It has been a couple of weeks since I bought my Reeboks during an insomnia-fueled online shopping binge and I have now worn them through about 10 WODS. I have lifted, box jumped, and done most of the common Crossfit movements. Well, I really love these shoes. They fit my feet a little better than my Inov8 195s (in the toe box and length) and feel more like a shoe, in the fact that I know they are there. They have provided great stability, yet that have really nice flexibility (especially for box jumps and pushups). I feel secure to the ground during lifting and have not felt like I am going to fall forward at all.
They also seem to be holding up well. I know my fair share about athletic footwear (having sold sneakers throughout high school) and feel these are better made than the Inov8s. That is just my opinion, but I feel Inov8 has good design ideas, but their materials are not the best quality. The Reeboks probably win the quality debate between the two. Also, the Reeboks look cool and have some standout colors available (I bought red, but also really like the yellow ones, too). They also held up very well during some rope climbs and just seem to be a great trainer that is close to barefoot, but still gives the proper platform I am looking for in a trainer.
One cool thing was the UForm technology that gives the shoes a “custom” fit. You shoot some heat into the shoes with a blow-dryer until the little UForm label on the shoes turn red. Next you step in and lace them up and then sit down for 10 minutes. At this point the material on the sides sort of forms to your foot shape a little better than out of the box. Maybe this is just a gimmick, but I did feel a slight difference post-UForming it up. I must have looked crazy performing this procedure since i also ordered a Crossfit beanie with my new sneaks and wore that in the bathroom while I was blow-drying the shoes. I think I was sweating, but didn’t want to take my new hat off. You can perform this amazing feat of science as many times as you wish over the life of your Reeboks. Fun stuff.
To sum up my review, I think the Reebok Crossfit Nanos are a great entry into the Crossfit-specific footwear market and I highly recommend them. Maybe more companies will take notice that Crossfitters are very dedicated to their sport and are willing to shell out the extra dollars for items specific to our trade. I have heard some people bash Reebok as of late, but I commend them for taking a vested interest in Crossfit and for building an actual line of footwear and apparel catering to the sport.
