In 2010, CrossFit and fitness retail giant Reebok announced a 10-year partnership in which Reebok would be the official provider of licensed CrossFit footwear and apparel through the year 2020. Reebok’s dove head-first into fitness as a sport, releasing a new shoe line, the CrossFit Nano, for participants focusing on this young sport.
Eight years later, this shoe line is the pillar of specialized footwear and has few competitors in the space. Stay tuned for future articles on the Nike Metcon and the works of NoBull Project.
Here’s a brief history of the Reebok CrossFit Nano shoe line, each version’s features, and what to expect in the future.
Reebok CrossFit Nano
Weight: 8.8oz
On the heels of announcing a partnership to become the official provider of licensed CrossFit footwear and apparel in 2011, Reebok released the Nano. This new shoe line was designed to support athletes through high-impact movements like weightlifting, gymnastics, and short-distance running. One of the primary qualities of the shoe was a spacious toe box and grips for the purpose of rope climb activities.
Where to Buy: No Longer Available. Check out the CrossFit Speed TR.
Reebok Nano 2.0 CrossFit Shoe
Weight: 8.8oz
The second edition of the Reebok Nano, the Reebok Nano 2.0 was released in 2012 with an even wider toe box than the first generation of the shoe. This was to allow the athlete’s foot to splay more naturally during wear and maximize the level of stability provided to the wearer. The 2.0 was included in Men’s Fitness magazine’s list of 15 New Products to Improve Your Daily Workout.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Reebok Nano 3.0 CrossFit Shoe
Weight: 9.6oz
The third Nano released in a three-year period, the Nano 3.0 was released in 2013 with some new innovations. A protective layer in the midsole prevented fraying caused by rope climbs, forefoot cushioning and heel stabilization were provided through a dual density platform, and the same great wide toe box and midsole were brought back for lift stability. This was the first CrossFit shoe with Reebok’s DuraCage construction, which added some extra protection and lightweight support.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Reebok Nano 4.0 CrossFit Shoe
Weight: 9.6oz
Released during the 2014 CrossFit Games, the Reebok Nano 4.0 bought back DuraCage protection layer and introduced an enhanced toe-wrap for durability. The more rigid sole provided more grip and stability than the previous Nano, Nano 2.0, and Nano 3.0 models.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Reebok Nano 5.0 CrossFit Shoe
Weight: 9.6oz
In a word: Kevlar. DuPont provided Kevlar to Reebok to infuse into the mesh upper of the shoe, increasing airflow and durability.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Reebok Nano 6.0 CrossFit Shoe
Weight: 9.7oz
Considered great multi-purpose shoe, the Reebok Nano 6.0 brought back a low-cut design for freedom of motion and quicker transitions, a lug pattern on the rubber outsole for traction, mid-foot teeth for better shoe grip during rope climbs, and has been brought back for special releases.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Reebok Nano 7.0 CrossFit Shoe
Weight: 10oz
Strength and rigidity was a focus of the Reebok Nano 7.0. Maintaining the NanoWeave technology for upper comfort and breathability, a 360-degree heel wrap was built to really feel like your foot was locked into your shoe and a 4mm heel-to-toe drop positioned the wearer for better running and weight-forward balance.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Reebok Nano 8.0 Flexweave™ CrossFit Shoe
Weight: 10oz
Flexweave Technology replaced NanoWeave by using woven fibers in a figure-8 pattern to create a stronger, more flexible upper on the shoe. The Nano 8.0 used a new heel bootie build to provide better performance comfort. The focus of the shoe was much more on traction, mobility, flexibility, and lightness.
Where to Buy: Amazon
Reebok Nano 9.0 CrossFit Shoe
Follow our updates on the upcoming Reebok Nano 9.0 release here.
Weight: TBA
Reebok is on a cadence of releasing a new version of the Nano every year. Following this trend, we would normally expect the Reebok Nano 9.0 to be announced by the end of 2018. While we’re now into December and the Nano 9.0 hasn’t been announced, we’re still expecting something new and exciting from Reebok soon. In the meantime, check out the new Reebok Froning One (RF1)
