Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review

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

Let’s review the new Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe from Reebok.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review (17)
Here’s the 11th version of Reebok’s Nano training shoe – the Reebok Nano X1. What has changed? Read on to find out.

Reebok is upping their training shoe game with the launch of the Reebok Nano X1 Training shoe. How does this shoe compare to the Reebok Nano X? Can we use this shoe for the CrossFit WOD? That’s what we’ll cover in this review.

Here’s some of the styles we are going to look at:

Nano X1 Men's Training Shoes (Black/True Grey 8/Pewter) This is the "I'll Call You Back" edition - and it is available now. It's sporting a subtle and dark color theme with a knit upper. This is the style seen in most of the photos in this article.
Nano X1 Grit Men's Training Shoes (Grey / Core Black / Orange Flare) Here's the Grit upper - it's more akin to the Flexweave upper that was on the Nano X. This will be tougher than the knit upper.
Nano X1 Women's Training Shoes (Black/True Grey 8/Pewter) Also available in Women's sizes- same great features and looks - but it is sized shorter and narrower.
Nano X1 Men's Training Shoes (White/Vector Navy/Pure Grey 3) Nano X1 Men's Training Shoes - This colorway will be available with the general launch.
Nano X1 Men's Training Shoes (White/Black/Reebok Rubber Gum-01) Nano X1 Men's Training Shoes - This colorway will be available with the general launch.

Let’s take a look at this new training shoe.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review – Video from our YouTube Channel

Why read when you can watch? Check out this video from our YouTube channel:

Nano X1 Sizing

The sizing with the Reebok Nano X1 is same as the Nano X – as far as I can tell.

I am happy with my normal shoe size of US Men’s 11. It’s long enough and plenty wide in the toebox.

The Nano X LOOKS wider – because the outsole has more width to it.

But, the internal space for your toes is about the same.

This video explains in depth:

I’d recommend you order the same size as your Nano X – or whatever your normal shoe size is.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe – Overview

Let’s take an up-close look.

Just like every house needs a stable foundation – so does your training shoe.

Here’s the outsole of the Nano X1.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review (10) - Outsole
All-rubber, high-traction outsole. It’s got great grip.

This shoe features an indoor tread style – for maximum contact area with the gym floor.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review (9)
Full view of the outsole.

The Floatride Energy label on the shoe hints at something else – that’s the cushioning system used in this shoe.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review (19)
The EVA foam midsole and Floatride Energy system give this shoe noticeable cushion in the heel. This makes it better for running, as compared to other cross training shoes.

With a midsole made from EVA foam it has a firm, but cushioned feel in the heel. This is a big difference over the Nano X.

It’s cushioned – but not too much. Forefoot cushioning remains fairly minimal though.

Speaking of changes – this shoe has increased heel to toe drop as compared to prior versions of the Nano.

The Nano line has used a 4mm heel to toe drop for what seems like an eternity. And while a low-profile drop like that makes for a versatile shoe – there’s benefits to some heel raise too.

The Nano X1 has a 7 mm heel to toe drop.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review (15)
Nano X1 has a 7mm heel to toe drop. This mild increase in drop makes for a better long distance shoe – and good for squatting down to get the barbell off the floor.

For one, it’s better for long-distance endurance. And since we’ve established this Nano has some decent cushion you may be jogging, running, or walking for long distances with it.

Secondly, some heel raise helps most people get deep into the squat position easily. CrossFit involves a lot of exercises with the bar starting on the floor – so this is a blessing too.

One more big change in store for you – the upper is a comfortable, breathable knit.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review Flexweave Knit for the upper
The new Flexweave Knit upper is comfortable and reasonably tough.

Unlike Nanos of days past, this is a lighter-weight version of Flexweave known as Flexweave Knit.

There will be a Flexweave Grit option later for those that want a near-indestructible upper too – although it’ll probably add some weight to the shoe.

Reebok Nano X1 Grit (31)
Here’s the Nano X1 with the Grit upper. It’s closer to what Flexweave was on the Nano X.

Here’s another big win – Reebok put this shoe on a diet.

Reebok Nano X1 weight savings
This pair of Men’s US Size 11 weigh in at 12.1 ounces each – that’s a big weight savings!

It has dropped about 2 ounces compared to the Nano X.

That’s a significant difference that you can feel immediately.

Where did the weight go?

This shoe is missing much of the rubber protection wrap and other features of the Nano X. The Flexweave Knit probably helps make it lighter too.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review (16)
Nano X1 has a minimal tongue.

One area where they possibly have gone too minimal is the tongue. It’s now very skinny and may not be adequate for some. Just don’t tighten your laces too much.

This shoe has improved lateral stability as compared to the Nano X.

See that TPU frame that comes up to a point at the heel?

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review (11) TPU Frame
This TPU frame offers exceptional support and rigidity for side to side motions.

That’s stiff and adds a lot of rigidity for side to side motions.

There’s also a very beefy heel cup on the inside too.

Let’s line it up side by side with the Reebok Nano X next.

Reebok Nano X1 Shoe Vs Reebok Nano X

The Reebok Nano X is a great shoe – especially for heavy-duty CrossFit WODs and big, heavy barbell lifting.

But I never enjoyed running in them – there was just too little cushion in the heel.

They were also getting heavy too – they kept adding more and more toughness.

Overall I feel like the X1 improves upon these weaknesses, but the Nano X is still a great shoe for CrossFit – and you are gonna be able to pick one up on a big discount soon.

Let’s take a look.

Reebok Nano X1 Versus Nano X Training Shoe (7)
The Nano line has been known for legendary toebox width – and that’s largely still there. It does feel a little less generous on the inside – but I ordered my normal shoe size regardless – and it’s working great.
Reebok Nano X1 Versus Nano X Training Shoe (1)
Both outsoles are all-rubber, but Reebok has ditched the decoupled outsole in the new shoe. It didn’t really seem to do anything – in my experience.
Reebok Nano X1 Versus Nano X Training Shoe (5)
Both shoes have a firm, stable heel – great for squats, deadlifts, and Oly lifting. The difference is the X1 actually has some cushion too.

Overall, the Nano X is a great CrossFit WOD shoe – but the X1 is probably better for impact and running – thanks to the cushion in the heel.

Reebok Nano X1 Versus Nano X Training Shoe (3)
Overall, I feel like the Nano X1 is the better shoe. It’s lighter and it has more versatile cushion – but they didn’t ruin it for weightlifting.

Reebok Nano X1 Versus Nike Metcon 6

How does this shoe compare to the Nike Metcon 6?

Check out our head to head comparison from our YouTube channel:

Here’s the two shoes, side by side:

Reebok Nano X1 Versus Nike Metcon 6
Reebok Nano X1 Versus Nike Metcon 6

Overall, they are both pretty good shoes.

The Nano X1 has more dynamic cushion in the midfoot and heel, it’s lighter (by close to 2 ounces), yet it’s stable enough for weightlifting with heavy barbells.

The Nike has that very breathable upper, super-versatility thanks to its removable Hyperlifts (get 4mm of drop or 12 mm of drop – your choice) and overall is an excellent CrossFit shoe.

I think it’s going to boil down to which fits you better, and which one you like the looks of.

I will say I feel the Nano X1 has an edge in running and impact activities – the cushion is more effective than that in the Metcon 6.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review – In Summary

That’s our review of the Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe from Reebok.

Reebok fixed the problem areas of the Nano X – and have come up with a contender for the best CrossFit shoe of 2021.

We’ll be putting some more test time on these and will report back with updated results.

But, if you are looking for a versatile trainer for all kinds of gym activities – this is definitely a recommended shoe.

You may also want to check out the Reebok Nano X1 Grit too.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review (8)
Verdict? Reebok has a winner with the Reebok Nano X1. It’s an all-around better fitness and training shoe than any of it’s predecessors.

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 X1 Training Shoe Review (10) Floatride
New midsole cushion is a good thing, but the forefoot cushion is about the same.

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We are an affiliate of Reebok and others that sell this training gear. If you buy clothing or other training gear after clicking the links in this article, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us to bring you in-depth information and content on these great training products.

Reebok Nano X1 Training Shoe Review (3)
We’ll be putting more versions of this shoe to the test shortly – including the Flexweave Grit option.

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