HYROX Shoes and Gear: What to Wear and What Is Allowed (2026/27)
Training photo: Dan Fahey, Gritty Soldier
HYROX does not care what brand you wear, but the rulebook cares a lot about what you bring onto the course. Gloves are fine and grips are not. Belts are fine and headphones are not. Chalk is allowed, but only the event's chalk and only at two stations. Here is what you can wear and carry under the 2026/27 rulebook, and what is worth having.
What the HYROX Rulebook Allows (2026/27)
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Gloves | Grips |
| Weightlifting belt | Headphones and earplugs |
| Knee sleeves | Cell phones (unless a medical device needs one, approved in advance) |
| Wristbands | GoPro or other body cameras |
| Hydration packs | Smart or AI glasses and VR headsets |
| Prescribed asthma inhalers or similar devices | Your own chalk |
The most important line in the equipment section is the default: anything not listed as permitted is prohibited unless the Race Director approves it in writing before the race. Wrist wraps and lifting straps are not on the permitted list, so leave them in your bag unless you have that approval. The rulebook also notes that uniforms and weight vests are still permitted, as long as they do not affect other racers.
Shoes: The One Piece of Gear Everyone Needs
Closed-toe shoes are required for the whole race. The only exception is the wall balls, where you can take them off. If you do, they go under the rig and you take them with you to the finish.
The right HYROX shoe is a compromise. You run 8 km, but you also push and pull a sled on turf, jump 80 m of burpee broad jumps and lunge 100 m. What to look for:
- Grip on turf. The sled push is where most shoes fail. A smooth or very soft outsole slips when you drive.
- A stable heel. Very tall, soft running shoes feel great on the runs and wobbly on lunges and wall balls. A moderate stack height is easier to control.
- Enough cushion for 8 km. A flat lifting shoe will punish your legs on the runs.
- A secure fit. Lace them so your heel does not lift on the burpee broad jumps.
Most racers end up in a firm, grippy running shoe or a hybrid training shoe. Whatever you pick, test it in a full simulation, including a heavy sled push, before race day. Never race in a brand new pair.
Gloves and Chalk
Gloves are allowed and can save your hands on the sled pull rope. Grips, the kind gymnasts use, are not. Some athletes find gloves slow them down on the wall balls and burpees, so practice with them or race without.
Chalk is limited to the sled pull and farmers carry, and only the chalk HYROX provides at those stations. Using your own chalk, chalking up anywhere else, or carrying event chalk away is a 2-minute penalty. Powdered chalk at the wall balls is also a 2-minute penalty.
Belts, Knee Sleeves and Wristbands
- Weightlifting belt: Allowed. Some racers like one for the sled push and lunges. It needs to stay comfortable on the runs, so a lower-profile belt works better than a stiff powerlifting belt.
- Knee sleeves: Allowed. With a knee touch on every lunge, sleeves can add some comfort.
- Wristbands: Allowed. Sweat bands keep sweat off your hands before the wall balls and the carry. Keep your official race wristband visible on your wrist as well.
The Battle Bunker Hybrid Belt
A self-locking belt built for hybrid training: tight for the heavy work, quick to loosen when you run. $49.98.
Shop the Hybrid BeltWatches, Water and Fuel
- Watches: Common at races, but indoor GPS is unreliable, so pace by effort and count your own laps.
- Water: Available at least once each time you pass through the Roxzone. It is for drinking only. Pouring it over yourself to cool off is a 2-minute penalty.
- Fuel: Anything you want to eat must be carried from the start, and anything you carry must stay with you to the finish. Taking food or drink from anyone other than an aid station counts as outside assistance.
- Timing chip: It goes on your ankle. Racing without it is a Did Not Start.
From the Pro Division
Austen's Race Pointers
Battle Bunker founder Austen Alexander is a Navy veteran and a seven-time HYROX Pro racer. His advice holds whether it is your first race or your fiftieth:
- Don't go out too hot. The first run and the SkiErg feel easy because you are fresh. That is the trap. Hold back early and you will still have legs when the race really starts.
- Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast, especially with your cardiovascular system. Once your heart rate is pinned in the red, getting it back down costs far more time than staying steady would have.
- Take breaks as needed. Do not try to go unbroken on every station. A short planned break on the sleds, the lunges, or the wall balls costs seconds. Blowing up costs minutes.
HYROX Race Day Bag Checklist
- Race shoes you have already tested, plus a spare pair of socks
- Gloves, if you trained with them
- Belt, knee sleeves and sweat bands, if you use them
- Gels or chews you plan to carry
- A warm layer for after the race
- ID for check-in
- Leave at home: headphones, grips, your own chalk, wrist wraps and lifting straps
Get the rest of the morning right with our race day preparation log, and plan your effort with our HYROX pacing strategy.
Sweat-Wicking Wrist Sweat Bands
Keep sweat off your hands before the wall balls, the carry and the sled pull. On the HYROX permitted list. $14.99.
Shop Sweat BandsFree download
The 8-Week HYROX Training Plan
Four sessions a week, every station covered, the official 2026/27 weights, and garage swaps for the sled and SkiErg. Free PDF to your inbox.
Get the free planHYROX Gear FAQ
Can you wear gloves in HYROX?
Yes. Gloves are on the permitted list in the 2026/27 rulebook. Grips are not allowed.
Can you wear headphones in HYROX?
No. Headphones and earplugs are not allowed at any point in the race.
Can you wear a lifting belt in HYROX?
Yes. Weightlifting belts are permitted, along with knee sleeves, wristbands and hydration packs.
Can you take your shoes off in HYROX?
Only at the wall balls. Closed-toe shoes are required everywhere else, and shoes you take off go under the rig and come with you to the finish.
Can you bring your own chalk to HYROX?
No. Only event-supplied chalk is allowed, and only at the sled pull and farmers carry. Breaking that rule is a 2-minute penalty.
Are wrist wraps allowed in HYROX?
They are not on the permitted list, and anything not listed is prohibited unless the Race Director approves it in writing before the race.
Source: HYROX 26/27 Singles Rulebook, equipment and apparel sections. Battle Bunker is not affiliated with HYROX.
