The brand new Nike Vomero 18: What you need to know
The max-cushioned running shoe is certainly having its moment – and now, Nike is hoping to top the charts when it comes to softness, comfort and a super-sized stack height.
Enter, the Vomero 18. The latest iteration of Nike’s mega-plush Vomero range, this pumped-up road shoe promises supreme comfort and enjoyment for even the longest training runs and races, not to mention the tallest midsole so far and a level of responsiveness not previously seen in the Vomero family.
Indeed, the Vomero 18 quite literally takes the midsole to new heights with its 46mm stack in the heel, while the all-new dual-foam compound of ZoomX and ReactX offers both peppiness and support – and these are just some of the unapologetic changes that Nike has made to the transform the Vomero 17 into its long-awaited successor.
We caught up with Marian Dougherty, Senior Director, Global Running Footwear and Ashley Campbell, Running Footwear Product Line Manager to discover more about the striking, soon-to-drop Vomero 18 – and the other actions that Nike is taking to enhance its broader running shoe line-up.
Head-turning midsole magnitude
As mentioned, one of the most obvious new features of the Vomero 18 is its increased stack height, which comes in at 46mm at the heel versus the Vomero 17’s 40mm, leading to next-level cushioning and protection from ground impact. This is complemented – if not countered – by a heel-to-toe drop of 10mm and pronounced rocker geometry, which hopes to generate a silky smooth and energetic toe-off.
In fact, despite being so unashamedly maximal, this is not a shoe that Nike sees as being all that slow. Yes, it is a running shoe that prioritises comfort, durability and dependability over speed – and no, it is by no means an all-out aggressive racer like the Alphafly 3. But, the Vomero 18 is a shoe that Nike quietly hopes to give you a bit of well-supported oomph on the run.
Why? In addition to the rocker, just look at the foam itself. While the Vomero 17 featured a combination of ZoomX (Nike’s softest, lightest and most responsive foam, best known for being moulded into the brand’s carbon plate shoes) with less-bouncy Cushlon 3.0, the Vomero 18 marries a shoe-length layer of ZoomX on top with a bottom layer of ReactX (Nike’s most sustainable foam, which also offers a high energy return) in the heel and forefoot. The result is an ultra-cushioning double foam stack that Nike believes will serve new runners and experienced runners alike who are looking for a comfortable yet lively everyday running shoe.
‘We heard from runners that when they think of maximum cushioning, they envision a soft, plush experience that alleviates feeling the impact of the ground underfoot,’ says Campbell, who also enthuses that the shoe’s soft, stretchy, reimagined engineered mesh upper provides better breathability around the tongue and toe area.
‘We obsessed the details to give the running community that sensation with best-in-class design and technology,’ continues Campbell. ‘That ethos is apparent throughout the Vomero 18, a shoe purpose-built to give every runner – from the everyday to the elite – the ultra-comfortable ride that is both supportive and easy on the body and equips runners to achieve their goals.’
Lightweight and good-looking
All that extra midsole foam underfoot comes at a cost however, with the Vomero 18 out-weighing version 17 and hitting the scales at 263g/325g (women’s/men’s) versus its predecessor’s measurement of 220g/272g (women’s/men’s). However, according to Nike, this heavier running shoe is also a more stylish and ‘aesthetically beautiful’ running shoe – one that was designed to suit all genders, but with the requirements and preferences of women runners in mind.
It will be available in a range of vibrant colours, with the ‘Atmosphere Pink’ option – to symbolise the ‘illuminating joy a runner feels on a long run’ – fronting the pack. What’s more, Nike is also adding the Vomero 18 to its children’s running shoe line-up, meaning that the next generation of running enthusiasts can get their first-ever taste of ReactX foam, alongside their adult counterparts.
A more defined road running line-up
The Vomero 18 is quite a shake-up on the 17 – but that’s not the only change that Nike has been working on behind closed doors.
Indeed, in conjunction with the Vomero 18, the brand has also just announced an all-encompassing restructure of its running shoe line-up. The aim of this, Nike says, is to make choosing the right shoe more intuitive and less time-consuming for runners, helping them to pick the perfect pair (or, of course, pairs) according to their individual needs and running goals.
The line-up will consist of three clear categories, all of which derive from Nike’s mainstay franchises dedicated to cushioning: Pegasus, Vomero and Structure. Each category promises to offer a distinct benefit and mix of Nike technologies and price points, giving runners options in a more simplified fashion.
Pegasus
Delivers responsive cushioning for ample energy return – ideal for runners who want to run fast on city streets, for example.
Vomero
Offers maximum cushioning for top-tier comfort, which will best suit runners who seek a pleasant, plush ride for long, easy runs.
Structure
Supplies supportive cushioning, making it a great choice for those who want to feel more stable and guided on the run.
In addition, each category will be anchored by an ‘Icon’ running shoe. For instance, the Pegasus 41 and Vomero 18 will stand as Icon models of their respective categories, while ‘Plus’ and ‘Premium’ silhouette models within the same categories will give runners the choice of more premium (and thus more expensive) cushioned running shoes.
‘We know that runners just want a shoe that feels right for their daily runs,’ says Dougherty, who emphasises how Nike bases its decisions and developments on insights from the running community – especially with more runners now taking to the roads and trails. ‘They don’t want to overthink it. That’s why we’ve streamlined our offerings and created a clear distinction between them so runners can easily find what they need. It’s all about finding that sweet spot so runners can just lace up and hit the road.’
As for the Vomero 18, the bad news is that you’ll have to wait until 27 February 2025 to purchase a pair, either at www.nike.com or select retailers, for £134.99. But the good news? Well, we won't know about the good news until we've tested them, so keep your eyes peeled for that update!
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