Review: Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0

This week we take a moment to review the newly updated Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0.

Item: Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0
Price: $140 USD or $179.99 AUD 
Retailer: Reebok 
Purchase: www.Reebok.com

I’m a Reebok CrossFit Nano girl through and through.

Since the first Nano was released I have religiously rushed to the stores with each new model, desperate to get my hands on the latest shoe.

There have been loves and likes, but with the exception of the Nano Uform, I’ve always gotten “that” feeling when I’ve put them on. That “these are the perfect shoes” feeling.

All previous versions of the Reebok CrossFit Nano, from the Nano 2.0, the Nano 3.0 and the 4.0 have admittedly been my favourite shoe for day-to-day use and all my CrossFit® WODs.

In terms of the improvements the Nano 5.0 boasts from previous versions, here is what Reebok say on thier website about the new shoe:

“Introducing our lightest, strongest, most innovative Nano yet. For the first time ever, the Nano’s mesh upper is infused with durable Kevlar® for elite-level abrasion protection. Plus, the entire midsole shape has been re-engineered to fit more precisely and support your foot better during heavy lifts. Don’t believe us? Put it to the WOD, and see for yourself.”

And in terms of some of the new specs in the 5.0, here they are:

• DuPont™ Kevlar® infused mesh upper for airflow and extreme durability
• CMEVA for better cushion and an anatomical heal and footbed for a secure fit
• Polyurethane NanoShell for an extra defense against midsole abrasion and support for the foot during heavy lifts
• RopePro carbon rubber to withstand demanding CrossFit maneuvers
• Raised outsole lug patterns for better surface area contact and improved traction
• 3MM heel drop platform for improved stability during any WOD

That marketing speak aside, the real question was, is there a noticable difference in comfort, performance and aesthetics in the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 that would make me choose over other Nano versions? Here’s what I think of the shoe after reviewing the Nano 5.0 for several months:

The Good

Design: I absolutely love the new design on the Nano 5.0. The graphics on the heel look tops and I’ve had countless people come up to me and say they love the new kicks. While I wouldn’t recommend the white and grey as, like most white shoes, they get grubby fast, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is an extremely nice looking shoe, and Reebok have certainly done a fine job in creating a number of great colours and designs for the shoe.

They’re Light!: Now, the Nano 4.0 actually weighs in a little lighter at 258g compared to the Nano 5’s 269g, but that’s still pretty damn light. Granted that weight difference could also come from the fact that the sizing is a little off, but more on that later.

I certainly haven’t noticed any added weight on my runs. Though I might use it as an excuse in future because I really don’t like to run. When you get right down to it though, they’re a damn light shoe, which is what you want in functional fitness workouts. You want to feel like there’s almost nothing on your feet when you fly through double unders or rebounding box jumps. While they might not be as light as some Inov-8 shoes on the market, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0’s certainly allow for that.

Great for rope climbs: For some reason (which could just be something unique to me) I’ve had to triple knot the laces on both my Nano 3s and Nano 4s when completing rope multiple rope climbs. Within a couple of trips up the rope my laces have been undone, which obviously costs precious seconds. But I’ve had no such issue with the Nano 5s. The grip on the sole, which is the same as earlier models, still works a treat and the laces stay done up – bonus!

Solid shoe for Olympic Lifting: I’ve never had a huge issue lifting in Nanos. The mostly flat inner sole and wide fit has meant I’m comfortable under a heavy squat or pulling a big deadlift. That trend has continued with the Nano 5.0. I’m yet to set a PR in them, and with a beautiful set of Reebok lifters signed by lifting legend Glenn Pendlay and CrossFit stars Chad Mackay and Amanda Allen, I’m unlikely to try.

But the reality is, I certainly won’t be running for my lifters during 95 per cent of workouts I do in my CrossFit gym, so having a shoe that’s great for Olympic Lifting, as well as gymnastics and running, is a huge bonus. The Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 offers exactly this. The shoe is not only efficient in gymnastics and cardio exercises, but also in heavy barbell lifting.

There’s enough stability through the Nano 5.0 that there’s no internal debate about Nanos or lifters for a heavy workout, which is pretty great.

Extra Support: There’s a little bit more arch support in the Nano 5.0 compared to the Nano 4.0, which means the shoe is actually a bit better to run in. I made the grave error of completing a 14km fun run in my Nano Uforms back in the day and greatly regretted it. I wouldn’t take the Nano 5.0’s out to run a marathon (nor would I take myself out for that matter), but I have had absolutely no arch or foot pain during 2km runs, 800m repeats, or when going on casual walks with my Savannah cat.

The Bad

The tongue: The Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 has removed the nice padded tongue on the shoe that all preceding models have had. Instead, it’s a just a synthetic, leather like material. With the right socks it’s not a problem, but if my socks start to slip down I do experience some rub on my ankle, which can be quite uncomfortable at times.

Size: I have bought a women’s size 8 in the last four Nano models, but for some bizarre reason that was too small this time around. I could feel almost immediate arch cramping and have had to get the 8.5. Not a huge issue, but if you’re buying online it’s an important one to note.

Conclusion

All in all, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is a fantastic shoe and ticks all the major boxes you would want it to if your are a functional fitness athlete. They’re light, great for Olympic Lifting, gymnastics, running, and they also come in a very slick new design with a range of great colours.

However, while the Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0 is a great shoe, I’m not totally in love with it like I have been with some previous models, like the 3.0.

While I will continue to wear, and enjoy wearing, my Reebok CrossFit Nano 5.0’s, i’d still rank the 3.0 slightly ahead of it. But that’s just a personal preference, both shoes are still fantastic.

The reality is, there’s almost nothing to complain about at all with the Nano 5.0 and I will definitely still be one of the first people in line for the Nano 6.0 when it’s released in 2016!