Race Formats
What Can You Wear in HYROX? Gloves, Knee Sleeves, Headphones & Race Belts
Oct
You’ve trained for months — the last thing you want is a judge confiscating your gear in the start tunnel. The HYROX rulebook has a short, strict list of what you can wear and carry during the race, plus one rule that surprises a lot of first-timers: anything not on the permitted list is prohibited by default. Here’s exactly what you can wear in HYROX in the 2026/27 season, checked line by line against the official Singles, Doubles and Relay rulebooks.
The Short Answer
| Item | Allowed? | What the rulebook says |
|---|---|---|
| Gloves | Yes | “Gloves [not grips]” are on the permitted list |
| Knee sleeves | Yes | On the permitted list |
| Weightlifting belt | Yes | On the permitted list |
| Wristbands | Yes | On the permitted list |
| Hydration pack | Yes | On the permitted list |
| Asthma inhaler / prescribed respiratory device | Yes | On the permitted list (anti-doping rules apply) |
| Weight vest or uniform | Yes | Stated as permitted, provided it doesn’t interfere with other racers’ safety or performance |
| Headphones / earbuds | No | On the forbidden list |
| Cell phone | No* | Forbidden — *medical-device exception with prior Race Director approval |
| Ear plugs | No | On the forbidden list |
| GoPro / body camera, VR headset, smart or AI glasses | No | On the forbidden list |
| Grips, your own chalk | No | Grips are excluded from the gloves rule; only event-supplied chalk is allowed |
| Knee pads, running/race belts, watches, athletic tape | Ask first | Not on the permitted list — prohibited by default unless the Race Director gives written permission |
Source: official HYROX rulebooks, Season 26/27 (Singles, Doubles and Relay), section “Clothing, Accessories, Hydration/Nutrition” — the wording is identical in all three. Checked October 8, 2026.
The Rule Behind Everything: “Not Listed = Prohibited”
The 2026/27 rulebook lists exactly what “may be used/worn during the race”: knee sleeves, gloves (not grips), a weightlifting belt, wristbands, hydration packs, and asthma inhalers or similar prescribed respiratory devices. Then it adds: “Any item not explicitly listed as permitted is, by default, prohibited.”
The only way around that is written permission from the Race Director before your race starts. Prohibited items are confiscated and can be collected from the Customer Service desk after you finish. So if you’re unsure about something, don’t find out in the start tunnel — contact your event’s customer support before race day.
Can You Wear Gloves in HYROX?
Yes. Gloves are on the permitted list — with one important bracket: “Gloves [not grips]”. The rulebook doesn’t define “grips”, but the term usually means palm-only gymnastics-style hand grips — those aren’t covered by the gloves rule. Many racers wear gloves for the sled pull rope and the farmers carry handles.
- Wear them from the start, or carry them from the start — you can’t be handed them mid-race.
- Chalk is a separate rule: only event-supplied chalk, only at the Sled Pull and Farmers Carry. Bringing your own chalk is a 2-minute penalty.
Shopping for a pair? See our half-finger grip gloves, and check any glove against your event’s current rulebook before you race.
Can You Wear Knee Sleeves in HYROX?
Yes — knee sleeves are on the permitted list. They’re popular for the 100 m of sandbag lunges and the wall balls. Knee pads, on the other hand, aren’t named on the list, so under the default rule they need Race Director permission. If you want knee protection for lunges, a sleeve is the item the rulebook clearly allows.
Can You Wear Headphones During HYROX?
No. Headphones are first on the rulebook’s forbidden list — and so are ear plugs, phones, and smart or AI glasses with audio, camera or streaming features. That also answers “can you listen to music during HYROX?”: not through any personal device. The venue’s own music is the soundtrack. This applies to every division in the 2026/27 rulebooks — Singles, Doubles and Relay.
Race Belts, Weightlifting Belts and Carrying Gels
- Weightlifting belt — allowed. It’s on the permitted list, though most racers don’t bother outside heavy sled work.
- Running belts / race number belts — not on the list. The permitted list names a weightlifting belt and hydration packs, not a running belt. Under the default rule, ask the Race Director before you race with one. (Great for training runs and road races — just don’t assume it’s race-legal here.)
- Nutrition: if you want gels or other fuel, you must carry it on you from the start. You can’t accept food or drink from anyone except the official aid stations — that’s outside assistance and a time penalty per infringement. Litter goes in the bins: dropping a gel wrapper on the floor can cost you 2 minutes.
- Hydration packs — allowed. The rulebook says water is made available at least once during, before or after each pass through the Roxzone.
Watches, Tape and Compression Gear
These come up constantly, and the honest answer is that the 2026/27 rulebook doesn’t mention them:
- Watches aren’t on the permitted list or the forbidden list. Plenty of athletes race with one, but the rulebook doesn’t explicitly allow them — if it matters to you, confirm with your event.
- Athletic tape on hands or fingers isn’t listed either. Ask before race day.
- Compression clothing (shorts, tights, calf sleeves) isn’t named item by item. The rulebook says racers are responsible for being “appropriately dressed”; if you’re unsure about a specific item, ask.
Three Gear Rules That Catch Racers Out
- Start to finish. If you choose to use, wear or carry a permitted item, you must do so from the start to the finish. You can’t hand it to — or receive it from — anyone else at any point. That’s outside assistance and can lead to disqualification.
- Shoes stay on. Closed-toe shoes are required at all times, except at the wall ball station: you may take them off once you reach your target, place them under the rig, and you must carry them with you to the finish.
- Event chalk only. Only event-supplied chalk at the stations where it’s provided (Sled Pull and Farmers Carry). Using your own, carrying it elsewhere or using powdered chalk at wall balls is a 2-minute penalty.
What You Must Wear
- Timing chip on your ankle for the whole race. Not wearing it while racing means a “Did Not Start” result.
- Your start time visible on your arm.
- Your division wristband, worn visibly on your wrist.
- Closed-toe shoes (see above) — our best shoes for HYROX guide compares options.
All of these are handed out or explained at check-in — bring government-issued photo ID and your registration confirmation.
Before Your Race
- Read the full list of time penalties and disqualifications in our HYROX rules & penalties guide.
- Pack with the race day checklist.
- Racing this fall? See the Boston race week checklist, the Tampa race week checklist and the full US race calendar. Planning ahead to spring? Start with the HYROX Las Vegas 2027 guide.
- Racing as a pair or team? The same gear list applies — see our Doubles guide and Relay guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear headphones during HYROX?
No. Headphones and ear plugs are on the forbidden list in the 2026/27 Singles, Doubles and Relay rulebooks.
Are gloves allowed in HYROX?
Yes. “Gloves [not grips]” are on the permitted list. Wear or carry them from the start; you can’t be handed them during the race.
Can you wear knee sleeves in HYROX?
Yes, knee sleeves are permitted. Knee pads aren’t listed, so they need Race Director permission.
Can I carry my phone during HYROX?
No — cell phones are forbidden. The only exception is a medical device that needs a phone nearby, which requires prior approval from the Race Director; contact your local customer support team before race day.
Is a weight vest allowed?
The rulebook says uniforms and weight vests are still permitted, provided they don’t interfere with the safety or performance of other racers.
What happens if I bring something that isn’t allowed?
Prohibited items are confiscated and can be collected at the Customer Service desk after you finish. Using an item handed to you mid-race counts as outside assistance and can mean disqualification.
More from GridRox: Rules & penalties · Race day checklist · US race calendar · How to watch HYROX live
GridRox is not affiliated with or endorsed by HYROX GmbH. Based on the official 2026/27 rulebooks as published on hyrox.com (checked October 8, 2026). Rules can change — always check the current rulebook and your event’s athlete information before race day.
