First Look at the Nike Vomero 18
Plush comfort, tons of cushioning and a premium feel, the new Nike Vomero 18 has a clear directive to bring you comfortable and easy daily miles.
The start of a brand-new fully cushioned Vomero range from Nike to complement their newly completed Pegasus range, the Vomero 18 has a lot riding on its shoulders.
KEY INFO
Price: £134.99
Foot type: Neutral
Weight: 325g Men’s, 263g Women’s
Stack height: 46 - 36mm
Heel drop: 10mm
Surface: Road
Best for: Comfortable, cushioned miles
HISTORY
In the years past, the Vomero’s purpose hasn’t been quite so clearly defined. Considered an upgrade on the Pegasus, it has had a higher price and a plusher feel, but different iterations have often suited different types of runs.
Now Nike have given it a very clear directive, while the new Pegasus range is the Responsive daily trainer range, and the Structure will be a supportive daily trainer range, the Vomero is set up as the cushioned range, and cushioned it most definitely is!
Also, that higher price? Nike have managed to cram in extra foam, more tech and still drop the price by £10 to bring the two shoes closer together in cost, making it even more important that they split the feel and use of the two shoes.
CLOSER LOOK
On first inspection, it comes across as a great looking shoe, a shoe that would look as at home in casual situations as on long runs, but done worry, Nike haven’t compromised its performance to give it the smooth lines and dynamic midsole on show.
To make it the icon of deep cushioning, Nike have upped the max stack to a massive, although these days perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised, 46mm in the heel, with a 10mm heel drop. That deep, deep cushioning isn’t any old foam either.
With Peba based ZoomX at the top, you get the same lightweight and responsive type of foam Nike put in their pinnacle race day shoes, like the Vaporfly and the Alphafly. As soft and comfortable as ZoomX is, you need a firmer foam beneath it to add support, especially when we remember the huge stack height and no plate, so Nike have used their ReactX foam. A more sustainable foam, it cut down its carbon footprint by 43% on the previous React foam, while increasing energy return by 13% and is used in the Pegasus 41.
Of course, all this extra foam does come at the cost of a little more weight, but extra weight doesn’t always feel the same. If you balance the weight well, create the perfect geometries, including a brand-new rocker shape like Nike have, then the weight can disappear on foot, or at least not affect the smooth, flowing sensation you get from the Vomero.
It’s not all about the underfoot either, with a plush tongue and lining you get a snug, comfortable feel surrounding the foot, enhanced by the excellent engineered mesh upper.
The outsole is separated into pods, allowing for increased agility, and a smoother transition from heel to toe-off.
CONCLUSION
£10 cheaper than before, with upgraded cushioning from cushlon to ReactX and a deeper stack of foam, the Vomero 18 is a huge improvement over the 17.
A max-stack, everyday runner, ideal for new runners or Elite athletes, who want to get the most out of comfortable miles, the Vomero 18 might could give cushioned comfort as your only runner, or be a vital part of your shoe rotation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS NIKE VOMERO FOR?
Long runs in comfort with a smooth roll and a deeply cushioned feel.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PEGASUS AND VOMERO?
Both shoes are for daily training, but the Pegasus is a more responsive shoe designed to let you find a little extra speed, while the Vomero is a deeply cushioned daily trainer designed to provide a flow and comfort.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE NIKE VOMERO?
Deep cushioning, smooth miles and a sense of flow from your daily runs.
HOW MUCH IS THE VOMERO 18?
Cheaper than the Vomero 17! The 18 is a mere £134.99 at release.
