6 Best HYROX Clothing items to Smash the Competition in 2024!

Imagine not just winning, but winning while looking great. That’s the power of the right clothing when you compete.

Being blunt; those ancient gym shorts won’t cut it. We’re delving into the realm of premium HYROX clothing and accessories.

Your outfit coupled with the right training equipment can genuinely give you an edge in competition.

From 20+ years in fitness and countless hours testing and reviewing clothing I’ve come up with the best 6 items to make a difference in your HYROX.

The guide below is a list of things that made the biggest difference for me, following countless hours of testing and research; consider it your golden ticket to the limelight, complete with unbeatable comfort and functionality.

Ready to gear up and smash the competition? Let’s get into it.

TL:DR;

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.

What is HYROX and Why does the Right Clothing Matter?

HYROX is the decathlon of the fitness world, where endurance meets strength in a thrilling race series. Picture yourself dashing through a series of 1km runs, each topped off with a functional workout that could make even the fittest of the fit break a sweat.

It’s a loop of lung-busting runs and muscle-quaking exercises repeated eight times over. From seasoned gym-goers to those who fancy a fitness challenge, HYROX is the ultimate test of mettle.

HYROX is not your average run of the mill race, your gonna be lunging, running, squatting, pushing pulling, rowing and more. For this reason it’s essential you get equip yourself with clothing that does the following;

• Sweat wicking/absorbing – You don’t want sweat everywhere, including in your eyes on on your hands when working through the stations.
• Breathable – You don’t want to over heat!
• Unrestricting – You need to be able to move freely in a ton of different ways.

Now, let’s chat about your kit – because in HYROX, your gear is as crucial as your grit:

Gloves: Consider these your secret weapon for grip and protection. A solid pair of gloves can save your hands from blisters during the row, sled push, and pull, while giving that essential grip during the kettlebell carry. They act as a buffer between you and the equipment, giving you the confidence to handle heavier weights without worrying about torn calluses or slippery hands.

With the right gloves, you’ll maintain a firm grip on the rower, sled handles, rope and kettlebells, even when sweat starts to build. They are a huge asset to power through the farmer’s carry without worrying about your grip slipping mid-race. The legend Hunter McIntyre races in gloves for these reasons.

Trainers: Your trusty steeds. Quality trainers are the unsung heroes that carry you through each kilometer and workout. They need to grip like a vice when you’re pushing the sled and cushion your landings during those high-flying burpees.

You’ll have enough grip to complete the sled push and pull without slipping, enough bounce and support to glide through the 1km runs and solid base to finish the lunges and wall balls without losing balance.

Head Sweat Band: No one likes sweat in their eyes, especially not when you’re trying to focus on the finish line. A good headband keeps the rivulets of your hard work at bay, so you can keep your eyes on the prize.

You won’t need to constantly rub your forehead to keep the sweat out of your eyes and can remain focussed on the race.

Wrist Bands: It’s not just about looking cool. These bands mop up the sweat that can make your grip as slippery as an eel. Plus, they’re a silent cheerleader for your wrists, offering a smidgen of support for your wrists during press phase of your burpees and for the sled push.

The keep the sweat from running down your arms and onto your hands which will make them slippy and reduce your grip on the kettlebell walks, rowing and sled pull.

Shorts: The right shorts make a world of difference. You want them to move with you, not against you. They should wick away the sweat, keep things breezy, and most importantly, let you squat, jump, and run without a second thought.

Sports Watch: This nifty gadget is like having a coach on your wrist. It keeps track of your pace, tells you when to push harder, and may even nudge you when it’s time to slow down. It’s your personal timekeeper for each gruelling segment.

The right kit can be improve your race time, improve comfort, reduce injuries and make you look and feel great, who doesn’t want that?

With that said, let’s get into a deep dive of the best HYROX Clothing to improve your performance.

The 6 Best HYROX Clothing Items

1. Gloves

Overview

Grip challenges in HYROX races can ruin your flow. These gloves step in to provide a sturdy grip, protect your hands from blisters, and wick sweat, all while maintaining flexibility.

Key Benefits

• Improved grip for sled push/pull, farmer carry and rowing
• Hand protection during burpees
• Moisture-wicking to prevent slippage

Most Effective For:

Sled Push

Sled Pull

Row

Farmers Carry

Pricing

Approximate range of £30-£40

Pros & Cons

Pros: Strong grip, sweat resistance, flexibility
Cons: Limited wrist support

Our Lowdown

The Rogue Mechanix Gloves are perfect for preventing hand fatigue and blisters while keeping your hands dry and firmly gripping equipment. Their durability and flexibility make them a reliable companion for the demanding HYROX races.

The top choice Gloves for HYROX is the Rogue Mechanix Gloves V2

2. Trainers

Overview

In the pain and grit of a HYROX, trainers are your best friends.

They offer more than just comfort; they give you an edge in the competition and can help you perform better in every part of the race.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight Build: Enables swift and agile movements, a non-negotiable in the fast-paced HYROX arena.
• Robust Arch Support: Guarantees stability during running segments, preventing foot strain and facilitating continuous performance.
• Breathable Material: Maintains a comfortable and dry environment for the feet, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
• Enhanced Grip: Vital for the HYROX Sled Push and Sled Pull. Footwear with good grip offer an efficient transfer of power from your body to the ground, and thereby easing the strenuous activity to an extent. Your feet can slip with a grippy shoe.
• Solid Stability: This element plays a big role in Kettle Bell Farmers Carry, Sandbag Lunges, and Wall Balls. The emphasis is on a balanced and stable posture during these exercises. Trainers provide that necessary support, helping you navigate these challenges with reduced risk of injury.

• Optimal Cushioning: Cushioning is the unsung hero, absorbing shock during high-impact activities and providing a soft landing for your feet, thereby reducing the strain on your joints and muscles. There is a lot of distance to cover, 8km in total.

Most Effective For:

1km Runs

Sled Push

Sled Pull

Farmers Carry

Sandbag Lunges

Wall Balls

Pricing

Approximate range of £50 – £255

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Can make a huge difference on your HYROX finishing time and comfort during the race
• Cons: Price. A good pair of trainers will be a large investment in comparison to most other items in the list

Our Lowdown

It’s essential to get this part of your HYROX Clothing right. 

You want a running shoe with enough grip for the sled and stability for the lunges and wall balls which also feel comfortable during the 8km of running.

Our top choice are the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 trainers.

Do your research and don’t risk being left with the wrong footwear.

Click here for our Top 3 Best Shoes for HYROX

3. Head Sweat Band

Overview

If the OG Hunter McIntyre opts for a head band during races it’s safe to say it’s a good option to consider.

The head sweat band is a silent warrior, battling sweat (More than appropriate for HYROX) and discomfort to keep you focused on the path to victory.

Key Benefits

• Sweat Management: A primary function, yet vital. It keeps sweat from dripping into your eyes, allowing for an uninterrupted and clear vision throughout the competition.
• Temperature Regulation: By absorbing sweat, it aids in cooling the forehead, providing a certain degree of temperature regulation during intense physical exertion.
• Comfort and Fit: A well-fitted sweat band ensures comfort, staying put without being too tight, preventing any distractions from the need for constant readjustments during the event.
• Hair Management: Keeps the hair away from your face, which can be particularly useful if you have long hair (Not so useful for Baldies like me), ensuring that your hair doesn’t become a hindrance in your performance.
• Personal Style Statement: Beyond functionality, a head sweat band can be your own personal style statement, allowing you to stand out in the competition crowd.

Adopting a head sweat band in your HYROX gear not only elevates your comfort but brings a series of functional benefits that work silently in the background, ensuring that you can give your absolute best, unhindered and focused.

Consider this humble accessory as a part of your arsenal in the pursuit of HYROX glory.

Most Effective For:

1km Runs

Ski Erg

Row

Farmers Carry

Wall Balls

Pricing

Approximate range of £2 – £25

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Very affordable (The lowest price range in the list), high absorption, comfortable, and dashingly good-looking, get the matching set with your HYROX Doubles and HYROX Relay mates.
• Cons: May cause a minor case of “I can’t leave the house without it” syndrome, won’t make your bank account cry.

Our Lowdown

The best Headband will come down to individual head size, shape and the style you are chasing.

It’s worth looking around and trying a variety to see which fits best for you. With that said our No.1 unisex choice for comfort is Rogue.

4. Wrist Bands

Overview

Every detail can make the difference in a HYROX race, including the little piece of material wrapped around your wrists.

Often overlooked, wrist bands bring a wealth of benefits to the table, acting as a support system that stands strong with you through every pull, push, and lift during the event.

Key Benefits

• Sweat Absorption: Just like their headband counterparts, wrist bands act as sweat absorbers, keeping your hands dry and maintaining a great grip on equipment, which is critical in Kettlebell Farmers Carry and Sled Pull.
• Additional Support: Offering a layer of support to the wrists, they aid in preventing strains and injuries by stabilising the wrist joint during push work including the Sled Push, Burpee Broad Jumps and Wall Balls
• Comfort: Wrist bands ensure comfort by reducing the friction between your skin and the equipment, making every grip a bit more comfortable and secure.
• Versatility in Use: Beyond the HYROX events, wrist bands prove to be a versatile accessory in your daily fitness regimen, including Barbell and Dumbbell Push work, bringing the benefits of sweat management and support.
• Style Element: As with our Head Band there is the fashion aspect; wristbands can add a splash of style to your HYROX outfit, letting you make a personal statement while you battle through the challenges.
• Easy Maintenance: Being easy to wash and maintain, wrist bands can be reused across multiple events, proving to be a long-lasting addition to your HYROX gear.

Adding wrist bands into your HYROX toolkit can be a game-changer, providing not just functional benefits but adding a layer of comfort and style to your competitive journey.

It’s high time this understated accessory received the acknowledgment it deserves in the high-stakes world of HYROX competitions.

Most Effective For:

Ski Erg

Sled Push

Sled Pull

Burpee Broad Jumps

Farmers Carry

Wall Balls

Pricing

Approximate range of £5 – £40

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Functional, can be used in a wide array of training/competitions, low cost
• Cons: You might start feeling naked without them

Our Lowdown

Make sure you’re using a set that are light weight, sweat absorbing and supportive.

Our No.1 choice are Rogue’s sweat absorbing wrist bands.

5. Sweat-Wicking Shorts

Overview

Comfort and functionality go hand in hand in aiding your performance.

Enter sweat-wicking shorts – engineered to aid athletes in maintaining comfort by efficiently managing sweat, allowing them to concentrate solely on the challenges ahead.

Key Benefits

• Efficient Moisture Management: The sweat-wicking material pulls moisture away from the skin, ensuring that you remain dry and comfortable throughout the event.
• Temperature Regulation: By drawing sweat away from the body, these shorts aid in temperature control, preventing overheating and facilitating optimal performance.
• Reduced Friction and Irritation: The smooth fabric of sweat-wicking shorts minimizes friction and reduces the risk of chaffing and irritation, promoting a smoother performance across various activities in HYROX.
• Lightweight and Flexible: Designed to be light yet robust, these shorts offer great freedom of movement, making them an essential wear for the diverse range of physical tasks in a HYROX competition.
• Enhanced Comfort: Above all, the comfort offered by sweat-wicking shorts ensures that you can perform at your peak without being hampered by wet and sticky clothing.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Last but definitely not least, sweat-wicking shorts are available in a variety of styles and cuts, allowing you to make a fashion statement while smashing those physical challenges.

In the fire pit of a HYROX competition, sweat-wicking shorts stand tall as a garment that combines comfort with functionality.

Adding them to your HYROX wardrobe means saying yes to comfort and performance, and no to sweat and discomfort.

Most Effective For:

1km Runs

Burpee Broad Jumps

Sandbag Lunges

Wall Balls

Pricing

Approximate range of £30 – £60

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Make a huge difference in comfort, stylish, reasonable price range.
• Cons: Might find them too comfortable and start wearing them to social events

Our Lowdown

Go with a set of shorts you are comfortable running in but can also comfortably lunge and squat in without resistance. Our pick are the PUMA x HYROX 2-in-1 Shorts.

6. Sports Watch

Overview

Pacing your race couldn’t be more important.

The right sports watch isn’t just a tool that tells time; it’s your personal assistant, guiding you through every segment with precision and a wealth of data on your wrist to keep you on track.

Key Benefits

• Real-time Performance Tracking: Stay updated with your pace, heart rate, and other vital statistics, facilitating a well-informed and strategic approach to the event.

• Interval Timing for Training and Events: The built-in interval timers can be a great addition to your training sessions as well as the event day, helping you manage your efforts effectively across different segments.

• Durability: Built to withstand physical stress and environmental elements, a sports watch is a resilient companion in the demanding setting of HYROX competitions.
• GPS Functionality: For those who like to keep a meticulous track of their routes and distances covered, the GPS functionality is a prized feature, offering insights into your performance dynamics.
• Custom Alerts: Set up alerts for heart rate thresholds or lap times, aiding in maintaining a steady performance and avoiding burnout.
• Analytical Insight Post-Event: Dive deep into the rich data post-event to analyse your performance, identify areas of improvement, and strategise for future events.

A sports watch is more than an accessory; it’s a coach, a record keeper, and a motivator strapped to your wrist, working tirelessly to assist you in clinching that personal best in your next HYROX event.

Invest in a good sports watch and unlock a treasure trove of insights and functionalities that can take your performance to the next level.

Most Effective For:

1km Runs

Pricing

Approximate range of £60 – £700

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Great tool to monitor your heart rate and control your pace during the HYROX
• Cons: Price, a good sports watch comes in a premium price bracket. Might have you unnecessary checking your wrist mid-race.

Our Lowdown

Any robust sports watch which is comfortable, fairly light weight and monitors your heart rate will serve you well. 

However, those looking for a watch with everything you need and more, our top pick is the Garmin Fenix.

HYROX Race Structure and the HYROX Gear that is Most Effective

Below is the race structure and the HYROX Gear that is most effective for each element of the race;

1km Run – Trainers, Sports Watch, Head Band, Shorts

1000m Ski Erg – Head Band, Wrist Bands

1km Run – Trainers, Sports Watch, Head Band, Shorts

4 x 12.5m Sled Push – Gloves, Trainers, Wrist Bands

1km Run – Trainers, Sports Watch, Head Band, Shorts

4 x 12.5m Sled Pull – Gloves, Trainers, Wrist Bands

1km Run – Trainers, Sports Watch, Head Band, Shorts

80m Burpee Broad Jump – Trainers, Wrist Bands, Shorts

1km Run – Trainers, Sports Watch, Head Band, Shorts

1000m Row – Gloves, Head Band

1km Run – Trainers, Sports Watch, Head Band, Shorts

200m Kettlebells Farmers Carry – Gloves, Trainers, Wrist Band, Head Band

1km Run – Trainers, Sports Watch, Head Band, Shorts

100m Sandbag Lunges – Trainers, Shorts

1km Run – Trainers, Sports Watch, Head Band, Shorts

75-100 Wall Balls – Trainers, Head Band, Wrist Bands, Shorts

Further Ways Clothing for HYROX Can Benefit You

• Temperature Regulation: Proper HYROX attire helps in maintaining a balanced body temperature, ensuring you’re neither too hot nor too cold. Like having a personal thermostat but for your body.
• Comfort and Fit: The right clothing should fit you like a glove, reducing chafing and other discomforts. That means no more awkward jogging as you try to readjust yourself mid-race.
• Durability: The best HYROX clothes will last longer reducing your need to spend money on replacements.

Other Accessories to Consider

• Quality Socks: Forget cotton; go for moisture-wicking fabrics to keep your feet dry and blister-free. Think of them as the unsung heroes of your race day outfit.
• Knee Sleeves: A good pair of knee sleeves can give your knees valuable extra support and warmth during the Burpees, Lunges and Wallballs.

Prohibited Items

The following 3 things are prohibited at all times in the race;

1. Headphones
2. Lifting Straps
3. Mobile Phones

The full list of HYROX rules can be found here

Wrapping up

So to fit the criteria of Best HYROX clothing/accessories, the items should aid your performance in the HYROX exercises while making you look good at the same time and preferably not breaking your bank balance.

I’ve split shorts mid race because the quality and size weren’t right, I’ve lost traction during a sled push because of lack of grip on my trainers, I’ve had my vision blurred through a constant stream of sweat into my eye due to a lack of sweat bands (And being bald) to name a few.

Imagine not having to stop mid-race to adjust a twisted seam or wipe away sweat because it’s all managed by your super-efficient HYROX gear.

It’s like having a little team of helpers right there with you, tucked into your clothing, sorting out all those little annoyances before they even happen.

It’s important you get your gear right to give you an edge and allow your focus to be purely on the HYROX challenge in front of you.

If it’s right for you and fits your budget, treat yourself to the HYROX gear that meets the course demands while making you look great!

And if you’re new to HYROX try our 6 Week HYROX Training Plan for Beginners to get you started.

FAQs

What do you wear to HYROX?

Choose functional fitness attire and stable, comfortable shoes with good grip like the Puma Deviate Nitro.

Ensure your choice is suitable for a range of activities including the 1km runs, sled work and Kettlebell Farmers Walks.

Is HYROX harder than CrossFit?

It depends on personal preference; HYROX incorporates an 8km run and functional fitness challenges, potentially offering a more endurance based physical challenge compared to the high-intensity workouts in CrossFit.

Why is HYROX so popular?

HYROX is popular due to its unique set format that combines running and functional exercises, catering to a wide audience.

The event fosters community and inclusivity, popular with both top athletes and fitness novices. Click here for more info on everything HYROX

Is HYROX good for weight loss?

Yes, HYROX events which involve full-body workouts can aid in burning calories and boosting metabolism, thus supporting weight loss.

Pair it with proper nutrition for optimum results.

Is HYROX better than CrossFit?

Whether HYROX is better than CrossFit boils down to personal preference.

While HYROX offers a structured combination of running and functional exercises, CrossFit focuses on high-intensity varied functional movements, each catering to different fitness goals.

How many times a week should I run for HYROX?

This boils down to your goals and available time.

An optimal amount would be 4-5 times per week to have time to train for the running sections as well as the 8 functional stations, while giving adequate time to rest and recover.

For best results try a variety of training options to see which works best for you.