Zoom zoom – meet the new Vomero! As one of Nike’s key running shoe franchises, the Vomero has built a reputation as the brand’s cushiest trainer. Now, the latest iteration, the Vomero 18, aims to maintain that plushiness while delivering a snappier ride. With a revamped cushioning combo and an upgraded stack height, the SF team was eager to start putting the miles on it so read on for our full wear test.
Pros
Cons
About the Nike Vomero 18
Designed with distance in mind, the Vomero was first introduced to the Swoosh’s running lineup in 2006. Even in its early days, the Vomero was a step forward in cushioning and stability and it quickly became a staple style for many types of runners thanks to this combination, which Nike’s other major runner, the Pegasus, had considerably less of. Over the course of the Vomero’s evolution, the focus on cushy comfort remained, making it the perfect model to head up that section of Nike’s new simplified, three-family running range structure.
Now, the latest addition to the franchise sees the Vomero get a big upgrade – literally. Yes, we’re talking about that stacked up midsole. Coming in at a whopping 46mm (that’s 6mm taller than the Vomero 17), the Vomero 18 is a max cushioned trainer designed with easy miles and long training runs in mind. Compared to Nike’s other major running shoe ranges, the plush pacer isn’t as peppy as the Peg nor as stable as the Structure, but our initial impressions found that it was much more than just a soft-loaded strider.
Nike Vomero 18 First Impressions
The Vomero 18 piqued my interest when it was announced back in November, around the same time I was testing Nike’s Pegasus 41. Without spoiling the Peg review, I did enjoy the model and that was partially down to the fact I much preferred it to the foam-filled frame of the other running shoe I’d been wearing before it. Knowing that the Vomero was the pillowy posterboy for Nike’s max cushion category, I had my reservations as to how much I’d actually enjoy running in it, but I found it visually appealing (dat ass?) and vowed to take it for a spin anyway.
Fast forward to February and the Vomero 18 finally landed on my doorstep. Out of the box, it looks fantastic. It is, however, another white running shoe that I’ll have to jump over puddles in. That thicc sole immediately conjured up visions of running on clouds, and the heel striker in me knew she was in for a treat. As mentioned, there’s 46mm of cushioning taking up space in that heel and 36mm in the forefoot, so there’s quite a big drop, but that didn’t bother me too much. The Peg also features a similarly steep drop, but by just walking around you could tell that the Vomero’s shape lends it to more of a rocker motion than the slap sensation that you sometimes get with the Peg. The combination of ZoomX and ReactX foam in the sole unit also suggested the Vomero would have some pop – this is not your standard maxi cush monster.
Finally, off the back of a recent running injury (from a non-Nike shoe, which involved me face planting the pavement), I checked the outsole. The traction pattern is different from the Vomero 17, with the Swoosh saying that it’s improved the heel-to-toe transition. I haven’t run in its predecessor, but they were suitably grippy enough for me to feel confident taking them out on a mildly frosty morning.
Does the Nike Vomero 18 Run True to Size?
Having run in Nike previously, I had no qualms about the sizing either, but for those who need reassuring, the Vomero 18 runs true to size. Be warned though – it might feel a little snug at first, as its tongue and ankle padding are also super cushy. This does aid for a more secure fit, which is essential for stability when running on something with a tall stack height. Those who have wide feet might struggle, as it doesn’t currently come in a wide fit.
Nike Vomero 18 Test Run
The day came for my first Vomero 18 run out, and while I’ll admit I wasn’t really in the mood for it, the shoe quickly changed that. I’d been dreading a dull feeling – and while I knew this model wasn’t about going fast – I was pleasantly surprised by just how much the Vomero wants to work for you while keeping your foot wrapped in its comfy embrace.
By taking the Vomero 18 out on my usual 5km route, I was able to test the stacked-up shoe over a range of obstacles. My run actually starts with a cobbled pathway, and though I had some concerns with the shoe’s stability over the uneven ground, it actually performed pretty well and still felt relatively stable given its height. I quickly found that I couldn’t really fault the Vomero, but I did find myself wanting more from the shoe any time I was faced with an incline, as that’s where its weight became noticeable. But on a flatter 10km, I did have a whale of a time, with each step pushing me forwards. I didn’t test it over an interval session as that’s not what I’ll be wearing mine for, but if you did want to pick up the pace over a shorter distance I have no doubt it’ll try its little heart out for you.
One thing I did notice with the Vomero 18 was that I started to feel some rubbing under my arches at the 5km mark, but it’s nothing a preventative patch or some more suitable socks couldn’t fix. If you’ve read my Pegasus 41 review, you’ll know that I also found this with the Peg and with my Alphaflys, so this is likely down to how Swoosh runners fit my feet. With that said, the Vomero felt like it needed very little breaking in; it’s a shoe that you can just unbox and go.
What Kind of Runner Is the Nike Vomero 18 Best For?
If you’re looking for a super comfy everyday trainer that performs perfectly on the flat, you’ll no doubt enjoy the Vomero 18. As mentioned, max cushioned steppers aren’t my usual cup of tea, but there’s no denying that this shoe has enough pep in its step to keep you feeling fresh, ensuring that your post-race easy run doesn’t feel too tortuous. And while it's not groundbreaking over short distances, the Vomero 18 is one of those shoes that’ll keep you carrying on, making it perfect for beginner runners who are looking to build their confidence and start experimenting with longer distances. It’ll also suit those coming back from any joint-related injury thanks to the softness of the foam.
Is the Nike Vomero 18 Durable?
So far, so good! Nike’s runners tend to be pretty durable, and given the amount of foam underfoot, it’ll take a good while for the Vomero 18 to wear down. The engineered mesh upper is also thick enough to feel snug yet breathable, and it hasn’t snagged on anything yet.
What If the Vomero 18 Isn’t For Me?
It’s worth noting that the Vomero 18 is only the ‘Icon’ level of Nike’s new three-tiered format, which means there’s still a Plus and Premium version to come. So, even if this version of the Vomero doesn’t float your boat, there could be another one that does! The Swoosh are yet to officially reveal the upgrades on the other versions, but rest assured we’ll cover them as soon as we hear more.
Finally, if max cushioning still isn’t your bag, Nike’s three-family system makes it super easy to find a runner that suits – try the Pegasus or the Structure if they sound more suited to your running style.
FAQs
Is the Nike Vomero 18 good for running?
Yes, the Nike Vomero 18 is designed to be a running shoe. It’s especially good for people running long distances or out on easy runs.
When does the Nike Vomero 18 come out?
The Nike Vomero 18 is already available! You can head to to secure your size.
Are the Nike Vomero 18 men's and women’s different?
Nike’s men’s and women’s shoes feature the same core technology, but the model will often have adjustments based on fit and biomechanics. Women’s shoes tend to have a more narrow fit and may have higher arches to fit their foot anatomy. Some women’s models may also feature small differences like a more flexible sole to reflect their pronation patterns.
