Reebok Nano X3 Froning Review | Strongest Froning Shoe Yet?

Item: Nano X3 Froning
Rating: 4
Author: 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.

The Reebok Nano X3 Froning has been a highly anticipated Nano X3 spin-off model. The Reebok x Froning shoes are Nano models designed in collaboration with CrossFit legend Rich Froning.

After feeling like the Reebok Nano X2 Froning was a little sub-par, I was stoked to put the Nano X3 Froning to the test. I was mostly curious to see if this model would perform stronger than the traditional Nano X3.

In my Reebok Nano X3 Froning review, I’ll discuss who should and shouldn’t buy this shoe, talk about their sizing, and cover their performance in the gym.

Quick Take: The Reebok Nano X3 Froning is decent but it’s not my favorite Nano Froning iteration to date. This model performs like a Nano X3 but with a narrower toe box which is a knock against this shoe’s potential.

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Who Should Buy the Reebok Nano X3 Froning?

The Reebok Nano X3 Froning is a niche cross-training shoe that I think will fit a few contexts really well.

1. You’ve Enjoyed the Froning Shoes Thus Far

The first context where the Reebok Nano X3 Froning can make sense is for the avid fan of the Nano Froning shoes. If you’ve bought the Nano X1 and X2 Froning and even the earlier models, then I think you’ll enjoy this iteration.

While I don’t think this model is as strong as the Nano X1 Froning, it’s definitely a step above the Nano X2 Froning. That said, the upper and lacing system in this shoe reminds me of the Nano X1 Froning which I like.

If you’re someone who collects the Froning models or find that you typically resonate with their construction you’ll like this model. It feels like it has a little more thought to it compared to its predecessor.

2. You Need a Shoe for Cross-Training and Lifting

Another area where the Nano X3 Froning makes sense is for the athlete who wants a shoe for blending cross-training, CrossFit, lifting, and short runs together.

One area where the Reebok Nano X3 excels is for being a cross-training shoe that is stable enough for heavy training, but also versatile enough for short runs. This interaction is similar in nature and it delivers for different verticals.

The Floatride Energy foam midsole has a good bounce to it for things like jump rope and box jumps and it’s stable enough for things like 405 lb deadlifts and heavier squats.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Reebok Nano X3 Froning?

For the most part, I’ve liked the Reebok Nano X3 Froning, but there are a couple of contexts where you’ll want to pass on this shoe.

1. You Have Wider Feet Or Want a Wider Toe Box

The first scenario where I think the Reebok Nano X3 Froning falls short is for wider feet. This model’s toe box feels a little snugger compared to the normal Reebok Nano X3.

Traditionally, the Reebok Nano X3 tends to work as a cross-training shoe for wider feet, but with the reworked upper in the Nano X3 Froning, the toe box feels a lot snugger in this iteration.

If you’ve grown accustomed to barefoot shoes, the Nano X3’s fit, or a wider fitting cross-training shoe then I’d pass on the Nano X3 Froning because I feel like they’ll be really offputting for you.

2. You’re Big On Your Shoe’s Upper Security

Another area where I could see the Nano X3 Froning falling short is for the lifter and athlete who loves a training shoe with a lot of upper security, especially around the ankle and boot.

One of my major gripes about the Nano X2 Froning was the lack of ankle support that came with that shoe and how flimsy the heel’s upper material felt. The Nano X3 Froning is a step in a much better direction, however, security could still be an issue.

Since this model utilizes a speed-lacing system, I had a tough time getting them tight enough to prevent any form of gap in the heel of my model when training and wearing them.

Granted — while I didn’t experience any heel slip with this model — I could see this lacking tightness bothering others especially if you have lower-profile feet and strive to find models that form-fit your feet well.

Reebok Nano X3 Froning Pros and Cons

Over the course of my shoe review process with the Reebok Nano X3 Froning, I’ve found a few pros and cons to keep in mind with this shoe.

Reebok Nano X3 Froning

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
Removable Insole: Yes
Sizing: True to Size, Wide Feet Go Up a .5 Size or Skip
Width: Narrow to Medium

Pros

This shoe’s midsole and outsole are similar to the Reebok Nano X3 and deliver a versatile and stable performance.
The speed-lacing system and bootie-style construction give this shoe a nice level of convenience in the context of slipping them on and off.
Reebok Nano Froning fans will likely enjoy this shoe because there are some cool features and tech that make it similar to the Nano X1 Froning.

Cons

This shoe’s toe box runs pretty narrow and if you’re expecting a traditional Nano fit, then I’d taper your expectations.
The boot security isn’t the best in this shoe and low-profile feet may not enjoy the spaciousness that you can get in this model.
The toe spring can be a little offputting at times for heavier training so this may not be the best model for maxing out your barbell lifts.

Shop Reebok

If you’ve worn and trained in the Reebok Nano X3 Froning, what have been some of the pros and cons that you’ve noticed?

Performance Assessment

To cover the performance of the Reebok Nano X3 Froning, I’ll discuss how this shoe performs for lifting, CrossFit, versatile training, and short runs.

Testing the Reebok Nano X3 Froning for Lifting and CrossFit

For lifting, I’ve enjoyed the Reebok Nano X3 Froning for the most part and it reminds me of the Nano X3 in the context of its stability for strength and power-focused exercises.

The Floatride Energy foam midsole should give you enough stability and density to train well over 400 lbs. For power cleans and heavy lunges, this shoe’s midsole feels balanced for the most part.

I also like the rubber outsole on this shoe and how Reebok kept it consistent with the Nano X3. You get a good level of grip in this model and for heavy squats, deadlifts, and machine work, you shouldn’t experience slip issues whatsoever.

Now, I do wish the boot was more secure for exercises like split squats and lunges where you’re flexing the feet a lot more and putting more stress into the boot of your shoes.

For CrossFit, the Reebok Nano X3 Froning has been a pretty mid-tier training shoe. I think this shoe will be able to tackle most CrossFit WODs with relative ease and it seems to have enough durability to match high-abrasion workouts.

However, this hasn’t been my favorite CrossFit shoe to date and that’s due to its toe box width and how the heel can feel a little spacious. I noticed my feet moving in this shoe a bit when doing burpee box jump overs, for example.

In the context of CrossFit, if you’ve traditionally enjoyed training in shoes like the Nano X1 Froning, then I think you’ll feel right at home with this model. For everyone else, I’d pass on this iteration and go with something like the Nano X3 or Metcon 9.

Testing the Reebok Nano X3 Froning for Versatile Training

For versatile training, the Reebok Nano X3 Froning has done an okay job. It’s a good shoe for anyone who tackles HIIT workouts here and there and wants a shoe that can walk the fine line between stable and responsive.

The star players for versatile training in the Nano X3 Froning revolve around its outsole and midsole. The rubber outsole in this shoe does a good job on wooden floors, rubber gym mats, and turf so you get a nice range of traction in this shoe.

I also like how the Floatride Energy foam performs for plyometrics and athletic-focused training sessions. This material often gives me “athletic” vibes regarding how it feels when doing mixed modality sessions.

My only complaint with the Nano X3 Froning for versatile training is the same complaint that I have with this shoe for CrossFit. The lack of ability to tighten this shoe fully due to the speed lacing system could be an issue for some.

I’m wondering if that’s why the toe box feels a little snugger in this model and that was a fit tweak made on purpose to compensate for the spaciousness that you can feel in this shoe.

Testing the Reebok Nano X3 Froning for Short Runs

For short runs, the Nano X3 Froning has done a pretty good job. Generally, I categorize the Reebok Nano X3 as a more running-friendly training shoe and the Nano X3 Froning is no different.

This shoe can work for runs ranging from 1-3 miles and it can work for faster interval runs outside or on treadmills. So whether you’re hitting some pre or post-lift miles or tackling a WOD with short runs, the Nano X3 Froning should work fine.

If you want a shoe for runs longer than 3 miles then I think you’ll want to explore shoes that are more specific. This model can feel a little dense in that running context and its speed lacing system can loosen over the course of longer running sessions.

For daily wear, the Nano X3 Froning has been both good and lacking in some areas. I like how convenient the speed lacing system is and I also like the aesthetic of this shoe.

My gripe with this model revolves around its snug fit and how its toe box can get uncomfortable if you’re on your feet all day and have medium to wider feet. I have slightly wider feet (D-E width) and I find these to get uncomfortable after a few hours.

Reebok Nano X3 Froning Fit and Sizing

The Reebok Nano X3 Froning should fit true to size for most narrow and medium-width feet. This shoe’s length runs relatively true and this shoe has what I would describe as a narrow to medium width.

That said, if you like the Reebok Nano X3’s fit or you’ve grown accustomed to models like the Reebok Nano 2.0, then you’ll want to tread lightly before investing in this shoe.

In my opinion, I think most who are used to wider toe boxes will find this shoe to feel too snug and be let down. That’s been a consensus that I’ve gathered with this shoe and I’ve been bummed about their fit overall.

For my wide-feet friends, I’d pass on this shoe entirely and not even chance sizing up because with the speed lacing system I’m not convinced you’ll get enough security to make sizing up worth your while.

Reebok Nano X3 Froning Sizing Thoughts: True to size, but these run narrow. Wide feet, you’ve been warned.

If you’re unsure what size to go in the Reebok Nano X3 Froning, drop a comment below and let me know what model you currently wear and in what size so I can help you out.

Price Breakdown

For the Reebok Nano X3 Froning, you can expect to pay around $150 USD. This price point is similar to past Nano Froning models and is now comparable to the normal Reebok Nano X3.

Now, the question that remains is, is this shoe worth $150 USD? I’ve been going back and forth on this model because it does seem like a well-thought-out shoe, but I hesitate to recommend it to everyone.

I think for the Froning fans and Nano enthusiasts this shoe’s price makes sense. It’s a shoe with a lot of novelty to it and it doesn’t look the worst for training and casual use.

For everyone else who doesn’t fall into these contexts, I’d suggest passing on this shoe because at the end of the day, its performance is rather sub-par compared to models like the RAD ONE, Haze Trainer, and Dropset Trainer 2, and its toe box can be a little narrow.

Construction Details

Compared to the normal Nano X3, there are a lot of upper changes that have been made in the Nano X3 Froning. Below are some of the key construction details to know for this shoe.

Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
Weight: 12.68 oz (for my size 10)
Removable Insole: Yes
Mesh and Textile Upper
Full Rubber Outsole
Leather and Synthetic Midfoot Overlays
Speed Lacing System
Elastic Midfoot Strap
Floatride Energy Foam
Bootie-Style Construction

If you need further clarification about this shoe’s construction and what goes into it, drop a comment below and I can help you accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:
Are the Reebok Nano X3 Froning worth it?

For Rich Froning fans and for those that love the Nano X1 Froning, I think the Nano X3 Froning is worth it. For everyone else, I think going with the normal Reebok Nano X3 is the better choice.

Q:
Is the Reebok Nano X3 Froning good for lifting?

The Nano X3 Froning works well for recreational lifting. The midsole in this model has a moderate level of stability and the outsole has good traction.

Q:
Can you do CrossFit in the Reebok Nano X3 Froning?

The Reebok Nano X3 Froning can be an okay shoe for CrossFit. This model works well for most WODs that involve lifting, jumping, and short runs.

Takeaway Thoughts

The Reebok Nano X3 Froning is overall a pretty good shoe. I’ve been more impressed with the spin-off Nano models this year compared to last year’s Nano X2 variations.

For example, the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure has been exceptional and the Nano X3 Froning also delivers an interesting take on a popular training shoe.

If you have additional questions about the Reebok Nano X3 Froning, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).