- Nike reorganised its shoe lineup to include base, plus, and premium models of its top franchises.
- The base model Vomero is a workhorse, the Plus has some spunk, and the Premium is a wild experiment.
- The Vomero line is pushing Nike into new max-cushioning territory.
Nike recently reorganised its shoe lineup, releasing “base,” “plus,” and “premium” versions of each of its flagship franchises. The Vomero trio are intended to be its max-cushioned trainers. More standard daily trainers fall under the Pegasus badge. Stability is the domain of the Structure. The Vomero, though, is all about comfort, and each incorporates ZoomX foam. But which version is right for you? Glad you asked. Read on.
The Base Model, the Vomero 18, Will Appeal to the Most Runners
Nike Vomero 18
R3299 at Nike
- Versatile daily trainer built with durability in mind.
- Max cushioning at a non-max price.
- ZoomX brings a little more excitement to your stride.
| Type | Cushioned Trainer |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.5 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack Height | 44 mm |
“Hands down, these are the best shoes I’ve tested!” gushed RW shoe tester Casey Green, an associate running coach. It was praise echoed by nearly everybody who laced up Nike’s premium cushioned trainer. Why the love? Because it turns out we all crave a super cushy shoe that runs effortlessly. And that’s exactly what the Vomero does.
The base model of the Vomero franchise uses two different foams that have long been found in Nike’s running shoes. A top layer of ZoomX is the light and soft material found in the brand’s marathon racing shoes. Combined with a bottom layer of ReactX, the midsole delivers a highly cushioned landing but still has responsiveness for long runs.
The Vomero Plus Has a Foam Upgrade That Makes It Soft and Sporty
Nike Vomero Plus
R3499.05 at Nike
- Full ZoomX midsole makes for a fun ride.
- Despite its stack height, the shoe remains responsive.
- Lighter than the Vomero 18.
| Type | Super Trainer |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.9 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack Height | 43 mm |
Long live the Invincible. Remember that short-lived cushy cruiser, which featured a thick, full-length slab of ZoomX foam? It’s now the Vomero Plus. The goal here is to deliver a shoe that has the same hallmarks of the Vomero but is even softer and more responsive.
Paradoxically, testers felt like the Vomero 18 had more cushioning, but the Plus is actually the softer, bouncier shoe – ZoomX delivers the pep we’re feeling underfoot.
The shoe is otherwise so similar to the Vomero 18 that, if you just seek a laid-back ride for your easy jogs, you might grab the 18 and put the R200 toward some socks and gels.
The Vomero Premium Offers Unrivalled Bounce
Nike Vomero Premium
R4799.95 at Nike
- Ridiculously thick and bouncy shoe is actually fun.
- More cushioning than you could ever want.
- Surprisingly good stability for such a tall shoe.
| Type | Extreme Cushioning |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.8 oz (men’s 12) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack Height | 55.5 mm (M), 52.0 mm (W) |
What if you threw all the rules out the window and pushed the limits of innovation? That’s what Nike did with the Vomero Premium. The Vomero Premium, however, doesn’t have carbon-fibre plates. Instead, it sandwiches two massive Air units under the forefoot and the heel, separated by layers of ZoomX foam. The company claims the shoe was inspired by the Alter G treadmill, an anti-gravity treadmill that costs tens of thousands of dollars and uses an inflatable chamber to reduce your body weight – especially helpful when recovering from an injury.
The shoe is ridiculously tall, yet surprisingly stable. That’s no doubt due to the Air units, which lend rigidity to the otherwise squishy foam. Nike sticks with Air here because, as the product developers say, they are yet to find a foam that can deliver the same energy return—the same reason it included a massive Air unit in Faith Kipyegon’s spikes for her sub-4 mile attempt.
In any case, the 55mm heel thickness takes some getting used to. The first time I slipped on the shoe, I immediately broke out into a smile because it was so soft and bouncy. Then, I nearly face-planted because I was unaccustomed to running in something so tall.
The Verdict
Any flavour of the Vomero is best reserved for runners who like to be way up off the ground and comfortably cradled. If you like a snappy, firm shoe that gives you ground feel, look elsewhere. But, which Vomero is right for you? If you’re seeking a long run, easy cruising trainer that will hold up to a ton of miles, pick up the base model – Vomero 18. Lightweight, speedy runners who are putting in big miles of training to shave precious seconds off the clock on race day will appreciate the responsiveness and versatility of the Vomero Plus. The third shoe in the line is really an experiment. Runners who love new experiences and like something you can call a trampoline or pogo stick will have a heck of a lot of fun lacing up the Vomero Premium.