Reebok Nano 6000 Review: Is This Shoe as Versatile as it Claims?

“The New Normal” might be an already-overused term since we used it two years ago, but we cannot deny the fact that our lives have changed in many ways since the early months of 2020. And while the fitness realm is slowly creeping back to the brick-and-mortar chapels we once called home, there’s no skirting the fact that our workout gear has become more versatile to meet our daily needs.

Think about your normal schedule. As you log on and attend multiple online video meetings per day, you’re not exactly dressing in a suit and tie like you would in the long-forgotten days of 2019. And oftentimes, there’s no break between screen time and gym time. As a result, you need apparel and footwear that’s as stylish as it is functional.

While many brands are mixing functionality with performance, Reebok placed its lens on the vintage scene with the Nano 6000, released this past June. Taking inspiration from the brand’s archives and mixing it with foundational components from its ultra-popular CrossFit shoe, this dual-threat kick immediately caught our attention as one of the first sneakers to seamlessly blend style and performance.

But would the Nano 6000s meet the needs of our active, hybrid lifestyles? How would the style-centric notes play in our day-to-day excursions, in addition to our nightly treks to the gym? To find out, we wore these lifestyle-inspired trainers through our varied daily rituals. Whether walking downtown to grab a drink or sprinting through our latest agility ladder regimen, the Nano 6000s were there to prove their worth.

Reebok

Reebok Nano 6000

• $135.00 at Reebok

What’s Good About the Reebok Nano 6000

These trainers are a great blend of comfort and style that fit any setting

The Nano 6000s blend together lifestyle notes from the nostalgic Reebok GL 6000 with a performance-laden bedrock from the previously-mentioned Nano X2. With this in mind, we expected a multi-faceted trainer that looked as good as it performed. Despite these early notions, we were surprised with how seamlessly the Nano 6000s invaded our day-to-day wardrobe.

The subtle blue hints and tri-color blocking served as the perfect exclamation point to our daily attire. Across workdays, trips to the grocery store, nights at the gym and nights on the town, we were happy with the versatile styling opportunities — as well as the flood of compliments.

Ben Emminger

Additionally, having trained in the Nano X2s before, we understood how stiff the Floatride Energy Foam could be. Thankfully, Reebok addressed this issue head-on, subduing the rigidity for a sneaker that’s comfortable to walk across town in as well as wear to your next training session, albeit with an added zest of street-style fashion.

The subdued Nano X2 technology shines in less-intense training disciplines

Now, we’re not as privy to “multi-use” footwear as others, having multiple sets of gym and running shoes for different training needs. With that said, however, we enjoyed the traction and support built into the Nano 6000s as we worked through lighter sessions. Leaning heavily on the X2 foundation, these sneakers gave us the grip and stability needed to complete most strength training exercises. We also favored the wider toe box, an improvement over the Nano X2, which allowed our feet to splay as we got under heavier squats.

Ben Emminger

Ben Emminger

What’s Not Ideal About the Reebok Nano 6000

These sneakers leave something to be desired in more intense workout routines

While we enjoyed the performance aspect of the Nano 6000s in lighter training, the same can’t be said when things got a little more uptempo. The more lifestyle-focused mesh upper differs from the more rigid mesh of the Nano X2, which allowed for a little more play than we preferred during agility training and other modalities of similar nature.

Also, the toe box is wider, as previously mentioned, which can be great for static movements and those with wider feet. During lateral movements, however, the added room was too much to overcome, which left us hesitant to plant and pivot with the normal intensity we’d typically showcase in ladder drills, box jumps and other modalities.

The limited colorways hinder the Nano 6000’s style capabilities

The term “style” feeds into the notion that you can cater your look around the shoes. And despite the tasteful treatment of the Nano 6000s, there aren’t as many colorways available to meet this requirement. At this time, only four — Digital Blue, Atomic Pink, Pure Grey and Flash Red — are listed online.

We loved the Digital Blue pair we tested, and admired how it fit a number of looks, but when compared to the Nano X2 — which features 10 available hues — we’d expect a sneaker with more variety if its to be as versatile as the features suggest. Yes, this is a small gripe, but when you’re trying to get your best fit off every day, it’s the small details that matter.

The Reebok Nano 6000: The Verdict

Despite its limited ability to take on the toughest training sessions, we couldn’t be happier with the Nano 6000s. As a go-to sneaker for any occasion, it checks all the boxes. And for those that just want a reliable kick for clanging and banging through beginner strength training workouts, this latest option from Reebok definitely fits the bill.

When brands set out to tackle two categories at once, usually you’re left with a product that doesn’t measure up to either. With a stylish profile and the exoskeleton to back up its bravado, the Nano 6000 may just be the versatile footwear option that’s ready for this new age of blended fitness.

Reebok

Reebok Nano 6000

• $135.00 at Reebok

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