Article by Sam Winebaum, Courtney Kelly, and Sally Reiley
Nike Vomero Plus ($180)
Introduction
The Vomero Plus is Nike’s all supercritical ZoomX foam super max trainer. It has the same 45mm heel / 35mm forefoot stack height as the Vomero 18 (RTR Review) swapping that shoe’s lower ReactX layer for an all ZoomX midsole. It also updates the outsole to a fuller coverage more substantial waffle type pattern for better grip and to help stabilize the soft ZoomX.
It drops 14g in weight to less than 10 oz and goes up $30 in price. Does Nike finally have a big cushion, fun to run unplated trainer? They sure needed one..Let’s find out!
Pros:
At long last a modern, fun, practical big cushion daily trainer from Nike, and super max no less! Sam
Deep ZoomX midsole is very energetic and bouncy yet stable enough: Sam
Smooth easy flow for such a giant: good riddance lower ReactX and glue layer: Sam
- Commendably light weight of 9.85 oz / 279g US M9 for such as big 45/35 stack height: Sam
- Durability seems excellent: Courtney, Sally
- Excellent grip and traction with the full coverage waffle outsole: Sally/Sam
Cons:
- How much is too much? A few mm less stack to extend the versatility & drop the weight noting Invicible Run is 4mm lower stack: Sam
- A little roomy in the forefoot with no good way to cinch it down: Courtney
- Premium cost: Courtney, Sally
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 9.85 oz / 279g US9 women's 8.6 oz / 242 g US8
Sample Weights:
men’s 9.6 oz / 272g US8.5 (Vomero 18: 10.1oz / 286g US8.5)
women’s US9 8.85oz / 251g US W8: 8.6 oz / 242 g US8 (Vomero 18: 9.1 oz /260 g)
Stack Height: 45 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot (same or close to Vomero 18)
Platform Width:95 mm heel / 75 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot US M8.5 (5mm wider at midfoot than 18)
Available August 7, 2025
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
The Vomero 18 had a very conventional, thick and quite warm engineered mesh upper. To go with its all Zoom X foam midsole and higher pricing, the Plus gets a thinner considerably more breathable, similar fitting and somewhat more secure yet upper.
The mesh on closer inspection has an outer mono mesh fibers layer with stitched-in polyester? threads and dots for support.
There is also a very thin inner lining.
The soft flat laces go through cord loops attached to a reinforcing strip in similar fashion to the Vomero but overall we have a thinner construction here.
The tongue is almost identical: puffy, thick and totally protecting from the laces but unlike the Vomero there is no gusset and none needed and which also improves the breathability.
We have a very stout heel counter with now no external hot glued or stitched on suede overlays.
Support and stability at the rear is insured by the foot sitting deep (and far deeper than the Vomero into the midsole side walls. This also gives the visual that the shoe is higher stack at the heel than the 18. It is not.
The fit is true to size for my narrow to medium volume feet.
The toe box volume is slightly less than the Vomero 18 as the new mesh has less stretch and there is now a fairly substantial toe bumper overlay which the 18 did not have.
Vomero Plus (Left) Vomero 18 (Right)
The same applies to the midfoot area, a bit more volume in the 18 and also even without the gusset not quite as solid a hold on my fairly low volume foot. That said both uppers are similar in fit and most should size the same as in the 18 unless you were at the upper limit for width in the 18, then consider sizing up a half size.
Courtney: The Vomero Plus is a 45mm stack shoe with a drop of 10mm for ultimate recovery and response. Although it looks higher due to the Zoom X being built into the side walls, the foot actually sits lower inside.
On step in, this shoe is super plush, yet breathable and light on foot. It comes in nearly an ounce lighter than the 18 but with a far fuller coverage outsole and better response overall.
I usually have similar takes on shoes to Sam, but I have to say I found the Vomero Plus is much more roomy at the forefoot than the Vomero 18. Unlike the 18, there is no center lace sheath to tighten the forefoot volume down. The toe bumper now wraps up and around the toe with three reflective areas. The bumper protects the toe and creates some stability, but it is certainly stiffer than the 18’s mesh toe.
Between the extra room in the forefoot and this stiffer area at the toe which can be felt inside the shoe, I finished my last long run with a sizable blister on the tip of my big toe, which I felt mostly on the downhills as I bumped into that area.
The Plus’s soft stretchy engineered mesh is thinner and more breathable than the 18.
It continues to provide plenty of cushion around the collar and tongue but now as Sam mentions, without gussets allowing one less layer of material there.
Sally: I took an immediate liking to the Vomero 18 when it was released during Boston Marathon training and really enjoyed my miles in such a smooth, comfortable, versatile daily trainer. Nike is back! Needless to say, I was excited to try the Vomero Plus, and…(drumroll please) it does not disappoint.
This shoe felt great on my foot right out of the box, and improved with miles. The fit is true to size and immediately comfortable and cushy with plenty of luxurious padding around the heel collar and in the thick tongue. Outward appearances make the stack height look really high, particularly at the heel, but your foot sits deeper and lower inside so that is just an illusion.
I found the toe box to be roomy enough but not overly so for my narrowish foot, and the hold very secure.
I often have problems with shoes being too high in volume in the toe box or the midfoot and/or my big toe hitting the front of the shoe if there is any sort of toe bumper (which there is here), but these fit just right with no issues.
The lacing system with the inner cords lattice works great and is easy to finetune. After reading Courtney’s concerns with the lack of a center lace sheath to tighten the forefoot, I double checked the fit and can confirm that it is no issue for my foot. Every foot is different!
I would expect such a plush well-cushioned shoe with a full coverage waffle outsole to weigh more, but Nike keeps the weight low
Midsole & Platform
All ZoomX here. No more lower ReactX and its glue layer as in the Vomero 18. The 18 has a mere 15mm or so of Zoom X (everything below the red in the photo below) as far as I can tell from the outside although its center core may be deeper.
All Zoom X midsole for the Plus (Top), about 15mm for the 18 (Bottom)
And this 100% ZoomX is great and clearly is a more energetic, fluidly rolling and more fun feeling ride although now a stiffer flexing one.
The midsole is on the soft side, very vibration absorbing (giant 45/35 stack height also of course assisting), energetic and forgiving with that characteristic quick return of ZoomX.
No mushy squishy sink and stay down feeling here. As a PEBA foam, I find its return quicker than nitrogen infused EVA such as in the Puma trainers. And no plate, and I think none needed as the outsole (plus the foam) helps provide very decent response. No getting bogged down here and at any pace.
We have a broad 95 mm heel / 75 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot (US M8.5) platform which is stable enough, helped by the foot sitting deep into the midsole side walls at the heel as shown above making the shoe look higher stack yet as well. There is also 5mm more midfoot platform width at midfoot.
A slight rear rocker helps the runner get off the heel at slower paces.
While not the speed ZoomX trainer in the Nike line, the Pegasus Plus is currently in that slot. I have found all training paces of far (although no intervals or fast tempo as of yet) just fine in this giant of a shoe.
Courtney: As Sam mentions, The Vomero Plus is stacked with full PEBA Zoom X for a softer, lighter and a more responsive ride than the Vomero 18. Removing the React X foam gives the shoe a much more bouncy and lively ride.
The responsiveness and easy roll make The Plus super enjoyable cruising at easy to moderate paces and it even has the ability to kick it up to marathon pace.
The Zoom X foam in the Plus comes up on the sides providing a supportive pocket for the heel and the wider platform creates solid landings.
The geometry has also gone a step up with an earlier heel rocker, more aggressive forefoot rocker, and toe spring all contributing to those ultra smooth and easy transitions.
Sally: I love Zoom X. And this shoe sports a massive amount of it! The full PEBA Zoom X foam midsole makes for a bouncy, soft yet not mushy, energetic ride, while the slight rocker geometry contributes to the smooth rolling ride. The Vomero Plus is a delightful ride at all paces, especially the mid-range easier daily run paces. I see this as a great long run shoe, comfortable and smooth and forgiving and also fairly light and peppy.
Outsole
The outsole has almost complete coverage in a waffle lug type pattern. Given the soft foam and high stack height, such coverage is a real smart move as it adds some clearly felt stability and response even if rubber, as the heaviest material in a shoe, adds some weight along with great grip everywhere.
The regular Vomero (18) has less extensive coverage as shown below.
Vomero Plus (Left) Vomero 18 (Right)
Grip is excellent on the dry surfaces I have tested to date and durability should be good. No question the outsole will handle gravel and light trails well.
Courtney:The Vomero Plus now has a full coverage waffle style outsole. The high abrasion rubber is ideal for traction and durability. I gladly stepped through all the puddles (it's been hot here!) without any worry of slipping. I would not hesitate to take the Vomero Plus out during slippery weather. It was a little noisy during my first few miles but broke in and is a quieter ride now. The flex grooves are strategically placed along the medial side upfront, stopping at the first metatarsal encouraging that stiff and energetic toe off. The lateral side features a groove that starts further up from the heel and goes all the way up to the toes for wear surface and encouraging that solid landing and roll forward.
Outsoles: Vomero 18 (Top) Vomero Plus (Bottom
Sally: I agree with Sam and Courtney and find that this full coverage waffle outsole provides excellent traction and grip and also good durability. It is not the quietest of shoes underfoot, but far better than its Nike carbon plated siblings (and I found the rubber “softened” and became quieter over time as the shoe developed some flex, so not a concern here). The durable grippy waffle outsole also adds some versatility to this shoe as I can imagine logging some trail runs in it as well.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Some initial thoughts with more runs, comparisons and testers joining the review soon. I will also be doing an A/B to Vomero 18 from the run comparison video soon.
Fun and energetic, deeply cushioned, smooth riding and below 10 oz / 283g for such a big stack shoe are the highlights. Polished for a change from Nike in trainers with no oddities of upper fit, overweight, or strange geometries. The Plus is bold and succeeds in delivering a versatile ride at giant stack heights. Maybe not quite as stable as the Vomero 18, it is way more pleasant and smiles inducing than any current Nike trainer and most others I can think of.
Its pace range is broad from recovery to daily training paces which for me have been from 11:00 miles down to mid 8:30’s miles so far. All as smooth as can be, rare for a big stack shoe, and right up there with the Skyward X which is plated, considerably heavier (and felt) and more expensive. Compared to the Pegasus Premium (RTR Review) with its rocker based ride and Air Zoom plate, we have a more natural feel here with more rebound but, as with the comparison to the Vomero 18, somewhat less underfoot stability for those who really really need it.
Giant stack height, no plates, no gimmicks the all ZoomX powered Vomero Plus really shines with big smiles every run. A suitably supportive upper and extensive outsole keep the energy “under control” and powering forward without resorting to any denser heavier EVA type foams or plates. Not easy to do, and a big step forward for Nike, as they refocus on running and everyday runners in the highly competitive run shoe market.
Sam's Score: 9.7 / 10
A big stack shoe done right: energetic, versatile, fun. Slight deductions for a less structured toe bumper. Best Nike trainer in several years
For sure Big Smiles: 😊😊😊😊😊
Courtney: Overall, the Vomero Plus is an impressive new tool for recovery and long runs. It provides significant protection without weighing you down. I think Nike could refine the upper to a single layer mesh with even more breathability and create a better forefoot hold. I am hopeful that a good blister band aid for the toe and maybe a new callus will ensure I can keep running all the miles in this terrific shoe. The Vomero Plus is a shoe for runners of all abilities and can be used for many run intensities. I found it most comfortable at marathon pace or slower (6:50-8:00 min/mile).
Courtney's Score: 9.48/10
Ride (50%): 10, excellent energy return and cushion
Fit (30%): 8.5, Struggled with lockdown especially in forefoot
Value (15%): 9.5, Expensive but seems to be a shoe that will last a long time
Style (5%): 10, great looking shoe!
😊😊😊😊😊
Sally: We have all been waiting for a resurgence of Nike into the running shoe world, not so much racers but trainers, and the new Vomero lineup is impressive so far. The Vomero Plus is a fantastic well-rounded high stack Zoom X trainer that is super plush and comfortable, peppy and responsive, smooth rolling and down right FUN to run in. It handles all paces from the easy recovery runs to the tempo efforts (9:30 easy to 7:45 ish tempo for this “mature” lady runner). The upper fits well true to size and is secure and supportive without any gimmicks, and overall runs even lighter than its fairly lightweight package would indicate. This is a versatile shoe that can go from gravel to road with a full waffle outsole, and from sub-elite to back-of-the-pack runners with its pace versatility. Welcome back, Nike, we can’t wait to see what else you have in store for our runners’ feet!
Sally’s score : 9.6 / 10
Ride (50%): 9.8, well cushioned, responsive, easy rolling
Fit (30%): 10 fits my foot like a dream
Value (15%): 9.5
Style (5%): 9.8 (personally not into the women’s colorway at all)
😊😊😊😊😊
Nike Vomero 18 (RTR Review)
Courtney: Released a few months before the Plus, the Vomero 18 shined during my recovery runs. There are many noticeable changes in the Plus that have greatly improved from the Vomero 18. My women’s size 9 came in at 9.6 ounces while the Plus is almost an ounce lighter at 8.85 ounces. Nike didn’t shave off areas ofn the Vomero Plus to cut weight.Sally: I have been impressed with the Vomero 18 and enjoy it for daily training, and now am enjoying the Vomero Plus perhaps even more. Both fit really comfortably true to size (W8 in both) and roll easily at a variety of paces short of race speed. I will choose the Vomero Plus for those longer marathon training runs due to the extra cushioning - my feet will thank me. Both are solid daily training choices.
Brooks Glycerin Max (RTR Review)
Sam: The Glycerin Max is considerably heavier (29g) at 10.6 oz / 301g US8.5 with the same heel height but more forefoot cushion height. Its midsole foam is duller and less reactive. Its ride, due to the abrupt rocker upfront and broader yet platform is awkward for me and especially at toe off. While more stable than the Plus in all other respects I prefer the Nike.ASICS Superblast 1 or 2 (RTR Review)
Sally: W8 in both. I enjoyed some of my long Boston Marathon training runs in the Superblast 2 and love it as a high performance peppy well cushioned high stack more uptempo shoe, but my experience has always been tainted by some resultant nasty blisters at the base of the first metatarsal. I have yet to test the Vomero Plus at longer than 8 miles (stay tuned) but I can't imagine any hot spots ever in this super comfortable well fitting shoe. The Superblast 2 is stiffer and in my experience a “faster” feeling shoe (easier to push the pace in), the Vomero Plus more flexible and easy going and slightly heavier. I prefer faster, so If the Superblast did not cause me blisters it would be my pick for those long miles
Nike Pegasus Premium (RTR Review)
Sally:The Pegasus Premium is stiffer and not as “runnable” for me, but a great looking lifestyle shoe. Both fit me well true to size (W8 in both). The full length air pod is a cool concept but I prefer the more responsive and energetic full length ZoomX foam of the Vomero Plus. The Peg Premium also comes at a premium price of $200. No contest here, I will choose the Vomero Plus for most every type of daily run.
Mizuno Neo Zen (RTR Review)
Sam: Lower at the heel and the same at forefoot in terms of stack height the Mizuno has a similar and equally as energetic ride. Lighter in weight by 40g at 8.1 oz / 230g US 8.5, this is felt with a quicker more agile feeling ride but one that is not as stable or consistent as the Vomero’s. It;s thin upper is more breathable but less supportive. The Nike ends up a more versatile daily trainer if you want big cushion while the Zen is a more playful option for lighter runners with good consistent form.Sally: The Zen (originally worn when it was called the Mystery shoe) is one of those super fun, agile, bouncy smile-inducing shoes that makes running a joyful experience, but I agree with Sam that it is definitely less stable. Both fit well true to size for me (W8). The Vomero Plus is the more versatile daily shoe for a wider range of runners, smooth rolling vs the Zen’s bounce.
Puma Magnify Nitro 3 (RTR Review)
Sam: At a 40/30 stack height the heavier Puma is a close competitor in the big shoe, unplated daily trainer race. It is somewhat more stable with an almost equally lively ride, but not quite. Fits are very similar up front in terms of width with the Nike’s toe bumper more present in the mix. At $20 less for what I expect to be equally durable shoes the Puma is a somewhat better value.
Hoka Skyward X (RTR Review)
Sally: I enjoy running in the Skyward X but it is SO. MUCH. SHOE. It looks ridiculous on my petite legs, but it does give me a welcome additional couple of inches in height (cocktail party wear?). The Hoka is stiffer and heavier (272 g vs 242 g) and has a roomier fit and a much higher achilles heel cup, and comes at a premium price of $225. The Vomero Plus rolls along with more ease and costs less, and is my pick in this matchup.
All RTR reviews: HERE
Latest Reviews-chronological order HERE
Tester Profiles
Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a college lacrosse player turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and 8. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, winning second place in a time of 1:26. She decided to take running a bit more seriously, joining Wicked Running Club and trying some training plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. In addition, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She looks forward to getting some more strength and speed under her belt this next season, before taking a crack at the marathon again. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.Off the roads, Courtney is a painter and loving mother to her girls.
Sally is a lifelong runner and mother of five who agreed against her better judgment to run her first marathon at age 54; she has since run the past twelve Boston Marathons, three NYC Marathons, two Chicagos, and one London with the WMM Six Star Medal now in her sights (Berlin in 2025, Tokyo 2026). With a Boston PR of 3:25:55 in 2022 and three consecutive 2nd place in Age Group awards in NYC, she has competed in several Abbott WMM Age Group World Championships and placed 6th in the world in W 60-64 when she ran an all-time PR of 3:24:02 at age 63 at the 2022 London Marathon. She also competes in USATF races of all distances with the Greater Lowell Road Runners team. To add meaning to her Boston Marathon races she runs with Team Eye and Ear and has raised over $350,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. Sally stands tall at 5’2’’ and 105 pounds, and lives in Marblehead, MA where she trains outdoors year round. She blames her love of skiing out West for any and all Boston Marathon training challenges.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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8 comments:
Width, and specifically midfoot width, is important to me. In your "Stats" section you state that the Plus has 5mm more width than the 18. But in the "fit" section you confusingly state that there is more volume in the 18 (did you mean to insert "than in"?). I am at my width tolerance in the 18, so I need to consider whether to size up. Thanks!
@Scott The 5mm wider is the platform width at the ground not the upper volume which can be different. Sorry for any confusion. The 18 has more stretch to its upper and thus more midfoot volume as well as a bit more toe box volume as well. So, you might be wise to try a half size up. Sam, Editor
You wrote EVA Cushlon, but it's ReactX on the bottom of the Vomero 18
No more lower Cushion EVA and its glue layer as in the Vomero 18. The 18 has a mere 15mm or so of Zoom X (everything below the red in the photo below) as far as I can tell from the outside although its center core may be deeper"
Its React X, not Cushlon, and the Zoom X is above the red, not below. But thanks for bringing a first look.
No comparisons to the Nike ZoomX Invincible? I thought that in Nike's lineup, this basically is a replacement for that outgoing shoe?
+1
Seems like the obvious comparison
Thirded...would be very interested in a direct comp to the Invincible 3.
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