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Reebok Nano X4 Review | Upgrade Or Pass?

Jake Bolyby Jake Boly Updated Feb 18, 2025 13 Comments

That Fit Friend is supported by its readers. I [Jake Boly] run this site myself and buy the gear I review. If you purchase through my site, I may earn commissions on sales, read more here!

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.

Testing the Walkability of the Reebok Nano X4

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

Reebok Nano X4 Product Image
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
Shop Reebok
Shop Box Basics
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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.

Me Doing Heavy Hatfield Squats In the Reebok Nano X4
Me Doing Heavy Hatfield Squats In the Reebok Nano X4

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.

Testing the Stability of the Reebok Nano X4

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.

Cross Training In the Reebok Nano X4

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.

Testing the Versatility of the Reebok Nano X4

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.

Reebok Nano X4 Sizing and Fit

 

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!

Leave a Review

Crowd Sourced Reviews
3
3
3

Reader's Rating

4.2 out of 5
Sizing/Fit: True to Size
Durability
4.3

Reader Reviews

July 7th, 2025
The Nano X4 has been pretty good so far. They work for my lifting needs but the upper can feel snug out of the box and these took some time to break-in.

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.

Reebok Nano X4 Midsole

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.

Reebok Nano X4 Outsole

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.

Reebok Nano X4 Upper

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:
What are the Reebok Nano X4 good for?

A:
The Reebok Nano X4 are a good cross-training shoe for doing varied workouts. This shoe can work for heavy strength training, HIIT, short runs, and CrossFit.

Q:
Can you run in the Reebok Nano X4?

A:
The Reebok Nano X4's Floatride Energy Foam midsole and Lift and Run Chassis System make them comfortable for sprint and runs up to around 2 miles.
 

Jake Boly

About Jake Boly

CSCS, MS Sports Science

Jake Boly is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of That Fit Friend. He's often regarded as a go-to resource in various performance shoe communities. He’s been formally reviewing shoes and training gear for over 7 years and has hand-tested over 400 pairs of shoes. Jake is known on the internet and YouTube for blending his review process with his educational, strength sports, and personal training background.

Jake has a Masters in Sports Science, a Bachelors in Exercise Science, a CSCS, and he's been personal training for over 10 years helping hundreds of clients get stronger, lose weight, and accomplish their goals. He uses his exercise science brain and personal training background to make curated and thoughtful review content on the fitness gear he's testing.

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Reader Interactions

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Comments

  1. Andrew Kwesi Afful

    Wed, Jun 4, 2025 at 12:23 pm

    Hey Jake,

    I have a standard door although I wear inserts. Normally I wear true to size in 10.5, but for this one should I go true to size?

    Reply
    • Jake BolyJake Boly

      Thu, Jun 19, 2025 at 8:06 pm

      I’d go 10.5 or 11 if you want a little more toe box room!

      Reply
  2. Brett

    Mon, Jan 20, 2025 at 10:31 pm

    I was wondering if you had much heel slippage with the x4? My previous Nanos started tearing in the back of the heel due to my heel slipping a little bit (note : I have had them for a couple years now lol). Did you notice that happening to you at all?

    Reply
    • Jake BolyJake Boly

      Tue, Jan 21, 2025 at 9:31 am

      I didn’t, but that’s one of those issues that can be super individual and it’s not always consistent for everyone with certain shoes. The Nano X5 (dropping soon) is better than the X4, btw, if you’re on the fence with them and they fit/feel better on feet

      Reply
  3. Jean

    Thu, Jan 9, 2025 at 11:03 am

    Thank you for your review of the Nano family of shoes. It was so helpful. I am a 66 year old female who does HITT classes four days a week. Which Nano Version do you recommend? Important to note is that I do have arthritis in my hip and I do not want that to stop me from my Hiit classes. Any advice you can provide with respect to proper Nano to wear would be greatly appreciated

    Reply
    • Jake BolyJake Boly

      Tue, Jan 21, 2025 at 9:13 am

      The new Nano X5 coming out in a few days would be a good call! Wider platfrom with a supportive yet versatile midsole that should feel good for your needs, imo!

      Reply
  4. William S

    Tue, Dec 10, 2024 at 2:34 am

    I have the Nano 2 (7.5 med) and a 3 (size 8 med)…I’m looking for the proper size for a Nano 4 from a blind purchase (can’t try on before purchase). My issue is fit. I have aftermarket insoles in both Nano’s because of flat feet (I prefer massive arched insoles to lift my fallen feet and therefore align my knees/legs). I realize my aftermarket insoles may take up more room than the stock insoles. My 3 has a 1/2 inch at the end but the upper is very snug so any smaller wouldn’t work. The 2 at a 7 1/2 fits me perfectly. So my question: what size would work best in a 4? Does a 4 fit similarly to the 2 (true to size for me) or the 3 (which is longer but the upper’s tightness would make a 7 1/2 too small for me)? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Jake BolyJake Boly

      Fri, Dec 13, 2024 at 8:57 am

      Def go with the 8 in the 4! They’ll size snugger than the 2 and 3, imo, so going up is the move for sureeeeee!

      Reply
  5. Jack

    Sun, Nov 17, 2024 at 6:30 am

    Love the review, with Black Friday deals coming up I think I’m about to pull the trigger esp since I love their colorways!

    Question though, I noticed these were comparable to the TYR CX-2s. For a runner who’s getting back into serious weightlifting but wants to also have the flexibility for a lot of lower body/runner focused workouts, would you say to stick with the Nano X-4s or would you recommend trying the CX-2s? Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Jake BolyJake Boly

      Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 6:19 pm

      I’m a big believer in if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. If the Nano X4s have been working well, then I’d stick with them and cop some new new with the sales coming!

      Reply
  6. Nolan

    Fri, Oct 4, 2024 at 1:11 pm

    Would you recommend these for running a Hyrox? I ran the first Hyrox that I did in Inov8 F-Lite 235s and thought those performed well. I was also looking at the Inov8 F-Fly (which I saw you recommend in another article) or maybe the Inov8 F-Lite Max which looks to be coming out in a week or so.

    Reply
    • Jake BolyJake Boly

      Sat, Oct 5, 2024 at 7:07 pm

      I’d stick with Inov-8. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. My suggestion would be to get the F-Fly in your rotation and compare which you like better. If the 235 V3s worked, then I’d run it back.

      Reply
  7. Andres

    Sun, May 12, 2024 at 6:35 pm

    I’ve had a handful of sessions now in this shoe and I must admit. this is a SOLID shoe, so much better than the X3. Tongue gusset, breathability, heel security are the improvements I see compared to the X3. loving my X4s and the colorway!

    Reply

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Jake Boly

About Jake Boly

CSCS, MS Sports Science

Jake Boly is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of That Fit Friend. He's often regarded as a go-to resource in various performance shoe communities.

He’s been formally reviewing shoes and training gear for over 7 years and has hand-tested over 400 pairs of shoes.

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  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
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