HYROX Korea pop-up in Pangyo: rowing challenge and DARIMATI BR-001

This is DARIMATI's pop-up store for its hybrid running and training shoes.

📍 Address: 4th floor, U-PLEX, Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Events: BR-001 try-on and purchase, first look & pre-order for the new model, 30-second rowing machine challenge & lucky draw

The weather's gotten pleasantly cool lately, which makes it a great season for running outdoors! I'm someone who does gym training and CrossFit alongside running, so I've been looking for a stable hybrid shoe that can handle all of it.

I heard that DARIMATI, a brand that sold out in the US and built up quite a buzz, was holding its first pop-up store in Korea at Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch, so I went to check it out. I actually tried the shoes on, looked at the new models, and even took part in a fun rowing machine challenge — a full and satisfying visit.

A running shoe for every move — running, pushing, and pulling. DARIMATI's first Korea pop-up, from a brand that sold out in the US.

Where is the DARIMATI HYROX pop-up? 4th floor, U-PLEX, Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch

The DARIMATI pop-up store is running on the 4th floor of U-PLEX at Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch. The brand built its reputation by selling out on platforms like Kickstarter in the US, so its first Korea pop-up drew a steady stream of fitness fans. It felt like a lot of visitors were people training for the November HYROX event or into hybrid training in general, coming to try the shoes on for themselves.

How do the HYROX training shoes BR-001 fit, and how is the grip?

The main product on display was the brand's flagship model, the BR-001. Trying it on, it wrapped around my whole foot and really gripped the ground — the grip was excellent.

Unlike an ordinary running shoe made just for running, it felt stable and didn't shift at all during movements like sled pushes, lunges, or rowing, where you're pushing hard against the ground at different angles.

I also felt more confident knowing that Ha Su-hyeon, Korea's top-ranked CrossFit athlete, wears this shoe too.

First look at the new models: BR-001 CORE BLACK and VT-001

Proving how popular it is, sizes 270 and 280 of the BR-001 have apparently already sold out both online and offline. So it was nice to see that the pop-up was offering the new 'BR-001 CORE BLACK' colorway up to size 300! On top of that, pre-orders were open for the follow-up model — a lace-up shoe called 'VT-001,' lighter and with an improved fit — and it was exciting to see it in person for the first time.

The 30-second rowing machine challenge and lucky draw

One corner of the pop-up space had a 30-second rowing machine challenge zone where you could try the shoes out yourself. Just participating for 30 seconds on the rowing machine entered you into a lucky draw for prizes including a pair of BR-001 shoes. Even while rowing, the shoes held my feet firm and comfortable, which made it easy to stay focused on the movement.

DARIMATI apparel at the pop-up

Besides shoes, the DARIMATI pop-up also had pretty t-shirts and caps on display, which looked like they'd make a nice set with the shoes.

Who are the DARIMATI BR-001 shoes for?

If you enjoy running along with gym training, CrossFit, F45, or any workout where grip and stability matter, the DARIMATI BR-001 should be plenty satisfying. If you've been looking for a running or training shoe for fall, stop by the pop-up at Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch, try it on for yourself, and take part in the challenge event!

• Anyone who wants strong grip and a stable fit that locks the foot in place
• Anyone looking for a hybrid training shoe for HYROX, CrossFit, or gym workouts
• Anyone who wants to check out DARIMATI's new models in person and join the events