Reebok Nano X2 Review

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The new for 2022 Reebok Nano X2 is available April 1st.

Let’s review the brand-new Reebok Nano X2.

The Reebok Nano is the first athletic shoe developed for CrossFit in 2011 and has ever since become one of the best CrossFit shoes you’ll have. The Nano X2 is the latest in the series and is called the “Official Shoe of You”. It’s got some improvements from the previous version that includes the “Flexweave” material on the upper to endure extreme conditions.

That’s enough marketing hype – let’s dive in.

Reebok Nano X2 Review - CrossFit Shoe 52
The Reebok Nano X2 is a cross-training/weightlifting shoe with added flexibility and stability for various movements. Its redesigned upper makes it breathable, and the Floatride Energy foam protects your feet from intense impacts. Available for men and women, the Nano X2 comes in several different colorways

This is a Nano X2 Review. We’ll also talk about Reebok Nano X2 Versus Reebok Nano X1, of course.

Get it now, from Reebok, Rogue, and Road Runner Sports:

Reebok Nano X2 (Grey/Black/Red) Reebok Nano X2 - This is the style we reviewed, and that appears in most of the photos of this article.
Reebok Nano X2 (Grey/Black/Red) Reebok Nano X2 - This is the style we reviewed, and that appears in most of the photos of this article.

Let’s check it out.

Reebok Nano X2 – Our Review

Want the real scoop? We got hands-on – I mean feet-on for testing this shoe.

Reebok Nano X2 Review - CrossFit Shoe 45
Poolside with the Nano X2. This is the best place I have to take photos…

Firstly, let’s state that it is an evolution from the Nano X1.

This wasn’t a radical jump in design – unlike the switch from Nano X to Nano X1.

They’ve beefed up the external “cage” that gives the shoe rigidity.

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The external TPU “Cage” is more robust, as compared to the X2.

The TPU (a kind of stiff plastic) is more thorough – thicker and there’s more of it.

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That’s the X2 on the left and X1 on the right (NOTE: All the “Nano X1” fell off!). The TPU cage (the black plastic) is what we’re examining here.
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That which I’m pointing to – that’s the TPU cage.

Heel to toe drop is unchanged. It’s some drop – but not too much. It’s a nice compromise between the “flatter” Nano X and a pure running shoe that might have 10mm of drop or more.

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Heel to toe Drop is same as X1 – feels like about 7mm.

That wimpy little tongue from X1 is gone – it’s beefed up a bit – and that was one of my complaints about the original shoe.

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Tongue is wider. The tongue on the X1 was too narrow. Fixed!
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That’s the X1 on the left (wimpy tongue) and X2 on the right. Tongue is better on the X2.

I have to say that build quality seems better as well.

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A reasonably breathable, but tough upper.

Some of the earliest Nano X1 shoes had lots of visible glue – and felt a bit cheap.

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Build quality on these is acceptable for a $135 shoe.

These feel much more solid.

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Good grip from the all-rubber outsole.
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These letters are glued on the X1 – they didn’t fare well. They’re still on one shoe, but not the other. That’s what I mean by build quality. They’ve improved things such that the “NANO X.2” should NOT come off.
Reebok Nano X2 Review - CrossFit Shoe 11
See?
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Overall – they’ve fixed some of the things I didn’t like on the X1. Not sure it’s worth an upgrade, but this is a shoe that is better.

Reebok Nano X2 – In the Gym

This is a gym shoe – a cross trainer – a CrossFit shoe – whatever you want to call it.

That means it’s got some weight lifting prowess – and SOME running and impact cushioning – but not too much to make weightlifting dicey.

Reebok Nano X2 Review - CrossFit Shoe 05
Floatride cushion is back. It’s good – if you are looking for a shoe more cushioned than your average cross-trainer.

The drop on these is appreciated for squats – less ankle flexibility is required to get deep.

At the same time, it’s not too much for deadlifts. (Most people prefer a flat or zero-drop shoe for deadlifting).

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Reasonable stack height and drop for deadlifting. If I was trying to set a PR (Personal Record) I’d deadlift in socks though.

The stack height isn’t too crazy either – that would add height – making your deadlift harder.

How about the cushion? The Floatride cushioning is (just like the X1 from last year) significantly more than what the Nano X had.

It’s got some cushion, but not too much.

That said – it’s a shoe for versatility – and if I was going to run a marathon – I’d do it in real running shoes instead.

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Aggressive inward curve on the achilles pad – again – just like the X1. It’ll “break in” after a while, but can be too much for some people. On the other hand, I get no sensation of heel slippage in these.

But, the Nano X2 is a versatile shoe in the gym for sure.

If you MOSTLY lift heavy weights – like barbell weights – you can still get the Reebok Nano X. That’s a minimal drop, minimal cushion shoe that is perfect for squats, deadlifts, and oly lifting.

But, it’s not so great for running or impact activities – like jumping rope, box jumps, etc.

Reebok Nano X PR Versus Nano X Regular Review - Side by Side 2
Got heavy barbell? You might want to go old-school with the Nano X. 4mm heel to toe drop and basically no cushion… great for big squats and deads.

Reebok Nano X2 Review – Overview

The new Reebok Nano X2 is an all-around cross-training shoe constructed for squats, box jumps, burpees, and wind sprints. It is still a stable shoe suitable for various workoutsand is now furnished with a Flexweave knit upper for improved protection and breathability.

Reebok Nano X2 top view
Reebok Nano X2 top view

It also has an upgraded heel clip for increased stability and a sharper look. The Floatride Energy Foam provides a responsive underfoot feel when running, and the durable rubber outsole has a strategic lug pattern that offers dependable traction.

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Nano X2 Versus Nano X1

The Nano X2 has a regular fit with a supportive heel clip and a potent foundation with a broad, anatomical toe box. The foam in the forefoot delivers more cushioning, and the heel has a lower cut that won’t hurt your foot. The shoe also highlights Reebok’s ROPEPRO feature in the outsole midfoot that adds extra bite for rope climbs.

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True to size – I say start with your regular shoe size (for an athletic shoe). Just remember, these have an aggressive achilles support – some people don’t like it – although it feels like it softens up over time.

You can also check out our Best CrossFit Shoes for 2022 review.

Reebok Nano X2 Review – In Summary

That’s our review of the Reebok Nano X2.

The Reebok Nano X2 is a cross-training/weightlifting shoe with added flexibility and stability for various movements. Its redesigned upper makes it breathable, and the Floatride Energy foam protects your feet from intense impacts. Available for men and women, the Nano X2 comes in Core Black/Ftwr White/Pure Gray colorways.

Looking for more options? Check out these other great products:

There’s still plenty of sizes of the Nano X1 available too – check out the Reebok Nano X1 Adventure Shoes or these Reebok Nano X1 – Newest Styles

Find more CrossFit and gym shoes from Reebok.

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Head on – you can see that the X2 (like the X1) lost some of that legendary Nano width but my regular shoe size still fits. I call it “true to size”.

Photo Credits

Some product photos on this page are property of Reebok.

This website is not affiliated or associated with CrossFit, Inc. CrossFit is a registered trademark of CrossFit, Inc.

Reebok Nano X2 quarter front
The Reebok Nano X2 is a cross-training/weightlifting shoe with added flexibility and stability for various movements. Its redesigned upper makes it breathable, and the Floatride Energy foam protects your feet from intense impacts. Available for men and women, the Nano X2 comes in Core Black/Ftwr White/Pure Gray colorways

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Reebok Nano X2 Review - CrossFit Shoe 31
Reebok Nano X2 – a good shoe for the gym or CrossFit

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