Despite the Reebok Nano X1 being the latest cross-trainer on the market from Reebok, the Nano 9 and X are still getting plenty of attention from lifters and athletes everywhere. Why is that? Well, the Reebok Nano X1’s construction is incredibly different from the 9 and X and both have been out long enough to have generated a fair amount of street cred.
In this article, I’m going to be breaking down all of the differences that come along with the Reebok Nano 9 and Reebok Nano X. I’m a fan of both of these models and there are subtleties between each that are worth knowing if you’re on the market for new cross-trainers or you’re debating solely between these two shoes.
If you’re new to That Fit Friend, welcome! In this Reebok Nano 9 versus Reebok Nano X showdown, we’re going to cover a variety of topics including:
- Reebok Nano X vs Reebok Nano 9 Performance
- Reebok Nano X vs Reebok Nano 9 Construction
- Reebok Nano X vs Reebok Nano 9 Durability
- Reebok Nano X vs Reebok Nano 9 Price
For my visual friends, check out the video below I filmed on these two models. Also, make sure you try out the That Fit Friend cross-training shoe finder to be matched with your ideal training shoes!
Reebok Nano X Vs Reebok Nano 9 Performance
From a macro point of view, both the Reebok Nano 9 and Reebok Nano X can hold their own across the board in the gym. In fact, these models are incredibly similar in their performance, so if you’re solely focused on this aspect when making your decision, then have confidence that both the Nano 9 and Nano X will likely be solid for you.
I say this and make it known upfront because the Reebok Nano 9 is super affordable in some colorways depending on where you grab them from, so if performance is equal, then price point can be a nice driver to help you make your decision.
Stability When Lifting
Both of these cross-trainers have Reebok’s split outsole construction and feature a similar midsole build. This makes both models plenty stable under a variety of loads and very similar in how they feel when moving weight. To be honest, besides the upper construction the entire bottom portions of each of these cross-trainers are virtually similar.
Winner: Tie. Both models offer similar levels of stability.
Versatility In Workouts
Similar to stability, both of these shoes offer plenty of similarities that make each a good choice for versatility. However, the Reebok Nano 9 does have a more breathable and maneuverable upper construction.
The Reebok Nano X’s upper is plenty versatile, though, and I actually prefer the slightly heavier upper because it doesn’t have the lower lace bunching that the Reebok Nano 9 has when fully tightened.
Winner: Reebok Nano 9, but not by much. Both models are VERY similar.
Reebok Nano X
$130
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Functional Fitness Workouts
- Casual Agility Training
Falls Short
- For Day-to-Day Comfort
- Being Budget-Friendly (depending on sales!)
Day-to-Day Wear/Lighter Runs
Like other cross-trainers that focus on stability, these are not the most comfortable models for longer runs. However, they’re both decent for day-to-day wear and shorter runs. In my opinion, that’s why these two models are fairly popular amongst the CrossFit crowd, as they’re a fairly great bet for any WOD.
Winner: Tie.
Reebok Nano X Vs Reebok Nano 9 Construction Differences
Above, I mention that both of these models have pretty much identical outsoles, midsoles, and lower shoe construction (same TPU heel wrap). Those are the main similarities in regard to construction, and the differences come into play when we look at the upper construction.
Differences to Note
The Reebok Nano 9 features Reebok’s signature Flexweave® construction which provides a lighter breathable upper throughout the entirety of the shoe. Compared to the Nano X, the 9’s upper is pretty much all Flexweave. I mentioned this above, but if you look at the Nano 9 in the image above you can actually see the slight bunching of the material.
The Reebok Nano X has more material throughout its upper and has additional mid-foot materials to provide a bit more structure to the model.
On top of having an upgraded Flexweave upper, the Nano X also has a higher boot, a re-worked lacing system, and a slightly thicker tongue. This gives this model a slightly heavier feeling, but overall, the durability is solid, so it’s kind of a tradeoff in this respect.
As per each cross-trainer’s construction and helping you decide between models, I think it’s a matter of what you prefer when it comes to how much material you like on your foot when training. The differences are pretty small from an overall performance point of view, but the X does feel slightly heavier due to the increased material throughout.
Reebok Nano X Vs Reebok Nano 9 Durability
Compared to other cross-training shoes I’ve reviewed, the Reebok Nano 9 and Nano X are both pretty durable across the board. In fact, I’ve never experienced any upper or outsole breakdown with each model personally.
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However, I have had a couple of friends report the outsole on the big toe side blowing out, but I’ve only heard of that on two occasions, and both lifters who reported this coach and train like madmen six days a week. Basically, that portion right to the left of where it says “Meta-split” on the outsole started lipping on them.
Personally, though, I think for the money, both of these shoes hold their own with durability. The Reebok Nano X is a bit heavier with its construction compared to the 9 which I do think gives it an edge, but overall, that difference is pretty minimal.
Reebok Nano X Vs Reebok Nano 9 Price
One of my FAVORITE things about older models like the Reebok Nano X and Reebok Nano 9 is the constant price fluctuations. Upon release, both of these models were $130, but since they’re older their prices continue to ebb and flow.
As of right now, the Reebok Nano X is still around $130 depending on the colorway you choose (you can generally find more affordable options though if you search around!). The Reebok Nano 9 is ranging between $70 USD and $130 USD on Amazon at the moment and is no longer listed on Reebok’s site.
Reebok Nano 9
$130
Best For
- CrossFit Workouts
- Heavy Lifting
- HIIT Training
Falls Short
- For Longer Runs
- For Comfortable Daily Wear
Personally, I always suggest opting for the model that fits your budget best since both of these cross-trainers are fairly comparable in regard to their performance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re torn between the Reebok Nano X and Reebok Nano 9, try not to stress the decision too much. Each model performs well across the board and the main differences involve the upper construction and their price points.
Factor in those two points and account for your context (budget + shoe preferences) and you should be able to identify which Reebok Nano model will fit your needs best!
Disclaimer: If you use the links above to purchase any of these models, then I make a small commission on the sale!
