Reebok Nano X5 review: Is this Reebok’s best all-round gym trainer yet?

Reebok’s been cranking out some of the best workout shoes for over a decade now and the Nano series has been at the forefront, and is now known as a staple for gym-goers everywhere.

Originally built as the first official CrossFit shoe, the Nano made a name for itself by being tough, supportive and ready for just about any kind of training you threw at it. And while the CrossFit partnership might be history, fifteen years on, the Nano lineup is still going strong.

Enter the Reebok Nano X5, the latest version of the popular workout shoe, which promises better versatility, more cushioning and a tweaked design to keep lifters, HIIT lovers, and everyday gym rats happy. But here’s the thing: not every upgrade is a crowd-pleaser. Some fitness purists weren’t thrilled with recent changes, claiming newer Nano shoes lost that solid, locked-in feel that made the originals so good.

And let’s not forget the competition. As always, Nike’s Metcon series is a serious contender, and brands like TYR and Nobull are making waves too. So, does the Nano X5 still hold its ground? Or has Reebok strayed too far from what made these shoes great?

I’ve spent the past few weeks testing the Nano X5 across a mix of workouts - including squash, HIIT, weight training and sprints - to find out. Here’s what I found.

Reebok Nano X5 review: Price and availability

The Reebok Nano X5 launched globally on 24 January 2025, priced from £125/$140/AU$220. While they’re available on the official Reebok store in the US, they don’t seem to be available on the Reebok UK store at the time of writing, so it might be that there’s a slight delay with European availability. However, online retailer Dressinn currently has them listed at £79.99 (but with a three-week wait for shipping).

Despite that, the Nano X5 is certainly not cheap, sitting at the premium end of the market, but it competes well against rivals like the Nike Metcon 9 and Nobull Trainer.

Available in men’s and women’s options with a variety of colourways, it should be easy to find a pair of these kicks design that fits your vibe once they are available in your region.

If you’re upgrading from previous Nanos, you’ll be glad to know the sizing is consistent, though the X5 is roomier overall. First-time buyers may want to try them in-store to ensure you get the perfect fit.

Reebok Nano X5 review: Design and fit

Straight out of the box, the Reebok Nano X5 impresses with its bold silhouette and premium feel. My review pair came in the White/Black/Energy Red colourway, which is eye-catching but in a subtle way. The vibrant accents on the sole give it a modern, sporty edge, while the overall design feels sleek and refined.

What’s great here is that it gets the balance right between being stylish but also functional, made all the better with some updates over predecessors that make it generally more comfortable and versatile. The big upgrade is the Flexweave upper, which incorporates Kevlar-infused mesh for— what Reebok claims— adds durability, flexibility and breathability.

I do feel that this new upper makes the Nano X5 far more lightweight compared to the Nano X4, which felt stiffer and less forgiving during dynamic movements. The toe box is roomier too, which allows for better toe splay during lifts and agility work, ideal for anyone with wider feet.

Despite the improvements, there are some quirks. The fit around the ankle can feel a bit loose, especially if you skip using the extra eyelet for lacing. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s worth noting if you need snug ankle support during lateral movements or jumps.

The good news is that Reebok has kept the design details that made the X4 so good. For example, the 7mm heel-to-toe drop is unchanged, offering that same stable base that suits heavy lifting while remaining comfortable enough for HIIT sessions and short sprints. The outsole is also nice and grippy, feeling secure, which makes it ideal for activities like box jumps or rope climbs.

Overall, the Nano X5 delivers a top-class mix of comfort and performance, with a fit that feels more forgiving than previous models. While I feel it leans slightly towards being more of a lifting shoe, the updates to flexibility and fit make it flexible enough for various gym workouts. Just be mindful of that slightly loose ankle fit.

Reebok Nano X5 review: Performance and comfort

When it comes to performance, I’d go as far as saying Reebok has nailed the balance between stability and flexibility in the Nano X5. It’s cobbled a shoe that feels right at home during heavy lifts, dynamic movements, but also everything in between. Here’s why.

When it comes to lifting, the DUALRESPONSE midsole— which Reebok says is a “zoned” foam that’s “cushioned and more responsive in the forefoot, while firmer and more stable in the rear”— does a solid job of keeping you stable under heavy weight without feeling too squishy. Whether you’re doing squats, deadlifts or presses, the Nano X5 holds firm, and the 7mm heel-to-toe drop gives just enough lift to keep you in a strong position.

I also found it worked well for HIIT and other high-impact sports, like squash. Lunges, jumps, squats, burpees, short sprints all felt smooth and snappy, which was probably down to the flexible midsole and updated outsole which has been designed to grip and move naturally in any direction.

That said, The Nano X5 is not exactly perfect. Short sprints or quick treadmill bursts are fine, but for longer runs? Not so much. The firm sole and flat base isn’t the best for pure cardio sessions. It’s a great all-rounder for gym training, but if you’re mixing in serious mileage, you’ll want a dedicated running shoe.

Still, it’s an extremely comfortable shoe overall, and I found that it certainly delivered where it mattered. It’s flexible and grippy, making it a great pick for anyone who wants a shoe that can handle lifting and high-intensity workouts while not feeling like they’re locked into a stiff show made exactly for that.

Reebok Nano X5 review: Verdict

The Nano X5 is, without doubt, another top contender from Reebok and would suit anyone in the market for a good, all-round gym shoe that can handle most types of exercise. With improved flexibility, brilliant stability and a more accommodating fit over predecessors, it’s a step forward for the Nano series and one of the best training shoes Reebok has produced, in my opinion.

Sure, the looser ankle fit and lack of running performance might not be ideal, but I wouldn’t let that put you off, especially if you’re looking for a true all-rounder. Most gym-focused shoes aren’t suitable for distance running anyway. So, if it’s a shoe that excels in strength training, HIIT and functional fitness that you’re after, the X5 is the one for you.

At £125, the Nano X5 aren’t exactly cheap, but it’s an investment that will likely pay off for gym-goers who want a shoe that’s as reliable as it is stylish. If you’re serious about your training, the Nano X5 is well worth a spot in your gym bag. If, however, you do require a shoe that is suitable for heavy lifts, HIIT, and clocking up extra miles comfortably, check out the R.A.D V2.