Reebok Nano 4.0

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.

I’ve been doing CrossFit since February of this year. I haven’t posted about it yet because I really haven’t had the time. But I’ve learned a lot from doing CrossFit the past few months. One of the #1 things I’ve learned is that you need the proper gear.

I’ve been running consistently for almost three years now, so I’ve accumulated a large amount of running shoes. But running shoes are made for just that, running. After attending CrossFit for only a week, I realized that I needed different shoes for my workouts, or WODS (Workout Of The Day) as they are called in CrossFit speak. I had also noticed that my running shoes were getting thrashed from the CrossFit movements (i.e. jumping, lifting, gymnastics movements, rope climbing etc.).

I knew that minimalist shoes with a sole that is flat and low are recommended for CrossFit. The shoes should also be light. And my standards also include that they need to be comfortable and durable. I researched several different shoe brands recommended for CrossFit-type workouts and settled on the Reebok Nano 3.0.

I’ve been wearing the Nano 3.0′s for six months and I am super happy with my purchase. I usually wear a 9.5 in women’s running shoes and my Nanos are a size 8.5. The fit is perfect. I have found that I don’t have problems with my arches and heels like I did with my feet when I was wearing running shoes while doing CrossFit.

Now let me stop talking about my Nano 3.0 and let me rave about the new Reebok Nano 4.0. I saw the announcement online about the Reebok Nano 4.0 via the Reebok website. You could pre-order the new Nano 4.0′s before they would arrive in stores, and even order personalized shoes. I attempted to make myself some personalized Nano 4.0′s online the first night that the pre-order went live. I was quite impressed with my initial attempt. Of course, my shoes were mostly black, gray, and a teal color. But I had to see the shoes in person before I was going to purchase the new 4.0′s.

I attended the CrossFit Games in Carson in July, and immediately had to check out the Reebok booth in the vendor’s village. I tried on the new Nano 4.0′s and fell in love. I have wide feet and love my Nano 3.0′s because of the wider toe box and the overall fit of the shoe. But, the Nano 4.0′s are lighter than my 3.0′s and the toe box is more snug. Some people might suggest sizing up in the 4.0 if they have worn other Nanos, but I’ve found that the shoes relax and that I would have been upset had I sized up.

I recently received a pair of Reebok Nano 4.0′s to review. I wore my Nano 4.0′s the day after I received them to CrossFit. Along with a series of other movements, I ended with an WOD that had 5 RFT (five rounds for time) that included deadlifts. I love the flexibility of the Nano 4.0′s where I can go from doing deadlifts onto air squats with no problems. The Nano 4.0′s duracage (protective upper) was re-engineered to allow more flexibility in the forefoot and toe. The shoes are also lighter and more breathable. I love the more supportive toe cage (toe box) also. Whether I was lifting, running, or doing box jumps, I felt more supported.

Obviously at 6am, I was barely awake when I had a friend take my photo. My other friend, Katrina, from CrossFit decided to photobomb me in the back. I was trying to be very seriously (totally kidding). Because I’m totally serious when I’m about to do an overhead squat with just a barbell, no plates, and Hello Kitty wrist wraps!

After wearing my Reebok Nano 4.0′s for almost two weeks now, I am fully and completely in love. I’ve been on Reebok’s website several times now attempting to make the “perfect” customized Nano 4.0′s. There are so many options. I’ve seen some people post some awesome customs on Instagram. If you search for #nano4, you can see the variety of colors that people have used to make custom Nanos. They are a bit more expensive, but they look amazing! Just click on “Design Your Own” on Reebok’s website.

If you want to see the Reebok Nano 4.0 in action, please check out the video below of the Fittest Woman on Earth, Camille LeBlanc-Bazinet, the female winner of the 2014 Reebok CrossFit Games.

My husband recently started doing CrossFit also. He has been wearing running shoes. As I never say, “I told you so”..but I had to this time, because he said that he needed different shoes. He actually told me last night that he is going to probably go buy some Nano 4.0′s this weekend.

I’m not sure if I will wear my Nano 3.0′s anymore because these new 4.0′s fit so much better. The fit of the shoe completely changed for me. If you have any questions about the Nano 4.0′s, let me know!

Have you tried CrossFit before? What was your last WOD?

oh, and don’t worry…I’m still running…I have a half marathon in like two weeks….eeek!!!

Disclosure: The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok. All opinions and photographs are mine.