Hyrox in Toulouse: The Hottest Trend Reaches Austria – with PUMA by Your Side

If you ever thought the Hyrox hype might eventually cool down, just take a look at the results from Toulouse and you'll know straight away: this thing is only just hitting its stride. The competition in the south of France just wrapped up, and honestly, the atmosphere there was unmatched. For us here in Austria, it’s a clear sign: the fitness revolution that was a hidden gem for functional athletes just a few years ago has now well and truly broken into the mainstream. And right in the thick of it: the new weapons from PUMA that are currently causing a stir on indoor floors worldwide.

Why Toulouse Was a Taste of What’s to Come

If you think Hyrox is just about running and dragging weights around, you’ve missed the point entirely. Toulouse showed once again that it’s about strategy, lactate management, and above all, the right gear. The French crowd brought the house down, but I was watching closely: many of the top finishers were using the latest models from PUMA. That was no coincidence. The Puma Mens Velocity Nitro 4 X HYROX, for example, was pretty much everywhere you looked. That’s a shoe built specifically for this format – cushioned enough for the long runs, but stable enough for the functional workouts in the Rox Zones.

And then there’s the hot ticket for the speed demons: the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 Hyrox Mens. I spotted these on several athletes fighting for the top spots. This is the model for anyone who wants to shave off every second on the run course without losing grip during wall balls or on the SkiErg. Let’s put it this way: if you’re aiming for a top 10 finish in a Pro Division, you’ll be hard-pressed to get past this carbon rocket.

The Core of the Sport: More Than Just an Event

What gets me personally about the whole development is the structure. Hyrox isn't just a competition you sign up for in the summer. It’s a system. In Austria, I see more and more people building their entire training schedule around these eight stations. We have studios here in Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg that are now completely geared towards Hyrox. No wonder: there are few other sports that foster such a strong sense of community while offering such clear benchmarks.

I still remember a guy from my gym, a sprightly 72 years old, who competed in his first event last year. He didn't have the fastest time, but the way he handled the burpees – the young guns could have learned a thing or two from him. And that’s exactly what it’s about: Hyrox is for anyone willing to challenge themselves. It’s not about elitism; it’s about putting in the honest work.

Which Shoe Suits Your Goal?

Sure, picking the right gear is crucial. I keep getting asked: “What should I wear?” If you want to maximise the fun factor and have a reliable all-rounder, go for the Velocity Nitro 4 X HYROX. That one’s a workhorse. But if you want to hit the floor in Toulouse or later at the World Championships in Nice and go after a personal best, then invest in the Deviate Nitro Elite 3. The difference in the roll-off on the long runs is seriously noticeable.

My tip for all newcomers: don't be dazzled by the fast times. The best shoe is useless if your squat technique is off. But once you've got your training dialled in, make life easier for yourself. And these days, that means Hyrox-specific shoes. The days of having to compromise with old running shoes or CrossFit trainers are over.

• For the runners: If you want speed, you’ll be hard-pressed to look past the Deviate Nitro Elite 3 – that thing has a plate that propels you forward.
• For the all-rounders: The Velocity Nitro 4 X HYROX offers the perfect blend of cushioning and stability for the strength stations.
• For the purists: Make sure you get shoes with good lateral support; there’s nothing worse than slipping during the Sled Push.

Looking Ahead

So, where do we stand now? Toulouse is history, but the season is in full swing. For us in Austria, it's all about preparing for the upcoming events. Registrations fill up so fast that you really have to be quick off the mark. I'm already looking forward to seeing the first new PUMA models on our home turf. Whether it’s on the Alpine course or in the exhibition halls – that feeling when the music is pumping, the athletes are getting cheered on by the crowd, and the last 500 metres are driven purely by willpower, it’s simply unbeatable.

So, get the right shoes on, train smart, and make sure you're at the start line next time. I’ll see you there.