Coach Faye's HYROX Shoe Review (for the Ladies)
Let's talk shoes! More specifically, let's talk about shoes for HYROX.
WHA member Claire Ahalt crushing the wall ball station during a HYROX race in Atlanta.
It can be very overwhelming to search for running shoes, weightlifting shoes, CrossFit shoes—you get it. I hope this guide helps narrow things down for you. I have two questions for you before we dive in:
Are you wanting to compete (race) in HYROX or just participate in the workouts in class?
You’re racing? Yay! Are you competing as solo, doubles, or relay?
If you are not participating in a HYROX race, you do not need to buy shoes just for HYROX-style workouts. Why? Your normal CrossFit/conditioning shoes will be fine for the HYROX-specific workouts we run at Wheelhouse.
I ask which division you will participate in because relay-only athletes wouldn’t need to go out and buy fancy new shoes. Why? Simple answer: you are not running as much as doubles or solo competitors. Keep reading, doubles and solo athletes! You might want to invest in new shoes specifically for HYROX training and race days.
HYROX has a lot of running on race day, which means there will be lots of running in your training. All of these shoes will be more running focused with pros and cons in different race day stations.
I have narrowed my list down to 4 of the most popular shoes for HYROX. Are there more? Absolutely. Should you go in person and try on these shoes? Absolutely. Just like everything, one shoe will be perfect for me and not you and vice versa.
PUMA Deviate Nitro 3: best overall shoe | $160
Pros - Offers enough cushion on the runs while still feeling stable on the lunges and sled. You will want to make sure you are not purchasing the fully carbon plated shoe (you don’t need to spend $220+ unless you are going to HYROX Worlds). Got that “PUMA GRIP” girl! What more can you ask for?
Cons - Narrow toe box for our wider toesies athletes. Another con, they come in so many colors you’ll have a hard time making a decision!
*I’ll give you a personal review soon of mine soon.
2. Brooks Ghost 17: best for durability | $150
Pros - Almost zero rocking side to side when lunging, sled pull/push, or wall ball shots. These shoes also have great grip. They come in many different colorways!
Cons - Some runners say the energy return could be better.
*Martha Kate Armstrong wore these for her women’s doubles race in Atlanta this past April. She had good feedback!
WHA member Martha Kate Armstrong pulling that heavy sled during a HYROX Atlanta race.
3. Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: Best for speed work and stability | $175
Pros - Good cushion while still supplying support in various HYROX stations. Cute colors, too!
Cons - Make sure you don’t get sold on the carbon plate versions of the Saucony shoes ($220-250). This is more of a beginner-friendly shoe, which really is a pro in my eyes. For more experienced runners, this shoe wouldn’t be the best.
4. Nike Vomero 18: best price for everyday (and race day) training | $155
Pros - Great color option, affordable price, and good cushion for running! This shoe is great for everyday training as well as race day speed.
Cons - A little wobbly on lunges.
*Claire Ahalt wore these during her women’s solo HYROX race this past April! She highly recommends them!
The biggest takeaway from this list and reviews: talk with your friends who are training with you. Go to a local running store, like TrakShak, and get fitted for a shoe. You may be buying the wrong size or the wrong support for your running stride.
While we always want to look like a cutie patootie, we want to perform better. Always reach out to us for advice, questions, and give us YOUR feedback on the shoes you wear! What do you like or dislike about them?