From HIIT(high-intensity interval training) workouts to heavy lifting, cross-training athletes know the importance of versatile footwear.
In this regard, two of the most popular options that come to mind are the Reebok Nano X2 and the regular Nobull Trainer.
Picking the right one from these remarkable CrossFit shoes can be tricky as they both excel in certain aspects.
So, let’s discuss which should be at the top of your list.
A Quick Rundown of Reebok Nano X2 and NOBULL Trainer
If you take a glance at the current market, both Reebok and NoBull brands offer footwear that empowers athletes.
Now, among the Reebok series, the Nano X is a fan-favorite cross-training lineup, which can easily be compared to Nobull’s Trainer series.
From these two lineups, the Reebok Nano X2 and the regular Nobull Trainer are wildly popular for their exceptional indoor performance and versatility.
But these two shoes have some significant core differences that can make or break the deal for the buyers.
Technical Aspects Between NOBULL Trainer & Reebok Nano X2
Running, jumping, climbing, weight lifting; all of these can be done with either of these shoes. But that doesn’t mean they share the same technical aspects.
Let’s take a look at the technical differences between the Reebok Nano X2 and NoBull Trainer:
| Attributes | Reebok Nano X2 | NoBull Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 10.8oz for men’s 9 size | 11oz for men’s 9 size |
| Size | Runs large | True-to-size |
| Stack height | 23-30mm | 11-15mm |
| Offset (heel drop) | 7mm | 4mm |
| Upper material | Breathable Flexweave woven textile | Durable SuperFabric |
| Midsole | Floatride energy foam | Phylon(EVA) foam |
| Outsole | ROPEPRO rubber outsole with target lugs | High carbon rubber with traction treads |
| Durability | 4-5 years of indoor exercising | 2-3 years of indoor exercising |
| Break in period | 1-3 workouts | 3-5 workouts |
While these feature differences already give an overall idea, there’s more to them than meets the eye.
Major Differences Between Reebok Nano X2 and NOBULL Trainer
Two different shoes from two different brands will obviously have some key differences. But how big those differences are and how much they impact your usability is the main question here.
Once you find out which shoe ticks the most boxes for you, only then can you make a sound judgment.
As I already owned a pair of Nano X2, I was able to do a shoe swap with one of my friends who has a regular NoBull Trainer. Both of us found some interesting aspects that set one pair apart from another.
Below, I have listed all the major differences that we’ve noticed between Nano X and Nobull Trainer during our gym sessions:
1. Upper Material and Toe Box
The Reebok Nano X2 boasts a knitted toe box with the synthetic Flexweave textile extending throughout the midfoot and heel. As a result, it felt more comfortable during typical workouts, and my feet didn’t get sweaty at all, thanks to a more breathable material.
The downside?
It is much less protective compared to a more rigid material used in the Nobull Trainer.
Speaking of, the layered SuperFrabic and protective plates in toe caps give an extra edge to the Nobull’s offering.
However, it feels a bit warmer during longer sessions due to having less breathability. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it is definitely something to keep in mind.
If we put the spotlight on the toe box, both have a well-cushioned and comfortable one. None of them had any blistering issues or lack of wiggle room.
That being said, the Nano X2 has a wider toe box than the Nobull Trainer, making it a better fit for people with wider toes. It’s also useful if you’re concerned about bunions or ingrown toenails.
Overall, the Nano X2’s upper and toe box are more suitable for fitness training or prolonged workout sessions like HIIT.
2. Tongue and Laces for Snug Fit
It is vital to have a proper fit for your training shoes if you want to have the best user experience. And both of these shoes offer just that but in a different way.
The tongue in the Nano X2 is slightly thicker compared to the other model.
As a result, it felt more comfortable and didn’t move as much as it did on Trainer during workouts.
Furthermore, I’d recommend wearing high socks during the break-in period for Nobull Trainer. It will prevent the comparatively stiffer and thinner tongue from rubbing your upper feet.
When it comes to laces, the Nobull Trainer has five eyelets and polyester laces that provide a traditional lace-up system. The same can be said for Reebok’s offering, which rocks six eyelets and a seventh for lace-locking.
Either of them can be considered a good option for those who struggle to get a snug and comfortable fit.
3. Insole, Midsole, and Outsole
Another noteworthy difference that can be seen and felt after using these two shoes.
From the design to build quality, each of these excels in their own regard, which also makes them suitable for different scenarios.
Insole
Both Reebok Nano X2 and Nobull Trainer have a thin removable insole with decent upper volume, which is great for those who have custom orthotics or inserts. But the similarities end there.
The Trainer is rocking Nobull’s proprietary dual-density EVA foam, while the Nano X2 has a regular EVA insole.
I was able to feel this slight difference in the material, and the overall stability and cushioning were undoubtedly better in the Trainer.
Midsole
The Floatride Energy Foam covers the whole midsole section of Nano X2. This adds much-needed cushioning and responsiveness to this training shoe, especially since the Nano X1 was sorely lacking in this regard.
On the flip side, the medium-density midsole of Nobull Trainer is made with Phylon foam.
This might do a good job of providing better stability compared to the Nano X2, but it definitely falls short when it comes to shock absorption.
Outsole
Both Reebok and Nobull managed to give a well-designed rubber outsole consisting of traction lugs.
Despite one having a more aggressive tread pattern compared to the other, both shoes will offer adequate traction on all sorts of surfaces. I didn’t face any slippery scenarios, even on the polished tiles of my local gym.
And that includes wet conditions as well.
That being said, the NoBull Trainer will fare well in the long run since it doesn’t have any exposed foam. But more on that later.
Overall, the Reebok Nano X2 managed to offer a more versatile and responsive sole compared to the NoBull Trainer, but by a small margin.
4. Cross-Training Versatility
So far, the Nano X2 has been winning in the overall construction aspect. But things start to change soon when you hit the gym with them. Let me explain.
I have been doing 400 lbs deadlifts and squats with these shoes, and so is my friend above. Both of these shoes have a good mixture of stability and traction.
But as you start to increase the weight, the Nobull Trainer takes the lead with better performance thanks to the flat feet design and medium-density midsole.
The same goes for rope climbing as well.
Nobull’s durable and abrasion-resistant upper material goes a long way during j-wrap rope climbing. The Nano X2’s knit upper really falls short in this segment.
| Training Style | Reebok Nano X2 | Nobull Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Deadlifting | Good | Better |
| Squats | Good | Better |
| Box Jumping | Better | Good |
| Climbing | Good | Better |
| Directional/lateral workouts | Better | Good |
However, Nano X2 fares very well in dynamic workouts where you’ll need responsiveness, like double-unders, box-running, or any other WODS(workout of the day).
The breathable upper and the TPU clips around the heel and midfoot provided additional support and comfort. This trait becomes significantly important during multi-directional/lateral workouts.
Since versatility and stability are very important in CrossFit training, the Nobull Trainer has a clear edge over the Reebok Nano X2, especially in weight lifting.
5. Short Runs & Casual Wearing
I really liked the fact that the Nano X2 has a wider toe box, which is perfect for a wide forefoot and midfoot like mine. And it also became apparent after I took both of these shoes for running.
The narrower build, along with the less breathable material & stable construction, hold back the Nobull Trainer from being a strong contender in this regard.
Not to mention, the midsole of Nano X2 is more forgiving and flexible to accommodate with fast pace running. The higher stack height and heel-to-toe drop also contribute to a satisfying running experience.
But I wouldn’t recommend either of them for longer runs or hiking on technical terrain.
Pro tip: I would recommend taking breaks after a 3-mile run for both of these shoes, as they can become a bit uncomfortable in the long runs.
If we switch the spotlight to casual wearing, I really enjoyed the overall feel and minimalistic style of the Nobull Trainer. The upper and sole construction also provides confidence that it can be worn daily in any weather condition.
So, the Reebok Nano X2 is a good pick for outdoor running, while the Nobull Trainer is a good pick for daily wearing.
6. Design and Comfort
The Nobull Trainer and the Reebok Nano X2 look very different despite sharing the same CrossFit DNA.
Take the color scheme, for example.
The Nano X2 has both muted and flashy options with colorful patterns. The Nobull Trainer, on the other hand, looks very simplistic and plain, with much less focus on branding.
As training shoes, the minimalist look and the flat feet design are a better fit for the gym environment.
It also helps the manufacturer to focus on the comfort side, in which the Nobull Trainer tried really hard with their soft upper and insole material.
The Nano X2 also has better cushioning and a knitted upper.
Additionally, it’s fairly lighter compared to the Nobull Trainer despite running half a size larger.
So, these shoes’ overall feel and comfort can vary depending on which exercise you’re doing. But the Nobull Trainer definitely has the better design for a cross-training shoe.
7. Durability
As I have mentioned before, the durable SuperFabric upper material used in the Nobull Trainer provides both comfort and abrasion resistance at the same time. It can prevent the wear and tear which can occur from cross-training.
But that’s not all!
After putting them both to the test, I saw a big crack in the outsole where the shoe bends while walking/running. That happened just after a few months of use, so keep that in mind if durability concerns you.
I’d say the Nano X2 is a tier below the Nobull Trainer regarding long-term durability.
Pros and Cons of Reebok Nano X2 and NOBULL Trainer
It will be an injustice if we don’t show the strengths and weaknesses of each of these shoes. By doing so, you’ll also get proper knowledge as to why or why not get the shoe you’ve chosen so far.
On that note, here are the pros and cons of Nobull Trainer and Nano X2:
NoBull Trainer
- »Perfect fit for athletic-focused chores, like indoor exercise or short runs.
- »Goes well for casual wearing.
- »Much more stable and durable.
- »Flat-feet design provides better stability in weight lifting.
- »Less pricey compared to Nano X2.
- »Less responsive due to lower stack height.
- »Feels a bit heavier and less comfortable than the Nano X2.
Reebok Nano X2
- »Delivers better versatility for different workouts.
- »Higher stack height offers more responsiveness.
- »Protective toe puffs for running outdoors.
- »Better midfoot support.
- »More pricey compared to Nobull Trainer.
- »Runs half-size large.
- »The knit upper is less durable.
This breakdown should give you a clear idea of which is better for your needs. But for a conclusive answer, let’s move on to the verdict.
Reebok Nano X2 vs NOBULL Trainer: Which is the Better Buy?
The regular Nobull Trainer is an overall better pick as a cross-training shoe compared to the Reebok Nano X2. That is true for both men’s and women’s versions. Nobull has maintained its winning formula with the stable flat feet sole and the durable, high-quality upper.
However, the Nano X2 came really close with its responsive and comfortable build.
Furthermore, if you want to take things outside and do extensive running or technical terrain, I wouldn’t recommend either of them.
But you can’t go wrong with either of these models, considering the price-to-value proposition. Both of these shoes are perfect for their purpose and can deliver good performance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reebok Nano X2 good for weightlifting?
No. The moderate stability of the Reebok Nano X2 makes it suitable for squats, deadlifts, and lunges. You’ll need a more stable shoe for extreme training like lifting heavy weights.
Can you run in NoBull Trainer?
Yes. NoBull Trainer shoes, especially the Plus models, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor running. But I wouldn’t recommend doing any extreme hiking with them.
Is the Nobull Trainer better than the Reebok Nano X2 for walking?
The Reebok Nano X2 is a better option for walking than the NoBull Trainer due to its higher stack height and overall ergonomics. But neither of them is capable of handling rough terrain.
