/102kg sled push/pull.
- DIY: Push a car (seriously—works great)
Heavy-duty push/pull sled for serious HYROX training.
4. Kettlebells
- Men: 2x24kg = 48kg total (for farmers carry)
- Women: 2x16kg = 32kg total
- Price: $80-150
Steel competition kettlebell. Uniform size regardless of weight for consistent technique.
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
Versatile and adjustable. Perfect for HYROX sandbag lunge training.
6. Medicine Ball / Wall Ball
- Men: 6kg (dead ball, doesn't bounce)
- Women: 4kg
- Price: $40-80
Soft medicine ball for wall ball throws. Available in multiple weights.
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: 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
Good gear helps, but it won't make or break your race. Prioritize things that prevent injury (good shoes, proper socks) and help you execute your race plan (GPS watch for pacing). The rest is personal preference—figure out what works for you in training before race day.
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:
- Browse our complete gear recommendations for the specific products we use and recommend
- Test all gear in training (at least 3 sessions before race day)
- Start our 12-Week Training Program ($29.99) or the 10-Week Running Program ($19.99) if running is your focus
- Check out our First HYROX Race Guide for race-day preparation
- Use our Pacing Calculator for race strategy
As an Amazon Associate, HyroxDataLab earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
See you at the start line. 🏁