Shoes are personal. Everyone’s feet are entirely different. We have diverse needs for our bodies and training. I’m often asked for shoe recommendations because I have a well-known obsession with shoes and a substantial collection. However, I refrain from recommending one shoe over another since what works for me might not work for someone else. Still, I’ve tried many shoes in various settings over the years.
Last week, we published Emily Beers’ training shoe article, so for this one, we’re focusing on running shoes and shoes that can be used for running metcons.
- Yes, we’ve left some off the list. But there were only so many we could include, and a “part two” of both Beers’ training-shoe piece and this one of mine is already in the works.
So let’s get to it…
What we loved for a metcon with running:
Adidas Adizero SL2 – Meet your versatile, low-profile running shoe. The SL2 doesn’t feature all the bells and whistles of some other models in the Adizero line, but it’s a stable, supportive shoe with a minimalist design that works exceptionally well for metcons of any distance.
These stand up to moderately heavy barbells without rocking forward, and are lightweight, making them perfect for bodyweight movements and gymnastics. They’re comfortable and supportive on mid-range runs, even while wearing a weight vest, and they’re going to be my choice for “Murph” this spring.
- They run $130, but you can often snag them on sale (sometimes as low as $70), with new colorways popping up regularly.
On Cloudpulse 2 – Known for their running shoes, On is no stranger to training and competitive fitness. Their partnership with HYROX 2024 World Champion and current World Record holder Alexander Roncevic proves this. The Cloudpulse 2 is their dedicated training shoe that performs well in nearly all activities, including running metcons.
The outsole is grippy and stable, especially noticeable during box step overs and lateral movements. However, don’t confuse stable with stiff or heavy; these shoes are extremely light and comfortable for switching between various exercises. They held up well during workouts that included 400-meter runs mixed with moderate barbell cycling, in my 70% effort range, as well as 800-meter runs combined with weighted box step-overs and double-unders.
- They run $160 and are available in three colorways for men and women.
R.A.D V2s – First of all, we want to acknowledge that we know this is not a running shoe – it’s a training shoe. And we included it in our Training Shoe review published last week. However, we thought this shoe deserved a spot in this category, as we’ve been able to wear it with running metcons (and just about everything else).
It has a very comfortable midsole and is highly stable for lifting, while also offering plenty of cushy support for jumping and bounding. The stability doesn’t sacrifice comfort when running, either, which is hard to find. If you’re familiar with the V1s, these are an upgrade, in my opinion. The V2s are slightly wider and more flexible, feeling a bit more lux. If you prefer a minimal shoe collection with just a few that can “do it all,” these are for you.
For me, a holy grail gym shoe is one that can be worn for running, moderately heavy barbell cycling, and jumping. All three of these fit the bill.
What we loved for a running-exclusive workout:
Adidas Adizero EVO SL – There’s a reason these shoes have a cult following. They feature an exceptionally cushioned midsole and a breathable mesh upper. They’re very lightweight, suitable for short, long, and tempo runs, and reasonably priced. They’re perfect for someone who prefers to avoid a carbon plate or carbon rods.
The Adizero EVO SL comes in a full spectrum of colors, with more added frequently. Besides running in them, they’re one of my go-to shoes for work events because they can handle hours of standing.
- They run for $150 and are the absolute best bang for your buck in terms of value and running versatility. In all Adidas shoes, I size down half a size, which, according to online reviews, is common.
TYR Maverick – The Mavericks have an extremely comfortable, roomy toe-box, and I love how they provide great shock absorption during fast runs. Their ergonomic design promotes a rocking motion, which helps with speed. They feel a bit wider than some other running shoes, making them ideal for someone with wider feet. The uppers are also very breathable, making them perfect for summer running. They do not have a carbon plate.
Adidas Adios Pro 4 – These shoes are not designed for those who love minimal design or zero-drop. I’ve been using the Adios Pro 4s for long runs (five or more miles) over the past few months, and I love them. They provide more energy return than the EVO SLs, meaning they offer quite a bit of bounce and feedback when I’m running on the street.
While our team was at the HYROX Phoenix in February, these were among the most common shoes we saw on racers’ feet. I don’t think they are ideal for HYROX stations, but they are a very comfortable choice for the eight kilometers of running on concrete.
It should be noted that these will not work for heel strikers because the shoe’s design positions the heel forward. They are best suited for midfoot and forefoot strikers, or even for speed work and tempo runs.
R.A.D UFOs – We haven’t had a chance to try them out yet, but we didn’t want to leave them off the list because of all the positive feedback we’ve been hearing — from community athletes to the elites. We tagged in Ellie Turner, who’s been wearing them since their release, to get her perspective:
“I love wearing the UFOs for my longer distance, tempo, or threshold running days because I feel like they are super comfortable while also not feeling chunky. They aren’t carbon or speed shoes, so I don’t wear them for my speed days. But in saying that, I definitely feel how much they are able to propel me forward,” Turner said.
Mount to Coast H1s – You might be overlooking this brand because it mainly offers running shoes, including both road and trail models. We tested the H1s on our trails in Boise, ID, which feature various surfaces – hard pack, soft sand, packed sand, and rocks. We also tried them on the streets to see how the lugs and traction perform underfoot without the cushioning of dirt and sand.
These shoes are more versatile than any trail runner I’ve tried. They provide a strong grip on uneven surfaces and feature a very comfortable, forgiving midsole. They are also well-cushioned for running on the road, even over long distances.
One of our favorite features of this shoe is the lace system. The forefoot and midfoot areas have separate laces, allowing you to customize the fit to your foot’s needs and running style. These have become my top choice for any kind of trail running, especially when I run to the trails from my house, passing through streets and sidewalks.
Inov-8 Trailfly V2 – While these shoes are designed for tough trails and technical, rocky terrain, we tested them on our sandy trails, and they felt great. They aren’t a choice I’d make for road running; I’d need more cushion. However, they are stable and sturdy when you need them to be — on uneven surfaces. They’re very grippy and offer substantial arch support, which could make this a great rucking shoe as well.
One thing we appreciate about Inov-8 shoes is that although they’re built for tough training, they come with a 12-month warranty. Every shoe we’ve tested from the brand, including the Trailfly V2s, is of very high quality and well-constructed.
What we loved for hybrid/HYROX training:
Adidas Boston 13 – Like the Adios Pro 4, we noticed many HYROX racers wearing the Boston 13s, including our photographer, Scott Freymond, who competed in Phoenix.
- “The Adizero Boston 13s check every box for me. They’re bouncy, fast, and deliver a noticeable pop with every stride thanks to the Energy Rods, without ever feeling too soft or unstable,” Freymond said. “On the workout stations where shoes really matter, they deliver the grip required for the sleds, and the stability for the lunges and wall balls. I have definitely found my HYROX race shoe,” he continued.
Freymond describes the ”Energy Rods” as providing stability without feeling too stiff, unlike a solid carbon plate. Like other shoes in the Adizero line, the foam above the Energy Rods is the patented “Lightstrike Pro” superfoam, which is known for lasting long and staying comfortable and intact even after many miles.
TYR Valkyrie Elite Carbon – Online, these shoes received mixed reviews, but I love running in them and have made them a permanent part of my collection. The price tag is steep, partly because of the carbon plate. I use them for speed workouts and tempo runs rather than longer, slower distances. They feel light and stable during movements like bounding burpees, and although they shift slightly forward with activities like wall balls, the comfort they offer while running is worth it to me.
- They run $250 and are available in four colors. Reviewers advise sizing up by ½ size, and I agree.
Puma HYROX Nitro Deviate Elite 4 – Here’s another one I didn’t get the chance to try myself, but since PUMA has become synonymous with HYROX, we wanted to mention it. Writer Emily Beers competed in her first HYROX in Las Vegas last month, after months of training, and she ultimately raced in the Nitro Deviate Elite 4. Here’s what she had to say:
“I tried all kinds of hybrid shoes while training for HYROX Las Vegas. But when I tried running in the Pumas, I knew right away they would be my race shoes. They support your feet really well and protect them from running on concrete, as per a HYROX race. But I also found wall balls and lunges perfectly stable. You would be hard-pressed to find a better shoe for HYROX,” Beers said.
- They run $260 and are currently available only in one color.
Adidas Adizero Dropset Elite – These babies were just released yesterday, and a few of us were lucky enough to get a pair last month for testing. This is Adidas’ first dedicated HYROX shoe, designed specifically for movements in a HYROX race, which is a significant achievement. Very few “running” shoes offer enough support when running eight kilometers on concrete, don’t tip forward during 100 wall balls, have grip and stability for a heavy sled push and pull, yet feel light during bounding burpees.
They have a significant drop (12 mm) from heel to toe, larger than the Adios Pro 4 or the Boston 13, which provides substantial assistance with exercises like wall balls and lunges. It features a modified version of Adidas’ “Energy Rods,” called an “Energy Rim.” Imagine a carbon tuning fork embedded at the edges of the shoe and connecting at the back. This technology maximizes midfoot cushioning while enhancing overall stability. It’s an expensive shoe (but everything is, right?), and worth it if you’re trying out HYROX and want a competitive (yet comfortable) edge.
- They run $275 and are currently available only in one color.
Tag us on Instagram at @morningchalkup if you give any of these a try, so we can see what you think, and stay tuned for part two.
