The Reebok Nano X Unknown is here.
This is a lighter-weight, mid-cut version of Reebok’s CrossFit training shoe – the Nano X.
Our review pair is here – and we like it! Let’s take a look at this shoe.
Reebok says this is a mid-cut shoe for training.
Here’s some of the styles we are going to look at:
Reebok Nano X Unknown – Video Review on our YouTube Channel
Why read when you can watch? Here’s our first hands-on look at the unknown, from our YouTube channel:
By the way, we have high expectations for this shoe. The Reebok Nano X was a runner-up in our Best CrossFit Shoes for 2021 review.
Here’s our long term performance update:
Reebok Nano X Unknown – Overview
Let’s take a look…
Mid-cut means not quite high top. For comparison’s sake, here they are side by side with the NOBULL High Top Trainer – a shoe we tested recently.
The shoe is mid-cut, but surprisingly light-weight at the same time.
How do they do this?
The upper is thin – very, very thin – all over.
It’s see through in some places.
Overall, the upper is a very different material as compared to the Flexweave upper on the regular Nano X.
It’s stretchy and comfortable too. Combine that with the Nano X’s gloriously wide toebox – and overall this shoe fits and feels great.
By the way, like the regular Nano X – it runs true to size.
Let’s take a close-up look at the upper.
How about the rest of the shoe?
The outsole, midsole, and insole seem unchanged from the regular shoe – despite Reebok’s claim of “more cushion” – it feels to be the same.
It looks the same too.
Here’s one key difference though – there’s no heel cup / heel counter inside on the Nano X Unknown.
How could there be? It’s too thin.
If you felt like the Nano X regular was too bulky feeling, this is possibly your better option. It doesn’t feel bulky.
It does in fact weight 1 ounce less than the regular shoe (Men’s US Size 11).
But without a heel cup and with the very, very thin upper – will it offer the support you want from a mid-cut shoe?
You’ll probably need to try these on and decide for yourself.
There’s a heel pull tab – to help with putting these on.
Overall, these feel much like the regular Nano X- but less bulky.
Because the insole/midsole/outsole are the same, I assume it’s the same 4mm heel to toe drop as the regular.
Reebok Nano X Unknown Versus Nano X Regular
In contrast the regular Nano X feels heavier (it is!) and bulkier.
It’s also $20 cheaper.
Here’s where the regular edition differs – it’s thicker all over the upper – the tongue, sides, forefoot – all over.
Overall I think both shoes are a winner. We’ll see how well the lighter materials of the Unknown stand up over time.
By the way, the Nano X Unknown is also lighter than the Nano X PR (Personal Record).
The PR is theoretically a lightweight shoe – but actually weighs the same as the regular shoe.
Reebok Nano X Unknown Versus Nike Metcon 6
How does the Unknown compare to the Nike Metcon 6?
The Metcon 6 is basically the Metcon 5 – plus a super breathable upper.
The Metcon 6 is a versatile shoe – thanks to the hyperlifts (switch from 4 mm drop to 12 mm of drop) and the dual-density midsole. It’s got cushion in the forefoot and stability in the heel.
Overall the Nike Metcon 6 is the more versatile shoe.
But – what if you don’t like how it fits? What if you don’t like the radical looks? That’s why it’s good to have options.
Reebok Nano X Unknown- In Summary
The Reebok Nano X Unknown is a departure from the regular Nano X.
It’s lighter and feels less bulky – but overall delivers the stability and comfort you expect in a Nano CrossFit shoe.
Will it be durable over time?
Check back in the future and we’ll let you know.
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.
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