Reebok has launched the 10th iteration of their CrossFit training shoe – the Reebok Nano X is now available worldwide.
What’s new and improved in this cross training shoe? That’s what we’ve evaluated in our hands-on review.
Read on to find out the details…
YO! Why are you looking at the Reebok Nano X? This shoe is now 3 years old. Check out our Reebok Nano X2 review. The X2 is the successor to the Nano X. (There was an X1, but the X2 is better all around).
Here’s some of the launch styles that are available now:
Let’s take a look.
Reebok Nano X Shoe Review – On Our YouTube Channel
We’ve got two hands-on video overviews of this shoe on our YouTube channel:
And this video compares it directly (and in-depth) to the Reebok Nano 9.
Reebok Nano X Shoe Review – What’s New and Improved?
Let’s start by calling out the differences with this shoe as compared to the Reebok Nano 9 (last year’s official CrossFit training shoe.)
The visible change is the upper (the part that covers your foot.)
It’s still “Flexweave” which is Reebok’s woven textile that combines a super-tough outer layer with a super comfortable inner layer.
The difference in the new shoe is that it looks a lot better – more sophisticated.
How so? Here’s an example.
The other visible change on the Nano X is that very tall collar.
It comes up high, and the interior is lined with a very dense, comfortable foam.
Overall, it adds to the feeling of bulk in the shoe – but feels very comfortable at the same time.
The Nano X is indeed heavier than the Reebok Nano 9 – a Men’s Size 11 weighs 14.4 ounces for the X versus 13.5 ounces for the Nano 9.
These aren’t light-weight running shoes, rather they are cross trainers that are tough – and built like a tank.
The tongue is different in the X – it’s stretchy and more streamlined. There’s two padded bolsters on the side. I like the more streamlined tongue compared to the bulky (but more cushioned) tongue in the Nano 9.
Below the upper, things look very similar. The rubber protection wrap, the Ropepro area at the midfoot, and the outsole are all largely identical.
And that’s OK – because Reebok didn’t want to mess with success.
That flat, all-rubber outsole is super-grippy and tough as nails. You won’t likely wear out the outsole in these shoes.
The heel to toe drop on the Reebok Nano 9 is 4mm, and Reebok hasn’t published a number for the Nano X. They simply describe it as being “minimal drop”.
If I had to guess, I’d say the Nano X is probably still a 4mm heel to toe drop.
The midsole feels the same to me as well – similar levels of cushion to the Nano 9.
But, Reebok does claim the Nano X has a de-coupled midsole – to help absorb heel strike shocks.
I can’t verify that because the midsole is on the inside, and at least during my testing, it really doesn’t feel any different.
Overall both shoes feel similar – but the new upper on the Nano X is more comfortable to me – even if it feels bulkier.
The feeling underfoot is unchanged. I can run in these (short distances) and lift weights (heel is firm and stable.)
I don’t recommend cross trainers for long distance running.
They don’t have enough cushion, and they are heavy.
Lastly, I think the Nano X is a better looking shoe.
One thing you won’t find on the Nano X is the phrase “CrossFit”. While the Nano 9 was the official CrossFit training shoe of 2019, apparently it’s not for 2020.
Overall, I like these a lot.
If you liked the Nano 9, you’ll like the Nano X.
Reebok Nano X Shoe Review – Fit and Sizing
Let’s talk about fit and sizing.
With this version of the shoe sharing so many similarities to the Nano 9 – it should be no surprise that it fits and feels mostly the same – at least underfoot.
The Reebok Nano X runs true to size – and if you liked the fit of your Nano 9s – I recommend you order the same size for the X.
The length is good, and the width of the toebox area is once again very good as well.
How’s the fit and feel?
A lot like the Nano 9 – but the upper is more comfortable.
The feeling underfoot is largely unchanged – the levels of cushioning are indistinguishable (for me) – and I can’t feel that de-coupled midsole that Reebok talks about.
Reebok Nano X Shoe Review – In Summary
That’s our review – the Reebok Nano X takes all the good stuff from the Nano 9 and improves upon it mildly.
You can run (as well as you could run in the Nano 9), lift, and do anything the CrossFit WOD will throw at you.
While the Nano X is slightly heavier, it feels a good deal more comfortable in the upper. It also looks nicer, in my opinion.
Photo Credits
Some product photos on this page are property of Reebok, Inc.
This website is not affiliated or associated with CrossFit, Inc. CrossFit is a registered trademark of CrossFit, Inc.
We are a Reebok affiliate, and if you purchase shoes or other gear after clicking the links in this article, we receive a small commission fee at no additional cost to you. This helps us to bring you our in-depth hands-on reviews of these products.
