Best Shorts for Hyrox Training: What to Look For (and What to Avoid)
Hyrox is not a single-discipline sport. In 60–90 minutes, you'll run 8km, push sleds, drag ropes, do burpee broad jumps, and finish with a wall ball set that makes your legs question every life choice. Your shorts need to keep up with all of it.
Here's what actually matters when choosing shorts for Hyrox — and what most athletes overlook.
Fabric: Moisture-Wicking Is Non-Negotiable
You will sweat. A lot. Cotton holds moisture against your skin, gets heavy, and chafes. For Hyrox, you need a performance fabric — typically a polyester-spandex blend — that pulls sweat away from your skin and dries fast between stations.
Look for four-way stretch. The sled push and ski erg demand a full range of hip flexion. If your shorts restrict movement at the top of your stride, you're leaving time on the floor.
HILO shorts are built with a moisture-wicking, stretch-first fabric that moves with you through every functional movement — not against you.
Inseam Length: The 5" vs 7" Debate
This comes down to personal preference and event strategy, but here's the breakdown:
- 5" inseam — Maximum freedom of movement. Ideal for athletes who prioritize speed on the run legs and want zero fabric interference during burpee broad jumps.
- 7" inseam — More coverage during sled work and lunges. Preferred by athletes who want a cleaner look and slightly more quad coverage in colder venues.
Most competitive Hyrox athletes land on a 5" or 7" depending on their build. If you're between sizes, go shorter — you won't regret it mid-race.
Pockets: Functional, Not Decorative
Hyrox doesn't require you to carry much, but a secure pocket matters for your timing chip, a gel, or your phone during training blocks. Look for:
- At least one zippered or secure side pocket
- Pockets that sit flat against the leg (no bulk during the run)
- No pocket placement that interferes with hip flexion
Avoid shorts with deep cargo pockets — they shift weight and create drag on the run legs.
Fit: Compression vs. Relaxed
Compression shorts have their place, but for Hyrox specifically, a relaxed athletic fit with a secure waistband tends to outperform. Here's why:
- Compression can restrict blood flow during prolonged efforts
- A relaxed fit allows better airflow across the full 60–90 minute race window
- A secure, non-rolling waistband keeps everything in place through sled drags and rope pulls
The waistband is underrated. If it rolls or shifts during dynamic movements, it becomes a distraction at exactly the wrong moment.
What to Avoid
- Cotton or cotton-blend shorts — Heavy when wet, slow to dry, prone to chafing
- Overly long inseams (9"+) — Restrict movement during burpees and broad jumps
- Loose, unstructured waistbands — Will shift during sled work
- Thick seams at the inner thigh — Chafe risk on the run legs
Ready to Race?
If you're training for Hyrox or already have a race on the calendar, your kit should be the last thing you're thinking about on race day. Shop our Gym Shorts For Hyrox collection — built for hybrid athletes who train hard across every station.