How the Reebok Nano Transformed the Sport of Fitness

For a decade and a half, Reebok’s iconic cross-training shoe has been a staple of the fitness world.

I still remember the first time I walked into a CrossFit gym. The year was 2008. I was a college rower in London, Ontario, and we heard that CrossFit London had Concept 2 rowing machines.

The room was dominated by Converse All-Stars – "Chucks." “What’s going on here,” I thought. I later learned that, while not ideal, Chucks were most CrossFit enthusiast’s shoe of choice at the time because they had a flatter sole than a typical running shoe or cross-training shoe, which was helpful for weightlifting.

They weren’t great for CrossFit, but they were better than anything else available at the time, when most people had never heard of CrossFit, let alone developed a shoe for it.

The following year, a new shoe emerged that CrossFit athletes flocked to: Vibram Five Fingers. I bought myself a pair, wore them twice, and then had to throw them out because I couldn’t take the stench that was festering from wearing shoes without socks.

Three years into my CrossFit journey, Reebok came to the rescue and launched the first Reebok Nano, which became the official shoe of the 2011 CrossFit Games. Finally, a shoe specific for CrossFit.

And just like that, the Nano swept in, and by the end of 2011, you couldn’t even call yourself a CrossFit athlete if you didn’t own a pair of Nanos.

Reebok Nanos From 2011-2025

Since 2011, we have seen 14 more iterations of the Nano come to market.

• The Nano 2.0 was released in 2012, and it had a slightly wider toe box than the first model.
• The Nano 3.0 followed in 2013. It included a protective layer in the middle of the sole to prevent fraying from rope climbs.
• A year later, in 2014, the Nano 4.0 was released at the 2014 CrossFit Games, featuring a protective layer on the front of the shoe and an enhanced toe-wrap for more durability, as well as a more rigid sole for better grip and stability.

Since then, each new version of the Nano has continued to evolve alongside the sport itself, something Reebok is proud of.

“We’ve stayed relevant through our continued dedication to provide athletes with what they’re looking for — the sport has evolved, and so has the Nano franchise to give athletes the most elite training shoe on the market,” Tal Short, the product director at Reebok, said.

Although the CrossFit shoe market is much more competitive than it was in 2011, the Reebok Nano is still just as relevant as ever 15 years later.

The new Nano X5s, which are available for purchase today, feature a DualResponse midsole and decoupled MetaSplit outsole to enhance performance and provide support throughout any type of workout, whether it’s a heavy lift or a conditioning session. Other features of the new Nano X5 are performance comfort collars and a premium Flexweave upper that helps with protection, comfort, and breathability.

“The latest model truly pays homage to the iterations that came before it,” Short said, “[It takes lessons] and some fan-favorite features to create the latest Official Shoe of Fitness that sets a new industry standard.”**

Nanos at the CrossFit Games

As more and more brands started creating training shoes designed for CrossFit athletes, it’s worth noting that the original G.O.A.T — four-time individual and six-time team CrossFit Games champion Rich Froning — has always worn Nanos.

Worth noting: From 2014 to 2018, CrossFit mandated all athletes wear Reebok shoes at the Games, as they were the title sponsor. But even after they lifted this rule, the Nano continued to be worn by many of the athletes, including podium finishers.

The Big Picture

CrossFit athletes have a few things in common: We love measurable progress, we love to suffer together, and we have always taken our shoes seriously.

In 2011, Reebok changed the game and set a new standard in CrossFit footwear. This let us move away from the less-than-optimal shoe options at the time and provided us with a footwear solution that has allowed the sport to evolve to where it is today.

A decade-and-a-half ago, Reebok captured the hearts (and feet) of the entire CrossFit community, and it’s safe to say they still have a stronghold over both today.

The Reebok Nano X5 is now! Check out the launch colorways here.

FAQs

• Q: What is the Reebok Nano X5?
  A: The Reebok Nano X5 is the latest iteration of the iconic cross-training shoe, featuring a DualResponse midsole and decoupled MetaSplit outsole to enhance performance and provide support throughout any type of workout.
• Q: What are the key features of the Reebok Nano X5?
  A: The Reebok Nano X5 features performance comfort collars, a premium Flexweave upper, and a DualResponse midsole and decoupled MetaSplit outsole for enhanced performance and support.
• Q: Is the Reebok Nano X5 available for purchase?
  A: Yes, the Reebok Nano X5 is available for purchase today.