Reebok Nano X Vs Metcon 6 – SNEAKER vs SNEAKER

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If you are looking for a shoe for high-intensity gym sessions, CrossFit, or heavy lifting, it can sometimes seem a daunting task to find the right one. 

With so many shoes on the market, how can you possibly know which one will offer the most support and comfort?

Although there are multiple frontrunners in the market, there are two shoes that are considered revolutionary to the industry. 

Reebok Nano X Vs Metcon – Who Will Reign Supreme?

In this detailed comparison, you will learn about both shoes and gain information on why you should purchase one over the other. 

Table of Contents

• Reebok Nano X Vs Metcon – Who Will Reign Supreme?
• What Are the Main Differences Between These Two Cross Fit/Cross Training/ Gym Shoes?
  • Rope Wall
  • Midsole
  • Heel Drop
  • Tongue
  • Uppers
• Which One Is Better for Wide Feet – Metcon or Reebok Nano X?
• Does the Reebok Nano X Run True to Size?
• Pros and Cons of the Reebok Nano X
• Pros and Cons of the Nike Metcon 6
• Conclusion: Which Should I Buy- Metcon or Nano?

What Are the Main Differences Between These Two Cross Fit/Cross Training/ Gym Shoes?

For years, Reebok and Nike have been leading the way in CrossFit and lifting shoes. 

Whether you do simple workouts at the gym or are heavily into lifting or CrossFit sessions, having the right shoes is essential for protecting your feet and ensuring proper balance. 

In some cases, the wrong shoes can even be a danger! 

Reebok recently released their Nano X and Nike released their 6^th Metcon. The first Reebok Nano was released in 2011, while Nike did not release their first Metcon until 2015. 

Both shoes feature a comfortable toe box, firm midsole, and a low heel drop, which are essential for lifters and CrossFit trainers. So, what are the main differences that set these two apart?

Rope Wall

One of the first things you will notice is differences in the design.

The Nike Metcon 6 has a very aggressive and large rope wrap that extends the outsole wrap up the sides of the shoe. 

You may wonder why Nike included this large rope wrap, especially if you are not into CrossFit.

The answer is to better grip the rope when climbing, without causing the upper to experience friction damage. 

Reebok Nano X is much more understated with its sidewalls.

While there seems to be an area that might be used for rope pinching, it could hardly be called a rope climbing supplement.

Whether this matters or not depends on why you will be wearing the shoes. 

It is important to note that Reebok has expanded their shoe to appeal to people beyond the gym.

No, it is not a running shoe, but it has enough grip to keep you running comfortably. For those who prefer a lightweight and flexible shoe, the Nano’s decreased rope wrap may be a game-changer. 

In terms of weight, there is not a tremendous difference, but the impressive rope wrap of the Metcon 6 does add to the weight.

You will find it weighs 13.9 ounces, while the Nano X only weighs 12.1.

Midsole

There is also a notable difference in the midsole of each shoe. Reebok’s Nano uses their trademarked Floatride Energy System. Because of this system, the Nano offers a noticeable improvement of cushioning in the heel and midsole, which those who run will especially appreciate. 

Even if you are not a runner, you will like the added comfort of the Nano vs the Metcon. Comfort is important, no matter the reason you are wearing a pair of shoes. 

Heel Drop

If you are into workouts, running, and CrossFit, you have likely heard of heel drop and may not be aware of what it is or why it matters. Heel drop is the difference in the level of cushioning from the toe box to the heel. If the drop is lower, it will help to improve midfoot strike, which simply means less impact on your heels. 

The Reebok Nano has a 4mm drop, whereas Nike Metcon 6 has between 4mm and 12mm, depending on whether or not you wear the lifts. 

When it comes to squatting, a bigger heel drop can help because it decreases ankle flexibility, allowing you to dig in deeper. That being said, neither shoe offers a really significant heel drop when you consider many heavy lifters wear shoes that have a 20-22mm drop. If you are wearing the lifts, the Metcon 6 offers more of a drop than the Nano. 

Tongue

Many people do not think much about the tongue of their shoes, but it is actually a very important component. It protects the top of your foot and ensures the laces do not cause friction or discomfort. 

In this category, Nike Metcon 6 is the winner. The Metcon 6 has a much wider and more padded tongue than the Reebok Nano. With the wider and more padded tongue comes a greater level of comfort. 

Uppers

Another important difference between the Reebok Nano and Metcon 6 is the uppers. The Reebok Nano uses their Flexweave Knit. It is not very stretchy but offers a strong and durable knit upper. While the Reebok upper provides some degree of breathability, the Nike Metcon 6 wins in this category. 

Nike has created an upper with prominent perforations. These perforations add to the breathability and toughness of the Metcon 6. Rumor has it though, Reebok will soon begin offering their Nano with Flexweave Grit, which should prove to give more breathability and toughness to the shoe. 

Which One Is Better for Wide Feet – Metcon or Reebok Nano X?

Those who have wide feet need a larger toe box for comfort. If the toe box of the shoe is too narrow, not only will you feel discomfort, but it could also cause blistering and toe problems. 

In this category, the Reebok Nano X shines. If you look at the two side-by-side, it is easy to see the toe box of the Reebok Nano X is much wider than its narrower competition. 

Nike has made a more streamlined shoe in the toe box. If you have wide feet, you may want to purchase a pair of Nanos. If you have average width feet, the toe box issue may not matter. 

Does the Reebok Nano X Run True to Size?

Most people who purchase Reebok Nano X shoes say they run true to size. If you have owned Nano 9s, the sizing carried over the same to the Nano X. 

If your shoe size seems to run in between sizes, on the smaller end of the scale, you may want to go down a half size. Reebok has an extensive size chart you can go by when purchasing the Nano X. As with any shoes, make sure you carefully measure your feet before ordering. Weight changes and aging can affect your shoe size. 

Pros and Cons of the Reebok Nano X

No shoe is perfect, and if you are expecting perfection in the Reebok Nano X, you will be disappointed. That being said, most Reebok fans are thrilled with the Nano X and love the improvements that have been made in the shoe line. Below are the pros and cons of the latest shoe in the line. 

Pros:

• The Reebok Nano X, like its predecessor, is highly stable and reactive with its outsole and high-density foam at the forefoot. If you are doing bounding movements, you will appreciate its reactiveness. 
• Reebok has changed the toe box, making it much roomier and taking care of the problem of overlap at the bottom of the laces, which was an issue with the Nano 9s. 
• The outers of the Nano X feel much more durable than previous versions, while still allowing for flexibility. Reebok also increased the heel height, eliminating problems with heel slippage. 

Cons:

• One of the biggest cons of this shoe is the price. You can expect to pay at least $130/ £94.24. While this is not budget-friendly, it is fairly inexpensive compared to some trainers. 
• As we stated above, these are ideal for wide-width feet, but they may be a little too wide for some people. It depends on how much toe wiggle room you prefer. 
• The rope wrap is a little understated for this shoe. If you are a rope climber, you may want to look at another shoe for a better grip. 

Pros and Cons of the Nike Metcon 6

Just like the Reebok Nano X, the Nike Metcon 6 is not a perfect shoe. There are pros and cons with every shoe, and we will discuss them in the following. 

Pros:

• Many people have reported they like the new, more breathable, and flexible upper of the Metcon 6. 
• The dual-density foam offers a more secure foundation and comfort. 
• This shoe provides extra support for lower body joints. 

Cons:

• Some people are not thrilled with the design of the shoe. You likely either love it or hate it. 
• You may notice the tough heel cup rubs your heel a little too much, leading to discomfort. 
• Although Nike has improved the toe box, it is still not as roomy as the Reebok Nano X. 

Conclusion: Which Should I Buy- Metcon or Nano?

Which one should you buy? That is not an easy question to answer. If you are looking for a shoe that is specifically geared towards lifting and CrossFit, look no further than the Nike Metcon 6. 

If you prefer a shoe that will help in the gym and beyond, the Reebok Nano X is likely going to be the best fit. The Reebok Nano X is better for wider feet and offers a higher level of comfort.