Reebok Nano X review

Who should buy the Reebok Nano X

Nano X is best for functional fitness and CrossFit-style workouts. It also works for an ordinary gym session with lots of lifting and a little bit of everything.

Who should NOT buy the Reebok Nano X

Don't get this shoe if you:

• need a responsive trainer for HIIT workouts and aerobics
• plan to run over 2 km regularly
• want a lightweight training shoe

Reebok Nano X vs. Nano 9 - beefier and heavier

“It’s basically an extra Nano 9,” “expect something very similar,” “both shoes are solid” - these quotes summarize the minor differences between the two. Here is the detailed overview:

Which one is better?
It's a tie. The experts refrain from leaning towards either Nano 9 or X. It's the details that make the difference, even in the price tag, so it's up to you to choose.

Blown-up heel collar - the wow factor

This part of the shoe received the most comments and compliments. Extending high up the ankle, this extra-cushioned, foamy pillow makes the trainer feel more like a mid-top sneaker or even a basketball shoe.

An unusual feature for a cross-trainer, experts found plenty of benefits in it:

• locks the heel and ankle “inside a cage of memory foam”
• helps slide the foot into the shoe without unlacing it
• keeps the heel stable during twists, turns, and jumps
• prevents heel slip

Weightlifting - Top-level stability

“If there’s any reason to pick up a pair of Nano X, it should be to lift in,” says one of the experts, summarizing the Nano X’s strongest point. It is also where all that extra bulk and heaviness work for the benefit.

The reviewers swear by the shoe’s performance in the following:

• lifting up to 500 lbs (227 kg)
• Olympic weightlifting (heavy squats, cleans, jerks, snatches)
• deadlifting
• dumbbell training

They describe their experience lifting in the Nano X as “rock-solid,” “stable,” “planted,” “stuck to the ground,” etc.

Jumping - Is a No

Those who have put the shoe through burpees, box jumps, double unders, and skipping admit that it would not be their first pick because of the heaviness. As one expert points, “you can definitely feel the bulk of the shoes.”

It is flexible enough for mountain climbers, planks, jumping lunges, and the like but is still on the stiffer side compared to an average trainer.

Where it shines is lateral support and traction. The sturdy sidewalls “keep you securely on the footbed,” while the outsole “grips everything”: wet concrete, wood floors, carpet, asphalt.”

Running - Far from “runnable”

None of the experts had a pleasant experience running in the Nano X: the majority doesn’t recommend it for over 2-3 km, while some couldn’t even get through 1 km in the shoe. The reason being its stiff midsole and overall heaviness.

Rope climbing - Not good

Very few reviewers were able to test the Nano X on the rope. But those who did were disappointed in durability:

• one reported the rope guard coming loose
• another complained about the upper materials fraying more easily than expected.

All-day wear - Fine

Some of the experts eagerly emphasized the shoe’s comfort for casual wear. One mentioned spending “days walking around in the Nano X with no problems,” while another has been wearing it for “dog walks 2-3 miles” each time.

Along with the sneaker-y style and plenty of vibrant colors, this cross-trainer can make for a foot companion even outside the gym.

Size and fit of the Nano X

All experts warn that the Nano X is narrower and more form-fitting than the Nano 9. This is due to the extra padding and overlays throughout the upper.

However, it remains true to size and offers ample space in the toe box compared to most trainers. So the advice is to go with your normal shoe size. Going a size up is likely to feel long.

• Best for medium to slightly wider feet
• Too spacious for narrow feet (try Nike Metcons)
• Too tight for extra wide feet (try Nano 9 or shoes with X-Wide options)

Reebok Nano X vs. Metcon 6

Those who compared the Nano X to Nike Metcon 6 find both shoes to be solid all-arounders that shine in weightlifting. But some nuances give each one an edge: 

Nano X:

• slightly wider in the toebox
• more padding and support across the upper
• better for all-day wear

Metcon 6:

• lighter: 363 g over 400 g in a men’s US size 10
• better for rope climbs
• more breathable
• has Hyperlift inserts: increase the heel height by 8 mm (men’s) / 6 mm (women’s)

No more CrossFit branding?

The end of Reebok’s 10-year contract with the CrossFit brand is signified by the elimination of CF branding from the Nano X. It was already minimal on the Nano 9, but this time around, it’s just a hint:

• a barely noticeable Delta on the rubber toe protector
• a hidden one on the insole inside the shoe

Reebok’s signature Vector is now taking up the most prominent parts of the shoe.