Professionals:
Deep steady reactive midsole: Sam/Sally/Peter/Ben
Competitively priced at $150, $10 lower than v17 with way more cushion: Sam/Sally/Peter
Snug, gentle and straightforward and roomy becoming “un Nike like” higher: Sam/Sally/Peter
Cons:
May very well be lighter: want midsole was all Zoom X to make the shoe lighter and but extra energetic: Sam/Peter/Sally/Ben
A barely decrease stack top might decrease weight add extra zip: Sam
Some might miss the snugger extra efficiency match of prior Vomero, larger quantity toes gained’t: Sam
Most comparable sneakers
Hoka Bondi 9
ASICS Superblast
Brooks Glycerin Max
Please discover the testers full run bios on the finish of the article after Comparisons.
Stats
Approx. Weight: males’s 10.35 oz / 293g US9
Pattern Weights:
males’s 10.1oz / 286g US8.5 (prior model: 9.63oz /273g US8.5)
11.95 oz/ 338 grams US11
girls’s 9.1 oz / 260 g US W8
Stack Heights:
V18: 46mm heel / 36mm forefoot (10mm drop)
V17: 39.5 mm heel / 30mm forefoot (10mm drop)
Platform Width: 95mm heel / 70mm midfoot / 115mm forefoot
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Sam: The higher is made of a comparatively easy, gentle and pliable.and reasonably skinny engineered mesh. This higher is sort of a distinction from the extra inflexible and supportive Vomero 17’s higher, or any latest Nike higher for that matter. The mesh has a little bit of stretch so all kinds of foot volumes needs to be joyful right here though wider toes might smile extra in regards to the match
We now have a properly and softly padded tongue with gusset. The lacing slides easily and simply. The midfoot is properly held for my slender to medium toes however as with the remainder of the shoe is extra centered on consolation than excessive efficiency.
The heel counter shouldn’t be completely inflexible however strong and properly padded as are the ankle collars.
The match is true to measurement with quantity total typical of Nike however right here with a softer extra pliable and considerably stretchier mesh and thus is extra accommodating to totally different quantity toes than traditional from the Swoosh,
Peter: There’s a whole lot of higher right here. The tongue is nearly absurdly properly padded.
All of it works collectively however you’ll be able to see a world by which they take a little bit of padding out of the center of the tongue and lighten the Vomero 18 up only a hair
Lacing and match are straightforward and the midfoot is held properly with out having to mess with it.
The higher materials is comparatively breathable and appears good.
The ankle collar is properly padded with out going overboard. Positively a max higher on a max coach.
Ben: As somebody who has struggled with Nike through the years, I used to be keen to offer this newly designed Vomero a go. I wish to consider that Nike will as soon as extra create a every day coach that’s accessible, thrilling and broadly beloved (or no less than beloved by me). I hadn’t felt nice affection for Nike trainers since a stretch of the Pegasus line (v 35-38 or so). I used to be enthused to obtain the Vomero 18 and wanting to strive them out.
Upon step in, they really feel nice. The match was beneficiant and roomy, although nobody is anticipating a race-day sort expertise.
Relying on the way you take a look at it, the higher is both very properly cushioned and cozy or cumbersome and overdone. This may even rely upon how you plan to make use of the shoe.
I think about that for a overwhelming majority of us, this shoe will likely be for very straightforward days and every day coaching.
For me, due to this fact, I actually appreciated the entire overlays and added padding, each alongside the higher and within the heel. I might see the strong higher giving some lockdown points however I had none of that. The shoe feels very comfy and forgiving from minute one.
Sally: Operating was so easy. Shopping for a pair of trainers was so easy. Recently all of the operating shoe firms have been providing us too many selections in footwear. What number of sneakers can we every have in our quiver?! How is one supposed to decide on between the plethora of equally designed sneakers?
Nike has taken a daring new route and is simplifying their operating shoe lineup for all of us by creating sneakers in three separate classes, all based mostly on cushioning:
The Pegasus franchise offers responsive cushioning for all-day power return.
The Vomero franchise delivers most cushioning for final consolation.
The Construction franchise presents supportive cushioning for a steady journey.
Supply: Nike.com
An “Icon” mannequin anchors every class. For instance, Pegasus 41 and the Vomero 18 are Icon fashions of the responsive and most cushioning classes, respectively. “Plus” and “Premium” silhouettes create distinction inside their classes, providing an “elevated expertise” throughout the class
This Vomero 18 is thus the icon mannequin of the max cushioning class. It’s extremely totally different from the Vomero 17 (for starters, 6mm larger in heel stack!) and truly incorporates some options of the phased out max cushion Invincible and Infinity Run fashions.
At first look, the Vomero 18 is an aesthetic good trying shoe, particularly in my colorway of “sail/crimson/laser orange.”
However the true magnificence is within the step-in really feel: tremendous comfortable and cozy, gentle with out being mushy. The match is pretty accommodating for a Nike (in sharp distinction to the slender pointy toe field of the brand new Pegasus Premium) and true to measurement. Of word, I must measurement up half a measurement within the Vaporfly and Alphafly race sneakers, however not so right here.
The higher is properly padded and breathable, and the lacing system has modified to string loops as a substitute of the standard holes.
There’s a fantastic heel tab on the again of the heel to facilitate pulling the shoe on.
The heel maintain is strong and total foot maintain is safe, and I by no means even thought to make use of the additional lace loop.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The Vomero 18 is for positive a brilliant max stack top coach at 46mm heel / 36mm forefoot. Made up of a prime layer of prime finish supercritical ZoomX with Nike’s newer ReactX beneath, we’ve got numerous cushion underfoot.
The Vomero goes approach up in stack top with 6.5mm extra on the heel and 6mm extra upfront than the Vomero 17 that’s under no circumstances mushy and is extremely influence absorbing with a reasonably energetic rebound.
Talking of reliability, we’re additionally fairly steady for such a giant, comparatively gentle shoe though it’s clearly not a pronation “management” shoe. The platform is broad on the heel (90mm) slender at midfoot, as Nike’s typically are at 70mm, and about as broad as one sees upfront at 115mm.
The broad heel stabilizes landings, the slender midfoot and deep central groove facilitates transitions and the massive 115mm forefoot offers a broad steady platform to toe off from.
Given the softer foam and slender midfoot platform I used to be shocked how steady the Vomero 18, and this regardless of a comparatively unstructured midfoot higher. Credit score I feel goes to the bulbous rear sides of the shoe which I feel present some adaptive stability in addition to the strong heel maintain
Tremendous excessive stack top sneakers typically will be arduous to show over at slower paces on toe off, and particularly so with decrease drops than right here however Nike properly goes with a 10mm drop.
The 10mm drop ramp sensation shouldn’t be overwhelming however it’s there and together with the properly segmented outsole we’re additionally helped by very first rate entrance flexibility on the 36mm forefoot. Past 36mm of stack upfront it’s arduous to get flexibility so such sneakers should depend on a rocker. For instance, the 6mm drop and 39mm forefoot Glycerin Max has to depend on a really pronounced entrance rocker approach up within the entrance of the shoe. At slower paces or with pronounced heel putting, it’s significantly tougher to show over than the Nike.
All in all for a fairly priced tremendous max shoe, the Vomero’s midsole’s cautious design and selection of supplies actually has no compromises for coaching at a reasonably wide selection of paces and for longer distances given the cushion depth with reasonable properly tuned power return, first rate stability and comparatively low weight.
For positive I would really like the subsequent Vomero to have all ZoomX perhaps in twin density as right here: prime layer slightly softer than backside or be barely decrease stack top to be extra agile. This seemingly would result in a weight drop however the value may go up. Problem on Nike!
Peter: The midsole Is a giant previous blob of ZoomX sitting above a decrease layer of ReactX. I do know this
as a result of the again of the shoe has arrows to inform me what’s what!
The bulbousness of the ZoomX is usually a little bit of a hazard because it pokes out slightly additional than the remainder of the medial aspect of the shoe. I undoubtedly scraped my calf a few occasions right here and there. Not an enormous situation, however it may be slightly bit annoying.
The platform is huge and really steady. It is a strong and steady feeling shoe although it’s sitting on prime of a giant mound of froth.
Ben: With its roots as a stability shoe, I used to be not shocked to search out the very broad base. As famous above, the ZoomX could be very actual and really current, as is the ReactX simply beneath it. The mixture is definitely not squishy, however not overly agency both (which I feared).
The mixture additionally provides a whole lot of total heft and bulk to the shoe however the weight stays affordable. I additionally consider that this substantial midsole will lend itself to the shoe’s sturdiness (as does the outsole). It’s a shoe that wishes to be taken out and used for large miles, each every day and over the lengthy haul.
Sally: I’m glad that Peter additionally famous the arrows on the again of the shoe (I believed I used to be being so observant!), however how humorous is it that Nike thought we’d need a street map of what and the place the totally different midsoles are?! I like Zoom X, the extra the merrier, as it’s their lightest and softest and most responsive foam, however I perceive why the underside layer is React X, bolstering the sturdiness, including some stability and retaining the value affordable. The mixture works very properly and regardless of its heft, it feels easy and responsive underfoot.
Outsole
Sam: The Vomero outsole is way more segmented upfront with extra uncovered midsole at mid foot and in the direction of the heel than its predecessor proven beneath.
The rubber is in all the correct locations so sturdiness needs to be high-quality. I’ve not but examined on the identical moist and slushy roads as I did the Premium and can quickly to check traction.
Its design makes it extra cushioned in really feel and versatile up entrance and simpler to toe off at slower paces if a bit much less snappy and responsive there because the V17. The extra strategic rubber protection, frequent at different manufacturers’ trainers however form of new to Nike additionally helps cut back weight as rubber is the heaviest materials in a run shoe.
Peter: The outsole on the Vomero 18 combines some old-fashioned Nike waffle on the heel and each side of the forefoot with three segments of agency (ish) rubber pods.
The center of the shoe has uncovered ZoomX and within the rear there’s a cutout that’s huge sufficient and gently sloping sufficient that it shouldn’t choose up any rocks.
Traction has been wonderful and the outsole ought to final very long time.
Ben: Not a lot so as to add that hasn’t already been stated. The outsole presents a whole lot of grip and isn’t in any approach extreme or intrusive. It helps with the general vibe of the shoe: comfy and able to go to work. It guarantees to be extremely sturdy.
Sally: This outsole works properly and checks all of the containers: the grip on moist surfaces is nice, it appears as if will probably be sturdy, and it’s pleasantly quiet on the run. Nike has decreased the quantity of the standard waffle sample protection by retaining the excessive abrasion rubber waffle grip across the edges, however exposing some midsole and utilizing a minimal quantity of one other rubber underneath the forefoot. My assumption is that this helps cut back weight.
Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions
Peter:The Vomero 18 shines on the journey. It’s a giant, burly max coach nevertheless it runs lighter than it appears. The journey is basically enhanced by the flexibleness of the outsole. The midsole foams are forgiving with out being mushy and the outsole rubber helps agency issues up good. Primarily based on the burden I used to be afraid that operating in the Vomero 18 can be form of a slog, nevertheless it’s truly fairly pleasant. These aren’t race day or tempo sneakers, however they don’t thoughts rushing up slightly throughout a run. There’s some first rate power return and a really steady and fulfilling journey.
The Vomero 18, coming in at $150 seems like a fantastic super-max coach/restoration day shoe for anybody. It’s a enjoyable, straightforward journey and will final for a very long time. I put it up towards another sneakers in the identical class and it holds up nice. See comparisons beneath for particulars.
Peter’s Rating: 9/10 It’s a giant burly shoe for straightforward days and restoration days with a really comfy, versatile and fulfilling journey.
Ben: It is a sturdy, strong – if not considerably cumbersome – every day coach. It’ll work properly for cruising straightforward miles and/or for restoration days. Nike is clearly attempting to revamp its every day trainers and this newest iteration of the Vomero bodes properly for that. I see it is a very nice every day coach, in what’s a extremely crowded class, as others have famous. It isn’t a brilliant coach, neither is it attempting to be that. I discovered it refreshing and enjoyable, even surprisingly so.
9.4/10 with deductions for weight and lack of actual pop.
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Sally: In a crowded arsenal of obtainable trainers, the Vomero 18 has rapidly earned a coveted spot in my rotation. It’s a pleasant new tackle the tremendous excessive stack max cushioned coach, plush and cozy for lengthy miles however easy and responsive on the run. It is a good straightforward day cruiser when time on the toes is extra essential than the tempo. Sure, they’re a bit on the heftier aspect of issues, however they really feel lighter on the toes than the size would point out. They’re steady and straightforward becoming, and roll properly at most any tempo. As I hit the height coaching weeks of one other Boston Marathon coaching block, I’m typically reminded to “run sluggish to run quick.” That is my shoe for that!
I’m excited to see this new route and focus for Nike, returning to the on a regular basis in addition to elite runner with some strong coaching day companions to their prime tier race sneakers.
Sally’s rating: 9.4 / 10.0
Experience (50%) : 9.3 Match (30%): 9.9 Worth (15%): 10 Type (5%): 10
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Sam: Nike scores a strong win with the Vomero 18 by fixing the puzzle of a decently vigorous, pretty gentle and fairly priced tremendous max cushion coach.
Centered on a snug large cushion journey, it additionally succeeds in truly having the ability to transfer alongside at varied locations with out me feeling slowed down, even when drained.
Nike has lately struggled to ship mainstream fashionable on a regular basis trainers both too aggressive for many (invincible Run) or dated “Icons” the Pegasus.
Right here with the Vomero 18 they succeed with a strong throughout tremendous max cushion coach which is under no circumstances ponderous for a wide range of runs with as a bonus at a really affordable value. How might or not it’s improved? An all ZoomX twin density midsole to liven the journey and lighten the burden even when it got here in considerably dearer.
Sam’s Rating: 9.3 /10
My deductions are the identical as Ben’s: weight and lack of pop
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7 Comparisons
Pegasus Premium (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: Take about the identical platform width and stack top, in addition to layers of ZoomX and ReactX, and between them insert an Air Zoom “plate” formed equally to Nike’s carbon Flyplate.
Use a lighter, safer and exact however much less accommodating non stretch mesh within the toe field (however shut) higher and also you get the Pegasus Premium. Its journey is considerably firmer and sooner using off the entrance regardless of its 0.75 oz weight penalty. It’s a extra steady selection for lengthy runs at considerably sooner paces with the Vomero a extra properly rounded throughout selection for every day coaching.
See my detailed comparability evaluate of Pegasus Premium to Vomero 18 HERE.
ASICS Superblast (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: A direct comparative to the Vomero 18, the Superblast has a single density all supercritical FF Turbo midsole. At 8.6 oz / 243.8 g US 8.5, the SB is a giant 1.5 oz lighter than the Nike. At 45 mm heel / 37 mm forefoot the heels are on the identical top whereas the Superblast’s forefoot is 7mm larger. It isn’t solely stiffer in flex however fairly a bit tougher to show over and at slower sooner paces for me and comes alive at sooner paces and this regardless of its appreciable weight benefit over the Nike. The Nike is a extra sensible max cushion every day coach and a greater worth at $50 lower than the Superblast.
Peter: What Sam stated! Agreed.
Sally: The Superblast is properly beloved by many runners for its do-it-all-well versatility, however that comes at a value ($200). WIth an identical superstack top of 45 mm, the Superblast is lighter and I felt a greater uptempo shoe, however the Vomero belongs in my rotation as a result of it excels on the straightforward comfy every day paces.
Ben: As famous above, the Superblast is vigorous and responsive, in a extra nimble bundle. That stated, the value displays the upgraded journey. I feel I’d nonetheless go along with the ASICS.
Hoka Bondi 9 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: At about the identical weight of 10.2 oz / 286g US8.5, on a really barely decrease heel platform of 43mm however a lot larger (+8mm) forefoot of 38mm and wider 100mm heel / 85mm midfoot / 100 mm forefoot platform, the Bondi will get there with an all supercritical EVA single foam midsole. Considerably softer, extra versatile and bouncier than the Vomero 18, its closest comparability, it isn’t fairly as quick feeling however but simpler on drained legs. True to measurement for me and with comparable matches.
Brooks Glycerin Max (RTR Evaluate)
Peter: Virtually precisely the identical weight. Operating the Vomero 18 and the Glycerin Max again to again was attention-grabbing. The Glycerin is much much less versatile and is firmer too. The Vomero rides extra easily and simply and FEELS lighter than the Glycerin. It’s a reminder that stiff sneakers with a rocker aren’t the one super-shoes on the market. The Vomero seems like a extra commonplace operating shoe constructed with extra fashionable supplies. It’s form of a basic journey. I favor the Vomero right here.
Ben: For me the Brooks is a pleasure to run in, although once more at a hefty value. It’s easy and has good responsiveness for a shoe of its bulk. I’d take the Brooks.
Sam: In settlement with Peter in regards to the comparative rides . With a 45.25 mm heel / 39.25 mm forefoot and solely 6mm drop vs 10mm for the Vomero and 36mm on the forefoot, the Glycerin is overly stiff at slower paces with its abrupt rocker actually solely activating at sooner paces, in contrast to the Vomero simpler flexing profile. At $200 it’s $50 extra. Comparable matches. Simple choose of the Vomero right here.
Sally: (W8 True to measurement in each) The Glycerin Max seems like a lot extra shoe underfoot, barely heavier however a lot stiffer and clunkier with a seemingly softer heel. I a lot favor the spunkier and smoother journey of the Vomero 18 to the Brooks Marshmallow, and the Vomero is $50 cheaper.
Salomon Aero Glide 3 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: A lot decrease in weight at 8.5 oz / 242g US8.5 and considerably decrease in stack top 40 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot,, the Salomon goes all supercritical foam with a springy eTPU foam is what I might name a “racier” every day coach when in comparison with the Vomero. Its no seams on the within, the very comfy true to measurement higher is simply high-quality however can’t fairly sustain with its platform for me in comparison with the Vomero’s. In case your wants and paces are sooner the Salomon is a more sensible choice. If you need a gradual cruiser for slower miles or lengthy runs the Vomero
Underneath Armour UA Infinite Elite 2 (RTR Evaluate quickly)
Sam: Mainly take the Vomero”s huge platform and go along with a decrease stack top of 38/32 make the froth (TPU just like Saucony PWRRUN+) bouncier and softer and add a better quantity higher and also you get the Elite 2. I used to be capable of get an honest lockdown for my slender to medium quantity toes however the UA’s higher clearly favors larger quantity toes. In ferns of journey it leans extra simpler and restoration runs than the Vomero which leans every day coach and lengthy runs because of its faster returning midsole and higher stability.
Hoka Clifton 10 (RTR Evaluate)
Peter: Whereas the Clifton weighs in at about an oz. lighter, the Vomero is the extra fulfilling journey for me. It’s all the time attention-grabbing to change sneakers a number of occasions throughout a run to assist determine these items out. The Vomero feels a bit extra fluid and the match is extra accommodating. If I needed to choose one it will be the Vomero.
Sam: Agree with Peter. The most recent Clifton goes up in stack top (near Vomero) and up in drop to 8mm however retains its old-fashioned CMEVA foam. Whereas lighter than the Vomero it has a duller journey (its foam). It’s higher is extra exact in match and can favor decrease quantity toes. Hoka type of missed the boat right here by not utilizing the livelier supercritical foam of the Bondi 9 within the Clifton.
Ben: The Clifton 10 has actually grown on me. At first I discovered it stiff and a bit harsh nevertheless it’s softened up over time. Just like the Vimero, it’s definitely not a quick shoe. I think about there are some who will recognize Nike’s extra accommodating match and higher. It’s an in depth one.
Index to all RTR opinions: HERE
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Tester Profiles
Peter lives in California and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner in addition to a 1:21 half marathoner lately.
Ben is the Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park, PA. A most cancers survivor, he has run 23 marathons. He holds PRs of three:15 for the marathon and 1:30 for the half. At 46, he nonetheless enjoys pushing himself and mixing his operating with supporting a wide range of causes. Comply with him on Instagram: @RabbiBPD or Twitter: @BDinPA
Sally is a lifelong runner and mom of 5 who agreed towards her higher judgment to run her first marathon at age 54; she has since run the previous eleven Boston Marathons, three NYC Marathons, two Chicagos, and one London with the WMM Six Star Medal now in her sights (Berlin in 2025). With a Boston PR of three:25:55 in 2022 (ninth place in AG) and three consecutive 2nd place in Age Group awards in NYC, she has competed in a number of Abbott WMM Age Group World Championships and positioned sixth on this planet in W 60-64 when she ran an all-time PR of three:24:02 at age 63 on the 2022 London Marathon. She additionally competes in USATF races of all distances with the Higher Lowell Highway Runners crew. So as to add that means to her Boston Marathon races she runs with Staff Eye and Ear and has raised over $320,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. Sally stands tall at 5’2’’ and 105 kilos, and lives in Marblehead, MA the place she trains outside yr spherical. She blames her love of snowboarding out West for any and all Boston Marathon coaching challenges.
Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Highway Path Run. He’s in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th yr of operating roads and trails. He has a a long time previous 2:28 marathon PR. Lately he runs halves within the simply sub 1:40 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week principally at reasonable paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, climbing or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he isn’t having fun with too many high-quality New England IPA’s.
