The Vomero 18, Plus, and Premium are max-cushioned trainers, but have some key differences.
By Jeff Dengate
- Nike reorganised its shoe lineup to include base, plus, and premium models of its top franchises.
- The base model Vomero is a workhorse, the Plus has some spunk, and the Premium is a wild experiment.
- The Vomero line is pushing Nike into new max-cushioning territory.
Nike recently reorganised its shoe lineup, releasing “base,” “plus,” and “premium” versions of each of its flagship franchises. The Vomero trio are intended to be its max-cushioned trainers. More standard daily trainers fall under the Pegasus badge. Stability is the domain of the Structure. Within those, we can expect variations on the base model—Peg Plus, for example, is an up-tempo shoe, while the Pegasus Premium is a more laid-back, cushioned trainer. The Vomero, though, is all about comfort, and each incorporates ZoomX foam. But, which version is right for you? Glad you asked. Read on.
The Base Model, the Vomero 18, Will Appeal to the Most Runners
Nike Vomero 18
Pros
- Versatile daily trainer built with durability in mind.
- Max cushioning at a non-max price.
- ZoomX brings a little more excitement to your stride.
Cons
- Nearly an ounce heavier than Vomero 17.
- Testers found them a little too bulky for anything uptempo.
| Type | Cushioned Trainer |
|---|---|
| Weight | 297 grams (M), 235 grams (W) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack Height | 44 mm |
“Hands down, these are the best shoes I’ve tested!” gushed RW shoe tester Casey Green, associate running coach at Ursinus College. It was praise echoed by nearly everybody who laced up Nike’s premium cushioned trainer. Why the love? Because it turns out we all crave a super cushy shoe that runs effortlessly. And that’s exactly what the Vomero does.Thomas Hengge
The Vomero 18 uses two layers of foam, with the ReactX bottom layer boosting its cushioning.
The base model of the Vomero franchise uses two different foams that have long been found in Nike’s running shoes. A top layer of ZoomX is the light and soft material found in the brand’s marathon racing shoes. Combined with a bottom layer of ReactX, the midsole delivers a highly cushioned landing but still has responsiveness for long runs.
All that comes with some extra weight. But our testers were okay with the trade-off, knowing that they were going to save these shoes for easy runs and long, relaxed outings when they weren’t likely to pick up the pace.
The Vomero Plus Has a Foam Upgrade That Makes It Soft and Sporty
Nike Vomero Plus
Pros
- Full ZoomX midsole makes for a fun ride.
- Despite its stack height, the shoe remains responsive.
- Lighter than the Vomero 18.
Cons
- A thick tongue makes the shoe feel hot in summer weather.
- Similar enough to the Vomero 18 that some runners won’t be able to justify the extra $30 cost.
| Type | Super Trainer |
|---|---|
| Weight | 280g (M), 223g (W) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack Height | 43 mm |
Long live the Invincible. Remember that short-lived cushy cruiser, which featured a thick, full-length slab of ZoomX foam? It’s now the Vomero Plus. The goal here is to deliver a shoe that has the same hallmarks of the Vomero, but make it even softer and more responsive.
In our testing, we found it worked. Swapping React for ZoomX yields about a half-ounce weight savings, but you don’t necessarily feel it on foot immediately. If, however, you decide to quicken the pace in the middle of an otherwise easy jog or long run, you’ll appreciate the difference. The ZoomX feels lively and springy, even for a 10-ounce shoe with such a massive footprint.
The thick tongue on the Vomero Plus makes it feel warm on summer days.
Michael McDonough, RW editorial assistant, tested both the Vomero 18 and the Plus, saying, “The Plus feels lighter, cushier, and faster—and the fact that the shoe was able to improve all three factors at the same time was pretty remarkable.”
Paradoxically, testers felt like the Vomero 18 had more cushioning, but the Plus is actually the softer, bouncier shoe—ZoomX delivers the pep we’re feeling underfoot.
The shoe is otherwise so similar to the Vomero 18 that, if you just seek and laid-back ride for your easy jogs, you might grab the 18 and put the extra $20 toward some socks and gels.
The Vomero Premium Offers Unrivaled Bounce
Available October 2, 2025
Nike Vomero Premium
Pros
- Ridiculously thick and bouncy shoe is actually fun.
- More cushioning than you could ever want.
- Surprisingly good stability for such a tall shoe.
Cons
- Super shoe pricing for a daily trainer.
- It’ll be the heaviest shoe you own.
| Type | Extreme Cushioning |
|---|---|
| Weight | 391 grams (men’s 12) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel Stack Height | 55.5 mm (M), 52.0 mm (W) |
What if you threw all the rules out the window and pushed the limits of innovation? That’s what Nike did with the Vomero Premium, much like Adidas did with the Adizero Prime X3 Strung and Puma’s Fast RB Nitro. The Vomero Premium, however, doesn’t have carbon-fibre plates. Instead, it sandwiches two massive Air units under the forefoot and heel between layers of ZoomX foam. The company claims the shoe was inspired by the Alter G treadmill, an anti-gravity treadmill that costs tens of thousands of dollars and uses an inflatable chamber to reduce your body weight—especially helpful when recovering from an injury.
At 55mm thick, the Vomero Premium exceeds the maximum thickness (40mm) for racing shoes allowed under World Athletics regulations. No matter—these aren’t speedsters.
The Vomero Premium doesn’t go on sale until October 2nd, but I’ve been running in it for more than a month now. The shoe is ridiculously tall, yet surprisingly stable. That’s no doubt due to the Air units, which lend rigidity to the otherwise squishy foam. Nike sticks with Air here because, as the product developers say, they are yet to find a foam that can deliver the same energy return—the same reason it included a massive Air unit in Faith Kipyegon’s spikes for her sub-4 mile attempt.
In any case, the 55mm heel thickness takes some getting used to. The first time I slipped on the shoe, I immediately broke out into a smile because it was so soft and bouncy. Then, I nearly face-planted because I was unaccustomed to running in something so tall.
All that foam and rubber underfoot comes at a cost—the Vomero Premium is at least an ounce heavier than the other 154 pairs of shoes listed as “active” in my training log. (We did not yet receive a size 9, which we measure in our lab. But, you can do the math, as my size 12 weighs 391 grams compared to my Vomero Plus at 340 grams.) It’s noticeable weight, and I have found that tend to run slower than my average easy run pace in these shoes. But, it’s an enjoyable jog, bouncing down the road fairly effortlessly.
The Verdict
Any flavor of the Vomero is best reserved for runners who like to be way up off the ground and comfortably cradled. If you like a snappy, firm shoe that gives you ground feel, look elsewhere. But, which Vomero is right for you? If you’re seeking a long run, easy cruising trainer that will hold up to a ton of miles, pick up the base model—Vomero 18. Lightweight, speedy runners who are putting in big miles of training to shave precious seconds off the clock on race day will appreciate the responsiveness and versatility of the Vomero Plus. The third shoe in the line is really an experiment. Runners who love new experiences and like something you can call a trampoline or pogo stick will have a heck of a lot of fun lacing up the Vomero Premium.
