TYR athletes in Austin test likely CXT-3 trainers

TYR's athlete roster converged in Austin in early January and the footage is the clearest sign yet that a new CXT trainer is on the way. Instagram posts from TYR Athlete Management showed a photo and video shoot featuring Dallin Pepper wearing what appears to be a new colorway and a distinct update to the CXT line. A separate five-video carousel posted by Pepper gives a better side profile and highlights changes that are visibly different from the current CXT-2 model.

The CXT-2 released in June 2024, so this activity comes more than 18 months after that launch—timing that fits a typical product cadence for training shoes aimed at CrossFitters and multi-discipline athletes. In the videos, Pepper runs power clean and jerks, box jumps, front squats and a mix of accessory movements, which looks like a deliberate test of the shoe across the strength and high-impact elements CrossFit athletes demand.

The most obvious change is the outsole and midsole pattern. While details on materials, stack height or heel-to-toe drop are not available yet, the different sole pattern suggests TYR is targeting grip and stability tweaks that matter for both Oly lifts and dynamic box and plyo work. For athletes who split shoes between lifting and metcons, any change to midsole firmness or outsole geometry will shape how the CXT-3 gets used in a typical training rotation.

What this means for boxes and athletes is practical and immediate. Expect TYR to position the CXT-3 as a hybrid trainer that supports heavy cleans and jerks while still handling jumps and short metcon bursts. Coaches should watch for demo opportunities and sample sizes before ordering club packs. Individual athletes should plan to test fit and stability during strength-focused sessions first; new midsoles can feel different at heavy loads and during fast transitions.

Release timing remains TBD. When TYR announces the CXT-3, the CrossFit community will want clear specs on stack, drop, and materials so athletes can decide whether to use the new model as a do-it-all shoe or keep it as a specialty trainer. For now, the footage offers a useful early look and a reminder that product cycles are ramping up.

Our two cents? If you're eyeing the next training shoe, don’t assume a new model will replace your needs—try it on for cleans and box jumps before committing. Bring your old pair to compare feel and fit, and ask your coach to put the sample through a strength session before a full WOD.