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The Reebok Nano Adventure training shoes are training shoes designed to work well in the gym and for outdoor training. This is a super specific training ask, but it is an ask that I and many others have from our trainers.
To date, I’ve enjoyed the Nano Adventure models and thought the Nano X1 Adventure was the strongest iteration to date. However, I think that’s changing with the Nano X3 Adventure’s release as I’ve put this model through a ton of workouts and hikes.
Reebok Nano X3 Adventure
$150
Pros
- Great option for outdoor workouts
- Works well for heavy lifting and cross-training
- Aggressive lugs and durable upper
Cons
- Arch can feel uncomfortable for flat feet
- Not the most breathable upper
- Can feel "heavy" for minimalist lovers
Best For
- Cross-Training
- CrossFit
- Outdoor Workouts
- Short Runs and Sprints
- Recreational Lifting
Falls Short
- For Low-Volume Feet
Who Should Buy the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure?
To date, I feel like the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure has been the strongest “Adventure” spin-off model for the Nano shoe line. This shoe has a lot going for it, in my opinion.
1. You Want a Shoe for Outdoor Training and Everything
The first context in which I think you’ll want to invest in the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure is if you want shoes for everything. The Nano X3 has a good range to it, to begin with, but the Adventure adds a little more.
This shoe has performed well for lifting, cross-training, CrossFit-focused work, and short runs, and if you only want one model to wear for all of your training then the Nano X3 Adventure can be a good option to explore.
The Floatride Energy Foam midsole has a nice blend of stability and versatility for heavy strength work, but it also feels responsive and comfortable enough for versatile training, sprints, and short runs under 3 miles.
2. You Want a Training Shoe for Hiking and Trail Running
To add the above context, if you plan to do some outdoor training, hiking, or trail running in your training shoes, then the Nano X3 Adventure will be a good shoe for you.
Very few training shoes have features to help promote their performance and durability for tough outdoor-focused work. Sometimes I don’t feel like changing my shoes when going from the gym to a hike and this is where this model excels, in my opinion.
The Vibram rubber outsole was a nice addition for promoting this shoe’s performance and durability and grip in this context and I like that Reebok added textile overlays around the toe box for additional durability support.
3. You Want a Training Shoe With a Wider Construction
Compared to other training shoes, the Reebok Nano X3 tends to fit wider feet better than other popular training shoes like the Nike Metcon 8 and UA TriBase Reign 5.
If you have a foot width that ranges from medium to slightly wider, then I think you’ll enjoy the fit of the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure. Its forefoot has enough room for accommodating toe splay and it doesn’t have the most aggressive taper.
Is this shoe as wide as a pair of solid barefoot shoes? No, however, this model should work for a nice wide of foot anatomies which isn’t always the case with narrower fitting trainers.
Quick Take: The Reebok Nano X3 Adventure feels like an upgrade versus just a spin-off shoe with some novelty. I enjoy the Vibram outsole in this model and how the lugs are aggressive enough for outdoor contexts.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure?
The Reebok Nano X3 Adventure has been a strong-performing shoe for my tests, but there are a couple of contexts where I think you’ll want to pass on this shoe.
1. You Like a Minimalist-Feeling Training Shoe
If you’re wanting a training shoe with a lot of flexibility through its sole and lower stack height, then you’ll want to pass on the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure.
This shoe has a pretty robust construction and it’s not necessarily going to be your most minimalist-feeling training shoe. The thicker upper construction and rubber lugs in this shoe also give it a heavier feel.
On top of this, the 7mm heel-to-toe drop in the Nano X3 Adventure may not align with those that like flatter shoes for training. All that said, minimalist lovers, I’d think twice before buying this shoe.
2. You Had Heel Slip Issues In the Nano X3
Another athlete and lifter that will want to pass on the Nano X3 Adventure is anyone that had issues with heel slip in the normal Nano X3. The Nano X3 has a stiff midfoot which can cause the heel to get pulled down for some foot anatomies.
In the Nano X3 Adventure, the heel and boot have been reworked and this rework has not helped this shoe’s boot security by any means. I didn’t have issues with heel slip, however, I could feel a little space at the end of my heel which I could see bothering others.
Since this shoe has a higher price point, I’d suggest playing it safe and passing on this model if heel slip has been an issue for you in the Nano X3 because I don’t think its reworked boot will do you justice regarding security.
Reebok Nano X3 Pros and Cons
Throughout my testing process with the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure, I’ve found a few pros and cons that you’ll want to keep in mind before buying this shoe.
Report Card: Get the Quick FactsReebok Nano X3 Adventure
Who Should Buy This?
- The Vibram outsole in this shoe adds a nice component of grip to this model and the lugs offer a pretty aggressive build for light to moderate terrains.
- This shoe offers a nice level of versatility and if you’re someone regularly tackling outdoor workouts and you want one shoe for everything then these will hit.
- The Lift and Run Chassis System gives this model a nice level of runnability which is great for those that regularly implement short runs into their training.
Who Shouldn't Buy This?
- If you had heel slip issues with the Reebok Nano X3, then I think you’ll want to pass on this model because its boot may not lock you down enough.
- This model can feel a little thick at times and if you like a minimalist training shoe then these may not resonate with you.
- The price for these is a little high and if you don’t plan to use these shoes for outdoor contexts then save money and opt for a Nano X2 or Nano X3.
Performance Assessment
To break down the performance of the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure, I put this shoe through my normal battery of tests for cross-training shoes. Below I’ll discuss this shoe’s performance for lifting, versatile training, short runs, outdoor contexts, and daily wear.
Testing the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure for Lifting
For lifting and general strength training, the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure should deliver a good level of stability for most individuals. In the context of exercises like deadlifts, this shoe’s midsole was stable enough for hitting sets with 495 lbs.
Granted, I’m not the biggest fan of this shoe’s stack height for that training vertical when getting heavier, but if you have deadlifts and heavier strength work programmed in a CrossFit WOD then this shoe should suffice just fine.
For squats, the toe spring didn’t feel too offputting in this shoe and the lugs don’t necessarily take away from your ability to stabilize the feet which is always a concern I have when using my trail-focused shoes for lifting.
In my opinion, if you plan to use your training shoes outdoors and you also want a model for dedicated strength work every week, then the Nano X3 Adventure is one of the best shoes in its class at the moment.
Testing the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure for Versatile Training
For versatile training sessions where I’m tackling plyometrics, HIIT-style work, and conditioning work, I’ve enjoyed the Nano X3 Adventure. This model feels similar to the Nano X3 which is a training shoe that I really enjoy for this context.
The Floatride Energy Foam midsole in this shoe gives them a nice bounce while also being stable enough to get a good level of ground feel. For box jumps, jump rope, and broad jumps, I’ve enjoyed the feel of this shoe.
I’m also happy that the more aggressive lugs don’t take away from this shoe’s grip and feel on smoother surfaces in the gym, and I like that they help this shoe perform even better on surfaces like turf and grass.
Another perk of this shoe’s construction for versatile training is its lift-and-run chassis System. I’m happy Reebok didn’t change this feature in this model, and I think most will enjoy it once they break this shoe in.
The one gripe I have with the Nano X3 Adventure when it comes to versatile training is that the lack of a tongue gusset can cause the tongue to shift a bit when training laterally. I noticed this when tackling a session with reverse lunges paired with skater strides.
Testing the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure for Short Runs, Hikes, and Walks
For short runs, the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure has been a strong performer. I thought the lugs on this shoe might make it stiffer but they don’t seem to hinder the ride in this shoe at all.
In terms of running, this shoe will work best on curved treadmills and for light to moderate trail runs. The lugs feel good in these settings and give this shoe a nice bite.
That said, for long-distance runs over three miles, you’ll still want to pass on this shoe as it’s a little dense and it’s not the plushest feeling shoe. I don’t use this shoe for runs that are longer than a 5k, for example.
For daily wear and hikes, this shoe has done a good job. I like the appearance of this model, and I’m happy Reebok kept this shoe a little more subtle and refined.
My only concern with this shoe for hikes is its boot construction. The heel liner doesn’t seem like it’s going to do the best job of preventing debris from getting in, and on that note, I’ll continue to flesh this out and update this section as I tackle more types of trails in this shoe.
My Training Experiences In the Reebok Nano X3 AdventureReebok Nano X3 Adventure Sizing
I think most individuals should be safe going true to size in the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure. This shoe’s length fits true and they have a slightly wider width through their forefoot.
If you currently wear the Reebok Nano X3 then you’ll be safe opting for the same size in the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure. This shoe’s last construction is pretty much identical.
On that note, if you had heel slip issues in the Reebok Nano X3 then I think you’ll still have them present in the Nano x3 Adventure. The reworked heel in this shoe doesn’t provide more security by any means.
- Reebok Nano X3 Adventure Sizing Thoughts: True to size for most.
If you have additional sizing questions about the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure before you invest in them, drop a comment below and I can help you out accordingly.
Price Breakdown
For the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure, you can expect to pay $150 USD. This is a price increase of $10 USD compared to the traditional Reebok Nano X3.
Traditionally, the Nano Adventure models have had higher prices than the normal models so this price increase shouldn’t be too surprising for Reebok Nano fans.
I think if you’re someone who falls into the niche of using your training shoes for everything then the price of this model can make sense. For example, I wouldn’t use other training shoes like my RAD ONE for hikes or outdoor sessions.
Conversely, if you’re not outdoor-focused at all, I’d pass on this shoe. There’s no need to pay a premium on this model when you can rock a Nano X2 and Nano X3, save money, and get a similar gym performance.
Construction Details
Compared to the original Reebok Nano X3, the Nano X3 Adventure has a few notable construction updates to make it outdoor-friendly.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
- Weight: 13.45 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Vibram Outsole
- Lift and Run Chassis System
- Mesh Upper
- Textile Overlays
- Extended Toe Outsole Wrap
- External Heel Tab
- Floatride Energy Foam Midsole
- 5 Core Eyelets
If you have additional questions about the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure’s construction, drop a comment below and I can provide further clarification.
Takeaway Thoughts
Over the course of my testing with the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure, I’ve really come to enjoy this model. Its higher price point gave me pause initially but it’s an interaction that feels more like an upgrade than a novelty.
I think if you’re someone that wants a training shoe for everything, especially outdoor training sessions, hikes, and trail runs, then the Nano X3 Adventure will deliver a good performance.
This model still has the bulkiness of the Reebok Nano X3 so if that bothered in that shoe then I wouldn’t expect the Nano X3 Adventure to feel any different.
If you have additional questions about the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure, drop a comment below or reach out to me via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
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