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We live in a world made up primarily of swooshes and stripes, but Reebok’s Nano cross-training shoe, originally launched in 2011, has amassed huge success and an incredibly dedicated following despite featuring neither.
We at InsideHook have been fans of the Reebok Nano as far back as the 8, and we especially loved the recent Nano X. The sleek design, low profile and surprising flexibility helped win us over, but what we love most about it is its versatility. You can lift heavy weights and not fear death by the barbell in the shoe. You can pilates your way to a six-pack. You can wind sprint, shadowbox, or battle rope. The Nano line sits at the center of the comfort-responsiveness-durability Venn diagram.
And now, Reebok is once again trying to improve on its calculations with the new Reebok Nano X2 Adventure, the latest arrival in cross-trainer’s ever-growing family tree.
Design and Materials
The Nano X2 Adventure seeks to capitalize on the incredible versatility of the Nano line by tackling a new space: the great outdoors. Incorporating new features fine-tuned for elemental wear and tear, like a rugged, lugged outsole and an all-new nylon-blend upper, the heritage sportswear brand is looking to add hiking, trail running and other outdoor-inspired activities to the list of suitable use-cases for the shoe.
Testing
To fully put Reebok’s newest trainer through it’s paces, I tried to replicate an authentic Nano experience — basically, I tried a bit of everything. For me, that meant incorporating the X2 into the variety of training, running and other active pursuits I partake in. Over the course of two weeks, I’ve sprinted, stretched, jumped-roped, dog parked, biked and even carted and AC down two flights of stairs in Nano X2 Adventure — to overwhelmingly positive results. The trainer has held up exceptionally well, with nary a scratch on the new nylon-blend upper, and the support, especially when dynamic movement is involved, is through the roof. The new lugged sole was more or less a non-factor for my training purposes; it was much appreciated on loose gravel, but it didn’t impede on any of my activities.
It’s worth noting that, like the Nano models before it, the X2 Adventure is not a running shoe, something I had to learn the hard way. While the footwear incorporates Reebok’s highly underrated Floatride Energy Foam into its midsole, these trainers are not suitable for logging heavy miles. A foot full of blisters can attest to the fact that the cushioning and bounce needed for serious milage isn’t present in the Nano X2 Adventure. I’ll also note that while the shoe functioned just fine on grass, gravel and dirt, I’m skeptical of their tactile usage in truly extreme conditions. Hiking boots or waterproof footwear these are not.
What We Like
- Versatility: The Nano X2 Adventure, much like its previous iterations, is as multi-functional as they come: the shoe’s flexible construction lends itself to HIIT-style movement, the cushy Floatride Energy Foam feels ideal for uneven trail treks, and the reinforced upper is durable enough for the paces of a hard workout.
- Reinforced Upper: Speaking of upper, the X2 Adventure utilizes new Ripstop Nylon for its upper; if our testing is any indication, it’ll be able to take a beating, and even better, the materially was surprisingly void of the typical stiffness and clamminess of nylon.
- Lugged Outsole: A solid, plastic-braced outsole, complete with treaded ribs, mean that loose gravel (and hopefully, muddy trails) aren’t a workout deterrent.
- Fit: Wider toe box, a true to size fit; I had zero complaints about the fit of the Nano 2X Adventure, even as a chronic wide-footed guy.
What We Don’t
- Weight: Our biggest complaint with the X2 Adventure is its general heft — the lug sole and solid base understandably add a few oz. to the trainer. For those used to the featherweight of marathoning super shoes and barefoot-esque runners, the Nano X2 will undoubtedly feel a bit sluggish.
- Breathability: While it wasn’t a major issue, the reduced breathability factor of a reinforced nylon upper, especially in the current heat wave, makes for a less than ideal choice for serious dog days training. Also, for those put off by large tongues, beware — the X2’s is particularly thick.
- Rigidity: If you’re thinking about snagging a pair of Nano X2s, you should know what you’re getting to — the shoe may be flexible overall, but the baseplate is rigid as hell. Optimal for uncertain terrain, slippy trails intense workouts outside, certainly, but not the most natural thing to spend a causal day walking around in.
Should You Buy It?
The Nano line continues to prove that Reebok can hang with the likes of Nike and Adidas when it comes to their multi-use, innovative trainers, and the X2 Adventure is no exception. The newest cross-trainer is an incredibly solid investment for any average joe looking for a do-it-all training shoe at a reasonable price, especially those inclined to the great outdoors. With fall a stone’s throw away, this is the right workout shoe upgrade at just the right time.
The Reebok Nano X2 Adventure retails at $140 and releases August 18 at Reebok’s website and select locations — members can unlock early access via a simple sign-up process.
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