I’ve gotten a fair amount of questions about the various Reebok Nano X1 models on the market right now. Currently, there are three main Reebok Nano X1 cross-training shoes.
There’s the no-frills Nano X1, the Nano X1 Grit, and the Nano X1 Vegan — and X1 Adventure. To the unknowing eye, all of the Reebok Nano X1 models appear to be fairly similar, but there are a few key differences to note.
The main difference between these shoes is their upper constructions. The Nano X1 has a softer Flexweave upper, the GRIT’s upper is a little more rigid and abrasion-resistance, and the Vegan’s upper is built with soft and more sustainable upper materials.
In the context of stability and feel, these shoes are the same. The midsole and outsole construction don’t vary and you can expect similar performances from all of these shoes. It’s mostly aesthetic differences.
Reebok Nano X1, Grit, and Vegan Construction Differences
The first topic to discuss when comparing all of the Reebok Nano X1 models is their construction. Luckily, there are only a few key differences between the Nano X1, Nano X1 Grit, and Nano X1 Vegan which is a good thing for potentially confused consumers.
Midsole and Outsole Differences
All of the Reebok Nano X1 midsole and outsole constructions are virtually similar. They all have a 7mm heel-to-toe drop, rigid rubber outsole construction, and Floatride Energy Foam midsoles.
The only real difference between each model’s midsole and outsole construction is that the Nano X1 Vegan’s midsole is composed of a castor-bean oil Floatride Energy Foam, but it doesn’t change its level of responsiveness and stability. So, this detail is pretty much undetectable from a topical construction difference.
Upper Differences
The real difference between each Reebok Nano X1 lies in their upper construction. Every model features a slightly different upper construction which then bleeds into each model’s durability and the overall feeling on the foot when training.
- The Reebok Nano X1 features a Flexweave Knit, which is fairly breathable and maneuverable.
- The Reebok Nano X1 Vegan also features a Flexweave Knit and is slightly more breathable than the Nano X1’s knit.
- The Reebok Nano X1 GRIT features a Flexweave woven textile upper and gives this model a “gritty” feel. The upper construction on this model also feels a bit more abrasion-resistant.
Overall, I don’t think any of the upper construction is necessarily outright superior to one another. I do think the GRIT’s upper might be more durable in the long run, and on that note, the Nano X1 Vegan’s upper is super breathable so they’re a bit more comfortable on a day-to-day basis.
Reebok Nano X1, GRIT, and Vegan Performance Differences
From a performance point of view, you can expect to experience similarities across the board in each model. Since most consumers are considering performance when looking into these three options, I wanted to talk about each model’s performance from a lifting and more versatile training point of view.
Lifting
All of the Reebok Nano X1 options will be fairly similar in lifting settings. They all have a 6mm heel-to-toe drop which is 2mm greater than the Reebok Nano X, and this could be viewed as both a good and bad thing depending on how you like your shoes to fit.
In addition to having similar heel-to-toe drops, every model will be consistent with their ability to limit compression under external loads. Each Nano X1 features Reebok’s Floatride Energy Foam, which is a fairly responsive midsole construction that does an “okay” job at resisting external loads. I start to notice compression in these models when training over 315 lbs.
The only time that I think one of these models is superior in a lifting setting is for rope climbs. The Reebok Nano X1 GRIT’s upper is more abrasion-resistant than its two Nano X1 Flexweave Knit peers.
Versatile Training
All of these models do a fairly good job with versatile training. The Reebok Nano X1 is one of the most “versatile” trainers to date in the Nano line.
The Floatride Energy Foam midsole provides a nice level of responsiveness for HIIT training and lighter workouts, so all of these models do a great job for these activities. Compared to previous models like the Reebok Nano X and 9 that boasted more stability, the three Reebok Nano X1 options are good picks for things like shorter runs, classes, and workouts with a lot of ballistic movements.
Which model excels the most of these three for versatile training? Personally, I like the Reebok Nano X1 grit better due to its upper construction. I think the upper is a bit more durable and it form fits the toe slightly better.
Day-to-Day Wear + Casual Workouts
I wanted to include day-to-day as its section because I do think this model is a viable choice for recreational wear. If you want a shoe for daily wear doing things like errands and chores, you name it, I think the Nano X1 models are all good cross-training shoes for doing so.
More specifically, I do think the Reebok Nano X1 Vegan is a really good option for very casual day-to-day wear. The upper is soft and super breathable and the boot doesn’t cut the heel as badly as the other Nano X1 models and I think that’s due to the plant-based materials used.
Reebok Nano X1, GRIT, and Vegan Durability Differences
Since all of the Reebok Nano X1 models have different upper constructions, their durability varies slightly. Below, I’ll dive into which model is best for durability based on what I’ve observed and noticed.
Best Durability
The Reebok Nano X1 Grit is the most durable of these options and that’s due to its upper construction. The Flexweave woven textile material feels gritty to the touch and it reminds me of the upper construction used in the Reebok Nano 9 and other previous models.
Good Durability
My second pick for durability is the traditional Reebok Nano X1. This model does a fairly good job at resisting friction and abrasion, but I do worry about the Flexweave knit’s long-term health. I think knit material can be a bit more prone to fraying compared to more synthetic-based upper constructions.
Okay Durability
The Reebok Nano X1 Vegan has an okay level of upper durability. I like the breathability and feel of the upper, but I worry about its long-term ability to resist abrasion and day-to-day elements. I think this model would be best to be saved for nicer weather days and casual training sessions to avoid quick breakdowns.
Interested In Other Reebok Cross-Training Shoes?
If you’re interested in other Reebok cross-training shoes, then I’d highly suggest checking out my video below. In this video, I break down a ton of different Reebok cross-training shoes and match them in performance categories where I think they excel most.
Overall, I do enjoy the Reebok Nano X1 for certain activities. I think it’s received a fair amount of backlash due to its stark differences from prior Reebok Nano models. In my opinion, a lot of the changes came out of leftfield and this model’s stability isn’t where prior Nano models were.
If you have any further questions about the Reebok Nano X1 models discussed in this article, feel free to reach out with specific questions!
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