Review: Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0

Reebok released their highly anticipated CrossFit Nano 5.0 training shoe earlier this summer. Ideal for just about any type of cross training, the new Nano is the subject of our latest product review. Read on for more.

What is the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0?

The CrossFit Nano 5.0 is a tough, all-rounder built to accommodate the seemingly infinite series of exercises that make up the CrossFit universe. As such it is a shoe that can be used by athletes across all sports for maintaining fitness via weight training, CrossFit, Orange Theory or whatever the workout of your choice might be.  Here are some of the shoe’s main technical features:

• Kevlar material throughout the upper of the shoe for increased durability and abrasion protection
• Innovative 360° BulletCage built for added protection and designed specifically to help endure the most challenging and diverse workout

• A newly engineered anatomical heel counter and foot bed with an R55 platform for additional high rebound and cushioning
• Traction working alongside a full rubber sole with MetaSplit flex groove and heightened RopePro+
• CMEVA for better cushion and an anatomical heal and footbed for a secure fit
• 3MM toe to heal drop platform for improved stability

Aesthetics

Reebok has done a fantastic job putting the very functional CrossFit Nano 5.0 into a very attractive package. It is available in a series of striking colorways including the Electric Peach / Black / Ultima Orange and Flat Grey / Black that we wore. Throw in a gradient effect for color transition and CrossFit inspired graphics such as the “CR5FT” and in your face “05” on the outside of the shoe and the Nano 5.0 becomes a head turner. The look of the shoe is made even more appealing by the unevenly spaced series on diagonal lines on the shoe’s sole.

Given that the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 was on the feet of most of the athletes at the 2015 CrossFit Games, it is well known by just about anyone living the fitness lifestyle. Wear them and you will ultimately have others asking if you do CrossFit and about the shoe.

Fit

The Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 fits true to size. Here’s not need to buy anything but your normal cross training shoe size with these.

The shoes has a very soft synthetic tongue with a flat lacing system that lets you easily adjust the snugness of the Nano 5.0. It does run a bit high up the foot when you use all the laces so you will have to loosen the top couple of lace rows to slip the shoe on and off.

Once laced up, the fit of the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 follows the shape of the foot quite well at the midsole area. There is a looser fit in the toe box. This is by design to support the toe splay that is needed for many compound moves in the gym. There is a great amount of stability towards the back of the foot thanks to a heel counter reminiscent of those that you’d find in soccer shoes.

In the Gym

Based on our experience with it, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is designed with compound weightlifting moves in mind before anything else. Whether you perform CrossFit workouts or not, the Nano 5.0  is a fantastic weightlifting shoe. This is because of the incredible stability that it provides on any standing move. We think that this is a result of the combination of its heel counter and low drop (there is only a 3 mm difference in width from heel to toe) sole. Its wide toe box that allows the toe splay that is part of so many lifting exercises is also a contributor in the stability department.

We worked out with moves such as the clean and jerk, snatch, squat, calf raise and deadlift wearing the CrossFit Nano 5.0. It is a shoe that gives you a firm footing for any move while a level of stability that makes you not even think about your footwear. The result is pure focus on the exercises in your workout.

The Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is versatile enough for use with a couple of training cardio staples – the spin bike and rowing machine. Its sole is stable enough to replace clip-on bicycle shoes for spin rides while maintaining your usual power and drive. On the rowing machine, the Nano 5.0 gives you a secure fit on the foot apparatus that is better than most cross trainers. The end result is better wattage and lower split times.

On the Run

It’s hard to find a shoe that does any training activity as well as specialized shoes do. While the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 excels in the gym, it does leave a bit to be designed when it comes to running. If you’re doing short distances such as sprints in the range of 100 m to 400 m then you’re fine. However, the shoe’s limited cushioning results in some stiffness that we felt more and more as we progressed through 5K runs. We opt for dedicated running shoes instead of the Nano 5.0 for any distance above 400m.

Ventilation

Even though the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is made up of extra tough Kevlar, the shoe has very good ventilation throughout its upper. This is particularly so towards the front of the foot. None of our testers ever complained out hotspots or any foot overheating whatsoever in over two weeks of wear.

Durability

The Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is built to withstand the shoe abuse that is inevitable to come from CrossFit WODs. Even after training in them for intense workouts in gym sessions that your add up to at least fifteen hours, both pairs of the Nano that we testing look and feel as good as new. Their Kevlar uppers does not scuff and their CMEVA soles seem nearly impossible to wear out. We would not be surprised if these shoes last for at least five years of workouts.

Value

The Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 has a launch price point of $130. We think this is a good deal considering everything that you can do in the shoe and its expected longevity. As new colorways of the shoe are released during the 2015 Holiday season we expect the prices of the first batch of the Nano 5.0 to drop. If you’re looking for a hardcore cross training then give it a look.