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

Q: Can you run in Reebok Nanos?

Reebok Nano training shoes can work for short runs that range from 400 meters to two miles. These shoes will also be fine for runs programmed in WODs. For long-distance runs, you'll want to pass on these shoes.

Q: Is the Reebok Nano X3 or Nano X2 better for CrossFit?

When it comes to CrossFit-focused training, the Reebok Nano X3 outperforms the Nano X2 due to its improved upper and ROPEPRO durability and it offers a little more versatility.

Q: Are Reebok Nanos good for lifting?

For recreational lifting, Reebok Nano cross-training shoes do a pretty good job. They offer a nice level of stability and their outsole has a good level of traction for lifting on different surfaces.

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With the release of the Reebok Nano X3, a lot of athletes and lifters have now been pressed with the decision of, “Should I opt for the latest model and grab the Nano X3 or should I stick with the older Reebok Nano X2?”

The Reebok Nano X3 and Reebok Nano X2 are both well-rounded training shoes designed for versatile workouts, however, there are a few key differences between them that can influence which models will be best for your training needs and wants.

Personally, I like the Reebok Nano X2 and Reebok Nano X3’s performance for slightly different reasons, and if you can better understand the nuances that exist between these shoes, then you can make the best cross-training shoe choice for your needs.

In this Reebok Nano X3 versus Reebok Nano X2, I’ll cover the key performance, construction, sizing, and durability details that you should know between these two trainers.

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Reebok Nano X3 Vs Reebok Nano X2 Performance

The Reebok Nano X3 and Nano X2 are both designed to be versatile training shoes, so I wanted to compare their performance across multiple training verticals including lifting, CrossFit, versatile training, short runs, and daily wear.

Since we all train differently, having a better idea about how each shoe will perform for certain workouts can help you find the model that will be best suited for your training needs.

Comparing the Reebok Nano X3 Vs Reebok Nano X2 for Lifting and CrossFit

When it comes to lifting, the Reebok Nano X3 and Reebok Nano X2 are pretty neck-and-neck regarding their overall stability. Both of these shoes feature Reebok’s Floatride Energy foam midsole which provides a fair amount of stability.

In both shoes, I’ve deadlifted over 500 lbs and have squatted around 400 lbs and they’ve both performed pretty well. I think for general strength training, most lifters will enjoy the stability that you get from both the Nano X2 and Nano X3.

Both shoes also feature full rubber outsoles so I don’t think traction will be an issue when lifting on rubber gym floors, wooden platforms, machines, and turf. I do like the outsole better on the Nano X3, though, as it does bite a little better on turf when doing dumbbell accessories.

Another difference to note is that Nano X3 features Reebok’s Lift And Run (L.A.R) chassis system which gives this model a little more ankle support and boot security while assisting a tiny bit with stability, which I find you do notice during squats and cleans.

Overall, I find the Nano X3 and Nano X2 to both excel for moderate strength training. I do think the Nano X3 has a slight edge, but if you’re trying to save money and find the Nano X2 for a steep deal, then you may want to opt for that model.

In the context of CrossFit, I think there’s a pretty clear winner between these two shoes. While the Nano X2 works for CrossFit, it’s a model that’s been plagued with durability issues during rope climbs, much like its predecessor the Reebok Nano X1.

The Reebok Nano X3 appears to have fixed the issue with the ROPEPRO+ feature around the midfoot and seems to be a much more durable cross-training shoe option for CrossFit. The Flexweave upper feels better for abrasion resistance, too.

Outside of the durability fixes in the Nano X3 for CrossFit, the Floatide Energy foam midsole in both shoes gives them a nice level of responsiveness for double-unders, box jumps, and short runs.

However, I do like the Nano X3 a little better for short runs due to the L.A.R system. I could feel this kicking in when doing WODs with faster-paced 400-meter bouts. I think you also feel this feature when tackling runs programmed on the Assault Runner.

Winner: Reebok Nano X3. The Nano X3 delivers a stronger performance for lifting and CrossFit, in my opinion. It doesn’t suffer from the same durability issues and its stability should work for most recreational lifting.

Don’t get me wrong, the Reebok Nano X2 can be a good option for the above if you find them on sale, but I’d tread lightly using them solely for CrossFit and if you have the means, then I think the Nano X3 is the stronger option.

Reebok Nano X3

Pros: Versatile, Athletic

Cons: Run a Little Stiff

Size/Fit: Varies Based on Foot Anatomy

Offset: 7mm

Lifting Threshold: ~500 lbs

Mileage Threshold: <3 miles

Price: $

TF2 Rating: 4.4

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Reebok Nano X2

Pros: Versatile, Midfoot Support

Cons: Sole Durability

Size/Fit: Runs Large for Most/Wider Width

Offset: 7mm

Lifting Threshold: ~500 lbs

Mileage Threshold: <3 miles

Price: $

TF2 Rating: 4.4

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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.

Example of durability issue in the Reebok Nano X2. This is the Froning model that broke on me.

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.