Whether you view him as an artistic genius or a mad scientist, Director of the CrossFit Games Dave Castro is unquestionably a creator at heart.

When it came time for Reebok to determine who the first individual would be to design a custom pair of the new Nano 8, we figured why break with tradition? If Castro can design that many workouts, designing one pair of sneakers should prove a simple feat.

Experience shows the man is pretty good at keeping secrets, too.

But this secret is one he is not holding out on until August.

That’s right, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 8 Flexweave – the newest installment in the Nano franchise – will be on the market as of tomorrow!

…at least, for now.

While the Nano 8 will not be officially released until after the holidays, a limited number of pairs will be available for customization exclusively on Reebok.com tomorrow, Tuesday, December 19, at 6 a.m. EST.

You can check out Castro’s custom design below.

“I generally like shoes that are black or in darker colors,” says Castro when asked what inspired his color choices.

“But with how my role has now evolved in CrossFit, there’s some fun in being flashy and making a statement,” he continues. “That’s why I threw in the silver heel cap.”

But with how my role has now evolved in CrossFit, there’s some fun in being flashy and making a statement.

As for the portions of the shoe that are blue, those are a reference to Castro’s time in the U.S. Navy.

Although this is the first time Castro’s personalized design is available to the public, he is certainly not new to the Nano franchise. Castro has worked out in the shoe since the original launch of the Nano 1, and he continues to play a close role in its development.



“It’s been great to see how the Nano has evolved and improved and changed,” he says.

“If you had asked me eight years ago after the first one where I saw the shoe going, I would’ve thought just more of the same. But it hasn’t been more of the same. Each one has been different, yet still meets all the needs of the CrossFit athlete and participant. It’s impressive.”

Castro notes that he also particularly enjoys hearing about members of the CrossFit community purchasing their first pair of Nano shoes.

“People go to a CrossFit gym, and generally speaking, they don’t have CrossFit shoes as a new person to CrossFit. But over time – be it a few weeks, a few months or six months – they see the ability to purchase a CrossFit shoe almost as a badge of honor.”

“They view it as the next step in their CrossFit career. They’re a real CrossFit athlete now.”

They see the ability to purchase a CrossFit shoe almost as a badge of honor. They view it as the next step in their CrossFit career.

While Castro was the first to design custom Nano 8 shoes, a handful of the most well-known Games athletes also got in on the action early.

Tia-Clair Toomey , Annie Thorisdottir, Camille Leblanc-Bazinet, Brent Fikowski and Dan Bailey have all created custom pairs. Take a look at their designs below.

To personalize your own pair, visit Reebok.com tomorrow, Tuesday, December 19, beginning at 6 a.m. EST.

There are only a limited number available, so if you are looking to be the first one in the box rocking the Nano 8, you will want to act fast.

Already setting your alarm to cop a pair in the morning? Tweet @Reebok to let us know what color combinations you are considering.