Reebok CrossFit Nano Shoes Review for 2020

Over the past few months, we’ve started diving into the world of CrossFit shoes, and we’ve already told you that the best Reebok CrossFit Nano on the market for men is the Nano Flexweave 8.0. For this blog post, we thought it would be smart to really dive into this line and let you know why we think the Nano works so well for all CrossFitters – men, women, and kids.
So, keep reading to find out the best Reebok CrossFit Nano options that are available in 2020, and what it is that makes them such a strong choice when you are looking to buy a CrossFit shoe.
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About the Reebok CrossFit Nano
When it comes to the world of CrossFit, more and more companies in the past decade have started to make cross trainers that are designed to handle all of the different high-intensity physical activities that can come your way during a WOD. Whether or not they actually come through on that is up for debate, but every brand from Nike to NOBULL have strong cross training options in the shoe market.
For experienced CrossFitters, there might not be a better cross trainer than the Reebok Nano. Back in 2010, CrossFit and Reebok made a licensing and sponsorship deal which made Reebok the main sponsor for the CrossFit Games. And on the flipside, Reebok got an exclusive license with the fitness brand to sell apparel and footwear that featured the CrossFit trademark.
The result of that is the Reebok CrossFit Nano – which first hit the market in 2011 – and the line is designed by Crossfitters for Crossfitters. The Nano has special construction with stiffer soles and extra heel support, but they are also flexible and durable.
If you don’t want to buy different shoes for different exercises in your WOD, then investing in a pair of Reebok Crossfit Nanos might be the right option for you, so you can easily move laterally, climb rope, run, lift weights, and do any functional movement with comfort and ease.
What is the Reebok CrossFit Nano?
The Reebok CrossFit Nano is the very first official CrossFit shoe. The original version was designed to handle everything including:
- High impact movements
- Weightlifting
- Short-distance running
- Rope climbs
This is thanks to testing, re-designing, and re-testing via input from the CrossFit community.
With high-quality materials, flexibility, and comfort – plus a spacious toe box – the CrossFit Nano made a big impact right away in CrossFit. And, as Reebok introduced new generations of the shoe, it kept getting better and better.
While the Nano 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 are all great options from the Nano line, Reebok really stepped up their game when they introduced the Nano 8.0 Flexweave.
Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave
By the time they introduced the Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave in 2018, it seemed like the company had everything figured out. The shoe featured new bootie construction which is completely separate from the outer shoe material. Surprisingly, this added another level of flexibility and comfort.
Most reviewers will tell you that these shoes never make you feel limited, and they are so comfortable with extra cushioning in the forefoot that you can even wear them without socks.
The other major addition to the Nano 8.0 is the flexweave material on the upper. This breathable, flexible, and durable material makes rope climbing a breeze. There is also a slightly wider toe box and a hard sole that gives a solid base for weightlifting, plus the bottom of the sole is made for CrossFit and provides grip on surfaces both indoors and outdoors that will help you hit your PRs.
The sole really stands out on the Nano 8.0 because it is designed to move with you while also giving you the support you need to perform at the highest level. The plastic heel cup also gives the CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave extra stability when you are pushing weight or moving laterally during an intense, physical WOD.
Simply put, when you wear the Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave, the amount of comfort you experience should substantially impact your performance in the box..
The Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave is available for both men and women, plus there are grade school and toddler options.
For the men, the Nano 8.0 is designed for various CrossFit WODs and features the Flexweave Technology that weaves into a figure-8 for a strong, flexible upper.
You will also find that the new bootie gives ultimate performance and comfort, while the forefoot flex grooves give added flexibility and the low-cut design gives added mobility. There is also Toe Tection to give durability in the toe area during high-intensity workouts.
The men’s version weighs ten ounces and features a four millimeter drop. The women’s version is a little bit lighter at eight ounces and also features a four millimeter drop. But, other than that, the women’s version of the Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave has all the same features as the Men’s version.
The bootie construction makes the shoe comfortable, and the nanoweave gives maximum breathability. You get flexibility from the forefoot flex grooves, and durability from the high-abrasion rubber outsole.
Kids CrossFit Nano 8.0
The kids CrossFit Nano 8.0 gives kids the same support and protection as the adult shoe, but it was revamped for better performance while being breathable and secure. Your child will find that these shoes can handle everything from climbing rope during a WOD to games of tag on the playground.
The grade school CrossFit Nano 8.0 features a mesh upper that is comfortable and lightweight, while the low-cut design makes quick movements and transitions extremely easy. They also feature the new bootie construction like the adult versions, plus a 360-degree TPU midsole wrap with forefoot flex grooves for both stability and flexibility.
The toddler version also has the Flexweave upper for support and stretch, plus Toe Tection for durability. The forefoot flex grooves give the toddler version flexibility, and the hook-and-loop strap makes it easy to get the Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0 on and off.
Reebok CrossFit Nano 9.0
With version 8.0 being so popular, it didn’t really seem necessary for Reebok to introduce anything else in the Nano line. But, they did introduce the Reebok CrossFit Nano 9.0 in 2019, and it’s also an incredible shoe with strong reviews.
Called the “swiss army knife for the CrossFit box” by the majority of reviewers, the Nano 9 has CrossFitters praising its versatility. Plus, many believe this shoe is even more comfortable than the 8.0 Crossweave because of the added midsole cushioning which is designed to absorb impact during short runs.
This is definitely the “most runnable” version of the Nano, and the newly engineered Flexweave has been redesigned to handle more workouts in your WOD. Some say this version is even more flexible than the traditional Flexweave.
Reebok says the Nano 9 is a shoe for the CrossFit community, by the CrossFit community. And, the re-designed decoupled outsole gives even better heel-to-toe movement. These also have the option of a gum sole for maximum comfort both inside and outside the box.
The only complaint from reviewers is that the Nano 9 is a bit heavier compared to early versions and other cross trainers. And, a small number reported that the sole started to come apart after a couple months of WODs.
Other than that, most CrossFitters believe that the Nano 9 takes the 8.0 Flexweave to another level in comfort, stability, and versatility. If you want an “all in one” shoe for every high-intensity movement you will perform in the box, you really can’t go wrong with the Nano 9.
Like the 8.0 Flexweave, there are men’s, women’s, grade school, and toddler versions. The grade school version features a midfoot support cage for stability during weightlifting and responsive cushioning for WODs that feature a lot of running.
The TPU heel clip gives rearfoot stability, and the decoupled outsole performs well on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
In the toddler version, there is once again the hook-and-loop strap to make the Nano 9 easy to put on and take off.
Benefits of the Reebok CrossFit Nano
If you are going into a CrossFit box with just one pair of shoes, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Reebok CrossFit Nanos, especially the 8.0 Flexweave or the Nano 9. The two latest iterations offer everything:
- Comfort
- Performance
- Support
- Stability
- Flexibility
- Breathability
- Endurance
No matter the exercises in your WOD, you will find the Nano to be incredibly stable because they are designed for everything CrossFit. The toe tection adds durability, the high-abrasion rubber outsole gives you traction, the forefoot flex grooves will improve performance, and he low-cut design will give freedom of movement and quick transitions.
The flexweave technology is the real game changer with these shoes, as it is both lightweight and breathable. The material balances fit, durability, lightness, and stability, and it really can’t be beat.
The Reebok Flexweave technology interlocks strands of fiber into a figure 8 and creates a unified surface for maximum performance and optimal fit. There are even specially tailored zones to make some areas more flexible while making others more rigid where it’s needed.
The Flexweave runs heel to toe, which allows the shoe to flex naturally as your feet move. Then, there is the internal booty which is separated at the ankle to create a cushioned collar for a secure, locked-in feel.
I know I keep singing the praises of the Reebok CrossFit Nano, but they really are that great. Yes, the Nike Metcon and NOBULL Trainers are also solid choices, and I did name the NOBULL as the best shoe for CrossFit. But, I also mentioned that the Nano was just as good, and it came down to personal preference.
This Nano is lightweight, comfortable, and responsive. And for many, it is the best shoe they have ever trained in. You will feel confident moving quickly during your WODs, no matter if you are running, doing plyometrics, or weightlifting.
The dual density midsole gives an excellent platform for lifting and explosive movements, and the flexible upper also gives support, base, and stability for lifting movements like:
- Deadlifts
- Squats
- Snatches
The tread material on the outsole is soft and flexible while giving more grip for short, sharp movements like burpees. And, the insole is comfortable and provides cushioning for extra support during running and jumping.
Finally, the Flexweave upper and new internal booty is so breathable that your feet won’t overheat. And, an added bonus is that the CrossFit Nano Flexweave 8.0 and Nano 9 also come in a variety of color combinations that make them extremely stylish.
If you want to see what other people have to say, check out the buyer reviews for the Nano 8 over on Amazon.
Negatives of the Reebok CrossFit Nano
There are very few complaints when it comes to the Reebok CrossFit Nano and they really boil down to:
- Heel slippage
- Shoe weight
- Durability
- Price
Some reviewers did mention that the Flexweave upper and internal booty caused heel slippage. And for the Nano 9, some mentioned the shoe felt a bit heavier than previous versions and other cross trainers.
There were also a couple of reviewers who reported that the outsole started to come apart after using the shoes exclusive in WODs for a few weeks.
Also, while this shoe isn’t even close to being the most expensive cross trainer you will find in the market, it isn’t budget-friendly. But, considering it’s an “all-in-one” shoe, the Reebok CrossFit Nano is a good investment.
Final Recommendation
Review | Reebok CrossFit Nano Shoes |
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Summary | Reebok CrossFit Nanos are popular cross-training shoes that were specifically constructed to optimize performance during CrossFit workouts. These sneakers feature a breathable upper layer, spacious toe box, and ample stability to provide great support during heavy weightlifting. They're definitely not considered budget footwear, but their features and design make them a stellar option for any CrossFitter looking for a high-quality shoe for intense training sessions. |
Author | Kyle Hoffman |
Rating | 9.5 (out of 10) |
No matter if you are a man, woman, or child, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave or Reebok Nano 9 will most likely exceed your expectations. You will feel confident wearing these shoes into the box because they can handle any exercise that comes your way.
We are big fans of the Reebok CrossFit Nano, but if you want to continue your research before making a purchase, be sure to check out our list of the best Reebok exercise footwear for CrossFit.
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