SF Wear Test: The Nike Vomero Plus
maximum-cushioned just got an upgrade!
Earlier this year the Beaverton boffins launched what they claimed to be their cushiest runner yet, in the form of the . Well, that all changed this August with the launch of the , which promises to go bigger on cushioning than ever before.
‘The Vomero franchise is our commitment to giving runners the softest, plushest, most unbelievably cushioned and comfortable ride,’ Ashley Campbell, Nike Running Product Expert, tells us.
Many on the Sneaker Freaker team loved the , so we were hell-bent on pounding the pavement in the . That's precisely what we did – and here are our thoughts…
Pros
Cons
About the Nike Vomero Plus: How We Got Here
The Vomero has stood hand-in-hand with running since Nike launched the franchise way back in 2006, and has remained a go-to franchise for runners across the globe right up to today. Cushioning was always the model’s shining crown, even back in its infancy. For runners who prioritised cushiness in their daily trainer lineup, the Vomero was the choice kick over other legends in Nike’s catalogue such as the Pegasus, which supplied a more responsive ride.
In early 2025, the updated Vomero 18 looked drastically different to its direct predecessor in the franchise, the Vomero 17. ‘Our approach was to maintain consistency on the details that worked with the Vomero 17 while evolving the experience and design to make it the best version we’ve ever made,’ Campbell tells us. ‘That meant listening closely to the voices of runners, who told us they wanted more cushioning.’
The Swoosh promptly set their delivery method to ‘express’ – and more cushioning is exactly what runners got! The Vomero 18 is built using the same last as the 17 and retains the double-stacked foam design, however it boasts a 6mm stack-height increase, with 35mm in the forefoot and 45mm in the heel. The aesthetics of the runner have also received a considered revamp, with the design team focusing on lines and colourblocking to accentuate that rich midfoot cushioning.
Last year Nike announced a simplified three-family, three-tiered approach to their running catalogue, and rolled out upgraded versions of their cult-classic speedsters. The current bill comprises the (providing supportive cushioning), the (delivering responsive cushioning), and the Vomero (offering maximum cushioning). Within those families are also three tiers: Icon, Plus and Premium.
Moving through the Vomero family album – from the Vomero 18, to the Vomero Plus, to the Vomero Premium – ‘the ride gets progressively softer and more responsive,’ says Campbell, ‘allowing runners to choose based on the type of run they’re doing.’ While the tiers all belong to the same family, they do differ slightly, offering varying levels of cushioning and recovery. ‘The Vomero 18 combines ZoomX and ReactX foams to deliver next-level softness for everyday runs, whereas the Vomero Plus features a full-length ZoomX midsole – removing the ReactX – for an even more plush experience during easy to long runs,’ Campbell explains. ‘Then there’s the Vomero Premium, which is our ultimate recovery trainer. [It] combines ZoomX and Air Zoom to reduce impact on the body and provide phenomenal energy return, and is designed to help athletes recover faster to achieve their race day goals.’
Nike Vomero Plus: The First Impressions
It's trite but true: Nike’s new and improved Vomero wasn’t something I knew I needed until I tried it out. Over my time as a runner, I've switched shoes on a regular basis – but I always gravitated back to my time-tested and totally dependable Pegasus 41s. The catalyst for change came last year when I sustained a minor knee injury. Although I recovered well, I felt I needed something more underfoot to prevent further injury – and that's when I tried the Vomero 18.
Let me tell you – once you actually try maximum cushioning, and find it’s what you need and enjoy, it's tough to go back to anything else. I was initially content with the Vomero 18... but when this August rolled around and the Vomero Plus landed on my feet, I said goodbye to my favourites-since-February.
Nerdy tech specs aside, we can all agree that a running shoe’s aesthetic matters – and I was beyond pleased with the Vomero Plus’s bulbous-booty look. The design sensibilities are similar to the shoe’s Vomero 18 cousin, but host a more audacious aura thanks to the new dipped midsole shape and linework on the upper. There were also plenty of heaters amongst the debut colourways that arrived en masse on August 7, including the ‘Triple Black’, ‘Football Grey’ and ‘Hyper Pink’.
Nike Vomero Plus: The Test Run
I honestly thought that I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the Vomero 18 and Plus – at least, not at first try-on. But as soon as I slid in and walked around, the disparities were clear. I could instantly feel how much lighter they were, like I was walking on clouds – which made me keen as a bean to pound some pavement.
I’m a nighttime runner, so I took the Vomero Plus out at 9 pm for a twilit 5km on my usual route. As soon as I started, I was intrigued to notice that the Vomero Plus wanted to keep working underfoot while still shrouding my foot in a clasp of cosiness. It’s not a shoe dedicated to speed, but the return was still there. Just like the Vomero 18, and without ReactX foam, the Plus was stable and I had no balance issues – even with that monstrous stack height. It was superior to some of Nike’s past max cushioning plays, like the Invincible 3, which could become unsteady.
The next night, I took my new babies on another late-night escape, this time to the park – which has more inclines and rugged tracks. This is where my previous golden child, the Vomero 18, struggled a bit due to its weight. Unsurprisingly, I had no issue in the Plus because of its reduction in grams.
I can’t find any faults in the Vomero Plus – but then again, I’m the kind of runner who seeks as much cushioning as possible. If you’re into that too, and want a performer for easy daily runs, the Vomero is the shoe for you!
What Kind of Runner is the Nike Vomero Plus Best For?
Maximum cushioning is the defining characteristic of the Vomero Plus. ‘Footwear in this category is designed to ease the impact of running, which can be 3–4 times a runner’s body weight,’ Campbell tells us. ‘If you’re looking for a comfortable, plush ride, Vomero could be a fit for you. It’s ideal for new runners seeking a forgiving ride for those first miles, and equally suited for experienced runners looking for a recovery or long run to support their training.’
Campbell points to the full-length ZoomX underfoot as the element responsible for the shoe's 'ultra-soft, plush, and responsive ride', adding that the fit is 'accommodating', with 'soft and supportive' materials used on the upper.
What If the Vomero Plus Isn’t For Me?
The Nike Vomero Plus is for punters who want all the padding possible – but if that's not your jam, we recommend you try the Vomero 18. While it also hosts ReactX foam and provides extra stability, there’s a definitive decrease in pillowyness. If you’re still seeking something more structured and balanced, Nike’s three-family catalogue makes it simple to find a runner that suits your style. Shoes drastically different to the Vomero (but each offering their own fortes) include the Pegasus 41, Pegasus Premium and Structure 26 – all well worth a stab.
Does the Nike Vomero Plus Run True to Size?
I’ve been running in Nike for a long time, and never had any issues when it comes to sizing. I prefer a tighter fit, which does help with stability when beating sneakers that have a massive stack height – like the Vomero Plus. On paper, the Vomero Plus runs true to size, and there are no hot spots or pressure points. However if you're rocking wider feet or don’t dig a snug fit, we recommended going up a half size.
FAQs
Is the Nike Vomero Plus good for running?
Yes, the Nike Vomero Plus is designed to be a reliable daily running shoe, especially for runners looking to go the distance with the maximum amount of comfort available.
When does the Vomero Plus Release?
The Vomero Plus has launched already! It dropped on August 7, 2025. There are plenty of colourways currently available via and brick-and-mortar spaces. Peruse them all down below.
Is the Vomero Plus better than the Vomero 18?
This is subjective! But necessary caveat aside, the Vomero Plus is the more technically superior shoe, and promises a softer, lighter and more responsive ride than the Vomero 18.
