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The beginning of each year brings frenzy around tax returns and New Year’s resolutions and… CrossFit shoes.
Yep, CrossFit shoes. Each year around the month of February, apparel behemoth Reebok releases its much-anticipated new iteration of the Reebok Nano. If you’re a CrossFit fiend, you probably look forward to this every year.
In my Reebok Nano X3 review I’ll look at how the new iteration compares to previous versions.
The X3s first released with six limited-release colorways on January 20, 2023, for Reebok UNLOCKED members. More colorways dropped for members on February 3, and the shoes launched globally for everyone on February 10.
The shoes retail for $140 as of this writing, with the exception of the limited-edition Reebok Nano X3 x Reebok Hype Packs, featuring classic Reebok colorways, which retail for $150.
7 Pairs of CrossFit Shoes In My Closet
I just counted: I have seven pairs of CrossFit-specific shoes in my closet. Too many? Never. Not only do I get to test CrossFit shoes and write shoe reviews for my job (sick, I know), but I’ve been participating in CrossFit at various levels for almost a decade now. You’d think I’d be better at pull-ups. Well, that’s a story for another time. Anyway, I’ve worn through the soles of many cross-training shoes and have analyzed the specs on everything from first-generation NOBULL Outworks to the new TYR CXT-1 Trainers.
Reebok Nano X3 Training Shoes
Reebok Nano X3 Shoes
Product Highlights
- 13th iteration of Reebok Nano
- Unisex sizing
- Lift And Run Chassis in midsole
- Mesh upper
- Durable rubber heel clip
- Great traction on outsole
Pros & Cons
Pros
- More comfortable for running than other CrossFit shoes
- Lift And Run Chassis
- Responsive midsole
- Breathable upper
- Sick colorways
- Reflective detailing
- ROPEPRO rope guard
- Durable heel clip
- Wider crash pad
- Wide toe box
Cons
- Sizing is kind of funky and confusing
- Feels wider/looser than previous iterations
- Pricey (but not any more so than other CrossFit shoes)
Bottom Line
The Reebok Nano X3 training shoes are the 13th iteration of the popular Nano and are supposedly the most "runnable" CrossFit shoes to date. They are also available in unisex sizing.
A Quick Look at the Reebok Nano X3 Training Shoes
The Nano X3 CrossFit shoes include some new features that set them apart from previous iterations. Namely, the trainers are largely being offered in unisex sizing, with some select women’s-only colorways (in women’s sizing).
Additionally, the shoes feature new midsole technology proprietary to Reebok. It’s called the “Lift and Run (L.A.R.) Chassis System” and it supposedly supports both running and lifting better than any other shoe available today.
The new midsole is supposed to perform better than previous versions under heavy loads and still provide shock absorption and energy return on runs.
Other key new features of the X3s include:
- Updated heel clip and shape
- New tread pattern with increased outsole grip
- Enhanced ROPEPRO+ medial rope guard
- Minimum of 30% recycled materials
Before You Buy
- More colorways will drop as the year progresses, as usual. If you don’t see a colorway you like now, wait a few weeks for the new drops.
- New this year, Reebok is implementing a unisex sizing scale for most Nano X3 colorways. Make sure to look at the size chart, which is posted on the product pages.
- These seem to run wide, so consider sizing down by half a size (or else buy some thick socks).
Are the Reebok Nano X3s Worth It?
I think new CrossFit shoes are always worth it. Jokes aside, let’s look at the X3s and decide whether it’s really worth upgrading from your X2s or a different pair of CrossFit trainers.
At $140 ($150 for the limited-edition Hype Pack), the X3s are not wildly more expensive than other cross-trainers. Case in point(s):
- The Nano X2s launched at $135.
- NOBULL Outworks start at $129 and, depending on the color and style, inch up to nearly $200.
- The Nike Metcon 8s hover around $130.
- The TYR CXT-1s launched at $130 and special editions cost about $160.
So are they worth it? If you like Nanos and are due for a new pair, for sure, I think the X3s are a good investment. If your X2s or X1s still have a lot of life left in them, though, you won’t find that your $140 provides much extra benefit.
Great for:
- People who prefer a wider shoe
- Exercisers looking for a versatile training shoe
- Exercisers who want a shoe they can both lift and run in
- Breathability
- CrossFit workouts
Not recommended for:
- People who prefer a minimalist shoe
- Anyone who needs a shoe specifically for weightlifting or running
- People with narrow feet
Reebok Nano X3 Specs
| Price | $140 |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7 mm |
| Colorways | 6 available on 1/20/2023 + limited-edition Hype Pack |
| Upper | Mesh (FlexWeave Knit) |
| Midsole | Lift and Run (L.A.R.) Chassis System |
| Tread | Rubber lugs |
| Shoe weight | 12 oz (unisex size 9) |
| Sizing | Unisex with some women’s-only colorways |
Wearing the Reebok Nano X3s
As mentioned earlier, Reebok implemented unisex sizing for the Nano X3s in most colorways.
Though unisex sizing typically means everyone just purchases standard men’s sizes, that doesn’t seem to be the case with the X3s. My usual size is a women’s 9. Reebok sent me a unisex size 8 to try for this Reebok Nano X3 review. (Normally, if I were buying men’s shoes, I’d select size 7 or 7.5 depending on the brand and how wide the shoes are.) The size 8 is slightly too big for me. The toe box feels really large and my heels slip out during movements like burpees and lunges.
This size discrepancy made it a bit difficult to fully evaluate the shoes’ performance. So, I reached out to Reebok and explained the problem, and the rep sent me a new pair in a unisex size 7—and this size ended up being about a half size too small! I’m not sure if they just didn’t have any unisex 7.5 in stock, or what, because I do see that option on the website.
If I were to order a pair today, I’d buy a 7.5. I’m not sure if this means that Reebok’s size chart is askew, or if the shoes run large. Either way, consider sizing down by half a size.
I’ll describe my experience with both pairs. I wore both for the following workouts/exercises:
- 40×400-meter sprints
- Box jumps
- Burpees
- Rowing
- Squats
- SkiErg-ing
- Riding the Echo Bike
- Kettlebell swings
- Wall walks
- Deadlifts
- Lunges
- Various other barbell work
- Low-intensity cardio (long walks with my dog)
With the first pair, since they didn’t fit as tightly as they should, they didn’t feel as stable as my Nano X2s and X1s do.
As you might expect, I really noticed the sizing problem on the more dynamic movements, such as running, lunges, walking a mile, and burpees. During wall walks, it was especially frustrating and even felt a little dangerous.
However, during the more stationary movements when my feet stay flat, I thought the X3s felt great. I didn’t notice any unusual give or instability during squats, deadlifts, or heavy Russian kettlebell swings. I didn’t notice anything spectacular one way or another during machine work on the rower, bike, or SkiErg.
I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t get to fully experience the Lift And Run Chassis. One of the worst things about CrossFit shoes is that they truly suck for running more than about a mile in a session. I had hoped to exchange my shoes for another size so I could better report on the new midsole technology.
However, that didn’t happen since the replacement pair was too small. I wasn’t able to comfortably run in them, either.
But they weren’t so tight that I couldn’t notice the new midsole technology during other movements. I wore the smaller pair for a workout that included a LOT of box jumps, and I seriously felt like Wonder Woman wearing them! The midsole is springy and responsive, providing a ton of energy return, but still shock-absorbing to reduce impact on the knees. I felt bouncy AF.
Of course, my toes were a bit cramped, but I’ll let it slide since it’s just a sizing issue. Maybe at some point I’ll get a pair in my correct size…
Reebok Nano X3 Construction and Materials
Not much has changed in terms of materials from the Reebok Nano X2 to the Nano X3.
Upper
The Nano X3s feature a breathable knit upper made of Reebok’s FlexWeave material, same as the last several iterations of the Nano. While this construction makes the upper very breathable and flexible, it’s not as durable as something like the SuperFabric on NOBULL Outworks. Still, the reinforced toe box helps ensure you won’t poke holes through the top of your shoes. It’s not a bad price to pay for a flexible forefoot and midfoot, anyway.
Midsole
New this year, the Nano X3s feature a Lift And Run (L.A.R.) Chassis in the midsole. According to a press release from Reebok, this is a “new midsole technology built for stability when lifting and added cushioning for running and jumping.”
They’re supposed to be chameleon shoes, adapting to the needs of the workout. This has always been the goal of CrossFit shoes, but as you might expect, designing a shoe that excels at multiple (vastly different) activities is an arduous task. Typically, CrossFit shoes are only good for short runs and aren’t the best at remaining stable under very heavy weights—they’re designed to be decent at both so you don’t have to keep changing your shoes.
Here’s how the L.A.R. system works, according to the press release:
“A dome TPU piece in the heel hardens under heavy loads for added stability when lifting and then softens when not under load. The dome is surrounded by Floatride Energy Foam for extra responsiveness and cushioning for running and jumping. Additionally, a TPU plate is connected to the dome for added lateral and torsional support and forefoot propulsion.”
Outsole
The Nano X3s have an updated tread pattern on the rubber outsole. The change intends to create superior traction and stability across movements. The ROPEPRO+ rope guard has also been enhanced to minimize damage to vulnerable parts of the upper and outsole.
Heel
According to a press release, the heel clip has been updated on the Nano X3, as has the heel shape. Reebok calls the shape of the heel cup “sleek” although I can’t say I noticed much of a difference between the X3s and X2s.
Toe Box
The toe box on the X3s looks to be the same shape as that on the X2s, although maybe even a little bit wider (even in the pair that was too small for me, the toe box didn’t squeeze me–it’s just that the length is too short). Overall, I consider the Nanos to be a wider shoe. My toes have plenty of room to splay in the toe box.
Colorways and Design
As of this writing, there are 11 colorways available to purchase: four that are in women’s-only sizing, five in unisex sizing, two in unisex sizing that are available for Reebok UNLOCKED members only (the limited-edition Hype Pack, which features classic Reebok red and blue).
Here’s the full list of colorways:
- Hype (1/20): CORE BLACK/FTWR WHITE/VECTOR BLUE
- Hype (1/20): FTWR WHITE/CORE BLACK/VECTOR BLUE
- Early Access Colorway (2/3): FTWR WHITE/CORE BLACK/REEBOK RUBBER GUM
- Early Access Colorway (2/3): CORE BLACK/FTWR WHITE/SMASH ORANGE
- Early Access Colorway (2/3): FTWR WHITE/CORE BLACK/SMASH ORANGE
- Early Access Colorway (2/3): CORE BLACK/PURE GREY 7/REEBOK LEE 3
- Early Access Colorway (2/3): FTWR WHITE/COLD GREY 2/REEBOK RUBBER GUM-01 – WOMENS ONLY COLORWAY
- Global Launch Colorway (2/10): CORE BLACK/BLUE PEARL/FTWR WHITE
- Global Launch Colorway (2/10): PURPLE OASIS/COLD GREY 1/VECTOR BLUE
- Global Launch Colorway (2/10): CORE BLACK/ENERGY GLOW/SMASH ORANGE
- Global Launch Colorway (2/10): BLUE PEARL/ENERGY GLOW/PEACH FUZZ
Reebok Nano X3 vs X2: What’s New?
Reebok Nano X2
Reebok Nano X2 Women’s Training Shoe
Product Highlights
- Third iteration of popular cross-training shoe line
- Stable heel
- Foam cushioning
- Durable
- 7 mm heel-to-toe-drop
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower heel clip for better stability
- Wide toe box
- Solid shoe good for a variety of workouts
- Lightweight
- Comfortable with foam midsole
Cons
- May be expensive for some at $135
- May not perform well for long runs or heavy weightlifting
Bottom Line
The Reebok Nano X2 is a great shoe for the general fitness enthusiast who likes to do a little bit of everything.
The main changes from X2 to X3 are the unisex sizing, the L.A.R. Chassis in the midsole, and updated tread pattern. Otherwise, the shoes are pretty much the same—similar upper, similar lacing system, similar tongue, similar rope guard, and similar overall shape.
According to the press release, the heel clip and cup shape also changed, but I didn’t notice much of a difference in my testing thus far.
Read the full Reebok Nano X2 review.
Reebok Nano X2
Reebok Nano X2 Men’s Training Shoe
Product Highlights
- Third iteration of popular cross-training shoe line
- Stable heel
- Foam cushioning
- Durable
- 7 mm heel-to-toe-drop
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower heel clip for better stability
- Wide toe box
- Solid shoe good for a variety of workouts
- Lightweight
- Comfortable with foam midsole
Cons
- May be expensive for some at $135
- May not perform well for long runs or heavy weightlifting
Bottom Line
The Reebok Nano X2 is a great shoe for the general fitness enthusiast who likes to do a little bit of everything.
Customer Reviews
Though the shoes just launched a few weeks before this Reebok Nano X3 review update, they have already amassed plenty of customer reviews. As of this writing, the X3s have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Reebok website.
Customers praise the new colorways and versatility, which is common across all Nano iterations.
“Comfortable, color scheme, and fit are awesome,” wrote one reviewer. “Great performance and exactly what I needed for cross training.”
Another is happy with the new sizing: “The X1 was my favorite Nano shoe ever given their fit and finish,” wrote the reviewer. “When the X2’s came out, the sizing was all wrong and I wasn’t able to fit into ANY size. Reebok seems to have went back to their original sizing, and now I like the X3’s even better than the X1’s!”
Other in-depth reviews online rate the Nano X3s favorably, calling out the Floatride Energy Foam midsole and tough, durable outer elements.
Ordering the Reebok Nano X3
Getting the X3s into your closet is easy. Just go to the Reebok website, search for the X3s, and select the colorway you want. If you want one of the limited-edition colorways, you’ll have to make a Reebok UNLOCKED member account first. Then check out as usual and select your preferred shipping option.
Customer Experience
You can find Nanos at some sporting good retailers (although the new drops aren’t always available in-store in a timely manner). But I recommend buying them online if you’re confident in your size, since you can take advantage of the 30-day return policy. If they don’t fit or you don’t like them, you can return them for a full refund as long as they’re unused and in their original packaging. (They must retain their tags to qualify for a refund.)
Final Verdict of Our Reebok Nano X3 Review
The Reebok Nano X3s are “the most dialed in” version of the Nanos yet, according to Reebok representatives. There are some key changes as compared to the last version, the X2s, including:
- Lift And Run Chassis System in the midsole
- Unisex sizing
- Women’s-only colorways
- Updated heel clip and heel cup shape
- Increased outsole traction and new lug pattern
- Reinforced rope guard
Full Rating of the Reebok Nano X3s
Reebok Nano X3
The Reebok Nano X3s are designed with new midsole technology to better support the demands of CrossFit, including running, jumping, lifting, climbing, and more.
Product Brand: Reebok
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 140
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.18
Reebok Nano FAQs
Are Reebok Nanos good for running?
Historically, no, Nanos haven’t been great running shoes, although the Reebok NanoX, Reebok Nano X1, and the X2s have all been decent. Supposedly, the Nano X3s are the “most runnable” CrossFit shoes ever due to the Lift And Run Chassis in the midsole.
Are Reebok Nanos good for weightlifting?
You’ll see lots of people wearing Nanos in the gym for Olympic weightlifting and lifting weights more generally. They’re not a true weightlifting shoe, but historically have been pretty stable and able to provide support and grounding for moderately heavy loads.
Which is better, Nano or Metcon?
Shoes are subjective, so the answer to this depends on personal preferences. I prefer Nanos because I like to have more midsole cushioning. To me, Metcons feel too flat and hard. However, many people love Metcons and find them superior to Nanos.
Do Reebok Nanos run true to size?
All of my previous pairs of Nanos have run true to size. The unisex sizing might be a little off, seeing as the pair that Reebok sent me are quite big. I recommend ordering a half size down, especially if you don’t have wide feet.
What are Reebok Nanos good for?
Nanos are great workout shoes for CrossFit WODs as well as general strength training and HIIT workouts. They’re built with ultimate functionality in mind and are go-to gym shoes for a lot of people.
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