Our verdict
Fitness enthusiasts who have worked out in the Reebok Nano X2 know that while it's great, it really is not for outdoor use. The Nano X2 TR Adventure fixes this by becoming the first-ever outdoor-ready Nano. This shoe sufficiently supports, anchors, and protects. Workout enthusiasts can now enjoy the nature all that they want, even at night!
Pros
- Extremely durable for the outdoors
- Dependable outdoor traction
- Comfortable upper
- Reliably protective
- Functional versatility
- Great support
- True-to-size fit
- Has reflective components
Cons
- Not for niche exercises
- Clunky and heavy
Who should buy the Reebok Nano X2 TR Adventure
This Reebok training shoe is suitable for the following:
- fitness enthusiasts who want to take their workouts beyond the four walls of the gym
- outdoor exercisers who extend their workout until the evening
- athletes who want training shoes that are as versatile as they are
Who should NOT buy this training shoe from Reebok
Just because it's geared toward the outdoors doesn't mean that the Reebok Nano X2 Adventure is already fit for all outdoor exercises. It's definitely not a running shoe, so those who want to do longer trail runs can go look for actual trail running shoes.
Because of the rigidity of its solid base and the resulting weight gain, this shoe is also not great for fitness enthusiasts who want to do agility exercises. They are better off with the original Reebok Nano X2. If willing to try the other brands, the Nike Metcon 8 is a great pick.
In spite of its durability and outstanding support qualities, this shoe is still not suitable for more serious lifting. Specialized shoes like the Reebok Legacy Lifter are more appropriate.
Worry-free outdoor workouts with the Nano X2 Adventure
An expert says that this training shoe holds up "exceptionally well" outdoors. Another reviewer is confident that the shoe "isn’t going to break down too quickly" even if he beats the shoe up quite aggressively.
The reviewers credit not only the solid base but also the reinforced ripstop nylon used in the upper for this awesome sturdiness.
The upper durability of this trainer can easily beat some of the trail running and hiking shoes. Our Dremel test is a joke to the Nano X2 TR. Where most shoes get a dent or even a hole, this Reebok shoe ended up with a scratch.
Here is what the same test (equal force and speed applied) did to the unprotected mesh on the Reebok Nano X1.
Looking at the microscope shot of the upper fabric, it becomes obvious why the Nano X2 TR is capable of such wear resistance. The threads look like barbwires!
A close-up shot of the Reebok Nano X2 TR upper
For comparison, here is the upper on the original Reebok Nano X2. It also did well on our Dremel test but has a noticeably more exposed structure than the TR.
A close-up shot of the Reebok Nano X2 upper
Enjoy a comfortable wraparound
In spite of its high level of durability, a reviewer says that the nylon upper is still "void of the typical stiffness and clamminess." One wearer even shares that wearing this shoe feels "super comfortable."
A little stuffy though
Unfortunately, you cannot get all those durability benefits from a shoe without paying for them. And in the case of the Nano X2 TR, the price is its breathability.
Reebok Nano X2 TR (left) vs. Reebok Nano X2 (right)
As you can see, neither smoke nor light can pass through the sturdy layers of this ripstop fabric. Thus, we rated the shoe's breathability as 2 out of 5, where 1 is the least breathable.
Grip won't be a problem for the lugged outsole
The outsole of the Reebok Nano X2 is lugged, and an expert observes that it's able to "grip pretty well" even on surfaces with sand and loose gravel. He says that he doesn't have issues when he uses this shoe on light to moderate terrains. "Performed better than I imagined," another user says of what the Nano X2 Adventure is like on uneven rocks.
For comparison, here is the lug depth on the "indoor" Nano X2.
The base is solidly protective, but it can get clunky
As expected of any shoe that is made for the outdoors, the base of the Reebok Nano X2 Adventure is firm and fairly protective. An expert says that he feels "protected against sharper rocks" when wearing this.
We checked two parameters that are directly connected to the shoe's outsole sturdiness: its thickness and hardness. The rubber layer is 4.4 mm thick, which is the thickest on our training shoe roster so far (the average is 3.9 mm).
This rubber compound is also quite hard. Using a durometer, we found it to be firmer than 90% of our lab-tested training shoes. Harder outsoles usually take longer to wear out.
However, the firmness might be too much for some wearers. The reviewers have described it as inflexible with one even saying that "the baseplate is rigid as hell!"
Based on our measurements, the Nano X2 TR is indeed very firm in the heel. However, it still has enough softness and flexibility in the forefoot for moving and exercising comfortably.
Checking the heel portion of the midsole with a durometer, we found that it is 18% firmer than the average of our lab-tested training shoes.
But in the forefoot, the foam is much more forgiving and is even 12% softer than the average.
Disclaimer: We take a total of four durometer measurements and find the average. The photos above show only one of the measurements.
Now when it comes to flexibility, the Nano X2 TR has plenty of flex in the forefoot. We found it by bending the shoe to a 90-degree angle and measuring resistance with a gauge. The result shows that the TR Adventure is 30% more flexible than the average of lab-tested trainers.
Torsional flex, on the other hand, is a totally different story. It is not that easy to twist the shoe. On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest, we rated the Nano X2 TR as 3. This means that there is a good amount of support where it's actually needed.
It's a hefty boy
The reviewers couldn't help but notice that the solid base adds a few more ounces to the shoe's weight.
True enough, the X2 Adventure registers a whopping 345g, which is heavier than the original X2's 307g.
The Reebok Nano X2 TR Adventure is great for cross-training (and more)
This Reebok trainer is used by athletes for various exercises. Apart from workouts, people have also used the shoe for biking, sprinting, and even carting. As one of the reviewers points out, this shoe "transitions perfectly" from biking to gym workouts.
...but not for any niche exercise
As is the case with any trainer that tries to be suitable for as many exercises as possible, the Reebok Nano X2 is a jack of all trades but a master of none. An expert says that this shoe is not really for more technical terrains. He continues that this trainer is not for more serious lifting as well. Another exerciser shares that this is not good for running longer distances. It is better to use more specialized shoes for these activities.
No need to worry about foot containment
A fitness enthusiast shares that the support that the Nano X2 delivers is "through the roof," and this is better appreciated when dynamic movements are involved.
The shoe's firm heel hold is a major contributing factor to the shoe's support. We assessed its stiffness as 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the stiffest).
Fit is not going to be a problem
An expert, who is a self-confessed "chronic wide-footed guy" reports that he has zero complaints when it comes to the fit of the Nano X2 Adventure. Another expert states that going true to size "should be safe" for most athletes and wearers.
This Reebok shoe is indeed among the widest of its kind (cross-trainers) and is very likely to feel at home for wide-footed athletes. Using a pair of calipers, we measured the widest part of the shoe's forefoot (100.6 mm) as well as the area around the big toe (78.3 mm). In both parameters, the trainer turned out to be a few millimeters wider than average.
The shoe has reflectors for night-time safety
An expert is happy that the shoe has reflective components on it. This helps with visibility when walking or working out at dawn or during the night.
