Reebok Nano X4 Review | Upgrade Or Pass?

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I’m a strength coach who’s now reviewed hundreds of training shoes and it’s always fun assessing the nuances that exist between different models. The Reebok Nano X4 has a lot of core DNA of the Nano X3 but with a few key updates.

These construction updates are subtle. However, they genuinely make a big difference in how the Nano X4 fits and performs. The Lift and Run Chassis system and upper have been refined to make this shoe even more dynamic.

Thus far, I’ve deadlifted over 500 lbs and squatted over 400 lbs in the Nano X4 to assess its stability, tackled multiple CrossFit WODs to track durability, and sprinted and ran multiple miles to review responsiveness and comfort.

Must Read: Reebok Nano X5 vs X4. Is the newer model really that much better? Check out my thoughts!

I fund and run That Fit Friend on my own, and buy the shoes I review. If you decide to grab the Nano X4 and if this review helps you with your training shoe decision, it helps if you go through my links in this article. Thank you so much!

What I Like

• Cross-Discipline Functionality: The Reebok Nano X4 has a nice range to it and I often suggest it for lifters and athletes who ask me about which shoes they should go with when they need something for a little bit of everything.
• Lift and Run Chassis System: The LAR system in this model is a cool feature, and it gives this shoe a nice blend of stability when squatting and training heavy, as well as a nice degree of responsiveness when jumping and doing short runs.
• Midsole and Upper Support: If you like a little arch support and more structure to your shoe’s upper, and more specifically, more rigid boot and ankle constructions, then I think you’ll vibe with this shoe’s feel on the foot.

What I Don’t Like

• Arch Can Feel Aggressive: If you have flat feet or despise any form of arch in your training shoes, then I’d steer clear of the Nano X4. You may want to explore models like the BP Savage 1 if you need a model for lifting and CrossFit.
• Toe Box Can Feel Snug: Compared to prior Nanos, this X4 has a snugger toe box, which has been offputting for some lifters in my community. If you need a boxier toe box and want to stay within the Nano shoe line, I’d go with the Nano 2.0.
• The Sole Is Pretty Stiff: I like rotating between stiffer and more flexible training shoes, and the Nano X4 falls on the stiff end of the spectrum. If you like training shoes that have more flex through the midfoot and forefoot you’ll want to pass on this model.

Specs to Know

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
• Weight: 12.7 oz (size 10 men’s)
• Stack Height: 20mm Heel/13mm Forefoot
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Width: Medium to Slightly Wide
• Sizing: True to Size for Most
• Comparable To CXT-1 Trainer: Read My Review
• Cheaper Reebok Option: Reebok Nano Gym

Reebok Nano X4

$140

4.4

Stability

4.4

Versatility

4.6

Durability

4.4

Quality

4.2

Pros

• Great option for doing a little bit of everything
• Floatride Energy Foam midsole is stable and responsive
• Good shoef for short runs/HYROX-style workouts

Cons

• Can feel bulky for minimalist lovers
• Arch can feel uncomfortable for flat feet
• Toe box isn't as wide as older Nano models

Best For

• Strength Training
• HIIT and Versatile Workouts
• Sprints and Short Runs (<2 miles)
• CrossFit and Functional Fitness

Falls Short

• For Feet Wider Than EEE-Widths
• For Runs Longer than 2-3 Miles
• For Minimalist Lovers

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How I Tested the Nano X4

• Max Lifting Tests: 505 lb deadlift, 415 lb Hatfield Squat
• Versatility Tests: Kettlebell circuits (snatches, cleans, and swings), broad jumps, and jump rope
• Max Distance Ran At One Time: 5k

My Experience Testing the Reebok Nano X4 for Lifting and CrossFit

The Reebok Nano X4 has performed exceptionally well in my lifting and CrossFit tests. In the context of lifting, three features help the Nano X4 excel, and these include its midsole, LAR, and outsole.

The Floatride Energy Foam midsole in this shoe is dense enough to support most lifting asks, in my opinion. I’ve pushed this with 505 lb deadlift triples and 415 lb Hatfield squat sets and they’ve been really solid across the board.

For single-leg exercises, the midsole also feels balanced and supportive enough throughout to avoid feeling like it will collapse or compress. The LAR system and how it flattens helps contribute to this lifting context, too.

The full rubber outsole is a nice perk for promoting traction and grip when lifting. When you’re doing leg presses, squatting on wooden platforms, or clean & jerking on rubber gym floors, you shouldn’t have slip issues in this model.

For CrossFit, the Nano X4 has also been a consistent shoe. In the WODs I’ve used to assess this shoe, I’ve enjoyed how they feel and they never feel over encumbering like the Nano X3 could at times.

The reworked upper and security of this shoe give it a “lighter” feeling on the feet, which is great for WODs where you’re lifting, running, and jumping. The durability also seems pretty strong in the Nano X4 for CrossFit.

I have yet to have any major “red flag” durability issues with this model. The only thing that does give me a little pause is the upper around the toe box when doing a lot of burpees. Since it’s a lighter material, you may want to keep an eye on this.

• Lifting Takeaways: The Nano X4 is exceptional for all types of strength work and it works great for CrossFit. The Floatride Energy Foam midsole is dense for heavy lifts, and the rubber outsole has a good grip on different surfaces.
• If You’d Rather a Minimalist Feel: Grab the F-Lite 235 V3

My Experience Testing  the Reebok Nano X4 for Versatile Workouts

I think one of my favorite things about the Nano X4 is how surprising this shoe felt for versatile workouts. For HIIT workouts and athletic-focused sessions where I was blending in multiple types of training, this shoe has felt great.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the Nano X3 for versatile training, but the Nano X4 just feels like a leveled-up shoe. The fact that this shoe broke in so much faster is an underrated feature of this model.

Pretty much after my first session, this shoe felt great for jumping and explosive exercises. The new tongue gusset locks the foot down well, giving this shoe a more mobile and articulative feeling.

Now, it’s not as flexible as something like super mobile Haze Trainer, but it should be fine for most who don’t necessarily only seek flexible training shoe options. The lighter-weight upper has also been a subtle perk of this shoe for versatile workouts.

I train in hot gyms sometimes, and when I’m lifting and jumping a lot, my feet can sometimes run pretty warm. The Flexweave in this shoe has good ventilation and does a fairly good job of preventing spillover when doing lateral work.

My only concern with this shoe for versatile training in some contexts is that it could still feel bulky for my minimalist lovers. If you want a less bulky shoe for versatile training, I’d go with something like the Dropset Trainer 2.

• Versatility Takeaways: The two construction features that help the Nano X4 excel in versatile contexts include its upper security and LAR chassis system. These give this shoe more range for things like classes and athletic sessions.

My Experience Testing the Reebok Nano X4 for Walking and Running

When it comes to running, the Reebok Nano X4 delivers a pretty strong performance in the context of being a viable hybrid training shoe option. For running thresholds, I tested this shoe up to 3-miles on a treadmill and it felt good for this distance.

If you need a shoe for running in classes like Barry’s or for doing intervals, then the Nano X4 should work just fine. It’s responsive enough to not feel overly dense and stiff especially if you stay on the forefoot and midfoot.

For runs longer than 2 miles, I’d suggest exploring running shoes. I think this shoe’s heavier construction — relatively speaking when compared to running shoes — and stiffer heel hinder this model’s performance for anything over that mileage.

For walking and daily wear, I like the Nano X4 better than the X3 because it moves better with the foot, and the upper feels more comfy when it comes to all-day wear.

I’ve walked my dog 4 miles in the Nano X4, and I’ve enjoyed its comfort and performance. If you need that training shoe for wearing out and about, then to train in, I think you’ll enjoy how the Nano X4 feels.

• Running and Comfort Takeaways: For running, the Nano X4 can hold its own and serve as a viable hybrid shoe, especially for someone who’s often running intervals in classes. These can also work for walking if you need a shoe for walking and running errands.
• A True Hybrid Shoe: Inov-8 F-Fly

Do You Use the Nano X4? Let Me Know Your Thoughts!

Construction Overview

Midsole and Outsole

The midsole in the Nano X4 is built with Reebok’s proprietary Floatride Energy Foam. This is the same material Reebok has used in the Nano X1, X2, and X3 and it walks a fine line of being dense yet responsive.

In addition, there is a softer and more responsive Floatride Energy Foam under the heel plate in the LAR system. I know this because I cut my Reebok Nano X3s open to see the material breakdown (I have a video of this on my YouTube channel).

The outsole of the Nano X4 is built with a full rubber tread and it has grooves going from the midfoot to the forefoot. I like this because I think it feeds into the flexibility of this model’s forefoot. The heel has a circle to indicate where the LAR plate is.

I also like that the outsole wraps over the toe box and that the midfoot’s outsole has a pretty aggressive wrap to support lateral stability and rope climbing performance.

Upper and Laces

The Nano X4 utilizes a Flexweave material throughout its forefoot. This material feels most similar to the upper used in the Nano X2 and I think this is due to its weight and general breathability. The Nano X3’s upper had more layers to it.

The midfoot features a blend of Flexweave and textile materials, and Tal Short (one of the Nano designers) mentioned to me in an interview that they built these sidewalls to be more breathable and promote better ventilation while training.

The boot has a pretty rigid cup and a good amount of padded mesh around the collar. This boot feels a lot more snug on the foot compared to the Nano X3’s more vertical boot.

The LAR system has been brought down, too, so now it only wraps the lower part of the heel. This is great for saving on weight and the general bulk of the shoe.

The lacing system and tongue are pretty similar to the Nano X3. However, the higher tongue gusset does give the tongue a lot more security. It also feels like it promotes a more “secure and snug” fit than the prior model.

Final Verdict, Would I Buy These Again?

I would. While these haven’t been my favorite Reebok Nano to date, they’re a step above the prior three iterations (the X1, X2, and X3), and I like the reworked LAR system.

When I’m training and I don’t want to think about the shoe I’m rocking, I’ll grab my Nano X4s. I’ll also wear them when my Achilles is sore from running, and I want additional ankle support.

That said, if you didn’t like the Reebok Nano X3, you’ll likely want to pass on the Nano X4 because it is pretty similar, despite my liking its fit and breathability better.

If you have additional questions on this shoe, drop a comment below, and I can help you out accordingly.