Nike Vomero 18 Review

The Vomero 18 is a max-cushioning shoe, but it doesn't really run like one. It's smoother and more energetic than it is soft and pillowy. It feels planted and nimble, even though it's high-stack and heavy. It's not an uptempo shoe, but it feels great at relaxed to moderate paces.

Side View Cut in Half

Cushioning

As with most max-cushioned shoes, the Vomero 18 is focused on providing comfort. It has 41 mm of stack height and is made of a dual-density midsole. On top is a layer of Nike's premium ZoomX, which is soft and highly resilient. On the bottom is a layer of their ReactX, which provides a firmer and more structured ride. The end result is a landing sensation that is soft but not pillowy. It feels reasonably energetic, with enough firmness to provide some structure.

The Vomero has an 11 mm drop from heel to toe and a slight forefoot rocker. Together, they create a smooth-rolling shoe that feels natural and unforced. The shoe is equally comfortable at a range of paces, although it is not fast. This is a great option for relaxed mileage, easy long runs, and runners who want a lot of comfort.

Upper Comfort

The Vomero's upper is very comfortable, bordering on plush. It's breathable, but it does run a little warm on hot days. Soft touch materials around the ankle and heel feel great, and the upper materials feel premium. The tongue is extremely cushioned. One large drawback of the thick upper materials is water retention. On rainy or wet runs, these shoes soaked up water more than the options with a lighter, more breathable upper. We didn't experience any rubbing, sliding, or hotspots. Some runners might find the toe box a little loose, although we had no issues lacing it more snugly.

Stability

The Vomero is a tall and slightly chunky shoe, so it doesn't feel great on uneven terrain. For runners who want a supportive shoe, the Vomero runs neutral, although it is more stable than many other thickly cushioned options, thanks to the not overly soft midsole.

Responsiveness

This shoe is optimized for easy running. It feels best on relaxed runs when getting in the miles is the primary goal. At those paces, the ZoomX feels smooth and has a pleasant bounce. As we pushed into more moderate efforts, the shoe started to firm up just a bit, but retained the smooth rolling sensation. The shoe doesn't feel great at uptempo paces as a result of the overall bulk and heft of the shoe. It doesn't feel particularly heavy, but it is.

This is a great option for longer efforts, easy days, relaxed running, and maybe gentle progression runs. This shoe is not the best option for runners who want a highly versatile shoe that will feel great on faster workouts.

Weight

The Vomero 18 weighs 11.62 ounces in a US Men's 10.5. That is heavy, regardless of how much foam is underfoot. Some weight is in the outsole, but we suspect the upper is the main culprit. It's comfy, but it's also much thicker than it needs to be. We would be interested in what it feels like with less mass in the upper. As it is, though, the Vomero doesn't feel nearly as heavy on your foot as it actually is.

Traction

The Vomer's outsole is a pleasant surprise. It offers a good bite on all surfaces and holds up well to use. We've logged a lot of miles in them, including a few impromptu routes on trails that have some pretty sharp rocks, and the outsole holds up very well.

Should You Buy the Nike Vomero 18?

Considering the price, the Vomero 18 should make your short list if you're looking for a particularly comfortable daily trainer for eating up steady miles at a relaxing pace. It's well-cushioned without being overly soft, feels good, and is a great high-mileage workhorse. We think the dual-density midsole also makes it an excellent option for those who may bottom out the plush cushioning on some other max-cushioned options.

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