Reebok Nano X1 review

Who should buy the Reebok Nano X1

The Nano X1 is THE ultimate cross-trainer from Reebok. Get it if you:

• want that top-notch, premium trainer from one of the leading fitness brands
• need a shoe that can handle all of your daily workouts
• value style and want your gym footwear to double for casual use

Who should NOT buy the trainer

If you aren’t aiming for a high-class option and want a more reasonably priced yet well-performing gym shoe, we suggest considering the Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer 5 or Nike Legend Essential 2. 

The shoe’s flexibility is not the best for more serious weightlifting. It feels like it wants to rock you forward. 

And if you aren’t fixated on the brand, we have nitpicked the best 10 cross-trainers from nearly 300 options to help you find the right match.

Reebok Nano X1 vs. Nano X

Here are the key updates in the Nano X1:

• It is no longer marketed as a CrossFit shoe but is meant for more versatile use.
• It is significantly lighter (12 oz) compared to the Nano X (14 oz).
• The brand says that the heel drop is increased from 4 to 7 mm to give more heel cushioning for jumping. However, based on our measurements, the heel-to-toe drop even got as high as 8.8 mm.

• Running-oriented Floatride Energy Foam makes the shoe more running-friendly. In fact, we discovered that the cushioning foam of this Reebok Nano is 10% softer than the average for training shoes.

Functional all around

Our minds are blown by the shoe's all-around functionality. It is efficient for WODs that involve cardio, strength training, and running.

From sprints to burpees and squats to split jumps, we found that the Reebok Nano X1 is a monster when it comes to comfort, lightness, support, and versatile functionality. It builds on the company's decade-long successful Nano collection.

Breathable through and through

The knit mesh upper on the Reebok Nano X1 keeps our feet blissfully refreshed even during the most intense training sessions. Hot gyms are not a problem for this ultra-breathable trainer.

The transparency test below is able to visualise the most breathable parts of the upper.

This is very surprising given the shoe's generously padded 8.8 mm thick tongue.

Short runs are also made possible with this Reebok trainer

We observed that compared to most training shoes, we could run a couple of miles in this shoe and feel great after. That is thanks to the use of the same foam that is employed in Reebok running shoes.

Reebok Nano X1 moves away from a solid lifting shoe

With its softer foam, higher heel drop, and narrower platform, we do not recommend the X1 edition of the Nano for heavy weightlifting.

The footprint of the Reebok Nano X1 is also noticeably narrower than that of its rival Nike Metcon 8. It is 108.6 mm in the forefoot (1.1 mm narrower than Nike) and 85.1 mm in the heel (4.8 mm less). 

There is a good amount of flex

Doing lunges, burpees, planks, and many other exercises involving foot bending wasn't a problem for us with the shoe's flexible sole.

The Nano X1 is 25% more flexible than training shoes on average based on our measurements.

Upon manual flexibility check, we rated this Reebok shoe 2 out of 5 on both torsional and longitudinal flexibility, where 1 refers to the most flexible.

Your feet stay comfortably hugged

We are delighted with the comfort that comes from both the shoe’s soft knit upper and the moderately cushy sole. This duo allows for a supportive yet adaptive feel.

We found that the tongue slips onto one side. However, we would like to emphasise that it isn't terrible, just a bit annoying.

Taller socks may be needed to avoid blisters

Despite the overall comfort, some of us, testers, still experienced heel rubbing in the Reebok Nano X1. We felt that the collar is high and hard, causing a blister when wearing no-show socks.

The Nano X1 keeps the foot in place

We encountered no heel slips. The shoe provides a perfect foothold thanks to its tall collar and lace-up closure.

Your toes will have plenty of space

Despite its new tapered look, the Nano X1 still features a wide, spacious toebox. This allows natural toe splay and improves comfort.

Inside the trainer's toebox is a generous space measuring 102.2 mm in its widest part. For reference, the average forefoot width across training shoes is 100.1 mm.

No slipping on gym floors

We noticed that the Nano X1's outsole grip has improved compared to the Nano X.

You can rest assured that you won’t slip even when the gym floor gets a bit wet.

Nano X1 is a bit lighter than Nike Metcons

With the shoe's knit construction and a few more tweaks, the Nano X1 (12 oz / 340 g) ends up slightly lighter than its direct competitors, the Metcons from Nike (average weight: 12.3 oz / 350 g).

Wear this Reebok Nano anywhere

From pastel peach to acid orange and classic black-gum combo, we love that the shoe's sleek design is offered in an array of colorways. This way, we can wear it while running errands around town.