Review

Reebok Nano 9 Shoe Review

Reebok Nano 9 In Box

Introduction:

So I finally took the plunge and invested in a pair of Reebok Nano 9 training shoes!

My strength training routine has really been dialed in lately and I find myself pretty committed. Before I used to see weight training as a chore to supplement my running and to try and prevent injury. As I’m starting to enjoy lifting a bit more, I decided to get a pair of training shoes. Eventually, I would also like to attend some lifting and Crossfit sessions, so having the right shoes is a must.

All of my strength and conditioning sessions at the moment are done in my home gym so I train in my socks. Another reason for wanting training shoes for at home was due to having a near accident recently when my foot slipped on the mat due to my socks having no grip.

I did a lot of reading and checking reviews on YouTube as I was torn between the Nike Metcon 5 and the Reebok Nano 9. I’m more of a Nike person so I was really tempted by the Metcons, but read a few reviews that mentioned durability issues. These issues, along with the fact that I couldn’t find a good deal on a pair in a colourway that I liked, led me to the Reebok Nano 9.

I managed to snag a pair for £55 as I got an extra 10% discount and free delivery (should have been £59.95 at the time).

First Impressions:

Styling wise I do prefer the look of the Metcon 5s. That isn’t to say that the Reebok Nano 9 is a bad looking shoe. I’m personally just not a fan of the traditional Reebok logo. I prefer the Delta logo that they had been using recently, especially on the Nano 8s.

I wasn’t sure whether to go with the all black colourway or the “Primal Red”. In the end, the decision was made for me as they didn’t have my size in the black!

My first impression was actually of the shoe box itself. Even though it arrived a little beaten up, I just really liked the box! I’m used to getting the orange boxes from Nike. My last shoe purchase from Reebok was in a rather boring brown box (not reviewed these yet!). I love the colour red anyway, but I liked the Delta logo, slogan and the addition of the Crossfit writing below.

Reebok Nano 9 Box

 

To be honest, I think the Reebok Nano 9 looks better in person than the online images. It can be hard to tell what shade of red is going to arrive. Sometimes it tends to be a more pink or orange colour than red, but luckily that wasn’t the case here! The tips of the laces are also red, which weren’t shown on the photos, so I thought that was a nice touch.

Reebok Nano 9

Sizing:

I read a lot about the Reebok Nano 9 being a bit big. The Sportsshoes website also recommended going half a size down than usual. After having to return my Reebok Floatride Energy running shoes as they were a bit too big, I aired on the side of caution and went for a size 5.5. With Nike I usually go with a size 6 or 6.5 depending on the amount of cushioning and upper material.

Size 5.5 seems just right. I still have enough room in the toe box but my foot feels stable with no slippage. For extra stability I have been lacing up using the top eyelet on either side.

Performance:

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the Reebok Nano 9. When I used to go to a commercial gym, I’d tend to just keep my running shoes on. I’d only really use the weight machines as I didn’t feel comfortable in the free weight area. Lifting in running shoes is far from ideal due to the cushioning, but as mentioned above, I lift in socks at home.

I have worn the Reebok Nano 9 now for a few of my strength training sessions, and definitely feel more stable during my lifts. Before purchasing, I did consider getting some dedicated lifting shoes with an elevated heel. After doing some reading, I discovered that these types of shoe weren’t too versatile. They also shouldn’t really be worn for deadlifts as they alter your form. The Reebok Nano 9 doesn’t have an elevated heel, but still offer stability that is often sought after in a lifting shoe. My feet feel locked down and secure. I have no more worries about my foot slipping and me ending up on the floor injured!

Even when training at home, I prefer wearing the Reebok Nano 9. It’s nice to have a stable feel underfoot during “heavy” lifts. The grip is also reassuring for movements where I feel my foot may slide in socks. The soles aren’t overly hard, but also aren’t cushioned like my running shoes. I feel like I could load up a lot of weight and the sole wouldn’t compress. The heel drop is also lower than my standard running shoes which helps it feel more like barefoot lifting.

I did wonder how the shoes would feel when doing push ups. With the bottom being more rigid and stable than my usual trainers, and a lot bulkier than being barefoot, I wasn’t sure how well the toe box would flex. It turns out that push ups are fine in them, as are burpees and any other plyometric movement I have tried so far. The sole flexes enough to carry out the required range of motion. It’s also soft enough that jumping doesn’t feel uncomfortable.

Some of the reviews I found prior to purchasing stated that the Reebok Nano 9 wasn’t as comfortable as the Nano 8s. I actually find this hard to believe! The 9s are a lot more comfortable than I was expecting for such a flat and low drop shoe. I feel like I could wear these as general shoes for day to day usage without issues.

Rotation:

Since I have a lot of shoes (mostly running shoes!), I’ll be using the Reebok Nano 9 purely for strength training at home. The idea is to also use them for weightlifting and Crossfit classes.

I haven’t tried them for running, but I feel like I could do some light treadmill running with them.  Really this would be ideal f I was to go to a gym and wanted to warm up or cool down on the treadmill without taking two pairs of trainers. It’s nice to have that versatility or option.

Conclusion:

To be honest, I didn’t really need a training shoe. Most of my training occurs at home. This means that I’m free to wear whatever I like and train in socks! Still, I purchased the Reebok Nano 9 for extra grip and stability. I also hoped that buying them would make me more likely to attend a weightlifting or Crossfit class! That’s something that we’ll have to see about, but the shoes have impressed me regardless. They are stable, grippy, and actually really comfortable.

For me personally, I wouldn’t be able to justify the RRP of £99.99. However, if you are someone who trains at a commercial gym or Crossfit box regularly, then I could see the need. Plus you can usually find them discounted and a lot cheaper than similar shoes from competitors. Reebok offer a decent student discount directly through their website too.

You can check these out on Amazon here.

5 Stars

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