Reebok Nano X5 vs Adidas Dropset 3 vs Nike Metcon 9

• Dropset 3 feels more weightlifting shoe-like
• Metcon 9 provides excellent stability
• Nano X5 shows compression above 405 lbs

CrossFit Performance

For CrossFit, this is where things get a bit more interesting and controversial. After testing these shoes through numerous CrossFit-style workouts, including “Fran,” “Grace,” and various EMOMs combining lifting with box jumps, the Nano X5 has quickly become my favorite between these three trainers.

The Nano X5’s more forgiving Dual Response midsole really shines in constantly varied workouts. When you’re transitioning from heavy power cleans to box jumps, or from wall balls to rowing, you need a shoe that can keep up with these rapid changes. The Nano X5 does a better job with all of this than the clunkier and denser Dropset and Metcon.

The Metcon 9 and Dropset 3, while excellent for the strength portions of WODs, start to feel limiting during high-volume box jumps or double-unders. That TPU heel in the Metcon 9 and the dense heel construction of the Dropset 3 — features that make them great for lifting — become noticeable limitations during certain WODs. And running in these shoes? Forget about it.

Winner: Reebok Nano X5

• Better versatility for varied WODs
• Superior performance for box jumps
• Better for running intervals
• Other models excel in heavy lifting WODs

Versatility in Training

When it comes to overall versatility, I’ve put these shoes through a lot of “athletic” style sessions where I’m doing class and HIIT-style workout flows with lifting. The Nano X5 dominates this category offering what I’d say as the most well-rounded performance package.

The shoe’s Dual Response midsole provides that sweet spot between stability and responsiveness. During testing with plyometrics, agility drills, and mixed modal training, the Nano X5 transitions well between movements. The forefoot flexibility combined with the stable heel creates a balanced platform that works well, and they don’t take forever to break in like the Nano X4.

The Metcon 9 and Dropset 3, while capable of handling versatile training, feel a bit more specialized. Their stiffer platforms and stability-focused features make them feel somewhat clunky during dynamic movements like broad jumps, sprints, and sled pulls. If you’re doing primarily lifting with some occasional explosive work, they’re fine – but for true versatility, they fall short of the Nano X5’s capabilities.

Winner: Reebok Nano X5

• Most well-rounded performance
• Better for HIIT classes
• Superior comfort for varied movements
• Best option for mixed training sessions

Running and Daily Comfort

For these three models, I tested them with intervals ranging from 200m to 1-mile runs, plus wearing them for full days of working, coaching, and training. In my opinion, there’s a clear hierarchy here.

The Nano X5 leads with notably superior comfort for both running and daily wear. The more forgiving midsole and better heel-to-toe transition make it much more pleasant for short runs and sprint intervals. You can comfortably tackle 400m-800m repeats without feeling like you’re fighting your shoes.

The Metcon 9’s TPU heel plate and the Dropset 3’s dense heel construction make running feel clunky and somewhat uncomfortable, especially for heel strikers. While both can handle short sprint intervals when staying on your toes, anything longer becomes notably less enjoyable.

For daily wear, the Nano X5’s more accommodating upper and balanced cushioning make it significantly more comfortable for all-day use. The other two models, while excellent training shoes, remind you with every step that they’re really designed for gym performance rather than daily comfort.

Winner: Reebok Nano X5

• Most comfortable for daily wear
• Better for short runs
• More forgiving midsole
• Superior walking comfort

Sizing & Fit

I wear a size 10 in all of my shoe reviews and have a normal arch and E/EE-width foot. Below is how I’d suggest sizing each of these shoes based on my interpretations and comparisons. If you ever need sizing confirmation, please drop a comment below or reach out via Instagram!

Narrow Feet:

• All models: True to size

Medium Width:

• All models: True to size

Wide Feet (E/EE Width):

• Dropset 3: Consider half size up
• Metcon 9: Consider half size up
• Nano X5: True to size works, but half size up option available

Construction Specs to Know

The construction differences between these models heavily influence their performance capabilities. Here’s how they stack up:

	Metcon 9	Dropset 3	Nano X5
Drop	4mm	6mm	7mm
Midsole	Dual-density foam	Dual-density foam	Dual Response foam
Upper	Chain link mesh	Chain link mesh/synthetic	Flexweave
Width	Medium/Wide	Medium	Medium/Wide
Price	$150	$130	$140

Midsole Differences

All three of these shoes feature dual-density and dual-response foams in their midsole. This utilization of two different foam densities becoming a lot more popular as brands try to blends versatility with stability in their cross-training shoes.

The Metcon 9’s dual-desity foam has denser foam that extends around the outside of the shoe with a softer foam on the internal. This is intended to give you a little more forgiveness when doing things like jump rope and box jumps.

In the Dropset 3, you also have a dual-density midsole but the split happens at the forefoot and heel. The forefoot is a little more low-profile and flexible while the heel is a denser foam that doesn’t compress whatsoever. You also have a TPU cutout in the Dropset 3’s midsole right at the midfoot for additional breathability.

The Reebok Nano X5 has a Dual Response foam, which like the Dropset 3, has a forefoot and heel split. However, this foam splits at an angle. Where the TPU insert is above (the white piece) that’s where the foam is different and varies. The denser foam is the light blue/red.

Upper Differences

Compared to prior years, the upper materials vary pretty greatly on these shoes. All three of these shoes have some overlap with their materials used, but the layering and density of the materials vary and impact each shoe’s breathability accordingly.

The Metcon 9 utilizes a chain-link mesh upper that has haptic overlays over the forefoot. This adds a little more bulk to the shoe and is designed for abrasion resistance. There are also rubber rope guards that extend up the medial and lateral midfoot. This also adds a bunch of bulk and breathability-wise, the Metcon is in last place here.

The Dropset 3 also has a chain-link mesh upper but there’s more ventilation throughout. There’s also a synthetic overlay over the toe box for additional security and lockdown. Weight wise, the Dropset 3 feels a lot more “airy” and breathable compared to the Metcon 9.

The Nano X5 utilizes a Flexweave knit upper which has become a staple in the Reebok Nano training shoe line. This material has strategic layers throughout and it’s the most breathable material of these three shoes. It also stretches the best over time as you break them, and that’s why the Nano also has a slightly more spacious fit, in my opinion.

Outsole Differences

All three of these shoes feature full rubber outsoles which I love from grip and durability standpoints. If you vary the surface you train on often, I wouldn’t stress grip in any of these shoes.

The Dropset 3 uses Adidas’ Traxion material and it has a lot of bite to it. My only gripe with this outsole is that it can start to fade a bit over time with a lot of concrete use, but if you’re only rocking your Dropset 3s to the gym, then I wouldn’t stress this detail.

The Metcon 9 has a herringbone tread pattern with a break through the midfoot where you can see the rubber overlay for the rope guard. This can be a stress area for durability that can be problematic for rope climbs, but for the most, it tends to be a non-issue.

The Nano X5 has a full rubber outsole that utilizes a split through the midfoot to promote flexibility. This outsole has done a good job with durability so far and I’ve been impressed with the rubber RopePro overlays at the midfoot, too.

Who Should Buy Each Shoe Summary

Buy the Adidas Dropset 3 if:

• You prioritize stability for heavy lifting
• You want a weightlifting shoe-like feel
• You focus on strength training most in your sessions

Buy the Nike Metcon 9 if:

• You want a stable lifting-focused trainer
• You primarily do strength and hypertrophy work
• You need reliable stability for heavy lifts

Buy the Reebok Nano X5 if:

• You want the most versatile option
• You do varied CrossFit workouts
• You need a shoe for both training and daily wear
• You incorporate running into your training

Final Verdict

While each shoe has its strengths, the Reebok Nano X5 emerges as the most well-rounded option for most athletes. It’s the first model in a few years where I’ve been like, “Ah, nice, Reebok is back.”

It offers the best blend of versatility, comfort, and performance across various training modalities compared to the other trainers discussed. The Dropset 3 and Metcon 9 can also be great choices, but they’ll be your stability-biased trainers. If you’re primarily lifting, then proceed with either of those shoes.

If you have additional questions on the shoes discussed in this article, drop a comment below or reach out via Instagram!