Right then, let's have a proper look at the new Nike Vomero 18, shall we? Here at Sundried, we know you lot are serious about your running, so we've been digging into what everyone's saying about Nike's latest offering.

Nike Vomero 18: A Right Good Look at What Runners Are Saying

The Nike Vomero has been a familiar face on the running scene for a good while now, and the Vomero 18 is the latest iteration. Nike are calling this one their "Icon" in the max cushion category, which gives you a fair idea of where they're pitching it - all about that lovely, cushioned comfort.

What's new then? Well, the big change is in the squishy bit in the middle - the midsole. They've swapped out the old ZoomX and Cushlon combo for a blend of ZoomX and ReactX foam. The word on the street (and from the experts) is that this makes for a noticeably more cushioned feel with a higher stack height. Plus, they've tweaked the shape a bit with an improved rocker, which should make your stride feel smoother and more balanced. And let's not forget the plush and comfy upper - sounds like a treat for your feet, doesn't it?

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some folks have pointed out that the new Vomero is a bit heavier than its predecessor, the Vomero 17. There have also been grumbles about the outsole not being as tough as it used to be, and some runners feel it's not quite as versatile if you like to mix in some speedier sessions. So, it seems the Vomero 18 might be best suited as your go-to for those easy jogs and recovery days, and could be a decent shout for longer distances. But if you're planning on smashing out some PBs, you might want to look elsewhere.

Nike's Game Plan: Comfort is King?

It's clear that Nike are deliberately positioning the Vomero 18 as a top-tier comfy cruiser. This suggests they're really focusing on different types of runners with more specialised shoes. By making the Vomero the "Icon" for max cushioning, they're signalling that this shoe is all about that plush feel. It makes you wonder if they've traded a bit of that all-rounder versatility for out-and-out comfort.

The Vomero 18 is being touted as a premium neutral daily trainer, built specifically for those who put maximum cushioning and top-notch comfort at the top of their list. Launched in February 2025, it's the follow-up to the Vomero 17, and it's fair to say they've made some significant changes, most notably that updated midsole and the increased stack height. We're here to give you the lowdown based on all the reviews out there, so you can decide if it's the right shoe for you.

Feeling Plush? The Emphasis on Comfort

The recurring themes you hear about the Vomero 18 are "premium" and "maximal" cushioning. This tells us that Nike are really aiming at that part of the market who want serious underfoot protection and a super soft feel, especially for those easy miles and longer runs. It's a trend we're seeing across the board in running shoes - more and more runners are after that higher stack and more generous cushioning. The Vomero 18 certainly seems to be ticking those boxes.

A Cosy Home for Your Feet: The Upper

Reviewers keep using words like "luxurious" to describe the Vomero 18's upper, with plenty of padding for a snug and secure fit. The engineered mesh they've used is said to be soft and flexible, and some have even found it a bit roomier and stretchier than previous Nike models, which is good news for those with wider feet. A real standout seems to be the thick, well-padded tongue and collar - sounds like you could sink your feet right in! Most people reckon the sizing is spot on, and a few have mentioned it feels a tad more spacious than other recent Nikes, particularly in the toe box. They've even added a handy heel pull tab - every little helps, eh?

It sounds like Nike have really nailed the comfort factor with this upper. The accommodating fit is a big plus, potentially appealing to more runners than just those with narrow feet. By focusing on that "plush," "comfortable," and "luxurious" feel, they're clearly aiming for a great step-in feel and a pleasant experience throughout your run. The reported extra room, especially compared to other Nikes, could be a sign they're trying to cater to a wider range of foot shapes, which is always a good thing.

Stacked Up: The Midsole Magic

The Vomero 18 boasts a seriously impressive stack height - a whopping 46mm in the heel and 36mm in the forefoot. That makes it the most cushioned Vomero ever! This cushioning comes from a dual-layer midsole. The top layer is ZoomX, known for its bouncy and responsive feel, while the bottom layer is ReactX, offering a blend of cushioning, stability, and durability. The result? A ride that's often described as plush and soft, doing a grand job of soaking up the impact with each step. This makes it a prime candidate for those easy and recovery runs. Importantly, many reviewers have noted that the cushioning isn't too mushy, striking a good balance between softness and a bit of responsiveness. The supportive nature of all that cushioning could also make it a winner for heavier runners.

By combining ZoomX and ReactX, Nike are clearly trying to get the best of both worlds. ZoomX is all about that lightweight, energetic feel, while ReactX brings the durability and stability. Layering these two different foams is a clever way to aim for both a comfy ride and the support and energy return you need for different types of runs. It's a smart approach we're seeing more and more in the running shoe world.

Keeping You Steady: The Stability Factor

The Vomero 18 is also getting praise for its surprisingly stable ride, which is often put down to its wider base. The ReactX foam in the midsole also plays a big part in adding to the shoe's stability and support. Despite that significant stack height, reviewers have consistently highlighted how stable the Vomero 18 feels, especially when you compare it to other max-cushioned options out there, like the Nike Invincible. The rocker shape of the shoe also helps to keep things smooth and balanced as you move through your stride.

It seems Nike have really thought about stability in a shoe with this much cushioning. They're clearly trying to avoid that wobbly feeling you can sometimes get with super-soft shoes. By combining a wide platform, the properties of the ReactX foam, and that carefully designed shape, they seem to have created a shoe that's both incredibly comfortable and surprisingly stable.

The Price Point: Good Value?

The Nike Vomero 18 comes in at around £140 (converting that $150), which puts it in a competitive spot in the max-cushioned trainer market, and interestingly, it's actually a bit cheaper than the Vomero 17 used to be. This pricing makes it a tempting alternative to other popular max-cushioned shoes like the ASICS Nimbus, Hoka Bondi, and Brooks Glycerin Max, which often come with a heftier price tag. It's quite something that despite all the upgrades in the Vomero 18, like the extra cushioning and new midsole foams, the price has actually dropped a tenner compared to when the previous model launched. That's not something you see every day in the running shoe world!

The fact that the Vomero 18 is priced lower, especially considering the improvements it offers over its predecessor and rivals, suggests that Nike are aiming to provide a good value option in the max-cushioned category. This could make the Vomero 18 a really appealing choice for runners who want that premium cushioning feel without breaking the bank. In a market where running shoe prices generally seem to be going up, Nike's decision to lower the price of a significantly updated model is noteworthy and could be a smart move to grab more market share in the popular max-cushioned segment, making it more accessible to a wider range of runners who prioritise that plush underfoot feel.

The Downsides: What to Consider

Despite all the good stuff, the Nike Vomero 18 does have a few drawbacks that have been mentioned. A common one is the weight. At around 325g for a men's UK size 9, it's heavier than the Vomero 17. Many runners have noticed this extra weight, and it can make the shoe feel a bit sluggish, especially when you try to pick up the pace. Some reviewers have even said it feels a bit too heavy for a modern trainer in 2025, which might limit how versatile it is. However, it's worth noting that some people who've run in it say it feels lighter on the foot than the numbers suggest, probably due to the midsole design and that rocker shape.

The consistent feedback about the Vomero 18 being heavier, particularly compared to the previous version, points to a potential trade-off in the design. While the increased cushioning and higher stack are definitely benefits for comfort and protection, they seem to have added to the weight. This could be a big factor for runners who really value a lightweight and nimble feel in their everyday trainers. The recurring comments suggest that while the shoe might be great for easy miles, the extra bulk could hinder performance during faster sessions and might be a key consideration for those who are particularly sensitive to the weight of their footwear.

Another area of concern that's popped up is the durability of the Vomero 18's outsole. Compared to the Vomero 17, the new model has less rubber coverage, and the rubber they've used is reportedly softer. This combination has led to some runners noticing quicker wear, especially in those high-impact areas like the outer heel. Some reviewers have seen significant wear after relatively short distances, like 100 miles or so. While the grip from the outsole is generally considered decent on various surfaces, the potential for it to wear out faster could be a real downside for runners who want a shoe that's going to last.

It seems there's been a bit of a balancing act between trying to reduce the overall weight of the shoe (by using less rubber) and keeping that outsole durable. The reports of the Vomero 18's outsole wearing down more quickly suggest that Nike might have prioritised weight reduction or perhaps other performance aspects, like flexibility or ground feel, over the long-term toughness of the outsole in this particular model. The feedback from reviewers about the outsole wearing out faster than expected is definitely something to keep in mind for future versions. It's particularly relevant for runners who tend to be hard on their outsoles or who often run on rough surfaces.

The increased weight and bulk of the Nike Vomero 18, along with its clear focus on maximum cushioning, seem to have made it less versatile compared to earlier Vomero models. Reviewers have generally found the Vomero 18 less suitable for those faster-paced efforts, like tempo runs, interval training, and other more demanding workouts. The shoe's characteristics are described as feeling a bit sluggish and cumbersome when runners try to speed up. As a result, the general consensus is that the Vomero 18 is best saved for those easy and recovery runs, where its plush cushioning and stable ride really come into their own.

Nike's decision to really push the Vomero as a primarily max-cushioned comfort shoe has clearly come with a trade-off in its ability to handle a wide range of running paces and training types. Runners who prefer a single shoe that can comfortably handle both easy recovery days and more intense speed sessions might find the Vomero 18 a bit limiting in what it can do. Compared to previous versions of the Vomero or other daily trainers that aim for a better balance between cushioning and responsiveness, the Vomero 18 seems more narrowly focused on providing exceptional comfort for those lower-intensity runs. This suggests that runners looking for a versatile shoe for their entire training week might need to pair the Vomero 18 with a more responsive option for their faster workouts.

While the upper of the Vomero 18 is generally getting good reviews for its comfort, there have been a few potential fit and upper-related niggles mentioned. The thick padding, while contributing to that lovely plush feel, has been noted as potentially being a bit too warm for running in hot summer conditions. Also, the substantial padding on the tongue has made it a bit tricky for some reviewers to get a really secure lockdown of the foot. A few runners have also found the ankle area to feel a bit wide, which could potentially lead to heel slippage if you don't use a runner's knot in your lacing. The toe box of the Vomero 18 has been described as having a slightly pointy shape, which some runners might not find the most aesthetically pleasing or that could potentially restrict natural toe splay during runs. One reviewer mentioned a slightly clunky feeling during heel transitions, which they put down to the lateral heel flare of the shoe. Finally, the firmness of the toe guard in the upper was noted by one tester, who recommended wearing socks for the best comfort.

Despite the generally positive feedback on the upper's comfort, these specific design aspects might not be ideal for all runners or in all running conditions. Those who tend to overheat easily, especially in the summer months, might find the thick padding of the upper less breathable than they'd like. Similarly, runners with lower volume feet or those who prefer a really snug fit might need to play around with the lacing to get a good lockdown. The slightly pointy toe box could be a consideration for runners with wider forefeet or those who like more room for their toes to spread out naturally. These little details highlight that while the Vomero 18 prioritises plushness and cushioning in its upper design, potential buyers should be aware of these points based on their own preferences and running needs.

The Nitty-Gritty: Technical Specs

Here's a quick rundown of the key technical bits for the Nike Vomero 18:

The Verdict: A Comfy Cruiser with a Few Quirks

So, what's the final word on the Nike Vomero 18? It's clearly a well-cushioned and comfortable running shoe that's primarily designed for those easy and recovery runs, and it could be a great option for longer distances too. The significant increase in cushioning and that ZoomX and ReactX midsole combo deliver a plush and protective ride that's generally getting a thumbs-up from runners and reviewers. The comfy and accommodating upper is another big plus.

However, the shoe's increased weight and those concerns about the outsole durability are definitely things to keep in mind. Plus, its reduced versatility for faster-paced workouts means that if you're after a single shoe for all your training needs, the Vomero 18 might leave you wanting.

Ultimately, the Nike Vomero 18 looks like a strong contender for runners who prioritise maximum cushioning and comfort in their daily training. Its competitive price in the max-cushioned category also makes it an attractive option. However, potential buyers should be aware of the shoe's weight and the reported issues with outsole wear, especially if you're a heavier runner or you often run on rough surfaces. For those mainly focused on those easy and long runs, the Vomero 18 offers a comfortable and stable ride. Runners who regularly mix in faster workouts will probably need to think about getting a second, more responsive shoe to complement the Vomero 18.