Shoes for HYROX, running and commuting for 2 weeks: DARIMATI BR-001

With the weather turning cooler, I've been getting back into running lately. But without proper running shoes, I ran in my old sneakers and started feeling a slight ache in my legs. So I went looking for the HYROX shoes everyone's talking about these days and headed to Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch. As it turned out, a Korean brand called DARIMATI happened to be running a pop-up store event there.

What kind of brand is DARIMATI, maker of these HYROX shoes?

DARIMATI is a hybrid sports brand that started from the experience of running along the Han River, and made a name for itself after being chosen by top domestic CrossFit athletes. Its HYROX shoe lineup is focused entirely on one model: the BR-001.

One notable fact: the shoes reportedly sold out in the US and won praise from credible global platforms like RunRepeat and RoadTrailRun.

True to a philosophy focused on constant movement across uneven urban surfaces, the product is designed with the modern lifestyle in mind.

Made by a founder who has run for over 10 years, the very first model, the BR-001, drew attention from early on.

Inside the DARIMATI pop-up store at Hyundai Department Store Pangyo

The DARIMATI pop-up store is set up on the 4th floor of Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch, and besides the shoes, I could see various other DARIMATI-related products on display. Hours are 10:30–20:00, and 10:30–20:30 on weekends.

Rather than a store focused purely on the HYROX shoes, it felt more like a space where you could experience everything needed for a workout, all in one place.

From stylish keyrings to shakes, tumblers, and fragrant coffee beans, there was plenty to look at the whole time I stayed.

It seems they also run a magazine called Dari, and the person behind it came across as passionate, hardworking, and genuinely serious about running — it made me trust the brand right away.

The 30-second rowing machine challenge and how to win a BR-001

In one corner of the pop-up store, there was an interactive event offering the flagship BR-001 as a prize. The rule: row as hard as you can for 30 seconds on the rowing machine, and if you hit the top score on the scoreboard, you win a genuine pair.

The rowing machine inside the store surprised me at first, but it turned out to be set up specifically for this event.

The rule was simple but thrilling: row full-force for 30 seconds and land the top score on the scoreboard to win the genuine shoes.

Beyond just winning the prize, it seemed to stir up people's competitive spirit, and a line formed around the store.

Even if you don't set the top score, everyone who participates gets a small gift, so it's worth stopping by without pressure if you're visiting Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch.

Trying on the DARIMATI BR-001 and the holiday set promotion

DARIMATI's flagship HYROX running shoe is just the one model, the BR-001. They also carry accessories like running caps and towels, but since the shoe lineup is a single model, apparently the BR-001 carries huge symbolic weight for the brand.

Running a whole brand on just one product is honestly not an easy decision to make.

Being at the pop-up store in person, I didn't have to rush the purchase and could freely try on different sizes to check how they felt on my feet.

Given how popular they are right now, key sizes are selling out fast both online and offline, so it's better not to wait too long.

A special holiday-season on-site promotion was running, which was a good chance to grab a reasonably priced set.

Apparently it comes packaged in a box like this, and the packaging was nice enough that I wondered whether I should buy it as a Chuseok gift.

After a lot of back and forth, I ended up going home happily with the BR-001 as my very first pair of HYROX shoes.

Unboxing the BR-001: A-TPU material and finishing details

I was so excited that I unboxed it the moment I got home. Just looking at the box size, you'd have no idea it's a running shoe.

What impressed me was that while newer brands often use EVA foam to cut costs, DARIMATI's BR-001 uses high-performance A-TPU material instead.

Performance aside, I was completely won over by the design. It works just as well for everyday wear as it does for working out.

The cap and insoles that came along with the promotion also showed impeccable craftsmanship.

Can you see the tight stitching? I checked all the way inside, and you could really feel the care put into it, given it's the brand's only model.

It also has a quick-adjust lacing system, so there's less hassle re-tying the laces every time you put the shoes on or take them off.

Two weeks in the BR-001: does one pair handle running and commuting?

I wore the DARIMATI BR-001 for nearly two weeks after buying it, walking and running in it, and the performance exceeded what I expected — honestly more than my own running level warranted.

The moment my foot hit the ground, it supported my foot with no slack whatsoever, clearly easing any worry about ankle rolls or slipping.

There's no issue design-wise wearing them for commuting or everyday weekend life — in fact, they were so comfortable I ended up wearing almost nothing else.

Since this was my first time encountering the brand, I had a lot of worries, but experiencing it firsthand turned out to be a whole new world. Now all that's left is to run hard.

The DARIMATI pop-up store was a space where you could try the HYROX shoes firsthand and feel the brand's philosophy. The BR-001 exceeded my expectations in both design and function, and it delivered a satisfying performance throughout two weeks of real-world use. If you're planning a trip to Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch, this pop-up store is worth stopping by.

What I liked about the DARIMATI BR-001

• A fit that holds the foot securely and stably
• A design that works just as well for everyday wear
• A-TPU material and toggle lacing system
• A good-value set promotion
• The rowing machine event and gifts

Visitor information: hours, parking and directions

• DARIMATI pop-up store, Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch
• 4F, Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch, 20 Pangyoyeok-ro 146beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• 10:30–20:00 (weekends 10:30–20:30)
• Parking available at Hyundai Department Store Pangyo Branch
• 5-minute walk from Exit 3, Pangyo Station (Sinbundang Line)
• Try the BR-001 HYROX shoes and join the rowing machine event