Reebok CrossFit Shoes

reebok crossfit shoe vs nike

Reebok is the OG CrossFit company. While the current shoe / lead sponsor in 2022 is NoBULL after Reebok’s 10-year deal with CrossFit was not renewed in 2020, Reebok continues to release new Nano’s every year, with the latest Nano X2 due for release April 1st, 2022 at 7am (unclear which timezone). Nano’s are now the “Official Shoe of Fitness” vs the “Official Shoe of CrossFit” 😂.

Since I live in Portland, OR I’m slightly biased to Nike, as their Global HQ are just a few miles from my place. And my first CrossFit shoe was the Metcon 5…but I digress, we are here to look at Reebok shoes. I’ll list each CrossFit specific shoe in order from most recent, to older shoes, that I have actually used in a workout.

July 2022 Update: I’ve worked out in the Nano X, X1, X2 and the X1 and X2 are a significant improvement over the X. The X1 is actually one of the lightest CrossFit shoes that I have tested.

Nano X1 (My Favorite Reebok CrossFit shoe)

Nano X1
The lightest Reebok Nano, the Nano X1 – Also the best looking in white in my view.

This is the lightest Nano I have tested, and while I like other shoes more than the Nano, if I had to pick a Nano for a WOD, it would be the X1.

Nano X (2020)

Top Down view of the Nano X next to Metcon 5s

Reebok became the main supplier of authorized Cross fit footwear and attire in 2011. In the same year, they released the first Reebok Nano. The shoe was designed to be used for the hardest cross-training workouts. 

From high-impact movements like short-distance running and extensive jumping to weight lifting this makes it the perfect WOD shoe for CrossFit enthusiasts. Reebok presented another high-thickness froth collar for the Nano X which gives the shoe a bootie look and additional padding. 

This adds to its already impressive tech to help cross trainers to help maximize mobility even with the toughest of workouts. The tongue is a bit taller and is finely drawn and separated into three sections, giving the shoes a flush and comfortable fit around your ankle.

Reebok was the first brand to create an official shoe for the up-and-coming competitive fitness movement and wearing the Nano X, it’s easy to tell there’s a decade of dedication behind the shoe. 

The Reebok Nano X serves as a practical training shoe for not only CrosFit but all fitness training in general. You can decide to wear yours for your training sessions and also casually wear them on a day-to-day basis.

The Nano x is the result of years of fine-tuned study of precise training footwear, and the application is the masterpiece that is the Reebok Nano x, with astounding improvements that redefine cross-training excellence.

Lightweight

Earlier reebok Nanos have been known for their durability in a large variety of exercises and the Nano x is no exception. This Men’s version has a soft woven textile upper with targeted areas of support and stretch designed to make it feel lighter than its previous versions. The lightweight padding keeps you quick on your feet.

Stable

The shoe also comes with a revised upper and a significant upgrade featuring the new mid/high rise heel cup for increased stability and a thinner tongue for comfort.

Runnable

The Reebok Nano X is unlike most traditional running shoes as it boasts of a minimal drop outsole. This keeps the owner more level with the ground. The improved flexibility that this feature allows makes short-distance running and even jumping feel more natural, which truly sets it apart from regular cross-training shoes.

Comfortable

The sturdy outside and mid-level heel cup of the Nano X provides a larger level of comfort than a traditional running shoe during cross-training activities.

Pros

  • Good Overall Comfort
  • Very durable, tough shoe fit for purpose
  • Great design
  • Breathable upper
  • Good padding and wide toe box which gives immediate comfort

Cons

  • Although it is among the most runnable Nano’s yet, it is only meant for shorter running distances, supporting the runner up to a 5km distance
  • Not as flexible as a traditional running shoe
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#2- Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer Shoes

The Reebok Nano 9 is a training shoe aimed directly at crossfitters and people who train using a variety of modalities. It is generally more comfortable and the first time wearing the shoe might feel a bit loose. 

The Reebok Women’s Nano 9 cross trainer shoes are best known and used for high-intensity and dynamic workouts. They are adaptable and light enough for runs and tough enough for rope climbs. They are also strong and sturdy enough for serious weightlifting making it a great shoe all around, ideal for any sort of indoor workout.

The design features a deeper heel sock and wide toe box which makes one stable during weight training (squats and deadlifts).

Foot Bolster

The Reebok Women’s Nano 9 cross trainer shoes are designed with movement in mind. The sole of the shoe is very soft and provides the perfect blend of compression and bounces while running and jogging. Included are the wearer support around the ankle and a unique lacing system that provides the flexibility needed to withstand the rigorousness of workout activities. It also allows a broad and wide range of flexibility around your toes.

Protection and Durability

The Nano 9 is made up of the ‘ROPERO MIDSOLE WRAP.’ This wraps around the heel to the midsole to protect the shoe from tough climbs and also aids the grip to get you to the top of a rope safely and quickly.

The low heel drop also means that the weight stays in the heels when meant to and the center of gravity remains where it should be when moving.

The Nano 9 is also made up of an extended rubber foot, wrapping up from the sole which keeps the toes protected during burpees. The protection makes sure the foot doesn’t slip backward when trying to do burpees a little bit faster.

Also, the design features a deeper heel sock and wide toe box which is suitable during weight lifting as it provides rigidness and stability.

Breathability

With the flex weave making its return on the Nano 9, it is set on top of the shoe which conforms to your feet snugly. There are virtually no hotspots throughout the upper part and the fit is a lot more customizable. With the thinner filaments woven together a bit more tightly, it allows a ton of air to your feet. Also, the inner bootie acts like a buffer between the feet and flex weave. It is well cushioned and more breathable due to the mesh material around the ankle collar. 

Pros

  • It rises over the sides of the heel to contain your foot for lifting.
  • Adds durability in high wear areas…i.e. where the rope usually burns through the shoe.
  • It looks cool.
  • Light Flex weave provides more flexibility to handle dynamic moves

Cons

  • The heel grip is too compressed
  • The outsole lacks the grip and flexibility of earlier versions

#3- Best Weightlifting Reebok Shoes For Men- Reebok Legacy Lifter II.

Inspired by gold-winning 2016 youth world weightlifting championships, and 2016 Junior World Championships, USA national CJ Cummings, The Reebok Legacy Lifter II is the second version of Reebok’s Premium Olympic weightlifting shoe – the legacy lifter. 

They are the first true weightlifting and CrossFit shoes in some time, having been designed purely with Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit in mind. The Olympic CrossFit shoe, sometimes called a “lifter” features a raised heel to help you get deep ease when lifting from the floor – or for squats. 

With an effective heel height of 22 millimeters. It is a solid, cushion shoe with the outsole, midsole, and insole all having a minimal cushion.

Stability

With the extensive heel raise, which includes a fitting heel grip – the shoe is nothing less than rock-solid stable. This does not include many changes from its predecessor, which also boasts incredible stability. This provides a very solid base for weight lifting.

Heel Construction

They have a hard thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) heel, which is a lightweight non-compressible material regularly utilized for its durability and protection from scraped areas. They also have a relatively wide base with a heel cup, helping the foot stay stable during maximal pose and strength lifts.

Upper Shoe Material

The reebok legacy lifters are made with a leather upper sole towards the toe box and mesh towards the ankle for additional comfort and breathability. There is a snug fit around the ankle, making them firm while training both explosive and heavy lifts.

Pros

  • The sturdiness is a drastic upgrade transitioning from non-weightlifting shoes
  • Solid base for lifting
  • More upright in squats and snatches
  • Minimal sliding of the foot in the shoe
  • Offers needed stiffness for heavier lifts

Cons

  • The added weight makes the shoes inflexible and heavy
  • Increased heel height from traditional Cross fit shoes alter the squat and snatch poses, which might be uncomfortable in the early days of switching

#4- Best Reebok Women Weightlifting Shoes – Nano X1 Grit

The Reebok Women Nano x1 GRIT Training Shoes are the eleventh version of their type. It is no longer focused on CrossFit but rather, it is now a more well-rounded fitness shoe, the type well suited for female weight lifters.

While most cross-training or functional fitness sneakers are stiff from the mesh construction, the NanoX1 uses a new flex weave knit for better foot flexion and comfort while still being tough enough for the gym. The Nano X1 is also available in Flex Weave Grit, a harder, more strong, and steady material for the insane days or greater competitors

Also, the Nano X1 utilizes one of the best foams underfoot, ‘Floatride.’ The float ride midsole makes the Nano X1 Reebok’s best running trainer and most suitable for weightlifting. The toe box of the Nano X1 is also reshaped from the bulkier, flat toe box of previous models to a sleeker, well-defined shape. 

Materials

The new Flex weave Knit material upper. The toe box has an open airy feeling to it and doesn’t bunch up uncomfortably. It is a little closer to the skin with more stretch to it like the X. It is more thoroughly stitched in areas the vectors are which adds targeted support for foot containment.

Flexible and Comfortable

The Flex weave knit upper is an awesome upgrade to an effective but tired Flex weave. The new material is a lot more comfortable. It moves more fluidly with your feet and it’s got a lighter touch to it. You hardly recognize it is there when put to work. 

Forefoot flexibility is excellent and cushioning is perfect, soft and more on the responsive side. The toe spring point functions admirably in keeping forward energy as you walk.

Stability

Stability is the soul of the Nano. For fitness and weightlifting, the Nano X1’s floatride and midsole is a good shoe and one of the favorites for CrossFit and other related workouts.

Pros

  • A great choice for individuals that are on a budget
  • Basic ankle support
  • Durable and Breathable
  • Secure and Flexible

Cons

  • It may not fit size, a smaller than usual.

Top Seven Reebok CrossFit Shoes

Top Reebok Nano CrossFit Shoes

Reebok Nano X1

The Reebok Nano X1 Grit women’s running shoes are designed for the most demanding workouts. The Flexweave knit upper is lightweight and durable. 

Floatride Energy foam in the forefoot gives you responsive cushioning perfect for running or jumping rope. Heel clip adds stability for lateral movements.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Lace closure
  • Textile upper
  • Lightweight, Energy Foam cushioning
  • EVA midsole 
  • Rubber outsole
  • Imported
  • Product color: Harmony Green / Morning Fog / Reebok Lee 3

Reebok Nano 8.0

The Nano 8 to help you test your physical limits. The new sock-like heel construction, combined with a pre-molded CMEVA midsole and insole, provides ultimate functional comfort. Toe Section specifically adds durability during fitness activities. 

The extra abrasion-resistant rubber sole gives good grip on the ground during weightlifting, and the flex notches in the forefoot help you be more flexible and keep your balance better.   

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Cross fit / Weightlifting / Cross-training shoe 
  • New Flex weave Upper – Figure 8 construction for improved breathability, flexibility, and durability
  • New Interior Bootie Construction for added comfort
  • Strong Foundation with a wide, anatomical toe box
  • Minimal Drop Outsole for secure footing
  • Low profile plan for a characteristic vibe and lower leg versatility
  • Rope Pro-tech for more noteworthy foothold and assurance on rope climbs

Reebok Nano 9.0

The new Reebok Crossfit Nano 9.0, the most stable, versatile, comfortable and functional version of the Nano line to date. Created and designed in collaboration with the CrossFit® community, this new update will allow you to achieve maximum performance in the box without sacrificing a more functional style for your everyday life!

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Flex weave woven material upper gives tough stretch and focused on help at key execution territories
  • Designed for cardio, lifting sessions
  • Low-cut design for quicker foot transitions
  • Midfoot cage for lightweight seamless support
  • Polyurethane NanoShell shields the padded sole from the scraped area and helps uphold during weighty lifts
  • Decoupled, scraped area safe elastic outsole takes into account preparation on changed surfaces; Flex grooves for expanded adaptability
  • TPU heel clip adds rear foot stability

Top Reebok Hiit CrossFit Shoes

Reebok Hiit Men’s Training Shoes

This men’s running shoe gives you maximum support as you perform varied movements during your high-intensity interval workouts. The mesh upper comes with a pad around the ankle for a firm and secure fit. The flexible outsole gives you reliable traction on slippery gym surfaces.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Mesh upper
  • Designed for HIIT workouts
  • Comfortable, supportive feel
  • Lightweight EVA foam cushioning
  • Tongue pull for easy pull-on
  • Imported
  • Product color: Core Black / True Grey 7 / Orange Flare

Top Reebok Speed TR

Reebok Speed TR Men’s Training Shoes

Built to meet the demands of your training sessions, the Reebok HIIT TR Men’s Shoe tracks your pace to help you reach each of your goals with ease.

The mesh upper provides optimal breathability and endless coolness. Designed like a sock, the upper fits your foot perfectly and allows it to move freely. Side reinforcements, a ribbed collar, and heel padding ensure a secure fit during your runs. 

This model features an EVA midsole that guarantees quality cushioning. This allows the impacts on the ground to be absorbed and your joints are relieved, you prolong your effort in all serenity. The outsole provides a remarkably reliable grip in the gym, so you can do burpees in the best conditions. The multiple flex grooves promise natural flexibility and a smooth transition. 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Textile upper
  • Flared Stability Zone support
  • Meta split flex grooves on the outsole
  • Product color: Poplar Green / Alabaster / Black

Nano Flex TR Men’s Training Shoes

This lightweight, durable training shoe features a breathable mesh upper and a well-cushioned, flexible midsole.

The Nano Flex TR from Reebok is a flexible training shoe for intensive CrossFit training sessions and weight lifting. The shoe is equipped with TPU heel clips to support multidirectional movements. To increase flexibility, the sole is also equipped with flex grooves that promote full mobility in the forefoot.

The upper is covered with durable and breathable mesh that keeps your feet cool during training. For good cushioning and long-lasting comfort, the midsole is constructed from CMEVA. The outsole is made of rubber, which provides good grip on the training surface allowing you to maximize your CrossFit workouts.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Lace closure
  • Mesh upper
  • Breathable feel
  • Rubber outsole with flex grooves

Flexagon Energy TR 2 Men’s Training Shoe 

A minimalist training shoe with everyday appeal. These men’s shoes have a breathable cross-section upper with an infusion formed padded sole that heaps up on comfort when you’re in a hurry. Flex grooves on the outsole add adaptability as you move allowing you to get quick adjusting movement and direction that you need when you do your CrossFit WODS.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Mesh upper for breathability
  • Regular fit
  • Infusion shaped EVA padded sole for padding, adaptability, and dependability
  • EVA outsole
  • Flex grooves on the outsole for added adaptability and padding

Conclusion

When choosing CrossFit Shoes, there are many factors to consider. The comfort, weight, material, heel height, and foot support. 

However, out of all the Reebok Crossfit Shoes, we recommend the Reebok Nano X1 Grit because of the practicality and how it was designed for any movement directions that a Cross Fitter might throw at them.

From high-impact movements like short-distance running and extensive jumping to weight lifting this makes it the perfect WOD shoe for CrossFit enthusiasts. Reebok presented another high-thickness froth collar for the Nano X which gives the shoe a bootie look and additional padding. 

This adds to its already impressive tech to help cross trainers to help maximize mobility even with the toughest of workouts. The tongue is a bit taller and is finely drawn and separated into three sections, giving the shoes a flush and comfortable fit around your ankle.

Reebok was the first brand to create an official shoe for the up-and-coming competitive fitness movement and wearing the Nano X, it’s easy to tell there’s a decade of dedication behind the shoe. 

The Reebok Nano X serves as a practical training shoe for not only CrosFit but all fitness training in general. You can decide to wear yours for your training sessions and also casually wear them on a day-to-day basis.