reebok nano x2 best crossfit shoe

Reebok Nano X2 Full Review

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UPDATE 1/20/2023: Well, that came out of nowhere. The all-new Nano X3 has just been announced! From the looks of it, the new Nano appears to be completely redesigned with an emphasis on providing more support for both lifting and running.

We really like the Nano X2 so hopefully they haven’t changed the X3 too much.

For more details: Reebok Nano X3 Release

all-new reebok x3
Reebok Nano X3 is set for release on February 3, 2023

The Reebok Nano X2 has finally landed and I couldn’t be more thrilled to review them. Coming in at the per usual (not so nano) price of $135, the Nano X2 aren’t cheap, but they’re superbly upgraded over their predecessor, the Reebok Nano X1.

Full disclosure, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been a super fan of the Nano brand because in my opinion, they’re best all-around workout shoe. Proof, you ask? I shouldn’t admit this, but to date I’ve owned the Nano 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, skipped the 6s but heard they were great, 7s, 8s, 9s, and now the X2. I’m confident there would be a long debate as to which pair is the best,  but I’ll save that for another date.

reebok nano x2 vs x1 nanos and before
The obsession is real!

For the sake of providing an unbiased review of the Nano X2, I promise to set aside my own adorations and offer a comprehensive look at what might be, the best Nano to date. 

Reebok Nano X2: Overview

At first glance, there is absolutely no doubt that the all-new X2 is part of the Nano lineup. From the iconic wide toe box to the signature ROPEPRO midsole, the Nano X2 shares much of the same design DNA that Nanos are known for. 

For the most part, the X1 was widely regarded as a great shoe minus a few annoyances for some. The most common issue was that of the heel cup causing blisters because it rose too high up the ankle. That was, quite literally, its Achilles heel. 

Fast forward a year and thanks to the input and collaboration of many o’ people, I’m happy to report that thus far, that’s a non-issue with the X2. Early indicators from consumer reviews are very positive. Accolades like: 

“I’ve been wearing the Nano for years and this is the best yet! Super comfortable and really stable for all kinds of Training exercises. I love the new material and cushioned bottom. Definitely worth the upgrade.”

It’s only been a couple of days, but so far so good on my end. No blisters. No squished toes. No issues whatsoever. Granted, feet come in all shapes and sizes, but for me, I’m 100% on board with their new slogan, “Official Shoe For You”. Thanks Reebok.

What’s New vs Old:

In my opinion, the Reebok Nano X2 is, for all intents and purposes, a true 2.0 shoe versus the X1. Reebok took everything that was great about the outgoing model, kept it the same, and improved upon its shortcomings. 

Here’s what stayed the same:

  • Overall shape and sizing remains largely untouched
  • Both have the same rubber sole and Floatride Energy Foam cushioning
  • The plastic wrapped heel clip, which they call the “Speed Chassis”, is relatively the same 

Reebok Nano X2 vs Nano X1 improvements:

  • The interior lining of the heel clip has been reworked to not only be wider, but lower as well (yay, no more blisters!)
  • The Flexweave knit upper is now much more durable and slightly more rigid
  • Overall construction and quality of materials are vastly improved. The addition of some ripstop-like material on the Upper and along the heel cap really ups the premium ante.

Where to buy the Reebok Nano X2

Would it really surprise you if I told you one of the best places to order the Nano X2 is at Reebok.com? I’m probably like you and love to scour the internet for deals and sales, but when it comes to specialty training shoes like the X2, your best bet for selection and size is through their own website. 

While you’re shopping, be sure to sign up to become a Reebok UNLOCKED member by creating an account. It’s free, you oftentimes get early access to new releases (as I did) and occasionally get some great discounts. It sounds exclusive, but it’s not…everyone’s special. 

The other option, and one of my favorites, is from www.Roguefitness.com. I hate shopping there because I always buy more than I intend, but hey, can’t have too much gym equipment, right? 

Reebok Nano X2 specs:

Price $135
Sizes Men: 7-14 Women: 5.5-11
Color Options (currently) Men: 5 Women: 4
Heel to toe drop 7mm
Upper Flexweave® woven textile upper
Midsole ROPEPRO outsole midfoot teeth add traction and bite for rope climbing with Floatride Energy Foam cushioning

Are the Reebok Nano X2 good for HIIT, weightlifting, CrossFit, and running?

Talk to anyone that has owned a pair of Nanos and the general consensus is this: Nanos are the gold standard for any sort of CrossFit style workout (including weightlifting, HIIT, etc) and just OK for running moderate distances. 

Are the Reebok Nano X2 good for running?

Now the latter part of that statement above is totally subjective. If you’re doing a Metcon with 100m sprints or even a mile slow burn finisher, these are perhaps the best trainer you’ll find. You start going beyond those distances and you’ll want to seriously consider a dedicated pair of running sneakers.

I say that, but there are humans out there running Marathons barefoot, wearing garbage bags, or carrying other people. For those folks, running in the Nano X2s would likely be a treat. For the rest of us, not so much.

Thankfully, the new Nanos now come equipped with Reebok’s Floatride cushioning, the same found in their running shoes. I find that greatly adds to the overall comfort level. I can very easily wear my Nano X2s all day without begging for mercy at the end of the night. 

For weightlifting

Running aside, working out slinging around heavy things is where the Reebok Nanos shine. With the supportive heel cup and the 7mm toe drop, performing Olympic lifts of any variety is controlled and stable. 

I found stepping out of the squat rack with a loaded barbell, my feet felt supported and well planted to the floor. Of course if you’re going really heavy, a good pair of lifters would be much more appropriate in that situation. 

Jump rope, box jumps,  shuttle runs, kettlebell swings, all felt really great in these shoes. Ok, I won’t kid you, those things never FEEL great, but I got ’em done without rolling an ankle. 

Bottom line: The Reebok Nano X2 perform wonderfully in and out of the gym.

Final Verdict Of Our Reebok Nano X2 Review

With each iteration of the Nano, I’m always a tiny bit apprehensive that Reebok will take a good thing and make it worse. The difference between the Nano 4 and Nano 5 was night and day–not in a good way. I hated the changes they made, and for me, I found the 5s to be so uncomfortable. “Why would they mess with the formula?”, I wondered.

Well, having taken the week to put them through their paces, I’m very pleased to say that I absolutely love the Reebok Nano X2. They’re an extremely comfortable, quality athletic trainer. Like a good massage gun, they’re the perfect adjunctive tool to allow me to perform at my peak.  For now, I think they’re the best looking, best performing Nano yet and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. 

Reebok Nano X2

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FAQ

The short answer: Yes!

Workouts, WODS, and EMOMS can be brutal on your shoes. From dirty workout mats to running through puddles, wear and tear of your Nanos is inevitable. 
 When it comes time to clean your shoes, here are a few suggestions:

  • To not damage the shoe or your expensive washing machine, you should wash your Nanos by hand. 
  • Remove excess mud and dirt right away- By using a soft bristled brush, say a toothbrush for instance, you can gently deep clean the outside material.
  • Use a non-abrasive soap and water to lift and wash away dirt and grime 
  • Using some warm water, rinse the shoe off. A bit of extra pressure can be used and sometimes it helps to rinse from the inside out, to force dirt out of the shoe. 
  • Air dry your shoes. Don't use a dryer. The temperature in a dryer might cause the adhesive to give way, causing your shoe to fail prematurely.
  • Use a dirt and water repellant spray after cleaning to reduce the need to clean them in the future.

Reebok Nanos are designed to withstand the vigors of intense workouts and are therefore designed to keep you planted and stable. To accomplish that, you will find that the heel cup is always very firm since most of your body weight is transferred through the heel.

The shoe box or where your toes are, is generally a bit bigger to allow expansion of your toes. When you lift weights, the toes will naturally splay out to increase the surface area of your foot, providing more stability. 

Most people that are unfamiliar with Nanos complain that the toe box is too wide, but it's intentionally designed that way. If you have a really narrow foot, you might find the fit to be a bit too loose. 

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