You've signed up for your first Hyrox. You've read the Reddit threads. The recommendations include knee sleeves (£40), a lifting belt (£60), grip pads (£25), compression socks (£35), a £150 hybrid trainer, a £80 race kit, and a pre-workout supplement stack (£90).
You don't need any of that. Here's what a first-timer actually needs, why, and what to skip.
The honest first-timer's kit list
Total budget: £140 if you don't already own decent trainers. £30 if you do.
Shoes (£80-130)
The one piece of kit that genuinely matters. You need a hybrid trainer, low drop (4-8 mm), firm midsole, lateral stability, grippy non-marking outsole. Popular categories:
- Nike Metcon 9, £130. Stiff, reliable, durable. The default for many racers.
- Reebok Nano X4, £110. Slightly more cushioned, good for runners crossing over.
- NoBull Trainer, £130. Sleek, popular in the UK Hyrox community.
- Tyr CXT-2, £100. Newer brand, designed specifically for hybrid sport.
Avoid: maximalist running shoes (Vaporfly, Hoka Bondi), weightlifting shoes, minimalist barefoot shoes. Full breakdown in our Hyrox shoe guide.
If you already own a hybrid trainer: race in it. New shoes on race day is a mistake. Race in something you've trained at least 3 sessions in.
Training kit (£0-50)
You don't need a Hyrox-branded race kit. You need workout clothes you've sweated in before, that fit, and that you can run + push a sled in.
- Shorts or leggings, whatever you train in. Pockets are useful.
- Tech tee or vest, quick-dry, no cotton.
- Sports bra (where relevant), high support; you're running plus jumping.
Race in the kit you've trained in. Don't break in a new outfit on race day.
Socks (£10-15)
Most underrated kit item. The wrong socks cause blisters by km 5.
- Thin merino blend or synthetic. Stance, Balega, Injinji, Lululemon Power Stride.
- Snug fit at the arch.
- Low to mid cuff.
- Brand-new socks bad, wear them in for 2-3 training sessions first.
Avoid pure cotton.
Hydration + fuel (£10)
- One electrolyte tab (SaltStick, Precision Hydration, Hi5) for your warm-up bottle. £5 for a tube.
- One banana or two dates for 30 min pre-gun. £2.
- Water bottle (you probably own one). £0.
- Optional: half a gel for 15 min pre-gun if you've trained with them. £2.
That's it. No pre-workout. No nitric oxide stack. No BCAAs. A structured Suth Performance programme + a banana will beat someone in the same fitness range using a £90 supplement stack.
Watch (optional, £0)
If you already have a Garmin / Coros / Apple Watch / Polar, wear it. It's useful for pacing the runs. If you don't, don't buy one for your first race. A wall clock at the start of each kilometre on the track is enough.
Race-day extras (£0-15)
- Race bib + safety pins or magnetic clips (provided at check-in).
- Timing chip (provided).
- Small towel for the warm-up area (£0, you own one).
- Snack for after the race (£3).
What to skip for your first Hyrox
These items get recommended by gear blogs but add zero value for first-timers:
Lifting belt (£60). Not needed for first-time race-day loads. Restricts breathing on the run. More detail.
Knee sleeves (£40). Restricts running mechanics over 8 km. Only useful with a known knee issue. More detail.
Gloves (£25). Most experienced racers don't wear them. Hurt grip on kettlebells and wall balls. More detail.
Compression socks (£35). Marketing claims about blood flow are overstated. Tight calf wear can restrict over a long race.
Wrist wraps (£20). Hyrox movements don't require them.
Branded race kit (£80). A plain technical tee performs identically.
Pre-workout supplements (£40). Caffeine in coffee at the right dose (3-6 mg/kg, 45 min pre-race) does the same job for £2.
Recovery boots (£300). Lovely if you own them. Genuinely not necessary.
Race-week purchases to make
If you're 2 weeks out and want to upgrade something, in order of impact:
- Better socks if you've been racing in cotton. Single best £15 you'll spend.
- Replace worn-out trainers if your current pair is 400+ km in. Pick one of the hybrid trainers above and break them in for 3 short sessions before the race.
- Electrolyte tabs for the warm-up and post-race.
- A racing cap if you sweat into your eyes (the wall balls + sandbag lunges drip sweat down the face).
That's the list. Total cost: under £40 if you already have shoes.
What experienced racers actually wear
If you spectate at a UK Hyrox event, this is what you'll see on most age-group athletes:
- Hybrid trainers (any of the four mentioned)
- Plain technical shorts + a vest
- Synthetic socks
- A timing chip and a race bib
- No gloves, no belt, no sleeves
- Maybe a cap or headband
- A watch (most have one, some don't)
That's it. The gear isn't the differentiator. The training is.
The "what to actually invest in" framing
Money-on-the-margin priorities for a Hyrox build, in order:
- A programme. A personalised Suth Performance programme will out-improve £400 of kit. Real coaching periodisation beats a new shoe every time. Find yours →
- Sleep + nutrition if either is dialled wrong.
- One pair of decent trainers that fit.
- A race entry for the cohort accountability.
- Everything else.
Where to go from here
You can finish your first Hyrox on £40 of kit (if you own shoes) or £140 (if you don't). The rest is marketing. Save the budget for the race entry, the travel, and possibly a hotel walking distance from the venue.
[ FAQ ]
Frequently asked
What do I need for my first Hyrox?
Hybrid trainers (£80-130), training kit you've worn before, anti-slip socks, an electrolyte tab, and a watch if you have one. Total: under £150 if you don't already own the shoes. No gloves, no belt, no compression sleeves needed.
Do I need to buy expensive shoes for Hyrox?
No. A £80 hybrid trainer from Nike Metcon, Reebok Nano, or Tyr CXT range performs identically to the £150 elite versions. The technology that matters (low drop, firm midsole, lateral stability) is standard across all of them.
Written by
The Suth Performance teamCoaches and editors
The Suth Performance programming team, led by HYROX Elite 15 athlete Ben Sutherland.
[ KEEP READING ]
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