Reebok Nano X3 Froning Review | Strongest Froning Shoe Yet?

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 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 gym 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.

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.

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.

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).