Our verdict

The Reebok Nano X3 Adventure is a unique crossover of a trail shoe and a gym trainer. Equipped with a sturdier and toothier outsole, this shoe took us from the gym to the trails in a heartbeat! Embodying the best features of the Nano X cross-trainer, such as stability and lateral support, it also helped us run up to 3 miles in the forest without a problem! This Reebok trainer surely takes versatility up a notch and pushes the limits of what a workout could look like.

Pros

  • Perfect gym-to-trail shoe
  • Dependable traction
  • Provides good impact protection
  • Offers enough court feel
  • Super durable upper
  • Just enough stability for exercises
  • Feels light
  • Fairly flexible structure

Cons

  • Poor breathability
  • Pricey if not used outdoors

Audience verdict

81
Good!

Who should buy

This trainer has "Adventure" in its name to signal its affinity with the outdoors.

Our wear-test results and lab assessments point that the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure is a good match for athletes who want:

  • one trainer for both the gym and the trails
  • a very hard-wearing and lasting workout shoe
  • a well-rounded cross-trainer for both running and lifting

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure buy

Who should NOT buy

If you don't really need the added ruggedness for the trails and you spend 90% of your workouts at the gym, we recommend the standard Reebok Nano X3 or the top-tier Nike Metcon 9.

The X3 Adventure is also among the hottest (literally) shoes that we have ever tried. People with sweaty feet should stay away from this trainer and get the Reebok Nano X3 instead. 

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure spreadout

Cushioning

Heel stack

The heel part of the midsole was of average thickness. Our caliper in the lab measured it to be 25.6 mm thick.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Heel stack
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 25.6 mm
Average 24.8 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Heel stack
36.2 mm

Forefoot stack

Just like the heel, the forefoot was also of average thickness. The caliper gave out a reading of 17.7 mm.

Being average was not at all bad in the case of the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure. It was still thin enough for us to gain control over our movements. This allowed us to perform well agility exercises. 

The midsole, of course, felt thick enough to protect us from impact. This allowed us to do jump ropes for a sustained period.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Forefoot stack
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 17.7 mm
Average 18.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
10.6 mm
Forefoot stack
27.7 mm

Drop

The drop of Reebok Nano X3 Adventure is just around the average.

We never had problems with our steps since the heel-to-toe transitions were still smooth. Needless to say, this benefit made our walks and runs easier and smoother, too.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Drop
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 7.9 mm
Average 6.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
1.8 mm
Drop
13.4 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

After wearing it for several exercises, we noticed that the midsole of the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure was slightly softer than the typical midsole. This softness allowed us to persist for a little bit longer with our workouts because it helped keep the pain at bay.

In the lab, we used an HA durometer to assess the softness of the midsole. Our device gave it a rating of 21.9.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Midsole softness
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 21.9 HA
Average 27.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
17.4 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.0 HA

Insole thickness

The removable insole was as thick as the average insole used in training shoes. Our caliper measured it to be 3.5 mm thick.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Insole thickness
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 3.5 mm
Average 3.9 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
1.7 mm
Insole thickness
7.2 mm

Size and fit

Size

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Toebox width - widest part

The widest part of the toebox measured 100.9 mm. This is almost equal to the average, so we do not think that this shoe will be able to accommodate those with wider feet.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 100.9 mm
Average 100.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
90.4 mm
Toebox width - widest part
108.5 mm

Toebox width - big toe

However, we strongly believe that this trainer will be a blessing to those who want more wiggle room for their toes. At the big toe, the shoe is 83.1 mm wide, making it significantly wider than average.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 83.1 mm
Average 78.8 mm
Compared to 34 training shoes
Number of shoes
65.0 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.4 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

We could say that both the lateral and medial sidewalls of this trainer were quite effective in keeping our feet in place. Our side-to-side movements never felt tentative. The Reebok Nano X3 Adventure was a dependable workout partner, indeed, because of this.

Torsional rigidity

During our test workouts, we felt the base of this Reebok training shoe to be mildly protective from painful foot twists. 

In the lab, we tested the shoe's torsional rigidity manually, and we could give it a solid rating of 3 over 5. This score made the Nano X3 Adventure better than many other trainers in our inventory.

Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 3
Average 2.7
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter also showed moderate resistance to twists and squeezes. Back in the lab, its resistance was enough for us to break a sweat when we were giving it a good squeeze.

How did such a lab result translate in the gym? The moderately stiff heel counter (3 out of 5 rating) gave us a secure-enough grasp around the rearfoot. We were confident that the shoe wouldn't be accidentally taken off during aggressive jumps and other movements.

Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 3
Average 2.7
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The forefoot part of the shoe platform was of average width. Our caliper measured it to be 108.9 mm wide.

Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 108.9 mm
Average 110.6 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
101.0 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
117.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

The heel part of the platform was also of average width. Our digital caliper gave out a reading of 85.2 mm. 

We couldn't find any serious fault in the platform. It was wide enough to contain our feet and ensure the stability of our steps. 

Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 85.2 mm
Average 87.3 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
76.5 mm
Midsole width - heel
97.4 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

Structurally speaking, the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure had the normal flexibility. We did not find it hard to bend and flex our feet when we needed to, such as when we did burpees and mountain climbers. 

Back in the lab, we learned that this Reebok trainer needed 19.0N of force to bend at a 90-degree angle.

Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 19.0N
Average 17.8N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
4.3N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
37.9N

Weight

Our scale in the lab pegged the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure's weight to be 12.5 ounces or 353 grams. This number makes this trainer slightly heavier than average.

Good thing we did not feel the increase in weight. We never felt our steps being weighed down in any way.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Weight
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 12.45 oz (353g)
Average 10.76 oz (305g)
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
6.38 oz (181g)
Weight
13.83 oz (392g)

Breathability

It's clear to us that breathability was not prioritized when this trainer was designed. We can even use it as evidence for global warming! That's how hot it felt!

As seen in the video above, practically no speck of smoke was able to escape through the upper. Even something as bodiless as light found it hard to penetrate. Giving this shoe a rating better than a 1 over 5 would be a crime against humanity. The difference in breathability between the Nano X3 Adventure and the Adidas Dropset 2 (which got a perfect 5) is like the difference between heaven and hell.

If your feet sweat a lot, then expect a deluge when you wear the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure! We just hope that there are socks out there that can absorb all the moisture.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure upper microscope

When we examined the upper under the microscope, we saw just how closed-off the material is. It would be a miracle if air (or any other gas) could pass through it.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Breathability
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 1
Average 3.6
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

The lack of breathability, fortunately, came with an undeniable benefit: it felt immensely resistant to abrasion. 

We watched in awe as the upper did not appear in any way affected by our high-pressure Dremel drilling. Compared to the damage seen on the Adidas Dropset Trainer (which got a 1 out of 5 for toebox durability), the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure just looked a little disheveled but never damaged. A score of 5 out of 5 is well-deserved.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Toebox durability
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 5
Average 2.5
Compared to 30 training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel also displayed considerable durability. No wonder we didn't see any sign of wear and tear on it even after we used this shoe for jumping exercises that caused it to rub aggressively on our feet.

After our Dremel test, the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure only showed very minimal signs of assault. We gave it a score of 4 out of 5 for heel padding durability as a result. The Nike MC Trainer 2, which got the lowest rating of 1 out of 5, couldn't compare.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Heel padding durability
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 4
Average 2.5
Compared to 28 training shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

This version of the Nano Adventure features a sturdy, outdoor-ready Vibram rubber. Thus, it was not surprising to find that the outsole felt firmer than usual.

When we assessed it in the lab, our HC durometer gave it a rating of 89.4. This score confirmed that the Nano X3 Adventure was indeed firmer than most training shoe rubbers.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Outsole hardness
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 89.4 HC
Average 83.0 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
71.0 HC
Outsole hardness
94.5 HC

Outsole durability

But despite being a little firmer than usual, the outsole of the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure still showed just the normal amount of durability. We wouldn't say ban outdoor usage; taking this training shoe outdoors every once in a while shouldn't hurt.

We also pressed our Dremel against it, and it resulted in 1.3 mm of damage. This number does not deviate much from the average.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Outsole durability
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 1.3 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 26 training shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

At 4.1 mm, the outsole of this Reebok trainer is only slightly thicker than average. But we found that this is enough rubber to make the shoe more outdoor-friendly.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Outsole thickness
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 4.1 mm
Average 3.6 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
2.1 mm
Outsole thickness
5.1 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

The grip of the outsole was dependable on both gym surfaces and moderate trails. It even had a very strong bite on the rope and felt tackier than the previous Nano Adventure.

We did not find any issues with this performance aspect. The renowned Vibram rubber lived up to our expectations.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure grip

Reflective elements

There were no reflective elements on the Nano X3 Adventure. For safety, it would be best to use this shoe only in well-lit spaces.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Reflective elements
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure No

Tongue padding

The tongue was of average thickness. Our caliper measured it to be 4.4 mm thick. 

It felt quite OK on top of the foot, and we did not have problems with it.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Tongue padding
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure 4.4 mm
Average 5.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Tongue padding
10.4 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The tongue of the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure was not at all gusseted. It allowed us to move much more freely.

It was also thanks to the not connected tongue that our feet were able to breathe somehow, given that the upper material was pretty closed-off.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure None

Heel tab

The shoe had a finger-loop heel tab that made putting on and taking off the shoe quite easy.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Heel tab
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure Finger loop

Removable insole

The removable insole was easy to get rid of when we had to free up some space, especially when the shoe felt too hot after sustained workouts.

Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Removable insole
Test results
Nano X3 Adventure Yes