Nike Vomero 18 Review
Published: March 20, 2025
Max Comfort, Zero Limits: The Nike Vomero 18 Keeps You Going
Likes
- Perfect level of cushioning
- Soft cushion with a little bounce
- Extra padding in the upper and tongue
Dislikes
- Lacking side-to-side support and stability
What's New
The Nike Vomero 18 is here, and it’s packing some serious upgrades! First off, that midsole—Nike went all out by combining ZoomX superfoam with their eco-friendly ReactX foam. What does that mean? More cushion for your pushin’! It’s 4 mm taller, so you get a pillowy-soft ride that still keeps you feeling light and springy. It's like running on clouds, but with a bit of bounce to keep you moving forward.
Let’s talk about the upper. Nike has tweaked the engineered mesh to give it a more premium feel while keeping things breathable. Whether you have narrow or wider feet, this shoe is going to accommodate you nicely. Along with a plush tongue and collar, the shoe offers a cozy, supportive feel for all-day wear. You’ll also notice the redesigned podular traction outsole, which grips the roads with ease, providing smooth transitions and dependable traction.
With these updates, the Vomero 18 is ready to handle your daily runs and long miles in style and comfort.
The Bottom Line
The Nike Vomero 18 road running shoe is engineered to deliver ultimate comfort for runners of all levels. Our experts called it a "10/10 shoe" from the first wear, praising its lightweight, supportive design. We loved the balance between cushion and bounce, noting how fresh the shoes felt from start to finish.
This shoe is perfect for runners who want maximum comfort without sacrificing energy return or performance. Thanks to the dual-layer midsole, the Vomero 18 offers a smooth, cushioned ride that feels just as good on mile one as it does on mile ten.
The engineered mesh upper provides a secure yet roomy fit, accommodating wider feet with ease. Plus, the plush tongue and collar add to the overall comfort, making it feel almost luxurious.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded, cushioned shoe that can take on long runs and daily miles, the Nike Vomero 18 is a great choice. All in all, it's a reliable and stylish pick for anyone looking for a cushioned, smooth ride with a little extra flair.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.5 oz (size 9), Women's: 9.1 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 44 mm (Heel), 34 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Becky: "The upper is a comfortable mesh with lots of perforations for enhanced breathability. I think they will work well in the summer months. The tongue and heel collar have padding for comfort, which add to the overall plush step in feel. It fits my foot securely without being too tight in the forefoot."
Heather: "This shoe’s upper is ultra-secure. The fit would have been better if I sized up by half a size due to the extra padding this shoe provides. Given that, I wouldn’t say it’s the most breathable upper in the world, but it does the job."
Kaitlyn: "I was able to get a secure lockdown even with my insole in the shoe. The shoe felt like it had fairly standard breathability for a daily trainer, and I never felt like my foot got overly warm or experienced any irritation points."
Torsten: "The upper of the Nike Vomero 18 feels pleasantly soft and provides a breathable, airy feel thanks to the engineered mesh. The padded collar protects my ankles, while the firm heel support ensures stable hold. In the forefoot area, I have plenty of room, so my toes don’t feel cramped. Thanks to the smart lacing system with integrated loops, I can adjust the fit individually without feeling any pressure points."
Midsole
Becky: "For a daily trainer, the Zoom X/React X midsole combo is the perfect mixture for soft comfort with some energy. This is the type of experience I enjoy for long, easy paced miles and recovery runs."
Heather: "I felt beautifully supported and light on my feet in these shoes. They provide the max cushion I look for and a comfy ride from start to finish."
Kaitlyn: "I was pleasantly surprised with the midsole. While I was expecting a very plush feeling, it ended up having a really nice bounce that helped make each run feel effortless. There’s plenty of cushioning due to the added foam in the forefoot without it feeling heavy."
Torsten: "The midsole of the Nike Vomero 18 gives me a pleasantly soft yet responsive running experience. The top layer of ZoomX foam provides noticeable energy return, propelling me forward with every step. Beneath it, the ReactX foam layer offers long-lasting cushioning that protects my joints, even on long runs. This combination makes my run feel not only comfortable but also dynamic and efficient."
Outsole
Becky: "There is a nice amount of rubber coverage on the outsole that worked well for me during a recent rainstorm. They also work well for road to trail runs with well-groomed trails."
Heather: "I ran in these shoes on both the road and the treadmill. They were bouncy and energetic on the treadmill, and I felt safe/grounded on the road. These shoes have a versatile outsole suitable for all terrains."
Kaitlyn: "I’ve only ran in this shoe on fire roads and trails, and the traction felt amazing to me. I never felt like I was slipping or needing more traction. Looking at the shoe, there is a bit more of an aggressive outsole that I think helps in this area."
Torsten: "The outsole of the Vomero provides me with excellent traction on asphalt and firm natural trails. Thanks to the strategically placed rubber elements, I feel secure and stable even in wet conditions. The flex grooves support a smooth rolling motion, enhancing my running comfort. I also appreciate the durability of the outsole, which shows little to no signs of wear even after many kilometers."
Comparable Models
Nike Vomero 18 vs HOKA Clifton 10
Becky: "I’m also currently wearing the HOKA Clifton 10 in the daily training category for easy runs. The Vomero 18 shines brighter because the foam feels bouncier, and is therefore more versatile in end use. I’ve had no trouble doing some faster intervals in the Vomero 18 as well as several long runs."
Nike Vomero 18 vs. New Balance More v5
Heather: "I would compare the Vomero 18 to my New Balance More v5 shoes. The More v5 is more plush compared to the Vomero 18. The combination of cushioning and responsiveness is unbeatable in the Vomero. When looking side by side at their outsoles, the Vomero has far better traction that works for roads and even some light trails."
Nike Vomero 18 vs. ASICS Nimbus 27
Kaitlyn: "As a max cushion daily trainer, I found the Vomero 18 to be most comparable to the ASICS Nimbus 27. The cushioning was different, with the Nimbus being much more plush, but when looking at their stack heights, the level of cushioning is really similar. Personally, I would choose the Nike Vomero over almost any other shoe due to the level of cushioning mixed with the reactivity of the foam. It makes it the perfect all-around shoe to go on long runs, easy runs, and do some speed work in."
Nike Vomero 18 vs HOKA Bondi 9
Torsten: "The main difference between the Nike Vomero 18 and the Hoka Bondi 9 is in their cushioning and overall feel. The Vomero 18 feels more dynamic, with a good balance of soft cushioning and responsiveness, while the Bondi 9 provides a more cushioned, floating feel but feels less agile. The Vomero fits securely and is better for versatile runs, while the Bondi is ideal for recovery runs or runners who prefer maximum cushioning. Personally, I prefer the Vomero 18, as it offers the best mix of comfort, stability, and dynamism for my running style."
Individual Thoughts
BeckyOverall Score: 9/10
One of my first running shoes was a past version of the Vomero, but due to poor updates I walked away from it for the last 10+ years. This is the first Vomero I was eager to try due to the massive overhaul from head to toe. Not only did Nike add several millimeters of foam while keeping the weight similar to the last version, they added a layer of React X foam under the Zoom X. It’s a great combo, and the price decreased $10. This is a pretty solid homerun of a daily trainer.
HeatherOverall Score: 10/10
The Vomero 18 is a 10/10 shoe for me. From the very first wear, I felt light, supported, and most notably – stylish. I have never received more questions and compliments around the office than when I wore these shoes (and that’s a lot coming from a hallway full of running nerds). I felt like I was flying through my endurance runs, while also seamlessly transitioning to a lifestyle look after my workout. I will continue to reach for the Vomero as a personal choice until further notice.
KaitlynOverall Score: 9.5/10
This shoe is a five star shoe for me. The upper fits amazing which was not expected considering I have a slightly wider foot. Paired with an insole, Nike uppers tend to be a bit on the tighter side for me, but I felt like I have plenty of room for my foot to swell and for my toes to move. Throughout the duration of my runs I was expecting to feel the bounciness and reactivity of the foam go away, especially during my long runs, but it never did. The shoe felt just as good at the start of my run as it did at the end. Since I prefer to run on fire roads and non-technical single track trails, I felt like the outsole performed super well, and I never had to worry about not having enough traction.
TorstenOverall Score: 9/10
The Nike Vomero 18 really impressed me. The cushioning is excellent – the combination of ZoomX and ReactX foam provides a soft yet responsive feel, offering plenty of rebound while still feeling cushioned. The fit is secure and comfortable, and the breathable mesh upper ensures my feet stay well-ventilated even during long runs. The shoe feels smooth and stable, which benefits me especially on longer distances. It's nearly perfect for my running style, though a little more flexibility in the forefoot area could make it even better.
Nike Men's Vomero
Nike's flagship neutral everyday running shoe, the Nike Vomero offers a more premium, luxurious, and comfortable version of the popular Nike Pegasus.
Nike Women's Vomero
Nike's flagship neutral everyday running shoe, the Nike Vomero offers a more premium, luxurious, and comfortable version of the popular Nike Pegasus.
