5 Best Reebok Functional Fitness Shoes in 2024
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
Functional fitness is both mentally and physically demanding, consisting of Olympic lifting, weightlifting, cardio, and gymnastics movements. These exercises are often combined to make intense sequences that involve little rest periods and timed challenges.
I’ve reviewed the Best Reebok fitness shoes available to buy online. I’ve broken down each of my shoe choices according to the most important factors that help them to last and lead to improved performance in training and competition.
Let’s take a look at my top 5 choices in more detail below:
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Reebok Nano X2 Training Shoes.
The Nano X2’s upper is made of flexweave knit material that offers increased breathability and ventilation. With this, you don’t need to worry about sweating when wearing the Nano X2’s.
Top 5 Best Reebok Fitness Shoes Reviewed
- Reebok Nano X2 Men’s Training Shoes — Top Pick
- Reebok Nano X3 Shoes — Runner-Up
- Reebok Nanoflex TR 2.0 Men’s Training Shoes
- Reebok Lifter PR II Men’s Weightlifting Shoes
- Reebok Legacy Lifter II Women’s Shoes — Best for Olympic Lifting
Product | Total | Stability | Materials | Versatility | Durability | Breathability | Grip |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nano X2 | 59 | 10 | 10 | 9..5 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 |
Nano X3 | 58.5 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9.5 |
Nanoflex TR 2.0 | 56 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9 |
Lifter PR II | 55.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9 |
Legacy Lifter II | 55.5 | 9.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 | 9 | 9.5 |
Founded in 1958, Reebok is globally known as an American fitness and footwear company that specializes in athletic apparel. The brand aims to produce revolutionary health and fitness gear to improve your overall lifestyle and sports performance.
They manufacture and sell a huge product range which includes functional fitness shoes, lifting shoes, and sports trainers. Their apparel range includes hats, tops, bottoms, and compression clothing.
Reebok is well-known for having a 10-year deal with the functional fitness games that ran from 2011-2020. They were the official apparel and footwear supplier of the functional fitness games, meaning their gear has been well-tested at the highest level by multiple elite fitness athletes.
1. Reebok Nano X2 Training Shoes — Top Pick
- Heel Lift Height: 7 mm
- Sole Material: Rubber Outsole
- Upper Material: Flexweave Knit
- Sizing: Runs Large
- Weight: 10.2 oz (Mens), 8.3 oz (Womens)
The Reebok Nano brand launched in 2011 and has become a household name in the fitness community ever since. The Nano X2 shoes are the upgraded versions of the Nano X1’s with some extra features that I’ll get into below.
At first glance, they have many of the same features Nano wearers love but with a different, more durable material design with Reebok taking on board previous Nano reviews.
The Nano X2’s upper is made of flexweave knit material that offers increased breathability and ventilation. With this, you don’t need to worry about sweating when wearing the Nano X2’s. The midsole features Reebok’s Floatride Energy Foam which gives you added flexibility for running and jumping movements. This does make the Nano X2 shoes softer compared to standard weightlifting shoes.
The Nano X2 shoes keep the same 7 mm heel drop as the original Nano’s. This provides a great heel lift for the Olympic fitness movements without taking too much feel away from the floor.
Other original shoe features added by Reebok include a slimmer shoe profile and inside shoe cushioning, increasing lifter comfort and preventing unwanted blisters or scratches.
The toe box is fairly wide in the Nano X2 shoes, which means they may not be suitable for lifters with smaller feet. This can however be combated by wearing thicker socks when lifting.
The midsole features Reebok’s Floatride Energy Foam which gives you added flexibility for running and jumping movements.
Positives:
Could be better:
2. Reebok Nano X3 Shoes — Runner Up
- Heel Lift Height: 7 mm
- Sole Material: Rubber Outsole
- Upper Material: Flexweave Woven Textile Upper
- Sizing: Regular Fit
- Weight:12 oz (Size 9)
Coming a close runner-up are the newer versions of the Nano X2 shoes that are in the top spot. Whilst they do have some added features, I'm still going with the Nano X2’s as my top pick choice.
The Nano X3 shoes were released recently meaning they are still fairly new to the fitness lifting world. This could also be one of the reasons why they haven't quite passed the Nano X2’s yet, with people still waiting to purchase some new shoes or needing time to try them out more.
Compared to the X2 shoes, the Nano X3’s features new midsole technology that's patented by Reebok. It’s known as the LAR Chassis System which helps to support running and moving more than any of the previous Nano versions. Even with this, it still provides great shock absorption whilst not taking too much energy transfer away from the floor.
Other new features include a new tread pattern on the shoe outsole that's meant to increase grip compared to older models, and an updated heel clip and shape.
The upper portion of the Nano X3 shoes is the same as the X2’s, using breathable Flexweave fabric to keep your feet cool. The Heel lift also stays the same at 7 mm providing excellent support and increased mobility.
The upper portion of the Nano X3 shoes is the same as the X2’s, using breathable Flexweave fabric to keep your feet cool. The Heel lift also stays the same at 7 mm providing excellent support and increased mobility.
Positives:
Could be better:
3. Reebok Nanoflex TR 2.0 Men’s Training Shoes
- Heel Lift Height: 7 mm
- Sole Material: Rubber Outsole
- Upper Material: Breathable Mesh
- Sizing: Regular Fit
- Weight: 10 oz
The Nanoflex TR 2.0 shoes are Reebok’s budget-friendly version of the Nano shoes. They are well suited for most types of fitness workouts with a similar look to the Nano shoes without some of the added features.
In terms of construction, the Nanoflex shoes feature a meshed upper portion that gives you good airflow throughout your workout session and helps to combat moisture build-up.
The EVA Foam midsole features cushioning that gives you more arch support compared to normal fitness shoes, with the flex grooves on the rubber outsole helping to maintain a full range of motion when moving.
The 7 mm heel lift height is the same as the other more expensive shoe versions above, with a TPU heel clip and cage that promotes shoe stability and prevents them from rubbing your feet.
Reebok’s Nanoflex TR 2.0 shoes feature a basic design and construction but make an excellent budget fitness shoe choice that might suit beginner lifters or people who want to try a heel lift out for the first time.
Reebok’s Nanoflex TR 2.0 shoes feature a basic design and construction but make an excellent budget fitness shoe choice that might suit beginner lifters or people who want to try a heel lift out for the first time.
Positives:
Could be better:
4. Reebok Lifter PR II Men’s Weightlifting Shoes
- Heel Lift Height: 15 mm
- Sole Material: Rubber Outsole
- Upper Material: Breathable Textile Upper
- Sizing: Regular Fit
- Weight: 12.9 oz (Size 10)
The Reebok Lifter PR II shoes offer a great mid-range pair of Reebok men’s cross training shoes, with a bigger heel height of 15 mm. Whilst this is still small compared to weightlifting shoes, it's the largest heel lift out of my top 5 fitness shoe options. This makes the Lifter PR II shoes well-suited for fitness lifters who really struggle with ankle mobility and need the bigger heel height these shoes offer.
Compared to Reebok’s Lifter PR I shoes, the PR II’s have some upgraded design features that make them stand out. The thicker hook and loop closure strap wraps around the middle of the shoes, with the lace-up system helping to keep the shoes firmly secured against your feet.
The low-cut shoe design combined with the breathable textile upper helps moisture escape and increases ankle range of motion when moving around. The EVA Foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning whilst the durable rubber outsole performs well under repeated fitness impacts.
The low-cut shoe design combined with the breathable textile upper helps moisture escape and increases ankle range of motion when moving around.
Positives:
Could be better:
5. Reebok Legacy Lifter II Women's Shoes — Best for Olympic Lifting
UPDATE! Here's a new model - Reebok Legacy Lifter III that can become a true discovery for those who are fans of the Legacy Lifter model, or their Lifters II are already out.
Despite the model has lots in common with the Legacy Lifter II, it has a novelty - the pump technology which can be useful for enlarging the volume of the tongue. This feature can benefit athletes with narrow feet by bringing better support and security, so the shoes hug the feet wholly.
In terms of construction, the textile upper material is breathable allowing good airflow through the shoes. The antimicrobial shoe lining helps to further reduce shoe temperature and unwanted odor when lifting regularly. Furthermore, the foam lining with padding around the Achilles area adds to the overall comfort of the shoes.
- Heel Lift Height: 22 mm
- Sole Material: Grip Rubber
- Upper Material: Textile
- Sizing: True to Size
- Weight: 20.6 oz
With a heel lift of 22 mm, the Legacy Lifter II shoes are perfect for Olympic lifting to help increase ankle range of motion and promote correct technique. The TPU heel offers excellent durability, with the harder material allowing you to generate the maximum force into the ground.
The patterned rubber outsole provides the grip needed to keep your confidence high when lifting without worrying about slipping around. Another fantastic design feature Reebok has included is the removable strap, allowing you to loosen or tighten the shoes as you need.
The antimicrobial shoe lining helps to further reduce shoe temperature and unwanted odor when lifting regularly.
Positives:
Could be better:
Why Get Reebok Functional Fitness Shoes?
Purchasing a pair of Reebok cross training shoes has multiple benefits which include:
1. Performance
One of the biggest benefits of purchasing Reebok cross trainers is the amount of elite-level testing the shoes have gone through. As Reebok was the official sponsor of the functional fitness games for 10 years, their products have been used, reviewed, and adjusted to make excellent products that are proven to aid in performance.
Reebok fitness shoes promote a better lifting position which helps to improve overall biomechanics, prevent injury and lead to better performance. This increase in mobility helps to promote better training and allows you to focus on technique rather than just ankle mobility, improving your fitness lifts.
2. Durability
Reebok is well-known for producing durable fitnessshoes that have a breathable textile upper, foam cushioning, and a grippy rubber outsole that stands up to repeated wear and tear.
The breathable textile upper allows your feet to breathe when lifting, preventing unwanted moisture build-up and keeping your feet odor free. The foam cushioning provides good shock absorption for dynamic lifts and the rubber outsoles stand up to repeated, intense impact without breaking down over a long period of time.
3. Biomechanics
Two huge benefits of wearing Reebok shoes for fitness are the variety in heel drop and the amount of cushioning used in the shoe design. If you lift in shoes with too little cushioning, high-impact functional fitness movements can become painful when repeated over a short time period. If the shoes have too much cushioning, you may lose too much contact with the ground, impacting power generation and negatively affecting performance.
Reebok functional fitness Shoes are designed with an excellent balance between cushioning and support, making them great for the wide range of movements involved in functional fitness.
Heel drop refers to how far the shoe heel is raised off the ground in relation to the height of your toes. For most functional fitness movements, a slightly raised heel drop seems to be the best option unless you specialize in certain movements. Reebok designs a lot of their shoes using a 4 mm heel drop, striking a good mix between cushioning and balance.
4. Wide Toe Box
One of the benefits of using Reebok functional fitness shoes is the amount of toe box room offered. If the toe box is too narrow, moving around can feel incredibly uncomfortable whilst too much toe box room will make you feel like you’re losing shoe support.
Functional fitness Reebok shoes offer enough room to move your toes around without taking away from the foot support, therefore making them ideal for dynamic functional fitness movements.
Tips From the Champ
One of the biggest benefits of purchasing Reebok cross trainers is the amount of elite-level testing the shoes have gone through. As Reebok was the official sponsor of the functional fitness games for 10 years, their products have been used, reviewed, and adjusted to make excellent products that are proven to aid in performance.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
How to Choose the best Reebok Functional Fitness Shoes?
When considering the best Reebok shoes for functional fitness, these are just some of the most important factors to think about:
1. Construction Quality
With functional fitness consisting of multiple dynamic movements performed in quick succession, the construction quality of any Reebok shoe you choose needs to be on point.
In terms of the upper shoe portion, consider the breathability of the material used and the comfort provided. It’s likely you’re going to sweat a lot, so having a shoe that allows any extra moisture to escape is important.
For the middle shoe portion, consider the amount of lateral support you need. While most fitness shoes including ones from Reebok don't provide this, some have wider toe boxes allowing you to spread your toes when performing movements such as squats.
The sole of the shoe is where more of the impact and contact is, meaning you’ll need a durable material that’s highly resistant to wear and tear. Reebok manufactures most of its shoes using durable, grippy rubber outsoles making them well-suited for functional fitness.
2. Shoe Closure
Different Reebok functional fitness shoe closure options include single straps, double straps, and lacing. These different mechanisms change the shoe comfort and amount of security provided when moving around.
Single straps allow a lot of movement but offer less security compared to double straps or straps with lacing combinations.
The right closure mechanism to choose depends on the exercises you’re performing and personal preference.
3. Heel Elevation
The amount of heel elevation is the first thing you’ll notice when trying on different fitness shoes. Heel height changes your biomechanics when lifting and therefore can impact functional fitness performance if you don't pick shoes with the correct height for your body shape and movement pattern.
If you struggle with mobility and perform a lot of squats during your fitness workouts, go for a shoe with a bigger heel lift. If you have good mobility and prefer to maintain contact with the floor, aim for a shoe with a moderate heel elevation of around 4 mm.
4. Price
Price should always be a consideration to make whether you’re on a budget or have a large amount of spare cash ready to spend.
Check the price of the shoes and compare them to the design, versatility, function, and extra features offered. Reebok produces a great range of functional fitness shoes that offer brilliant value for money.
FAQ
Are Reebok 9 Nano Shoes Good for Functional Fitness?
The Reebok Nano 9 shoe is another excellent shoe example that’s designed specifically for functional fitness. The key features of the Nano 9 shoes include a low heel drop and wide toe box for added stability when lifting.
Overall, it’s on the higher price end but is a very durable functional fitness shoe example.
Are Reebok Functional Fitness Shoes Good for Weightlifting?
In short yes - Reebok fitness shoes make great weightlifting shoe choices. Functional fitness involves a wide range of exercises including weightlifting, Olympic Lifting, cardio, and gymnastics movements.
For these reasons, functional fitness shoes have many features that make them ideal for general weightlifting as well.
Conclusion
When it comes to functional fitness, Reebok knows its stuff. They were the official sponsor of the functional fitness games for 10 years meaning their functional fitness shoes have been well-tested and changed at the highest level.
The best Reebok shoes for fitness are the Reebok Nano X2 Training Shoes. They offer many of the similar features that Nano wearers have come to love with a more durable construction that makes them stand out.
Do you wear any of the Reebok fitness shoes that I’ve reviewed above? What factors do you consider when choosing a suitable pair for you? Let's discuss this in the comments below.
Also read:
- Best Workout Shoes for High Arches
- Best Deadlifting Socks
- Best Shoes for Leg Day
- Are Vans Good For Lifting
- Best Weightlifting Shoes for Women
- Best Barefoot Shoes for Lifting
- Best Deadlift Shoes
- Top Weighted Vest
- Best Women’s Training Shoes
References:
- When To Wear Lifting Shoes (Lifters) and Why You Should and Shouldn’t // BOXROX: https://www.boxrox.com/when-to-wear-lifting-shoes-lifters/
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With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.
All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.
The product testing process is described in more detail here
Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
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