I ran in the Nike Vomero 18, and it’s the definition of ‘slow and steady'

Nike correctly concluded that its running footwear lineup was somewhat confusing. In an effort to make it more straightforward, they decided to simplify things. The Structure became the recommended choice of stability shoe, while the Pegasus remained the brand’s go-to responsive daily trainer.

Finally, the Vomero is now Nike's max-cushion king, with the Vomero 18 being the ‘Icon’ option. Each shoe has three options: Icon, Plus, and Premium. Currently, only the Pegasus has all three versions available – the Vomero, just one (for now). How the other Vomero iterations will look like, we’re yet to see.

The reason why I’m telling you this is because I don’t quite know how to approach the Vomero 18. Is it an entry-level shoe, with other iterations bringing more technical advancements to the franchise? Will you get a different upper, less or more padding, or different running dynamics? Or will other versions be just more chunky?

For now, I can only compare the Nike Vomero 18 to max-cushioned models from other brands, of which there are many. It’s comparatively affordable and super comfortable – but is it the best running shoe option for you? If you don’t like running fast, maybe. However, the competition is fierce…

Nike Vomero 18 review

Price and availability

The Nike Vomero 18 was announced in November 2024 and is available now at Nike US, Nike UK and Nike AU for a recommended price of $150/ £135/ AU$220. In the UK and AU, it’s currently available in two colours only. People in the US can choose from five colours.

Specifications

• Best for: jogging, walking, recovery runs
• Tested weight: 338g/ 11.9oz (men’s UK10)
• Stack height: 46mm (heel), 36mm (forefoot)
• Drop: 10mm
• Fit: true-to-size
• Support: Neutral

Design and materials

Nike completely reimagined the Vomero for its latest iteration. Well, the brand already started introducing some changes with the Vomero 17 (e.g. inclusion of ZoomX and omission of the Air Zoom pockets) but the new model really pushes the envelope, especially in the cushioning department. Nike says the Vomero 18 provides a “entirely new cushioning experience.”

Nothing exemplifies it more than the increased stack height. It went from 39mm (Vomero 17) to a whopping 46mm (Vomero 18) under the heels. The new shoes also have a steeper 10mm drop (compared to the Vomero 17’s 8.5mm), giving you a still impressive 36 mm stack height under the forefoot.

As you can imagine, Nike added a ton of foam underfoot, adding more ZoomX in between two layers of the more economical ReactX foam. The latter was introduced in the Nike InfinityRN 4 and is said to be 13% more resilient than standard React. It also and gives 13% more energy return (in theory; it’s alway hard to verify these claims).

The engineered mesh upper is also new, and so is the shape of the shoes, particularly the toe box. If you’re used to the Pegasus’ snug fit, you’ll be surprised how spacious the Vomero 18 feels. I don’t really understand why the end of the toe box tapers into this pointy shapem as surely no one has feet that look like that!?

Kind of reminds me of cowboy boots (not quite as extreme, mind), almost, although I doubt anyone would go horse riding in the Vomero 18. Can we please have more foot-shaped toe boxes going forward, Nike? Asking for a friend. I appreciated the softer reinforced ‘rind’ around the edge of the toe box, though, which often rub against my toes in other shoes.

The tongue is well-cushioned, and the revamped heel area offers generous soft reinforcement around the ankles. The heel counter is comparatively firm in a good way. The outsole, albeit sparsely applied, feels indestructible. The strips covering the most critical parts of the sole are almost trail running shoes-like and provide excellent grip. Of course, Nike couldn’t help itself and added a Swoosh here, too. Because why shouldn’t it?

Performance and comfort

Another new thing I’m yet to mention is the updated geometry. The Vomero 18 features an increased rocker shape compared to its predecessor, which combined with taller stack height, helps ensure a smooth(er) transition from heel to toe. It’s not quite the same aggressive rocker found on most super shoes, but the Vomero 18’s sole certainly is rounder under the forefoot.

To test the capabilities of the shoes, I took the Vomero 18 out on various runs. Understandably, the trainers enjoyed slower runs the most, which is what you’d expect from max-cushion shoes. That said, there are similar shoes from other brands (e.g. On Cloudmonster Hyper, Puma MagMax Nitro) that, even though they aren’t specifically made for faster runs, do perform okay when you pick up the tempo.

I did not experience this with the Nike Vomero 18 – the shoes almost prevented me from going any faster than my jogging pace. When I fought back and pushed myself a little harder, my calves started to flare up immediately, like instant karma for trying to push the shoes out of their comfort zone.

This isn’t the end of the world; after all, max-cushioned shoes aren’t designed for tempo runs. However, I like it when shoes can fulfil more than just one purpose, but that’s not the case with the Vomero 18. It’s a ‘slow and steady’ workhorse, similar to the Hoka Bondi 9 or the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2. You’ll be travelling at one speed and at one speed only in the Vomero 18.

I mentioned above that the heel counter is pretty firm, but interestingly, it’s not massively supportive; I found my heels travelling up and down a bit in the shoes. It’s not a massive issue, but I would have liked more support in the rear. The padding is lush, though, not just around the ankles but under the lace cage, too.

The Vomero 18 has excellent traction, and the cushioning really is out of this world. It’s like slipping into a pair of pillows you can run in. Softness surrounds your feet and almost makes you forget you can’t go any faster, which I’m sure won’t be an issue for many runners. The rocker helps you move forward, too.

I talked about the toe box above, but it’s worth stressing that even though it tapers into that pointy shape, it’s one of the most comfortable Nike shoes I’ve tried. I have wide feet, and they feel quite comfortable in the shoes. If the nose would be less pointy, I’m sure Nike could shave off some of that excess weight, too, so it’s a win for everyone!

Verdict

I can’t say I’m in love with the Nike Vomero 18, but I don’t hate them, either. The shoes do well in what they set out to do but don’t go the extra mile in providing a better running experience than other max-cushion shoes. Maybe the Plus and Premium versions will fare better but until then, the Icon Vomero 18 is all we’ve got!

Similar to the Hoka Maxh X series, adding a plate could have helped. A stiff nylon plate would make the Vomero 18 more stable and propulsive, making it more suitable for other runs than jogging. On a more positive note, the shoes aren’t costly, which might make them more appealing to runners. If you like Nikes and like plush cushioning, the Vomero 18 is your best bet.