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When a major player like Reebok steps into the barefoot shoe game, you can’t help but take notice. Is this a cash grab or is Reebok making a genuine effort?
We’ve seen brands slap the word “barefoot” onto minimalist silhouettes before without delivering the actual performance benefits that barefoot training shoes require. So when Reebok announced the Nano Zero, a zero-drop, wide-toe-box training (read: barefoot) shoe priced at just $100, the question wasn’t just “how does it look?” but “does it actually perform?”
I’ve put them through countless workouts and have added up the miles in them (50ish, to be exact per the publishing of this piece and my daily step counter), and I feel comfortable saying: Reebok may not have reinvented the barefoot category, but they’ve definitely built a legit contender that deserves a spot in the conversation.
For the record and for my barefoot shoe purists, I’ve had multiple asks regarding whether this shoe is actually minimalist. Its stack height sits well below 10mm, so I’d describe it as being “barefoot”, and not like a “minimalist” trainer like the Nano 2.0.
Reebok Nano Zero
$100
Pros
- Versatile performance
- Grippy outsole
- Durable upper
Cons
- Odd branding
- Not the most breathable
- Not the "widest" on market
Best For
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0mm |
| Weight | 9.75 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Wide |
| Lifting Threshold | ~500 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | 1-2 mi (at a time) |
Who Should Buy the Reebok Nano Zero?
- Beginner-Friendly: If you’re barefoot-curious and want to experiment without going all-in on a $150+ shoe from a niche brand, the Nano Zero is a smart place to start.
- Great for Strength Workouts: If you want a shoe that you can seamlessly wear between heavy training sessions, light cross-training, and around town.
- Love Nanos: If you want to add to your Nano collection or you’ve gotten burned out on the Nano getting too narrow, the Nano Zero is worth revisiting. The wider toe box and less aggressive midfoot taper are welcome changes to the line.
Who Should Skip the Reebok Nano Zero?
- Not the Most Breathable: If your training is primarily focused on running or heavy cross-training, these might be a pass for you. The Flexweave upper can run pretty hot if you need a shoe for primarily cardio.
- Not Business Casual: If you care deeply about aesthetics and need a shoe for training and office wear, that giant “REEBOK” branding across the outsole could be a dealbreaker. Reebok went loud on that design choice, and it won’t be for everyone.
Fit and Sizing Suggestions
About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.
Fit Breakdown:
- Narrow (<D) Width Feet: True to size
- Medium (D) Width Feet: True to size
- E and EE Width Feet: True to size
- 3E and Up: Size up ½ size
For most athletes, the Nano Zero will fit true to size. If you’ve worn Reebok before, stick to your current size. The upper has enough volume to avoid feeling restrictive, even for higher arch or thicker instep athletes. The forefoot is comfortably wide without feeling boxy. There’s no aggressive taper, which is a win in the barefoot category.
Compared to similar models, the Nano Zero is a touch narrower than the Tolos Archetype 2.0 and slightly tighter through the midfoot than the Xero Prio. It’s fairly comparable to the Vivobarefoot Motus Strength, although some testers might find the Modus offers just a hair more width through the arch.
If you’re in the 3E+ width category or simply love maximum toe splay room, consider going up half a size for a better experience.
Performance Breakdown
For my testing and for transparency, I pushed these shoes heavily for lifting and cross-training. I did some light running in them and wore them A LOT for walking, at my Shop specifically, to assess comfort, breathability, and fit for all-day wear.
Solid for Strength Sessions: 8.6/10
Right out of the box, the Nano Zero felt planted and that’s exactly what you want from a barefoot-style lifting shoe. With a zero-drop platform and not overly cushioned midsole to compress under load, I liked how much the Nano Zero delivers a direct connection to the floor. Barbell lifts like deadlifts, squats, and strict presses benefit from that raw, grounded feel, especially when trying to root through the feet.
During deadlifts, I noticed a clear sense of stability, and the stack height isn’t super off-puttingly high, like I think many assume it will/would be. The outsole’s lugged rubber construction prevented any slippage for both conventional and sumo tugs. I also don’t think the lugs will wear down super quick. For beginners, barefoot shoe newbies, or general gym-goers, again, this shoe will be a solid option.
For machines and lifts on turf, the Nano Zero also did a good job from a grip and articulation context. It’s well-rounded and moves well enough to give it a nice flexibility for single-leg training. They kind of remind me of the Motus Strength if you want an idea about their flexibility and what it’s comparable to.
Solid Cross-Trainer: 8.3/10
Where the Nano Zero really surprised me was in its turf and conditioning performance. I ran it through heavy sled pushes and pulls, and some light agility drills, and the directional arrow tread earned its keep. The lugs gave reliable traction on turf during heavy sled work, something many barefoot shoes fail at due to overly minimalist or flat outsoles.
The upper moves with your foot during lateral cuts, and the gusseted tongue (with an added loop for extra security) kept things secure. That sock-like feel Reebok is pushing isn’t just marketing fluff. The shoe legitimately wraps the foot in a way that feels athletic, nimble, and unrestrictive. Props to the Flexweave for the lockdown while training.
Comfortable(ish) Daily Driver: 7.2/10
As a daily wear option, the Nano Zero is one of the more comfortable barefoot-style shoes I’ve worn as of late. The Flexweave upper breathes well, and the shoe disappears on your foot once you’re moving around. It’s light enough for long walks, comfortable for standing desk sessions, and sleek enough to pass as a normal gym sneaker if styled right.
That said, the outsole branding is loud. It’s a design choice that may appeal to some, but I found myself wishing Reebok had gone a bit more subtle with it, especially since everything else about the shoe feels so dialed in. Who knows? In a different colorway, it may not be as noticeable.
Construction and Materials
The Reebok Nano Zero is built with performance and flexibility in mind. Its foundation is a full-length rubber outsole featuring multidirectional lugs that provide surprising grip on turf, gym mats, and slicker indoor surfaces. The outsole wraps up on the forefoot, both medial and lateral sides, and heel for added durability.
The upper is crafted from Reebok’s Flexweave material, which delivers a comfortable, breathable, and adaptive fit. There’s enough give to allow natural foot expansion without feeling sloppy or loose, and the gusseted tongue design enhances midfoot lockdown during more aggressive training.
Reebok incorporates synthetic overlays across the forefoot, midfoot, and heel to give the shoe some structure without sacrificing its minimalist feel. While the overlays do add a bit of structure, the heel is still relatively soft, lacking the rigid cup some of its competitors feature. Consequently, the shoe relies more on fit and tension than molded support. This works well for athletes who want full ankle articulation, but those needing a more locked-in rearfoot might find it lacking.
The midfoot lacing system features five core eyelets and includes a tongue loop to keep things centered and secure during training. All of these elements add up to a shoe that feels intentionally built for barefoot-style training, not just a stripped-down Nano repackaged for trend-chasing.
Final Thoughts: Would I Buy Again?
The Reebok Nano Zero is a strong first entry into the barefoot training space from a major brand that could’ve easily played it safe. Reebok delivered a shoe that holds its own in a category dominated by smaller, more specialized players.
Is it perfect? No. The branding is over-the-top, the heel could use more structure for certain use cases, and it’s not quite as wide as some barefoot purists might like. But for $100, you’re getting a capable, zero-drop trainer that feels like it was actually designed for the demands of lifting and cross-training, not just a cash-grab.
If you’ve been curious about barefoot training but haven’t wanted to drop $150+ on a niche model, the Nano Zero is your invitation. It’s accessible, effective, and refreshingly straightforward, everything a good barefoot shoe should be, accessible, effective, and built to perform.
For now, Reebok has fired the first shot. We’ll be watching who follows. Nike, Adidas, Puma? Is Reebok’s entry into the barefoot game opening the floodgates for the other major players to jump in? And will this help or hurt the smaller brands that have specialized in barefoot shoes? I’d love to hear what you think.
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