Gear Reviews
Review: Reebok Nano X3
The latest version of Reebok’s iconic training shoe – the Nano X3 – has thankfully been given an early release for 2023! The shoe drops just in time for our indoor training activities in the midst of winter followed by our move to the outdoors as spring arrives.
The Reebok Nano X3 is focused on versatility with components designed for everything from functional fitness workouts to traditional weightlifting to running and everything in between.
Keep on scrolling and reading for our World Exclusive review of the Reebok Nano X3!
Specifications
These are the key Reebok technical specifications for the Nano X3. We’ll hit every one throughout our review.
- Updated Heel Shape and Clip: sleek heel shape for added comfort and a newly designed heel clip for increased stability and style.
- Lift and Run (L.A.R) Chassis System: new midsole technology built for stability when lifting and added cushioning for running and jumping.
- ROPEPRO+ Outsole and New Tread Pattern: ultimate protection against wear and tear plus increased outsole grip.
- FlexWeave Knit Upper: lightweight, breathable, and durable FlexWeave upper material.
- Reebok [REE]CYCLED Product: features a minimum of 30% recycled upper materials.
Design
The much-loved silhouette of the Nano X2 is back in play for the X3. It has been given an updated FlexWeave Knit upper with details that make the Nano X3 an eye-catching shoe in and out of the gym. Our favorite accent is the iconic Reebok logo on both sides of the shoe. The X3’s designers have extended the logo to the sole of the shoe on its outside in an act of pure brilliance. The result is a shark tooth effect with a small textual Reebok logo close to the bottom of the sole.
The upper stripe on the logo now has a subtle reflective effect along with a lightning bolt-inspired strip that runs along the entire back of the shoe onto the sides of its soles.
The white / red / blue and black / red / blue colorways of the Reebok Nano X3 that we tried out used contrasting colors for several of their functional elements (for example the bottom of the lacing system and parts of the sole). This created stellar looks as you can see in our pictures. If you prefer a more restrained vibe then the X3 is available in lower key mainly black and white colorways.
The new FlexWeave Knit upper on the Reebok Nano X3 is lighter and more breathable than that of its predecessor. It has a sleeker look with an unridged front in which a series of ventilation holes form a forward pointing arrow. Cell shapes are used to accent the upper sides while the fabric at the rear of the shoe has dotted indentations. The upper is as robust and ready for hardcore training as ever. We appreciate the vibes of the new look though!
Our fandom for the Reebok Nano series wide and padded tongues continues with the X3. These essential components of the shoe feel great on the feet once again. They offer good protection in the event of weight drops and for rope climbing while providing good sweat absorption. Classic flat laces of a perfect length that stay tied are used above the tongues. A combination of dots and vertical ridges add a nice effect to the tops of the tongues.
The soles of our Reebok Nano X3s were in a standout hue of red. This contrast with most of the rest of the shoes is used for all of its colorways to a good effect. The look created is stylish while giving anyone wearing the X3 the swagger of a serious athlete.
Sustainability
Reebok continues its commitment to sustainability by releasing gear with environmentally friendly and recycled materials. The Nano X3 is the first drop of the series with a significant sustainability claim. This is because the shoe’s upper is made of 30% recycled materials. We applaud Reebok for this move as we look forward to one day seeing a Nano made of only recycled and / or biodegradable parts..
Fit
The Reebok Nano X3 is a true to size-fitting shoe. Therefore, grab a pair of it in your usual training kicks size. There is no need to worry about the upper stretching since it is all Reebok FlexWeave Knit that is almost like a second pair of socks on your feet.
Sliding your feet into the Reebok Nano X3 is intuitive and effortless thanks to the shoe’s relatively wide tongue and lacing area. Doing so is simply a matter of raising the very top of the tongue, putting your foot into the shoe, and lacing it up for action. The X3 doesn’t have pull tabs at the heel area as they are unnecessary. The flat laces on the shoe are easy to tie and stayed in place for us with single knots across a plethora of training activities.
We’ve been working out and doing speed training and shorter runs in the Reebok Nano X3 for the last two weeks. Its glove-like fit has been a pleasure over this period and makes the upper of the shoe a complete afterthought as we focused on our training. Unwanted rubbing, hotspots, sliding, and blisters are non-existent when rocking the Nano X3.
Ride
The ride offered by the Reebok Nano X3 is a step up from the good, all-purpose under the foot feel of the X2. This is because of the introduction of a dome TPU piece that is surrounded by Reebok’s Floatride Energy Foam in the heel area. This makes the X3 a comfortable shoe for everyday use and moving around the gym from the first time you slip it on. The big difference in its comfort level on the move is felt when running in it. The new tech in the Nano X3 provides a soft, slightly bouncy, and cushioned ride that makes it a good shoe for sprints and runs up to a 5K. You won’t set your personal best in the Nano X3 but it will give a smooth ride along the way on rubberized tracks, turf, concrete, treadmills, and grass. We recommend using shoes designed for running like the Floatride Energy X for longer distances.
The Reebok Nano X3 has a comparatively wide sole that allows for a high degree of horizontal toe movement. This is a great value add for athletes who engage in both traditional weight and functional training given the nature of many of our exercises and out of the gym.
The Nano X3’s sole is a very flat affair with excellent arch support. Throw in the other components of the shoe and you’ve got world class lock-in that makes it extremely stable and ready for any move in the gym straight out of the box. No break-in required!
Ventilation
We’re massive fans of the next generation FlexWeave Knit used for the upper of the Nano X3. Reebok updating the fabric has increased the ventilation provided over that of the X2 to that often seen in mid to long distance running shoes. As such your feet remain dry and cool in the Nano X3 whether you are jumping, lifting, climbing, pushing, walking, or running in them.
We worked out in the Nano X3 in temperatures ranging from 45℉ to 80 ℉. The moisture dissipation was fantastic from the upper along the way. Our feet therefore remained cool at higher temperatures. We also did not experience any cold feet in the cooler wintery weather. A normal pair of socks and remaining active the X3 did the trick for keeping our feet warm during outdoor HIIT work at a local track.
In the Gym
The Reebok Nano X3 continues its predecessors’ vaunted reputation of being among the best training shoes of the year in which they are launched.
The Nano X3 gives you the stability and support needed for any move that you use it for in the gym. It does so while remaining as comfortable as a running shoe thanks to its redesigned sole.
The X3 keeps you in place and stable for upper body moves whether you’re using barbells, dumbbells, weight benches, kettlebells or plated machines. The shoe really shines for leg moves such as squats, leg presses, calf raises, and any type of deadlift because of its small heel to toe drop (7 mm) and its energy transfer from your legs to the weights that you’re pushing.
The Reebok Nano X3 rocks for functional training usually done in the turf section of your gym. It is a must have for sled pushes and box jumps for the same reasons that it excels in the weight room. The X3 also gives you wonderful floor contact for TRX exercises for any and every body part. Lastly, its sole and ventilation make it very well suited for rowing machine routines for the maximum distance that you can handle.
Durability
We’ve been wearing our X3s for all of our workouts over the past two weeks. This amounts to fourteen workouts in the gym and twelve miles of running per person. Both pairs have held up remarkably well with little signs of wear other than picked up dirt on the upper of the white mainly white version of the shoe. The upper has no creasing because it is a knitted material while the soles have not worn out or become scuffed at all. We think that the Reebok Nano X3 is built to last and should remain in great condition even if used daily until the X4 is released.
Bottom Line
The Reebok Nano X3 lives up to the heritage and reputation of the Nanos that came before it. We consider it to be the quintessential workout shoe of 2023 and will probably be the only one that you need for the year. It has an MSRP of $150 which is a steal for such a quality shoe in this age of inflation.
