The NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X are all incredibly popular cross-training shoes. Whether you’re trying to train heavy or tackle CrossFit workouts, more than likely you’ve looked into one of these models. When it comes to comparing the NOBULL Trainer versus the Reebok Nano X1 versus the Reebok Nano X the devil’s in the details.
Every week, I receive countless questions on my YouTube channel and on my written reviews asking about these models. Which model is best for lifting heavy, which should I use for CrossFit, which is best for running? If you’re interested in the NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X, then I plan to answer all of these questions below.
In this article, I’m going to be comparing all of the key details that you need to know before investing in the NOBULL Trainer versus the Reebok Nano X1 versus the Reebok Nano X.
Contents
NOBULL Trainer Vs Reebok Nano X1 and X1 Performance
To properly assess each cross-training shoe’s performance, I’m going to break this section into a few key parts so you can better contextually see and apply which model would work best for you.
Stability When Lifting
When comparing the NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X for lifting there are two front runners. Both the NOBULL Trainer and Reebok Nano X work well for heavy lifting and I’ve deadlifted and trap bar deadlifted over 500 lbs in each model with no glaring compression issues.
I’ve trained this heavy with the Nano X1, too, just to assess their stability and they work, but they pale in comparison to the NOBULL Trainer and Reebok Nano X. The NOBULL Trainer features a consistent high-density midsole that provides adequate stability through the forefoot, midfoot, and heel. Basically, with the consistent material, there is little deviation in how this shoe performs and feels.
Trap bar deadlifts with Reebok Nano X | 515 lbs
The Reebok Nano X features a high-density midsole in the forefoot and has a fairly stable heel with an external TPU wrap. Reebok constructed this model to provide the Nano X with a bit more versatility compared to models like the Reebok Nano 8. Personally, I’ve had no issues with this shoe’s stability and I enjoy having the forefoot provide a slightly different feel.
The Reebok Nano X1 features Floatride Energy Foam through its midsole. This midsole material is designed to be even more versatile compared to the prior Reebok Nano models. This midsole construction works for moderate loads, but it doesn’t feature the same density and compression resistance as the NOBULL Trainer and Reebok Nano X.
Winner: NOBULL Trainer and Reebok Nano X. Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong with either model for lifting. They’re both plenty stable and feature 4mm heel-to-toe drops so they’re fairly consistent with one another.
NOBULL Trainers
$130
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- CrossFit
- Long-Term Durability
Falls Short
- For HIIT and Agility
- For Running
CrossFit Workouts
The NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X, and Reebok Nano X1 each feature different construction aspects to support CrossFit workouts. For most, all of these models could technically work, but I’d highly suggest checking out my best CrossFit shoe round-up to explore all of the shoes that would suit your needs best.
The NOBULL Trainer has three key aspects going for it when it comes to supporting CrossFit workouts. First, the Superfabric does a good job at resisting abrasion and it’s rare to see this model rip from rope climbs, burpees, and other movements. Second, the midsole is plenty stable for both static and more dynamic strength work. Third, the extended outsole layer does provide a bit of rope grip through the midfoot.
The Reebok Nano X’s split outsole, upper construction, and midsole blend are the star players for this model. Similar to the NOBULL Trainer, the Reebok Nano X is a seriously tough shoe in the gym and should provide most with an adequate lifespan with their training.
Of these three shoes, the Reebok Nano X1 has the lightest CrossFit-focused construction features. The upper isn’t the toughest and this model lacks key details for supporting things like rope climbs and other CrossFit-focused movements like handstand push-ups. It will work for most CrossFit workouts, but it falls short compared to the other two models here.
Winner: NOBULL Trainer and Reebok Nano X
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!)
HIIT Training, Agility, and Plyometrics
When it comes to more versatile training, each of these models performs fairly differently. This is due to each model having very different midsole and outsole constructions. If you’re looking at these three shoes for primarily HIIT, agility, and plyometrics, then I’d suggest looking into the Reebok Nano X1 and its iterations.
Of these three cross-training shoes, the Reebok Nano X1’s Floatride Energy Foam midsole has the highest level of responsiveness. The outsole in the Nano X1 also features a full rubber lug pattern which helps to contribute to the tread that this model provides when jumping, cutting, and doing other forms of bounding or athletic-focused work.
The NOBULL Trainer is also an adequate option, but the high-density foam midsole may be uncomfortable for longer versatile sessions. This model is lightweight which helps to contribute to its usefulness in this training context, but as a whole, I think it’s fairly limited with its capabilities when it comes to overall ground feedback and responsiveness.
The Reebok Nano X works for versatile training, however, it can feel slightly heavy for some lifters who prefer lightweight or more minimalist style shoes. The reworked midsole and split outsole construction in the Reebok Nano X are a nice touch, but I still think this shoe falls short for jumping and other high-impact exercises over a long period of time.
Winner: Reebok Nano X1. I’d suggest looking into the Nano X1 Adventure if you prefer more versatile training outdoors and the Grit if you’re more focused on class-style training.
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
For tackling shorter runs, all of these shoes are okay and will work. Basically, if you have bouts that are programmed in your classes or CrossFit workouts, then these shoes can perform well. However, none of these models are really ideal for longer runs especially sessions that extend past 3-5 miles in length.
If you’re tackling runs that are between 100-800 meters, then the Reebok Nano X and NOBULL Trainer will work just fine for your training needs. However, I would not push past this distance in these models if you have the availability and choice not to.
The Reebok Nano X1 works well for runs up to 3-5 miles and will provide you with a much more comfortable ride. It still falls short compared to a true running shoe, but compared to the other models it’s the superior choice for running. Also, I’d suggest looking into the Reebok Nano X1 Adventure if you plan to run outside primarily in this model.
Winner: Reebok Nano X1
NOBULL Trainer Vs Reebok Nano X1 and X1 Construction
To make the construction section a bit easier to navigate, I’ve broken it into multiple parts to cover specific parts of each shoe’s construction.
Outsole
All three of these cross-training shoes feature full rubber outsoles. The Reebok Nano X1 and NOBULL Trainer both have a lug patterning throughout their outsole and the Nano X has a diamond-like design with a split through the midfoot.
None of these models have issues with tread or gripping the floor, so whether you’re training indoors or outdoor, then you should be safe in all of these models and you likely won’t experience slippage issues. The Nano X’s metasplit construction and split outsole are a cool feature for working to provide disassociation with the heel and forefoot.
As for durability, I haven’t noticed any direct outsole issues with any of these models. In other cross-training shoes, I’ve had issues with the outsole lipping in certain areas, but these models are all fairly consistent.
Midsole
All three of these models feature foam midsoles, but their densities vary pretty great. The NOBULL Trainer’s high-density foam midsole is the firmest of these three models. This midsole runs throughout the entirety of the NOBULL Trainer.
The Reebok Nano X also features a high-density foam midsole, but it does have a slightly softer feel and touch to it. The midfoot and heel’s midsole are covered with a TPU wrap.
The Reebok Nano X1 utilizes Reebok’s Floatride Energy Foam throughout the entirety of the shoe. This foam is more medium-density and you can compress it slightly easier compared to the other two models featured here.
Upper Construction
The upper construction varies a lot in each of these cross-training shoes. In the traditional Reebok Nano X1, you’re going to get a softer and more breathable mesh material. The upper in this model is lightweight and maneuvers fairly well but does fall a bit short for long-term durability.
The NOBULL Trainer features their signature Superfabric martial. This material is great for abrasion resistance along with long-term durability, and it’s fairly lightweight. The only caveat that some lifters can run into with the Superfabric is that it can get fairly warm in hotter training settings.
The Reebok Nano X features Reebok’s Flexweave material and it has additional layers in high friction areas. The Nano X’s is fairly heavy compared to the other two shoes up here, but they have solid long-term durability.
Laces and Tongue
I like the midfoot construction and lacing system in all of these models. The NOBULL Trainer features a lightweight tongue with five reinforced eyelets. This shoe’s midfoot is fairly secure and the tongue doesn’t slide much despite being lighter in construction.
The Reebok Nano X also features five eyelets and has reinforced layers for additional durability as well. The tongue is thicker in the Reebok Nano X and it doesn’t have sliding issues whatsoever.
The Reebok Nano X1 has six main eyelets and a seventh for lace lock with a thinner tongue. To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of the tongue in the original Reebok Nano X1 because it can be prone to sliding from time to time. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does happen when training, it’s fairly frustrating mid-workout.
Insole
All three of these models feature removable insoles. If you have custom orthotics that you plan to use, then I’d suggest looking into the Reebok Nano X1 or the NOBULL Trainer as their boot construction is slightly deeper and more geared towards locking down the heel.
The Reebok Nano X’s boot is a bit more shallow and the posterior portion of the heel doesn’t always do the best at locking down the foot for those with thicker insoles.
NOBULL Trainer Vs Reebok Nano X1 and X1 Durability
Overall, I like the durability that comes with the NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X. From a top-down level, the durability of each model will vary based on how you plan to use your shoe. For example, if you primarily want your model for CrossFit workouts, then you’ll more than likely see different durability timelines than if you just used your shoe for classes.
For CrossFit workouts and other high-intensity exercises, the Reebok Nano X and NOBULL Trainer have awesome durability across the board. Their upper does a fantastic job at not ripping or fraying from abrasion and they should last you at a minimum of 6-months if you’re going super hard in them. Both of my models are still kicking after 8-12 months.
The Reebok Nano X1 will last you a while, too, but its durability will be much more variable per how you plan to use them. If you’re using them primarily for lifting, versatile training, and shorter runs, then they’ll likely last longer than in CrossFit or high-demanding athletic-focused sessions.
If you’re worried about one of these shoes’ durabilities, then feel free to drop a comment below and ask how they would do for the context of your training. I’ll help and recommend my thoughts accordingly per the shoe you want and the training you perform the most.
NOBULL Trainer Vs Reebok Nano X1 and X1 Sizing
I’ve provided a few sizing thoughts for the NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X. All three of these models fit slightly differently due to their last constructions, however, most lifters should be safe going true-to-size in all of the models.
- Reebok Nano X1: True-to-size, but the boot can cause friction for some despite them fitting well in regard to length and width. I’d suggest wearing longer socks when breaking these in.
- NOBULL Trainer: True-to-size. If you’re in-between size, then you should be safe going up a size with most NOBULL Trainers whether they’re low or high-top.
- Reebok Nano X: True-to-size. Generally, this model fits the best, but a small population of lifters may experience heel slip in this model and since there are only five eyelets you can be limited with navigating that issue with this model.
If you have specific questions about the sizing in any of these cross-training shoes, feel free to drop a comment below or reach out to me personally and I can help accordingly.
Price Comparison
Unfortunately, none of these models are really what I would consider super “budget-friendly”. For most colorways in the NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X, you can expect to pay $130 USD.
However, since the Reebok Nano X is the older iteration of these models, there’s a good chance you can find them on sale. If you can find a pair for less than $100 USD, then I’d say that’s a really good deal for this model and what they deliver.
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| Price | $135 | $130 | $130 | $130 | $139 |
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| Review | Link to Review | Link to Review | Link to Review | Link to Review | Link to Review |
| Shop | Shop AmazonShop Reebok | Shop AmazonShop On Reebok | Shop Rogue | Shop RogueShop Reebok | Shop NOBULLShop Rogue |
NOBULL Trainer Vs Reebok Nano X1 and X1 FAQs
Below, I wanted to drop a few common questions that I receive about the NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X especially when comparing their best uses and performance.
1. How do I clean my NOBULL Trainers, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X?
For all cross-training shoes, I take the approach of the lesser the better. To properly clean all of these models, use a washcloth with warm water and a clear mild soap. Then, proceed to spot clean your shoes where they need the love most. I’ve written a more in-depth article on this topic, too!
2. Can I run in NOBULL Trainers and Reebok Nanos?
Yes and no. You can certainly tackle shorter runs with these models, but I’d suggest capping your mileage depending on the shoe you get. As a general rule of thumb, as stability increases in a shoe’s midsole and outsole, then their running capabilities tend to decrease or go down.
3. Does the NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X have removable insoles?
Yes. All three of these models feature a removable insole. The Reebok Nano X1 has the deepest boot which could make them the best option for anyone with thicker custom orthotics.
4. What are the heel-to-toe drops in the NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X?
The heel-to-toe drops for the NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X are as follows:
- NOBULL Trainer: 4mm
- Reebok Nano X1: 7mm
- Reebok Nano X: 4mm
Final Thoughts
The NOBULL Trainer, Reebok Nano X1, and Reebok Nano X are all decent cross-training shoes and their performance will scale based on how you plan to use them. If you can better identify your training needs, then you can select the model that will assist your performance best.
If you have any questions about these models, 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.
