Article by Sam Winebaum, Courtney Kelly, Sally Reiley, Jen Schmidt, Kelly McHenry-Jennings, Peter Stuart and Ryan Eiler
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, Sally
Deep ZoomX midsole is very energetic and bouncy yet stable enough: Sam, Courtney, Sally, Jen, Ryan
Smooth easy flow for such a giant: good riddance lower Cushlon EVA and glue layer: Sam, Courtney, Sally, Jen, Ryan
Commendably light weight of 9.85 oz / 279g US M9 for such as big 45/35 stack height: Sam, Courtney, Sally, Jen, Peter
Durability seems excellent: Courtney, Sally, Ryan, Peter
Excellent grip and traction with the full coverage waffle outsole: Sally, Peter, Sam
- A little roomier in the toebox than the Vomero 18: Peter
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, Jen
A little roomy in the forefoot with no way to cinch it down: Courtney
Premium cost: Courtney, Sally, Jen, Peter
- Toe bumper and narrowness of toebox may put pressure on big toenail - Jen'
- Louder on the ground than Vomero: 18 Peter
- A little firmer than Vomero: 18 Peter
- Lazy, long turnover: Ryan
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
Most comparable shoes
Mizuno Neo Zen
Puma MagMax
New Balance Fresh Foam More
Vomero 18
Salomon Aero Glide 3
Nike Invincible 3 - Ryan
Mizuno Neo Vista 2 - Ryan
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.
Jen: The Vomero Plus is a vastly different shoe than the Vomero 16, the last version I ran in. The 16 was a great daily trainer - simple, cushioned, durable. Upon pulling the Plus out of the box, my first impression was that it might be too much shoe. It has grown on me a bit, though, especially as it feels better after a few runs than it did at first, as Sally noted.
Vomero Plus vs. Vomero 16: two very different shoes.
Even with my relatively low-volume feet, I didn’t experience the issue Courtney noted with the midfoot and forefoot being too wide. The fit was true-to-size for me throughout, although the reinforced toe bumper felt somewhat restrictive on the medial side above the big toes. I’ve had the same complaint with other Nike toeboxes (particularly on the Alphafly and Zoom Fly), as the added pressure from the tapered toebox and bumper can lead to missing big toenails after long runs and marathons.
The plush inside and substantial cushion fit well with the princess colorway: this is a shoe made to pamper your feet. As other testers noted, it’s not as heavy as it looks thanks to the airy ZoomX foam and deep foot placement. I found that the tightly woven upper and thick tongue, while comfortable and effective at preventing lace bite, trapped a lot of heat on summer runs. Still, the Vomero Plus offers a luxurious recovery run experience.
Kelly: I first ran in the Nike Vomero Plus the day after a race and was amazed by how fresh and supported my legs felt. On step-in, the shoe felt plush and well-cushioned without being bulky or heavy. Despite the substantial 45mm/35mm stack, the shoe is impressively light, especially given the level of protection it offers. The upper fits true to size for my medium-width foot and felt secure throughout my runs. The breathable mesh upper allowed for solid airflow during warmer midday runs.
Peter: Gosh, I’m the outlier on every review I’m doing right now. I really enjoyed the Vomero 18. It’s bigger and heavier than most shoes I run in and I found myself returning to it often. Cushy, but not ridiculous and rolls really well through the miles.
I was super excited to get a slightly lighter version in the Vomero Plus…and I have to say that I still prefer the Vomero 18. The Plus does look a little sleeker and the upper may be a bit more breathable, Fit is very similar, though I’d say that I have a little more room for my toes in the Vomero Plus. Tongue is equally (and almost ridiculously) padded in both.
Fit is true to size and both shoes are plenty stable and durable. If I had to pin it down, I’d guess that the changes in the outsole are what lead me to enjoy the ride of the Vomero 18 more than the Plus.
Ryan: The Vomero 18 has served me well on many of my easier recovery days over the past couple of months, so I was curious to see what twist the “Plus” put on this version and whether it added meaningful performance or was merely a marketing reach.
My initial impression is that the upper here is stout, durable, and on the more spacious end of the scale for a Nike shoe. It feels fairly plush on foot, thanks in part to a generously padded tongue, and provides impressive foot containment without feeling overly aggressive or narrow.
The construction is essentially a dual-layer engineered mesh with a strong outer layer resistant to stretching, laid atop a more comfortable, very finely woven inner layer. As my colleagues have noted, the fit is true to size but offers more volume than a typical Nike, which I think is appropriate given its use case as a trainer for more casual speeds that doesn’t require tenacious lockdown.
That said, it still provides a generous amount of structure. A solid toe bumper up front, defined overlays in the engineered mesh, and the iconic Swoosh overlays all contribute to its sturdiness. I have to agree with Jen that the hearty layering costs it in the breathability department, but it feels like an appropriate choice for a comfortable, long-haul workhorse.
The heel build is especially robust, with a bomb-proof heel counter and a nicely padded, but not overly plush, heel cup. If Nike’s other similar shoes, such as the standard Vomero and Invincible, are any guide, this 'Plus' upper also promises impressive durability.
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.
Jen: As the other testers noted, plenty of Zoom X in the midsole here makes for a very comfortable ride. The base is wide and stable to balance out the high pile of foam. Taken all together, it’s a whole lot of shoe, and I fully expected it to feel clunky at faster paces. Still, I was pleasantly surprised by the energy return when doing strides: the Vomero Plus is peppier than it looks. As Sally noted, it is best suited to easy recovery runs. The slight heel rocker and placement of the forefoot rocker don’t do much for a midfoot/forefoot strike, so I felt that each foot was planting solidly rather than rolling through. I wouldn’t reach for it at marathon pace or faster, but it checks the boxes for recovery runs.
Kelly: The full-length ZoomX midsole delivers what it promises: bounce, cushion, and comfort. I appreciated the energetic ride—soft without being too squishy, and responsive without being harsh. The foam offers excellent shock absorption, which made a big difference on recovery days. Coming off of an ankle injury, I was skeptical about running in such a tall shoe, but I especially liked how the midsole cradles the heel, creating a stable base and helping me feel locked in without compromising comfort.
Peter: Ha ha, grumpy old man over here prefers the ride and cushion of the Vomero 18. I put one on each foot to compare and ran them back to back several times. I don’t notice a huge difference in the all Zoom X versus the Zoom X plus EVA. For me the foams feel pretty similar and the outsole is what tips the balance on the ride towards the 18.
Ryan: With the Vomero Plus, Nike goes all-in on ZoomX, swapping out the Vomero 18’s lower layer of ReactX for a full-length supercritical foam experience. As Sam mentioned, this gets rid of the glue layer and creates a more cohesive platform. In many ways, this shoe reminds me of the Nike Invincible series, from its sturdy build to its thick, relatively flat midsole and its bouncy, deep ZoomX ride.
The massive foam stack allows you to pronate as you please, and while the energetic rebound of the ZoomX keeps it from feeling sloppy, there’s definitely not a ton of inherent stability offered here. It's also worth noting that there is no channel down the midline of this midsole as you find in many comparable shoes, which might add extra bounce, but I feel costs it on the stability front.
The thickness of the ZoomX also results in a definitively muted road feel, isolating you from what’s underfoot.
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.
Jen: Not much to add here - as the other testers noted, the waffle outsole is grippy enough for wet surfaces and light gravel and seems promising for durability. It does make a slapping noise on the roads that hasn’t diminished after 30+ miles, but maybe it will become quieter over time.
Kelly: The waffle-style outsole provides impressive grip on pavement, gravel, and dirt. I ran through gravel and trail sections without hesitation and never felt unstable. The full coverage adds durability and further enhances the sense of stability, especially important for a high-stack shoe like this.
Peter: Okay, so I think this is where the Vomero Plus falls apart for me–compared to the Vomero 18. The full waffle outsole, while grippy, also makes the shoe more rigid. It also makes it louder. Loudness is not, in itself, problematic–but it hints at an overall less smooth experience (seemingly only for me). The Vomero 18 has more natural flex–which makes sense when you look at the exposed foam between the front rubber sections and the rear ones. Perhaps if the Vomero Plus separated the two sections I’d find more love for the foam.
Ryan: The outsole’s fairly monolithic patch of rubber is mostly dominated by the dynamics of the midsole above it. The rectangular, waffled nubs feel thick and robust, matching the hearty build of the shoe's upper and providing fantastic traction on most surfaces.
I agree with Peter that this new full-coverage waffle pattern adds some rigidity compared to the Vomero 18, but I find it works well in conjunction with the ultra-soft midsole. Given the flatter geometry underfoot, there is always a ton of rubber in contact with the ground, and there's no real notable transition to work through from heel to toe. Durability here won't be a concern.
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: 9.6/ 10
A big stack shoe done right: energetic, versatile, fun. Best Nike trainer in several years.
Slight deductions for a less structured over present toe bumper.
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)
😊😊😊😊😊
Jen: Given my positive experience with an earlier version of the Vomero (v16), I was hoping that the Vomero Plus would be a slightly bouncier and more cushioned upgrade. It is more cushioned, but it's better considered an entirely different shoe. I agree with other testers that it’s very comfortable on recovery runs down to 8:00 or so, but it doesn’t feel like quite the right fit for marathon pace work around 6 min pace or anything faster. The Vomero Plus may not be the speedy non-plated trainer of my fall marathon training dreams, but it’s sure to be popular with runners looking for a highly cushioned Nike shoe.
Jen’s score: 8.30/10
Ride (50%): 8, quite comfortable but not much roll-through and feels a bit wide and high for my preferences.
Fit (30%): 9, great through the midfoot and most of the forefoot, but that toe bumper/narrow toebox is an issue for big toenails
Value (15%): 9
Style (5%): 5 (I just can’t get on board with this colorway but some might love it)
😊😊😊.5
Kelly: The Vomero Plus is an ideal shoe for recovery runs and easy mileage, and it has enough energy and responsiveness to pick up the pace when needed. I’ve used it on everything from slow jogs to tempo efforts and found it handled both ends of the spectrum well, though I’ll mostly use it for longer, easy runs and recovery days. The combination of cushion, light weight, and supportive structure helps reduce impact, which I believe could help runners extend their mileage with less fatigue. Highly recommended for runners who prioritize comfort and protection without sacrificing responsiveness.
Kelly’s Score: 9.2 / 10
Ride (50%): 9.5 — Cushioned, smooth, and energetic
Fit (30%): 9.5 — True to size with good hold for medium-width feet
Value (15%): 8 — High price, though justified by performance
Style (5%): 7 — The hot pink color is a bit loud, but I don’t mind given the ride and fit
Fun Factor: 😊😊😊😊😊
Peter: I like the Vomero 18 a lot. So I guess my biggest question about the Vomero Plus is…Why? It’s a little bit lighter, it’s a different foam arrangement–but the benefits of all Zoom X are a bit lost on me due to the full coverage waffle outsole. It’s a little bit of a head scratcher.
For me the Vomero 18 runs smoother and is more enjoyable for long miles than the Vomero Plus. Thee ¾ of an ounce isn’t really noticeable to me. I ran in them one after another and even put one of each shoe on. They are pretty similar–with the Vomero 18 running just a little smoother and rolling off of the toe a little easier. Overall the Vomero Plus is a nice shoe, I would just choose to stick with the Vomero 18.
Peter’s Score 8/10.
Perfectly fine, but not that exciting–and not enough of a difference from the Vomero 18 to make it worthwhile for me.
😊😊😊.5
Ryan: The ride is, unsurprisingly, very bouncy and deeply cushioned, delivering a leg-saving experience that still manages to be enjoyable for endless miles on asphalt. While many other super-soft trainers in this category resort to a rockered geometry, this one feels flatter to me. It seems to prefer that I mash down squarely on its huge stack of foam and rely on the pure energy of the ZoomX to bounce me vertically back upward. This is very similar to the way the Invincible 3 midsole functions, but feels very different from shoes such as the Hoka Skyward X or Mizuno Neo Vista 2, which encourage more of a rolling transition. The result is a ride with a characteristically lazy, long turnover.
So, is the "Plus" worth the premium? I honestly don’t think you need much more bounce or depth of cushion than what you get from the excellent Vomero 18. However, if it’s your personal preference to have as much foam and bounce underfoot as is physically possible, this is a viable and very well-executed choice. The Vomero Plus carries a modern-day price tag, although one could argue that its durability and quality of build justify the cost as compared to other similar trainers.
All in all, this is a great option for a high-energy, semi-stable workhorse that will hold up for tons of miles. It’s a tool well suited for those who crave maximum cushioning for their recovery days and long, slow efforts.
Ryan’s score : 9.0 / 10
(Deductions for breathability, ‘blocky’ ride style, stability)
😊😊😊😊
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.
Peter: The Vomero 18 is a little smoother, a little quieter and a little heavier. That said, I prefer running in the Vomero 18 over the Plus.
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.
Peter: Agree with Sam. Pretty different shoes really. Zen is lighter and more fun if a little less stable. Over longer miles and for recovery I’d pick the Vomero Plus
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.
Brooks Hyperion Max 3 (RTR Review)
Peter: The Hyperion Max is my go-to recovery shoe right now. It’s stiff and big, but super comfortable for easy miles or long miles. Overall a more effortless feeling ride than the Vomero Plus.
Nike Invincible Run 3 (RTR Review)
Ryan It’s hard not to see the Vomero Plus as the spiritual successor to the Invincible Run line. Both shoes are clear stablemates, offering a massive slab of ZoomX foam on a relatively flat platform, prioritizing deep, bouncy cushion over a rockered ride. Where the Invincible 3 introduced a lasting board to tame its predecessor's wild nature , the Vomero Plus achieves a similar sense of control by seating the foot deeper within the midsole sidewalls and using a more substantial, full-coverage waffle outsole. The result is that the Vomero Plus feels a bit more buttoned-up and secure, especially with its bomb-proof heel counter, which stands in contrast to the heel lockdown issues some of us had with the Invincible 3.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2 (RTR Review)
Ryan: The Neo Vista 2 is another shoe that lives in the unique space of ultra-cushioned, super-soft, maximally stacked trainers built for devouring high mileage. Both shoes deliver a fun, bouncy, and deeply protective ride that pampers the legs. However, they go about it in different ways. The Vomero Plus uses a single-density slab of energetic ZoomX, relying on its sheer volume and vertical rebound for its character.
The Neo Vista 2, by contrast, uses a dual-density midsole with a top layer of supercritical Enerzy NXT and a fiberglass plate. The Mizuno doesn’t have the sheer energy of the ZoomX, but I liked how the midfood channel distributed the impact energy around the perimeter of the foot (as compared to the monolithic ZoomX loaf of the Vomero+). The Mizuno also has a more noticeable rockered feel because of its geometry.
The upper on the Vomero+ is definitely superior, and provides better foot containment and long-haul comfort. The one-piece knit of the Mizuno is super comfortable and sock-like, but it doesn’t offer the performance that you get from the Nike. The Mizuno also runs about ½ size longer and has a higher volume. I find the Vomero Plus to be a more refined and practical package.
The Vomero Plus releases August 7, 2025 at Nike.com and select retailers
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.
Kelly, age 36, is a former Division I athlete turned distance runner and trail enthusiast. Originally from the East Coast and now living in Park City, Utah, Kelly found her way to running after graduating from Dartmouth College, where she played on the field hockey team. She ran her first half marathon in 2012 and followed it with her debut marathon a year later. Since then, she has run numerous marathons and set her PR of 3:08 at her second Boston Marathon. These days, Kelly spends most of her time on the trails in the Wasatch Mountains and is currently training for her first 50K, which she plans to run in fall 2025. Standing 5’2” and 115 lbs, Kelly lives in Park City with her husband and their two young boys, ages 3 and 2. She previously worked in tech at Google in the SF Bay Area, and is now focused on her family’s real estate business in Park City.
Jennifer Schmidt found trail running in her mid-20's and began dabbling on the roads a few years later. Trail 50k's are nearest and dearest to her heart, and she recently took the win at the 2025 Way Too Cool 50k and placed sixth at the 2025 Black Canyon Ultras 50k. These days, you can find her primarily on the sweet California singletrack around Auburn, chasing competitive and personal goals over a variety of surfaces and distances. Depending on the season, she also competes in the USATF road and XC circuits for Sacramento Running Association's racing team, with a marathon PR of 2:41.
Peter lives in California and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner as well as a 1:21 half marathoner in recent years.
Ryan Eller A hopeless soccer career led Ryan to take up running, and after taking a decade-long break from competing, he is back racking up mileage whenever he can. He calls the 2018 Boston Marathon the hardest race of his life, where he finished in 2:40, barely remembering his name at the finish line. Ryan more recently has a PR of 2:14:23 from the 2024 Boston Marathon finishing 3d American and 15th overall, a 2:17:16 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, from the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon after two other 2:18 efforts in the last year.
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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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!
ReplyDelete@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
DeleteYou wrote EVA Cushlon, but it's ReactX on the bottom of the Vomero 18
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNo 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"
ReplyDeleteIts 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?
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteSeems like the obvious comparison
would also be interested in a comp to the invincible 3
DeleteThirded...would be very interested in a direct comp to the Invincible 3.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Invincible comparison would be obvious?
ReplyDeleteAlso, there's still the error about the placement of Xoom X in the Vobero 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". The Zoom X is everything above the red in that shoe.