WHEN MY PHYSIO told me to ditch cardio and get back into weight training, I was sceptical. After playing rugby for most of my life and spending plenty of time in the weight room, only to end up injured, I’d sworn off strength training for good. I figured cardio was all I needed to stay fit and injury-free, but the injuries kept coming.
My physio insisted I return to strength training, this time gradually, with proper form and the right exercises. So I listened, and to my surprise, I started seeing real improvements. One simple but game-changing recommendation? Training in flat-soled shoes.
Enter the Reebok Nano X5. Designed with a flatter, more stable sole, they completely changed how I trained. If you’re serious about strength work, your footwear might be the most underrated piece of gear in your kit.
Most gym-goers know the basics of reps and form but few consider how much their shoes impact their performance. As my physio explained, traditional running shoes with cushioned, elevated heels can create instability under load. That instability affects balance, posture, and the amount of force you can drive through your feet.
Flat soled shoes like the Reebok Nano X5 allow your feet to stay grounded, literally. Here’s what I noticed in my training:
- Better connection to the ground: I felt more in control during squats, deadlifts and even kettlebell work.
- Improved posture and form: the neutral heel meant no artificial tilt, allowing for a more natural alignment.
- More efficient power transfer: especially noticeable when pushing through my heels on heavy lifts.
Reebok has built the Nano line with function-first thinking and the X5 is still a standout for many lifters. It boasts a wide, stable toe box so your feet can spread naturally under load, a tough, durable outsole that doesn’t compress mid-lift and just enough grip and flexibility to make it versatile enough for other forms of training.
The verdict:
Since switching to the Nano X5, not only have my lifts felt more stable, I’ve had fewer niggles and a stronger mind-muscle connection. If you’re serious about improving your lifts, start from the ground up. Your feet (and your physio) will thank you.
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