Gear Reviews
Review: Reebok Nano Gym
In the ever-evolving world of fitness footwear, Reebok has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. Their latest offering, the Reebok Nano Gym, aims to bridge the gap between specialized training shoes and versatile gym companions. As the team at Football Fashion, we’ve put these shoes through their paces to bring you a comprehensive review. From the weight room to the treadmill, we’ve tested the Nano Gym in various scenarios to see if it lives up to its promise of being a jack-of-all-trades in the fitness world. Let’s dive into what makes this shoe tick and whether it deserves a spot in your gym bag.
Specifications
The Reebok Nano Gym is designed with the modern gym-goer in mind. It features a lightweight mesh upper, providing breathability during intense workouts. The midsole is constructed with EVA foam, offering a balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The outsole combines EVA and rubber, engineered for durability and traction across various gym surfaces.
Key specs include:
– Midsole drop: 8 mm
– Weight: 12 oz (Unisex size 9)
– Lace closure for a secure fit
– TPU heel clip for enhanced lateral stability
Design
The Nano Gym’s design strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The shoe sports a sleek silhouette that wouldn’t look out of place in a casual setting, yet it’s packed with features for serious training.
The bold color scheme of the men’s launch version of the shoe immediately catches the eye. The black upper is accented with vibrant orange detailing, creating a striking contrast that’s sure to turn heads at the gym. The mesh upper feels tightly woven, suggesting durability without sacrificing breathability.
The midsole design is particularly interesting. It features a segmented look, with the orange color dominating the forefoot and midfoot areas, transitioning to black towards the heel. This design isn’t just for show – it corresponds to different densities of foam, optimizing the shoe for various movements.
The outsole showcases a thoughtful tread pattern. The forefoot area features more pronounced, angular lugs, designed for better grip during explosive movements. The midfoot and heel areas have a flatter, more stable surface, which provides a solid base for weightlifting.
One of the standout design elements is the TPU heel clip. This adds a touch of glossy black to the shoe’s profile while serving the functional purpose of enhancing lateral stability.
Fit
When it comes to fit, the Reebok Nano Gym doesn’t disappoint. It fits true to size, which is always a relief when ordering online. The plush foam collar provides a snug and comfortable fit around the ankle. The lacing system allows for a customizable fit, and the tongue is well-padded to prevent lace bite during intense workouts.
Ride
The Nano Gym offers a comfortable ride that’s versatile enough for various gym activities. It shines during walking and can even handle short runs up to a mile. The 8mm drop strikes a nice balance, providing enough heel cushioning for running while maintaining a relatively low profile for stability during lifts.
Ventilation
Breathability is crucial in a training shoe, and the Nano Gym delivers in this department. The mesh upper is engineered for optimal airflow. Reebok has included moisture-wicking liners in these shoes, which help keep feet dry during sweaty workout sessions.
Room for Improvement
While the Nano Gym excels in many areas, there’s always room for improvement. Some users might find the 8mm drop a bit high for certain lifting exercises, particularly deadlifts. A future iteration could potentially offer a slightly flatter profile when needed. A 6mm drop may work!
Experience Wearing In the Gym
The Reebok Nano Gym truly shines in its intended environment – the gym. It provides excellent support for a wide range of activities. During weightlifting sessions, the shoe offers a stable platform, particularly noticeable during squats and deadlifts. The TPU heel clip comes into its own during lateral movements, providing that extra bit of stability when you need it most.
The shoe excels in dynamic exercises like box jumps and sled pushes. The responsive midsole provides enough cushioning to absorb impact, while the outsole grip ensures secure footing during explosive movements.
One standout feature is the support in the toe area. Whether you’re doing seated or standing toe raises, the Nano Gym provides excellent stability and allows for natural toe splay. The wide toe box is particularly appreciated during these exercises, allowing your toes to spread naturally and engage fully.
When it comes to lower body exercises like squats, hack squats, and leg presses, the Nano Gym performs admirably. The stability is good, allowing for confident lifts. However, it’s worth noting that for these specific exercises, it doesn’t quite match the intimate feel of flatter-soled shoes like the Reebok Nano X4. This is a trade-off for its versatility, and for most gym-goers, the difference will be negligible.
Bottom Line
The Reebok Nano Gym is a solid addition to the cross-training shoe market. At a price point of just $100, it offers excellent value for money. The shoe is built to last, with durable materials and thoughtful construction that should withstand the rigors of regular gym use.
What sets the Nano Gym apart is its versatility. Whether you’re hitting the weights, doing some cardio, or tackling a CrossFit WOD, these shoes have got you covered. They manage to balance stability for lifting with enough cushioning for short runs and plyometrics, making them a great all-rounder for the average gym-goer.
While specialized shoes might edge it out in specific disciplines, the Nano Gym holds its own across a broad range of activities. For those who enjoy varied workouts and don’t want to carry multiple pairs of shoes to the gym, this is a compelling option.
Given its performance, durability, and attractive price point, we at Football Fashion definitely recommend the Reebok Nano Gym. It’s a versatile trainer that can handle whatever your workout throws at it, all while looking stylish enough to wear beyond the gym doors. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, the Nano Gym is worth considering for your next training shoe.
