The Reebok Nano X1 and Nike Metcon 7 are the perfect cross-training shoes for a head-to-head match-up. Just like with previous Metcon and Nano models, both Nike and Reebok have produced cross-training shoes that rival each other with some key similarities and differences.
It’s been really interesting to see Reebok shift to the more versatile construction of Nano X1 from the Reebok Nano X. What’s even more interesting is how Nike did something similar with the Metcon 7 compared to the Nike Metcon 6.
Also, make sure you check out my latest Reebok Nano X2 Vs Nike Metcon 7 comparison. This article dives into the nitty-gritty details between each of these cross-training shoes.
In this review, we’re going to compare the Reebok Nano X1 versus the Nike Metcon 7 and discuss key details that everyone should be cognizant of to make an informed buying decision.
- Reebok Nano X1 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Performance
- Reebok Nano X1 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Construction
- Reebok Nano X1 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Durability
- Reebok Nano X1 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Sizing
- Price Comparison
If you’re interested in checking out which cross-training shoes match your needs and preferences best, try the That Fit Friend Cross-Training Shoe Finder.
Reebok Nano X1 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Performance
To break down the Reebok Nano X1 and Nike Metcon 7’s performance thoroughly, I’m going to discuss how each shoe performs in specific settings.
Stability When Lifting
The Reebok Nano X1 and Nike Metcon 7 are both interesting because they have a much more versatile feel compared to their predecessors. Each model now features a 7mm heel-to-toe drop which is up 3mm compared to the Reebok Nano X and Nike Metcon 6.
In addition, the Reebok Nano X1 features Reebok’s signature Floatride Energy Foam midsole, while the Nike Metcon 7 utilizes Nike React Foam in the midsole. Both shoe’s midsole changes have decreased their overall stability slightly under the barbell.
Must Read: 8 Best Cross-Training Shoes In 2021 | Picks for CrossFit, Lifting, and More!
However, this isn’t to say that these models aren’t stable enough for a majority of recreational lifters and CrossFitters. In each shoe, I’ve worked between 365-405 lbs on squats and over 450 lbs in deadlifts and overall they were pretty good. For example, I didn’t even notice much compression when pulling 505 lbs in the Nike Metcon 7s.
Across the board, there are no glaring major stability issues that I think could deter someone’s performance completely in the Nano X1 and Metcon 7. Conversely, if you do want absolute maximal stability when lifting from your cross-training shoes, then I’d suggest looking into the Nike Metcon 6 and Reebok Nano X.
Winner: Nike Metcon 7
Nike Metcon 7
$130
Best For
- Heavy Training
- CrossFit Workouts
- Rope Climbs
- Plyos and Agility Workouts
- Short Runs
Falls Short
- For Long-Distance Runs
- For Wider Feet
HIIT Training, Agility, and Plyometrics
Despite losing a tiny edge for overall stability, one area where both the Reebok Nano X1 and Nike Metcon 7 excel is with more versatile training. It seems like both companies wanted to tackle a wider audience with each of these models and added construction features to accommodate for versatile training.
The Nike Metcon 7’s Nike React Foam adds a nice level of forefoot maneuverability and responsiveness. This model breaks in rather quickly any plyometrics, agility, and any form of bounding activity feel much more forgiving with this model’s reworked midsole construction.
The Reebok Nano X1’s Floatride Energy Foam midsole provides an overall similar feeling to the Nike Metcon 7’s in regard to its forefoot malleability. The main difference though is how the midsole in each model interacts with the outsole. The Reebok Nano X1’s mid-foot feels a bit more flat and the Metcon 7’s has an athletic-style fit with a bit more support.
Another difference with each shoe and how they perform with versatile training is their overall sizing and fit. If you like having a bit more toe box room, then the Reebok Nano X1 will be a better shoe for you.
The Nike Metcon still has that slim Nike Metcon feel with the low-profile design, so it’s not the best model for the wider footed individual who could experience heel slip.
Winner: Tie. Go with the Nike Metcon 7 if you like an athletic-fitting shoe, Reebok Nano X1 if you want more toe box room.
Reebok Nano X1
$135
Best For
- Class Workouts
- Shorter Runs
- Plyometric Training
- Casual Lifting
Falls Short
- For Maximal Lifting
- For Easy Break-In Periods
- For Rope Climbs
Shorter Runs
One of the subtle perks of each shoe’s reworked construction is that they both do a slightly better job with shorter runs. Neither model is still amazing for supporting longer runs, but compared to the Reebok Nano X and Nike Metcon 6, there’s a fairly big difference.
If you plan to run 800-meters and below, then both of these models will be pretty solid. Personally, I think the Nike Metcon 7 is a better shoe for athletic-style training and sprint work, and this is due to this model’s outsole and midsole construction, and overall low-profile design.
For anyone wanting to run between 800-meters to 2 miles, then the Reebok Nano X1 will be a better bet. This shoe is slightly more forgiving for the recreational lifter that likes adding casual shorter runs into their training, and I think the Floatride Energy Foam midsole throughout gives a nice level of forgiveness for mitigating ground impact.
Nike Metcon 7 Running
It’s important to note that while both of these models are much better than their predecessors for running, they’re still not great for niche-style training. If you’re an athlete needing a shoe for sprints or a long-distance runner, look into more niche training shoes for your activities.
Winner: Reebok Nano X1 for shorter runs, Nike Metcon 7 for more casual speed work.
Reebok Nano X1 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Construction
To help make this construction section more concise and easy to digest, we’ll break down the Reebok Nano X1 and Nike Metcon 7’s construction details below in multiple sections.
It’s interesting because whenever either Reebok or Nike shifts to certain construction aspects, the other tends to follow soon after. We’ll discuss this more below.
Outsole
Both the Nike Metcon 7 and Reebok Nano X1 feature rubber outsoles with varying degrees of tread for traction. The Reebok Nano X1 features a lug pattern that extends pretty the full length of the shoe.
On the forefoot and heel, you can see the Floatride Energy Foam midsole through the rubber tread, and typically, I’d be worried about breakdown with this construction aspect, but the Nano X1s have had little to no issues yet. In regard to outsoles, my favorite Reebok Nano X1 model is the Nano X1 Adventure because its outsole is even more durable.
The Nike Metcon 7’s outsole has a much more narrow build compared to the Nano X1. The mid-foot has a concaved construction and feels more narrow and the heel has a cutout to where you can see the Hyperlift insert through the outsole.
I think both outsoles provide plenty of stability and tread across the board, they’re just very different. The Nano X1 feels much more grounded while the Metcon 7 has a little less outsole surface area contact.
Midsole
What’s most interesting about both of these models is their new implementation of reworked midsole foams. Previously, the Nike Metcon 6 and below didn’t really feature much of an insole at all while the Reebok Nano models also featured minimal midsole constructions.
The Nike Metcon 7’s reworked midsole with Nike React Foam gives this shoe an interesting blend of responsiveness and stability. The forefoot in this model is fairly easy to compress while the heel with the Hyperlift insert is much more stable. Factor in the mid-foot lateral and medial wraps and this model provides a variety of performance feelings.
This is in pretty big contrast compared to the Reebok Nano X1 which has a consistent Floatride Energy Foam midsole throughout. On the heel, the Reebok Nano X1 does compress a tad more than the Metcon 7, but the difference is pretty minimal.
When breaking these models in, the Reebok Nano X1 feels a bit more rigid and will take a couple of tough sessions to fully break-in. The Nike Metcon 7s break in relatively fast in the first couple of workouts.
Upper Construction
The upper construction of each model is very different. The Nike Metcon 7 features a chain-link mesh with additional synthetic layers and textures around the heel and toe for durability. This upper stretches a bit more than the previous Metcon models.
The Reebok Nano X1 features a breathable mesh that extends throughout the entirety of the shoe sans the heel which has additional synthetic layers for stability and durability.
Personally, I like the Reebok Nano X1 Adventure best due to its reworked upper construction and my runner-up would be the Reebok Nano X1 GRIT. I would highly suggest looking into these models if you’re considering the Reebok Nano X1 because their upper construction is a bit more durable.
Laces and Tongue
One of the cooler features of the Nike Metcon 7 is the tongue lace-lock system. This system basically provides a means for locking down the laces so they don’t come untied with activities that can cause laces to come untied like rope climbs.
There are five eyelets that run up the Metcon 7 and there are three lateral Nike Flywire loops. The tongue is thicker in construction and doesn’t really slide which is a nice perk compared to the original Reebok Nano X1.
In the Reebok Nano X1, we have six normal eyelets and a seventh for lace-locking. The mid-foot and lacing system in this model is also fairly secure, but there are a couple of cons to it.
At times, the material at the bottom of the laces can bunch up in the regular Nano X1, an issue that isn’t really present in the Adventure and GRIT. Also, the tongue slides a bit on some occasions, which is another issue that was fixed in the Nano X1 Adventure.
Insole
Both shoes feature a thin removable insole that offers a little bit of mid-foot support. In the Nike Metcon 7, this is a fairly big change compared to the Nike Metcon 5 and 6 which featured a dual-texture midsole for versatility and stability.
If you wear inserts, then the Reebok Nano X1 will be a better bet for using them. The boot and overall shoe construction are a bit deeper in nature and you’ll likely experience less potential of heel slip if you use thicker inserts, too.
Reebok Nano X1 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Durability
Thus far, I’ve enjoyed the durability of the Nike Metcon 7 and Reebok Nano X1 as a whole. With the Reebok Nano X1, if you’re really concerned with durability, then I’d highly suggest exploring the Reebok Nano X1 Adventure. I know I’ve said it already in this article, but it’s by far the best Nano X1 iteration.
The Nike Metcon 7’s durability is pretty standard. The additional mid-foot rope guards add a nice layer of protection to this model and as a whole, these should last you a while. My only note is to pay attention to the forefoot grooves that have exposed midsole construction when doing lateral agility work.
If you want to prolong the durability of your shoe, then I’d highly suggest limiting their wear for training only and following these tips to increase your shoe’s lifespan.
Reebok Nano X1 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Sizing
One of the biggest discrepancies between Nike Metcon and Reebok Nano models is their overall sizing and fit. Generally, the Nike Metcon models run slightly more slim while the Reebok Nanos have a slightly wider toe box.
In the Nike Metcon 7, you should be safe going true-to-size, but do keep in mind that this model fits slim. If you have to size up because you have a wide foot, then you may run into some heel slip issues.
The Reebok Nano X1 also fits true-to-size and will be a better model for those that want a bit more toe box room and a deeper boot. Similarly though, if you get your sizing wrong in this model, then you may notice a little heel slip in the Nano X1.
Reebok Nano X1 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Price
Both the Reebok Nano X1 and Nike Metcon 7 have a retail price of $130 USD. Since the Nike Metcon 7 is newer its price point will likely remain static for a while without any dips.
On the flip side, since the Reebok Nano X1 has been out for multiple months, you can find multiple colorways marked down. Some of the normal and Grit models run between $100-130 USD, so you can save a few bucks if you shop around.
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Takeaway Thoughts
The Reebok Nano X1 and Nike Metcon 7 both come with their own list of pros and cons. When put head-to-head both offer unique fits and feelings and excel in different realms. If you want a more athletic-fitting shoe, then opt for the Nike Metcon 7 and if you like having a deeper boot and wider toe box, go for the Reebok Nano X1.
If you have any questions about these models, feel free to drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly).
I buy and test the products featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training shoes and gear. I may earn commissions on sales made through the links on my site.
I have the Metcon free 4 and had to go up at least half a size. In older Reebok basketball shoes I actually went down a half a size. I’m liking the reviews I’ve read on the Nanos and PR II. In your experience would you say that you’ve found that to be true as well. My feet are a bit funky in how various shoes fit.
PR II fit pretty true, and the Nano X1 + Nano X2 run a tad long, but I sized them TTS and enjoyed them — however — some folks have enjoyed sizing down a half size in the Nano X2. IMO, you’ll be safe going TTS in both models. If you’re nervous about having too much room in the Nano X2, then go down a half size!