Get your best performance by picking the best HYROX Shoe
In this blog post, we will discuss the key features that you should look for when selecting the best shoe for Hyrox. Hyrox is a challenging race that requires a combination of strength and endurance. The right footwear is essential to perform well and increase your confidence.
The first and most important factor to consider when selecting a shoe for Hyrox is the outsole. The outsole is the rubber on the bottom of the shoe, which provides traction and grip on different surfaces. It is crucial to have good traction on both sleds and concrete, as it can save you time and energy. Best Shoes for HYROX
Outsole Robber Coverage
Look for a shoe with a generous amount of rubber in the forefoot and midfoot area. This is where you will be doing the majority of your pushing from. Moreover, make sure that the rubber is multidirectional and g
rooved in a way that will provide a better grip. A shoe with a smooth outsole or textured in only one direction is not recommended for Hyrox, as it may not provide enough grip on concrete.
I also advise against shoes with raised lugs, like trail shoes. Trail shoes have a prominent lug that can dig into the ground, which provides excellent traction on soft surfaces like mud or dirt. However, on flat surfaces like concrete or carpet, they are not recommended. The raised lugs reduce the surface area of the rubber that comes in contact with the ground, which can cause the shoe to slide and reduce traction. Best Shoes for HYROX
Stability and Stack Height
The second factor to consider is the shoe’s stability. Many shoes on the market, especially racing marathon shoes, are stacked very high, meaning that the foam between the ground and the foot is elevated. These shoes can feel unstable while turning, and if you hit anything, you may tip over. Therefore, you need to be cautious about the stack height when selecting a shoe for Hyrox. The higher the stack height, the more unstable the shoe may feel. A shoe with a stack height of 39mm or above should be tried on or recommended by someone trustworthy. Best Shoes for HYROX
Additionally, it is essential to consider the shoe’s weight. You want a shoe that is lightweight to minimize the amount of energy required to move it around. However, you do not want to sacrifice stability and durability for weight. Make sure the shoe is made of quality materials that will last the race. Best Shoes for HYROX
Foam Type
Superfoam is a term used to describe advanced foam materials that offer excellent energy return and cushioning while reducing the feeling of the ground beneath your feet. These materials are ideal for high-impact exercises, such as jumping and running, where the feet are subject to a lot of stress.
During a Hyrox event, athletes must navigate through different terrains, including concrete and carpets. It is essential to choose shoes with a superfoam that can absorb the shock and impact of running on these surfaces. However, selecting the right superfoam can be tricky as each company has its own proprietary blend.
Therefore, it is crucial to do research and understand what each company calls their superfoam. The price point of the shoe can also be an indicator of its quality. While a superfoam shoe may not make a significant difference in your overall performance, it can make your experience more comfortable and confident.
Heel Counter
Next, let’s discuss the heel counter structure. The heel counter is the part of the shoe that wraps around the heel to provide support and stability. In Hyrox, where athletes are required to push sleds and navigate through turns, a stable heel counter is crucial.
A shoe with a stable heel counter will keep your heel locked in place, providing a secure fit and reducing the risk of injury. On the other hand, a shoe with an unstable heel counter may cause discomfort and affect your overall performance.
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2023 Footwear Suggestions
The HoKa Rocket X 2, Brooks Hyperion Tempo, and Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 are three shoes that meet the criteria mentioned above.
The Hoka Rocket X 2 Two has a superfoam and a plate, but the heel counter is not very stable. The Brooks Hyperion Tempo has unmatched rubber on the bottom, a superfoam without a plate, and a stable heel counter. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is stacked with a superfoam and has a plate packed throughout, but with a generous amount of rubber almost all the way through, and a stable heel counter.
