Reebok Nano X3 Vs Nike Metcon 9 | Which Is Best Overall?

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Nike Metcon 9 for Versatile Workouts

For versatile workouts composed of things like athletic-style training, HIIT workouts, and classes both of these shoes can work, but I like to differentiate them a little bit depending on what I’m doing.

For example, I like the Nike Metcon 9 and Reebok Nano X3 for athletic-focused workouts. The outsoles both grip well on different surfaces and if you’re doing agility and multi-directional work both shoes should suffice.

I also like the forefoot in both of these models and how it feels more reactive and responsive for explosive work and for things like jump roping. If you’re doing workouts where you’re primarily on the forefoot then you’ll set in either model.

The upper security in both of these shoes is also pretty solid and I don’t think you’ll have issues with spillover in the Metcon 9 or Nano X3. They both have slightly more reinforced sidewalls for lateral and explosive work.

For HIIT and classes, I’m giving the edge to the Reebok Nano X3. This shoe has a better range for the movements you’ll encounter in most of these settings.

For example, the Reebok Nano X3 is stable enough for high-rep lunges and step-ups and comfortable enough for 800-meter runs on treadmills and curved runners.

I also like how the Reebok Nano X3 has a little more ankle support compared to the Metcon 9. If you like your boot to be a little more structured in your training shoes then I think you’ll also enjoy this construction feature.

Winner: Both shoes work well for athletic-focused workouts. However, for classes and HIIT, I think the edge and win go to the Reebok Nano X3, as its construction gives it more range.

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Nike Metcon 9 for Short Runs and Daily Wear

When it comes to short runs, the Reebok Nano X3 and Nike Metcon 9 are clear winners. The Reebok Nano X3 is easily your best bet for tackling short runs.

This model’s Lift and Run Chassis System gives them a more forgiving ride and the Floatride Energy foam does a good job at being responsive and comfortable for runs that range from 1-3 miles, in my opinion.

The Nike Metcon 9’s clunky Hyperlift heel makes this shoe pretty rough to run in, especially for runs over 1 mile. You can sprint and do 400-800 meter bouts in the Metcon 9, but I wouldn’t use them for runs that are longer than that.

Both of these shoes can technically work for daily wear if you wear them to run errands and then hit the gym. However, when it comes to comfort, I think the Reebok Nano X3 is a little more comfortable for all-day use.

I’ve worn the Nike Metcon 9 for a few full days and they were okay, but I found myself wanting to take them off towards the evening. I like the widened toe box, but the heel is what kills their daily wear performance for me.

In any event, I’d suggest limiting your daily wear in both of these shoes if you want them to last longer, especially the Nike Metcon 9 which has more exposed foam through its sole.

Winner: The Reebok Nano X3 is a much better shoe for the individual who wants to routinely blend some short runs into their workouts. It’s also a little more comfortable for all-day wear if that’s an ask you have.

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Nike Metcon 9 Construction

To discuss the construction differences between the Nike Metcon 9 versus the Reebok Nano X3, I’m going to break this section into different parts. Hopefully, this makes it more interesting and digestible.

Midsole

The Nike Metcon 9’s midsole has received an updated construction and it now features a dual-density foam. The outer foam is a little more dense and stable whereas the inner foam is a little more plush and forgiving. There’s a Hyperlift plate built into the heel.

The Reebok Nano X3 features Floatride Energy Foam and it also has the Lift and Run Chassis system built into it. This is the plastic material that wraps around the boot and it has a done under the heel compresses when loaded.

Outsole

The Nike Metcon 9 features a full rubber outsole with a few strategic breaks to increase its flexibility. Compared to its two prior iterations this model now has a fairly outsole break around the medial midfoot.

The Reebok Nano X3 also has a full rubber outsole and it doesn’t have a ton of areas with exposed foam. Personally, I like the outsole construction better in the Nano X3 from a long-term durability point of view.

Upper

The Nike Metcon 9’s upper is built with mesh and it features textile and haptic print overlays. This material doesn’t breathe the best and there are rubber overlays over the medial toe box. This model also features aggressive rubber rope guard wraps that cover the upper.

In the Reebok Nano X3, you have Reebok’s Flexweave woven textile material. There are also textile overlays over this shoe’s midfoot and the boot has a little more structure to it with the Lift and Run Chassis system.

Laces and Tongue

In the Nike Metcon 9, you have a traditional lacing system and this model has five core eyelets. This model still utilizes the lace-lock feature to serve as its core tongue loop. The tongue is gusseted and it’s built with a padded mesh.

In the Reebok Nano X3, you have a traditional lacing system with 6 core eyelets and a 7th for lace-lock. This shoe’s tongue is thinner and is built with a padded mesh. There is no tongue gusset on the Reebok Nano X3.

Weight, Drop, and Insole

The weights are relatively similar in the Nike Metcon 9 and Reebok Nano X3. Both shoes also feature thin foam removable insoles. Like the past three models, the heel-to-toe drops vary between these models.

• Nike Metcon 9 Weight, Drop, and Insole: 12.90 oz (size 10), 4mm heel-to-toe drop, removable insole
• Nano X3 Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop: 13.8 oz (for my size 10 model), 7mm heel-to-drop, removable insole

If you have additional questions about the construction breakdown between these shoes, drop a comment below.

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Nike Metcon 9 Sizing

The Nike Metcon 9 should fit true to size for most lifters and athletes. This model’s toe box has been widened compared to prior iterations and I actually think it has a slightly wider feel compared to the Nano X3.

Comparatively speaking, I like the reworked width of the Nike Metcon 9’s toe box. I think this is one of the best changes and features to this model because it gives it more sizing range.

The Reebok Nano X3 should also fit relatively true to size for most lifters and athletes. If you have an exceptionally narrow foot then sizing down a half-size is usually an okay call in this model.

• Reebok Nano X3 Sizing Thoughts: Narrow feet, size down a half-size. Medium and wide feet, go TTS.
• Nike Metcon 9 Sizing Thoughts: True to size for most.

If you have additional sizing and fit questions about the Reebok Nano X3 versus the Nike Metcon 9, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally.

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Nike Metcon 9 Durability

In the context of durability for the Reebok Nano X3 and Nike Metcon 9 it can vary depending on what you’re doing in these shoes. If you’re tackling recreational gym workouts in either model then they should last a minimum of 8 months.

While the Nike Metcon 9 is relatively new to the market and we need more data points this is generally how the past two iterations performed and the 9s feel similar in that regard.

For CrossFit, the durability can vary a little more. The Reebok Nano X3 can be a little variable at times with its outsole construction and becoming detached from the midsole.

In the Nike Metcon 9, the area that I’m keeping my eye on involves the foam midsole projection at the base of the forefoot. In the Metcon 7 and 8, the sole could also detach in these models and this shoe has a similar build.

If you’ve worn either of these models and have run into durability issues, let me know in the comments below what you experienced and how fast it happened. This helps add depth and data to this content.

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Nike Metcon 9 Price

Unfortunately, as the industry continues to change and with the economic changes in our society both of these models have received increased price points. Until recent years, the Nike Metcon 9 and Reebok Nano have cost $130 USD.

This year, both models are retailing for around $150 USD which is up $20 and $10 for the Nike Metcon and Reebok Nano, respectively. When the Reebok Nano X3 initially hit the market, it cost $140 USD but it looks like Reebok quietly increased its price.

This now brings both of these models to similar price points of smaller company shoes like the RAD ONE and Haze Trainer, which are arguably some of the market’s top models. 

I think if you enjoyed the Metcon 7 and 8 and always wanted more width in your shoe then the price for the Nike Metcon 9 can make a lot of sense.

For versatility-focused lifters and athletes that want a model for some light runs, the Reebok Nano X3 can be a good pick for the money and it should match your overall needs.

That said, I don’t think these models are worth breaking the bank for if $150 USD is out of your budget. There are strong shoes that cost less like the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 and UA TriBase Reign 5.

Takeaway Thoughts

The Reebok Nano X3 versus the Nike Metcon 9 is a fun cross-training shoe showdown that I think a lot of lifters and athletes will have strong opinions on.

Both of these shoes have very distinct fits and feels and they both excel for slightly different things. The Nano X3 is a little more running-friendly while the Metcon 9 does a good job with lifting and stability.

It is a bummer that both of these models have increased their prices as it makes them more pricey which isn’t great for budget-conscious shoppers.

If you have additional questions about the Reebok Nano X3 versus the Nike Metcon 9, drop a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).