Reebok Nano X3 Vs Reebok Nano X2 | Is Newer Really Better?

Comparing the Reebok Nano X3 Vs Reebok Nano X2 for Versatile Training

When it comes to versatile training including things like HIIT, athletic-style training, and class-style workouts, the Reebok Nano X3 and Nano X2 both perform pretty well. In fact, I think most will enjoy the performance of these shoes for these training contexts.

Both models have adequate grip for multi-directional work and they have comparable levels of responsiveness due to their midsole constructions. If you made me pick one shoe, I do think the Nano X3 has the edge slightly, though, and that’s for three reasons.

First, the Nano X3 features a reworked Flexweave upper construction that hugs the foot a little more snuggly than the Knit in the Nano X2. The Nano X2’s knit was a little spacious through the toe box and could stretch out over time resulting in sliding around during plyometrics.

The Nano X3’s upper has appeared to have fixed this and this model has a much more athletic fit for multi-directional exercises, HIIT, and plyometrics. Second, the outsole tread pattern on the Nano X3 also feels a little more grippy on turf.

For agility and acceleration work, I noticed that the Reebok Nano X3 bit a little better when digging into the turf and driving through the forefoot. It’s a super subtle difference, but I do like the outsole grip a little better on the Nano X3 for athletic-style sessions.

Third and lastly, I think the L.A.R system is a nice addition to the Reebok Nano X3. This construction feature gives this shoe a slightly more “bouncy” feel when jumping and it makes the Nano X3 a little more accommodating for workouts where you’re doing a little bit of everything.

Winner: Both shoes work well, but I’m giving the win to the Reebok Nano X3 once again due to its athletic-fitting upper construction, reworked outsole tread, and new L.A.R system.

Comparing the Reebok Nano X3 Vs Reebok Nano X2 for Short Runs and Daily Wear

When it comes to short runs, the Reebok Nano X2 and Reebok Nano X3 are once again pretty comparable at a surface level, but one shoe starts to excel for certain running contexts.

For starters, both shoes should be fine for runs that are around 400 meters to two miles. I wouldn’t run longer distances than that mileage in either of these shoes as I think they’ll start to get a little uncomfortable for long-distance runs.

Comparing the two shoes for sprints and short fast-paced runs, I do like the Nano X3 a little better and that’s once again due to the L.A.R system. This feature gives this shoe a more “forgiving” feel and it adds a springiness to this model for short runs. I could also see this shoe being decent for activities like HYROX.

For daily wear, both shoes work fine, but I’d actually give the edge to the Reebok Nano X2 here. To be honest, this is the only performance context where I think the Nano X2 takes the edge due to its construction features.

The knit upper in the Nano X2 has a nice level of breathability for day-to-day wear and its additional spaciousness around the toe box gives them a comfortable feel for all-day wear. Plus, this model can look more casual in certain colorways.

Winner: Nano X3 for short runs. For daily wear, I think you’ll be fine with the Nano X3 and Nano X2 with the X2 having a slight edge. However, if your primary concern is performance in the gym with daily wear as a secondary concern, then I think you’ll still want to take the Nano X3.

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Reebok Nano X2 Construction

While there are some construction similarities that exist between the Nano X3 and Nano X2, there are also countless differences that exist between these two shoes.

Below, I’ll compare the construction of each shoe in different parts to make this section a lot more digestible. If you can better understand each shoe’s construction, then you can better identify which shoe will be best for you.

Outsole

The Reebok Nano X2 and Nano X3 both feature a full rubber outsole. The Reebok Nano X2’s outsole is built with a more traditional lug pattern and is a little thinner regarding its overall thickness.

The Reebok Nano X3’s outsole features a split build through the midfoot to the forefoot and has an indented lug tread pattern. There’s more thickness and material on the Nano X3’s outsole which I think can be good things for durability and grip.

Midsole

The midsole is one of the few consistent features that exist between the Nano X2 and Nano X3. Both models feature Reebok’s Floatride Energy foam throughout the entirety of their midsole.

The Nano X2 has a ROPEPRO+ feature that wraps up the midfoot and covers the midsole, however, it’s not the most durable and this is one of the areas that constantly breaks on this shoe.

The Nano X3 has a similar midfoot construction to the Nano X2 regarding the ROPEPRO+, but it’s been reworked and made denser so its durability is a lot better than the X2’s midfoot.

The L.A.R system is another addition new to the Nano X3 that plays into this shoe’s midsole. This TPU wrap extends from the midfoot and wraps around the heel, then inserts under the heel’s midsole. This is an internal feature that the Nano X2 doesn’t have.

Upper

The Reebok Nano X2 features a knit upper around its toe box, then synthetic and textile overlays that cover the midfoot and heel. There’s a TPU wrap on the lateral and medial midfoot in this model and its boot has a fair amount of padding.

The Reebok Nano X3 features a Flexweave upper around the forefoot and it has synthetic and textile overlays that cover the midfoot and heel. There’s a little more padding in the boot of the Nano X3 and it feels a smidge more comfortable.

Laces and Tongue

The lacing system in both models is pretty similar, however, the eyelets are different. In the Nano X2, you have six core internal loop eyelets with a seventh traditional eyelet for lace-lock. The tongue is not gusseted and is built with a padded mesh and has one loop for security.

The Nano X3 features six core eyelets with a seventh for lace-lock and has a similar non-gusseted padded mesh tongue to the Nano X2. On the Nano X3, there are two tongue loops in the middle of the tongue to boost this tongue’s security.

Weight, Heel-to-Toe Drop, and Insole

The weight, heel-to-toe drop, and insole in the Reebok Nano X2 and Nano X3 are somewhat consistent. However, there is one difference between these models with these details and that’s that the Nano X3 is a heavier training shoe.

• Nano X3 Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop: 13.8 oz (for my size 10 model), 7mm Drop
• Nano X2 Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11.8 oz (for my size 10 model), 7mm Drop

Additionally, both of these shoes feature thin foam removable insoles and if you use custom orthotics and need more upper volume, then I’d suggest looking into the Reebok Nano X2 as the Nano X3’s upper has a snugger build.

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Reebok Nano X2 Sizing

The sizing of the Reebok Nano X3 and Reebok Nano X2 will be variable based on your foot anatomy. Regarding width, both shoes are pretty identical, however, with length, there’s a little variance and I find the Nano X3 to run a little shorter than the X2.

In the Nano X2, you get more upper volume due to its more spacious knit so I do think this shoe will resonate a little better for wider feet and those that use custom orthotics for training.

The Reebok Nano X3’s upper is a little more snug and the shoe runs a little stiffer out of the box compared to the Nano X2. I do think the Flexweave breaks in pretty well, but expect this model to take a little more time to break in compared to the Nano X2.

• Reebok Nano X2 Sizing Thoughts: Narrow and Neutral-Width Feet, Size Down a Half-Size. Wide Feet, Go TTS.
• Reebok Nano X3 Sizing Thoughts: Narrow Feet, Size Down a Half-Size. Neutral-Width Feet, Size Down for a Snugger Fit, Go TTS for a Little More Room. Wide Feet, Go TTS.

If you have additional sizing and fit questions about the Reebok Nano X3 and Nano X2 regarding how they compare, drop a comment below and I can help you out.

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Reebok Nano X2 Durability

When it comes to the durability of the Reebok Nano X2 and Reebok Nano X3, both shoes are comparable from a general training sense. In layman’s terms, if you’re only using these shoes for lifting and versatile training, then they’ll both last you a while.

As you get more niche with your training that’s where you’ll start to notice the durability discrepancies that exist between both of these shoes. For example, for CrossFit, the Nano X3 will be the clear winner due to its ROPEPRO+ and upper changes.

This model has held up well thus far during my CrossFit sessions whereas I’ve had two Nano X2 models break after a week from rope climbs. Granted, we still need more time with the Nano X3 to know just how well they fare for long-term durability.

I also feel as though the Flexweave upper in the Nano X3 will be a little more durable regarding its long-term use. The knit in the Nano X2 can stretch out with excessive stress, and generally speaking, Reebok’s Flexweave tends to be a little more resilient in this context.

The last area where I think durability can vary is with each shoe’s outsole construction. Since the Nano X3’s outsole is a little thicker, I think its tread may last a little longer than the tread used in the Nano X2, but time will tell with this comparison.

Reebok Nano X3 Vs Reebok Nano X2 Price

For the Reebok Nano X3, you can expect to pay $140 USD for the standard colorways. The Reebok Nano X2 has a price point of $135 USD and a lot of colorways are marked down due to the X3’s release.

I think if you have the means, then the Reebok Nano X3 will be a better bet despite its price point being a little higher, and this is due to its slightly stronger performance and better durability.

If you’re wanting to save as much as possible, then the Reebok Nano X2 can be a good option to explore especially if you’re getting them for well under $100 USD. I would just suggest being careful with this model for CrossFit workouts.

For my super budget-conscious shoppers, I’d suggest also exploring the Reebok Nanoflex V2 if you’re wanting to save as much as possible on a general training shoe.

Takeaway Thoughts

The Reebok Nano X3 and Reebok Nano X2 both deliver a well-rounded performance in the gym. I do think the Reebok Nano X3 is a stronger shoe overall and has better durability long-term compared to the Nano X2.

The snugger fit, L.A.R system, reworked outsole, and ROPEPRO+ changes are all reasons why I think the Nano X3 is the superior training shoe compared to the Nano X2.

If you have additional questions about either of these models, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).