The Reebok CrossFit Nano 9 is the newest version of the Nano CrossFit training shoe from Reebok.
It is designed for all the demands of the WOD – heavy weight lifting, short runs, jumps, rope climbs, or just about anything else.
Has Reebok improved on the really good Nano 8? That’s what we’ll review about here.
Best of all there are several great looking color options available now from Rogue Fitness and Road Runner Sports.
A lot of the great features of the previous shoe, the Nano 8, are carried over to the new model.
But there’s a multitude of improvements too – especially in comfort and versatility.
This shoe continues the extensive use of Reebok’s Flexweave – a material which provides lightweight support, breathability, and durability.
Reebok Nano 9 – Hands On Review on YouTube
Want a close-up look at the Nano 9? Check out our review from our YouTube channel:
Let’s take a look at what makes these shoes special.
Reebok Nano 9 – The Benefits of Flexweave
Take a look at the closeup above of the Nano 9. Flexweave is an innovative figure-8 weave that can interlock individual fibers. Thanks to Flexweave, the upper is a single-layer while still providing a supportive, controlled fit with higher and lower density zones – for durability and flexibility – precisely where it’s needed. In a versatile training shoe you need some areas to be rigid – and some to be flexible. At the same time you want the shoes to be light and breathable. Flexweave helps accomplish that.
The Nano 9 has an inner bootie for a very comfortable fit.
Minimal Drop For Stability
The Nano 9 has minimal heel to toe drop.
The heel to toe drop, or more simply the “drop”, is the difference in height between the heel and your toes.
You may notice that purpose built weightlifting shoes (“Lifters” like the Adidas Adipower and Nike Romaleos weightlifting shoes) have a very tall heel.
That helps make squatting with weights easier, but it also makes it an awkward experience for running, jumping, and anything else.
CrossFit shoes like the Nano 9 therefore eschew a big drop for a more modest rise from the toe to heel.
This makes the shoe far more versatile.
So, they don’t have a tall heel – but they do have a very solid heel and sole.
And that’s the most important part for heavy weightlifting.
You should not be squatting in running shoes for precisely this reason – there is simply too much cushion and your foot will sink too deep into the shoe.
The other big advantage to these shoes is they are lighter weight and more flexible than weightlifting shoes.
Flexibility for Movement
As we mentioned above, the Nano 9 is rigid enough for lifting big weights – but at the same time it’s got the flexibility and midsole cushioning needed to jump, run, or cut.
Regarding the fit – a low-cut design for freedom of movement and quicker transitions ensures you’ve got full ankle range of motion.
Meanwhile the flex grooves ensure the forefoot has the flexibility needed up front.
These shoes are relatively light – about 12 to mid-13 ounces – depending on size.
The Men’s Size 11 shown in this article weighs in at 13.6 ounces (for a single shoe.)
That means they’ve gained weight since the Nano 8 – which clocks in at 12.3 ounces for a Men’s size 11.
Bear in mind for all the things they add (the rubber protection wrap) the weight goes up.
Lastly, the toe box is wide for comfortable fit and powerful movements.
Reebok Nano 9 – Outsole
The outsole, or more simply the “sole”, is made from high abrasion rubber for traction.
In the closeup photo below, you can clearly see the forefoot flex grooves as well. You can also see from the side views presented earlier that the critical area needed for traction in rope climbs incorporates the sole material as well – for traction and durability.
In the top view below, you can see the wide toe box – for stability and power. The collar is also evident and has been improved for all day comfort in the new model.
Lastly, here’s the heel – it’s got a robust and rigid heel clip – for a stable and strong fit with a “locked-in” feel. Again – this is a shoe for lifting big weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reebok Nano 9
Can I run in my Reebok Nano 9?
Yes – Reebok claims the Nano 9 is the best CrossFit shoe for running yet – thanks to improved cushioning in the forefoot.
This helps for comfort while running, walking long distances, and for all-day wear.
With the wide toe box, the comfort of flexweave, and the increased cushioning – I can say these are even more comfortable for all day wear than the nano 8s.
Can I squat in my Reebok Nano 9?
Yes – you can.
With the minimal heel to toe drop (4 mm) there’s no significant heel raise – so you’ll need adequate flexibility in the ankles, but otherwise the rigid heel and midsole make this a great choice for squatting.
You’ll be able to handle heavy weights with stability in any squat style – low bar, high bar, front squat, goblet squat, etc.
Can I deadlift in my Reebok Nano 9?
Yes – a flat (minimum heel to toe drop) shoe that minimizes range of motion for the deadlift is always an excellent choice for the deadlift.
Again, the rigid and stable sole and mid-sole will ensure you can handle big weights without a stability issue.
How about the Oly lifts like the clean and snatch?
Yes – with the ankle flexibility caveat aside – these are good Oly lifting shoes. The rigidity means efficient power transfer – just what you need for the explosive lifts.
The Reebok Nano 9s are one pair of shoes that do it all for the WOD – lift, jump, run, climb.
Reebok Nano 9 vs Reebok Nano 8
Let’s focus in on what’s new and improved with the Reebok Nano 9, compared to last year’s model the Nano 8.
First of all, let me say that I love the Reebok Nano 8 shoe.
It is the most comfortable of the cross training shoes – it’s great for all day wear.
But, it is also a competent performer in the gym.
Reebok Nano 9 vs UnderArmour Tribase Reign
You may not be aware – but Under Armour makes a great cross training shoe.
It is called the tri-base reign.
Reebok Nano 9 vs Nike Metcon 4 XD
How does the Reebok Nano 9 fair against Nike’s cross training shoe – the Nike Metcon 4 XD?
Quite well.
Side by side, you can see they are similar in size.
As a consequence – they are close in weight too, but the Nike Metcon has a slight advantage.
That Nike Metcon 4 XD (Men’s Size 11) weighs in at 11.7 ounces, and the Reebok Nano 9 (same size) is about 12.8 ounces.
The Metcon 4 XD has a very thin, un-cushioned tongue. Not so the Nano 9 – the tongue has a lot of cushion to it.
You can see that both have a wide toe box – but the Nano has the wider toe box.
They are both also “low-rise” shoes – so they don’t interfere with mobility.
Both have high traction soles.
But, the Reebok Nano 9 has an advantage in off-road traction. There’s just a lot more grip in those deeper treads – as compared to the Nike.
Both have flex grooves in the sole, as you can see.
There are similarities you can’t see as well – both are great for weight lifting, but I’d give the Nike Metcon a slight advantage in that regard. It feels just a little bit more stable.
Having said that, the Reebok Nano 9 is more comfortable for all day wear, long bouts of standing, or walking.
Honestly, I’m happy with both – and I think you would be as well.
It’s really a choice regarding colors/styles, price, and availability.
Both are excellent CrossFit shoes.
Reebok Nano 9 vs Nike Metcon Sport
Let’s look at the Reebok Nano 9 as compared to Nike’s other new cross training shoe – the Nike Metcon Sport.
The obvious difference is that the Nike Metcon Sport is a slip fit shoe – there are no laces.
However, there is a midfoot strap on the Nike Metcon Sport.
They fit snugly, and once you lock down the velcro strap they are very secure.
The Reebok Nano 9 is a more traditional shoe with laces, of course.
Having said all that – the Reebok Nano 9 is a very comfortable shoe, as is the Nike Metcon Sport.
In my opinion it is the most comfortable of the Nike Metcon shoes.
Reebok Nano 9 vs Nike Metcon 5
The Nike Metcon 5 is now available – and finally we can do a head to head comparison.
You can read our full review here.
Reebok Nano 9 – In Summary
The Reebok Nano 9 is an evolution of an excellent cross training shoe.
It’s built for the demands of the WOD – which are various and intense.
If you liked the Reebok Nano 8 , you’ll definitely love the Nano 9.
It continues the trend of being the most comfortable cross training shoe.
Give these shoes a try for your next workout.
Reebok Nano 9 Photo Credits
- Reebok Nano 9 product photos are courtesy of Reebok
- We are a Reebok affiliate, if you purchase after clicking links in this article we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
- Some product imagery on this page is property of Rogue Fitness and provided by Rogue Fitness.
- This website is not affiliated or associated with CrossFit, Inc. CrossFit is a registered trademark of CrossFit, Inc.
Tim is the founder of FitAtMidlife.com – an avid gym rat for 30+ years, he’s a reviewer of many, many shoes – and founder of the Speed Bag Gathering – the world’s only gathering of speed bag punching enthusiasts. See more gym reviews at Tim’s YouTube channel.
I would add that my 45.5 that perfectly fit in the nano 8 and are tight in the nano 9, so I will order two more pairs in 46