Rich Ryan, an elite Hyrox athlete from Arvada, Colorado, developed his own shoe brand, AXIS, to address the specific needs of hybrid racing. Ryan's shoe, the Output, focuses on grip, running performance, and stability for Hyrox events. He believes traditional running shoes are not ideal for Hyrox due to their design for forward propulsion.

Ryan's shoe, the Output, has less cushioning and a wider platform with aggressive outsole lugs for better grip on Hyrox carpets. He argues that a shoe optimized for Hyrox can benefit all athletes, not just elites. AXIS plans to test the Output at Hyrox Denver in November 2026, with full production expected in early 2027. Read more gear coverage.

Ryan aims to show that hybrid racing deserves specialized footwear. He hopes AXIS will push larger companies to innovate within the sport. AXIS is committed to serving the hybrid racing community, with Ryan emphasizing the importance of community alignment in their business model. Related: Skechers Aero Elite: A Surprise Hit Among Runners.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Canadian Running. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.