Article by Sam Winebaum and Michael Ellenberger
Nike Vomero Premium ($220)
Introduction
Sam: Gigantic, flat on the ground and seemingly not run-able, but for sure colorful, the Vomero Premium at least visually makes a clear statement Nike is going to extremes of cushion depth and with their signature ZoomX and Air Zoom no less. Gimmick or real run shoe?
At 55mm at the heel the Vomero Premium is the highest stack height shoe I have ever run, towering 5mm over the previous record holder, the Prime X Strung with the not released 100K Prime EVO is rumored to be well above 50mm and much lighter.
Poking and prodding I notice the all Zoom X midsole is very soft with dual Air Zoom units (backed by their lower plates) seemingly intended to provide some response and maybe some stability.
The answer to the question above.. Yes, Vomero Premium is run-able and fun and in no way a gimmick!
Pros:
Incredible cushy comfort that cradles your foot like a giant cloud: Sally/Sam/Michael
Softest and bounciest Nike ever. Sam/Michael
Super fun and bouncy ride that makes easy miles a joy: Sally/Sam
Soft cushioning and foams absorb the impact of your run and provide excellent protection for your leg and joint muscles: Sally
Excellent option for the 2nd run of the day during high mileage weeks: Sam/Michael
Notably smooth transitions and flow for such a giant (55mm heel) shoe: Sam/Michael
Run considerably lighter than their substantial weight due to energy return of the foam: Sam
I am finally tall enough to ride all the rides at the Carnival when wearing these shoes - they literally add two inches to my height and I like that: Sally
Cons:
Very hefty weight: as expected with such a massive shoe but.. could have Nike stopped at a mere 50mm heel instead of 5mm Sally/Sam
Pricey ($230) for a trainer that is not a race day option: Sally/Sam/Michael
Not recommended for attempting paces approaching marathon pace or faster: Sally/Michael
Achilles irritation: Michael
Crazy looking: Sally
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 11.55oz / 327g US9 //women’s 9.9 oz / 282g US8
Sample Weights:
men’s 11.3 oz / 323g US 8.5
women’s: 9.9 oz / 282g (US W8)
Stack Height: 55 mm heel / 45mm forefoot, 10 mm drop
Platform Width: 100mm heel / 90mm midfoot / 115mm forefoot US M8.5
Releasing October 2nd 2025 select and October 16 Globally
Vomero Premium Video Review HERE
Most comparable shoes
Asics Megablast (Sally/Sam)
Hoka Skyward X (Sally/Sam)
Brooks Glycerin Max (Sally/Sam)
Nike Vomero Plus (Sally/Sam)
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Sam: The upper continues a bit of a trend at Nike first seen in the Pegasus Premium and Vomero Plus towards softer, roomier and less “performance” focused uppers so “comfort” leaning and that for sure is the case here.
The mesh is soft, very thin and quite pliable.
The mesh is essentially a very fine non stretch monofilament fiber type grid with knit in standoff “puffs” as well as printed dot and line overlays concentrated at the midfoot for support that work in conjunction with the very well padded gusset tongue. The foot wrap is very comfortable and while I was skeptical does a great job holding the foot to the giant height platform.
The midfoot does not work alone in securing the foot that is for sure as we have a truly massive rigid extended heel counter with a high achilles collar.
All the collars are densely and deeply padded especially so the hold is totally secure and comfortable. There are fairly rigid extensions of the padding into the lace up including a flexible plastic panel fully connecting the rear to the lacing.
All of this rear construction likely contributes to the weight of the Premium but it is effective and likely essential give the soft foam and huge heights.
The toe box has very decent height, volume and width with the thin soft and pliable mesh, while non stretch, having some give for wider feet. Not a wide wide fit but for sure not a Pegasus narrow low toe box or with any sense of suffocating hold. The length is true to size without issues.
All in all a very appropriate and comfortable upper up to the task of holding the foot to the giant platform.
Michael: Well, here we have it - my most anticipated trainer of 2025 (perhaps by far!) and the highest-stack trainer ever released by a major company. Trying it on feels objectively interesting; I genuinely was not sure if I would be able to feel the difference of this compared to something at, say, 45mm… but the answer is pretty decidedly that you can. They feel very soft, very cushioned, and very, very tall.
There’s a squeak, at least to my pair - I didn’t even put this in my “pros and cons” because I can’t call it a true “con,” but it is noticeable when walking (I first heard it walking my dog after a run). It didn’t bother me on the run.
The upper here is unremarkable, though a little frustrating. It’s stretchy enough, but somewhat hard to get snug - I feel like I really had to pull the laces hard to get locked in, even though the size 8.5 I have is the right size.
The heel collar is built-up, but not firm - it was gentle enough on my Haugland’s bump and largely unproblematic… until I took these for a 24-miler and they sliced up my heels (despite wearing high socks!).
There are a number of factors here - maybe old socks, a particularly humid/sweaty day, or just insufficient break-in (though that seems unlikely) - I think what is the case is that the heel counter of the Vomero Premium, although comfortable, does come up a good bit higher than on similar shoes including the Invincible. Sliced heels or not, I would definitely recommend tall socks for these, especially on those first few runs.
As you’ll see below, this isn’t enough to get me to stop wearing them (besides for the next few days to heal!) but it is something to note. I did not have issues on several longer runs of 10, 12, and 14 miles so I’m not sure what it was about the 24-miler that caused it - but it happened, so I’m reporting it.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The platform is the big statement from Nike here. With a 55mm heel / 45mm forefoot they have out maxed the competition The platform is appropriately broad enough at 100mm heel / 90mm midfoot / 115mm forefoot US M8.5. I noted the unusually wide midfoot platform which gave me pause.
Would transitions be labored as in addition to the broad midfoot the stack height at the ground platform is very flat with only a minimal rear rocker and no carve out at midfoot to speak of, and on top of that, a rigid non flexing profile. My worries were unfounded.
We have an all ZoomX foam midsole here with two Air Zoom units with at midfoot a short stretch with no Air unit. The Zoom X foam is softer than the Vomero Plus’s and the Air units are not over pressurized. Landings are soft and easy, not totally stable despite the big heel counter but are reasonably stable.
Then feeling at midfoot in transition is like a subtle hinge with the foot moving through the gap then gradually plunging down into the foam towards a nice stately smooth toe off. The 10mm drop for sure is in order here and assisting in those smooth transitions.
It all works really well given the massive geometry with lots of soft energetic bounce and infinite cushion. I did notice at faster slow tempo paces (8:30 mile) the softness made for some wobbly rear softness (similar to the new much lighter and somewhat lower stack ASICS Megablast) but glancing at the watch I was surprised how much faster my pace was than I expected.
Clearly, the well known energy return of the ZoomX foam was bouncing me along with just enough control from the platform width and Zoom Air to not lose momentum. Slower paces were also smooth and easy although I do wish the heel was a bit less soft. Deeper rubber might help to give it quicker rebound? That said there is no big sensation of having to push through the height and softness making them a nice recovery run and easier paces shoe.
All of this said, I do think the Premium would be yet more effective, just as leg friendly, and importantly lighter If Nike had stopped the height at 50mm instead of 55mm and not shot as far for the moon as they do here.
Michael: The Vomero Premium is softer than any shoe I’ve worn before (I didn’t wear the Vomero Plus, but I assume this is softer than that!) and really a unique experience. ‘
Are they fun? Not in a “I need to run fast” sort of way, but definitely in a “wow, my legs feel great!” way. The foam is entirely ZoomX with two Air Zoom units with at midfoot a short stretch with no Air unit (as you can see from the very clear cutaways).
I didn’t have any issue running in these, including cornering - it’s 55mm, and they feel bigger than any other trainer, but they also feel really enjoyable to run in. As Sam points out, the 10mm drop works well in assisting in smooth transitions (and helps my Achilles quite a lot).
When I got these, my first thought was - how fast can I run in them? A lot of super shoes (like the recently-reviewed Megablast) actually have some real upside to them and the hulking slab of midsole here made me think that maybe there was workout potential here, too… after about 70 miles, I’m not so sure.
My aforementioned 24-miler did involve some quality work (miles at about 5:50, or around MP+30 seconds, or so), and that didn’t feel uncomfortable, but you’ll quickly realize that these shoes are more for recovering than for, I don’t know, doing the miles that necessitate the recovery. For me, something like marathon +90 or +120 seconds pace (6:45 - 7:15, say) is the sweet spot for these.
Outsole
The outsole is classic Nike with a dense array of mini waffle lugs covering nearly the entire bottom of the shoe but for 2 windows to the Air units and a shallow central exposed foam area. The extensive coverage and broad due to the platform width clearly helps stabilize the soft ZoomX above. ‘
And Nike boldly stamps the stack height into the underside. Nice touch.
Durability should be good but given the geometry more miles are in order to see if focused wear areas emerge.
Michael: I’ve put 70 miles on my pair without issue (which shouldn’t be a huge surprise), but I also think the over-wide outsole here just warrants some commending about the stability it provides. You’d think a 55mm stack shoe could be quite wobby, but I really never felt unstable (racing shoes like the Adios Pro and even Metaspeed Sky Tokyo feel a good bit less stable to my legs, than this does). They went overboard on the outsole - at a cost of more weight - but I think it pays off.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Sam: Nike went big, bold and soft with the Vomero Premium in a clear departure from any prior Nike trainer. The last big smiles trainer from Nike for me was the then giant for its time Tempo Next % uptempo long distance shoe. Here we are clearly on the more mellow paces side to things.
Radical yet practical, the Premium is no gimmick. Its ride is energetic and fun and while huge in all dimensions not ponderous or mushy. While clearly soft and bouncy given all the ZoomX foam, and for sure no lightweight , it has proven surprisingly "fast" given its weight which is up there at about 11.55oz / 327g US9 To a large extent the clearly felt “energy return” of so much ZoomX mitigates the mass of the shoe and its weight with its geometry effective in moving it along.
The weight and sheer mass of the shoe.. It performs well and for sure makes a bold design statement but.. I think a somewhat lower stack of the same construction and materials, say at a 50mm heel would lighten the Premium and give it more response and snap thus extending its utility and value.
For me it fits in the Nike line up as the easy recovery run shoe with the Vomero Plus the longer distance trainer for those wanting something plusher than the regular Vomero with the Pegasus Plus the uptempo option. Due to its big protection and deep cushion and stately yet energetic ride it can also be a great "2nd run of the day" option for higher mileage runners. It is also very comfortable walking and standing around all day shoe.
Nike went big and bold and largely succeeds here delivering a big smiles giant of a true running shoe that challenges conventions creating the first “super super max cushion” road trainer.
Sam’s Score: 9.3 / 10 😊😊😊😊
Ride (50%): 9.3 Given the huge stack height the ride is practical and fun but wish for less stack height and weight to extend utility
Fit (30%): 9.5 Superb upper that balances comfort and hold just right given the huge stack height
Value (15%): 8.5 Related to ride, a bit less shoe would deliver more utility, and add value, as we are at $230 here
Style (5%): 9.5 Bold and clean highlighting the Zoom X and Air just right.
Michael: As Sam says, Nike went big here. They could have made this 47 or even 50mm of stack, advertised it as their highest-stack runner, and gotten away with it. But this is something different.
It runs familiar enough that I don’t think it’s a “whole new category of trainer,” or anything like that - but I do think it provides that more can be better, and I really, really like this shoe for true recovery (and some medium-paced mileage as well!). It won’t go fast - it’s just not light enough or oriented enough for getting onto your forefoot - but it handles everything else just fine.
$230 is a lot, but when it’s $180 on sale in a few months (or whatever), I’ll buy another pair. Not every runner needs this shoe, but if you love a soft shoe - and you want to recover effectively - I think this is the best shoe for it. It sliced my heel up, and I’m still coming back for more.
Michael’s Score: 9.5/10
Sam's Video Review of the Vomero Premium
6 Comparisons
Nike Vomero Plus (RTR Review)
Sam: A massive 51 g lighter at 9.6 oz / 272g US8.5, the Plus has an all Zoom X midsole (no Air) and a lower but still massive 45/35 stack height. Somewhat firmer and more uptempo in focus than the Premium, it has a wider range of “practical” run uses but less of the fun soft energy of the Premium and is priced $50 less.
NIke Pegasus Premium (RTR Review)
The Peg Premium at 10.86 oz / 308g US8.5 is not much lighter than the Vomero Premium. As with the Vomero Plus, it has a “lower” but still massive 45/35 stack height. Its full length Air Zoom “plate” inspired by Nike carbon Flyplate desgin and lower ReactX foam layer give it a firmer more responsive ride than the Vomero but still with lots of cushioning. It leans more uptempo daily training and support than the Vomero Premium but it is for me held back by its weight and relative stiffness for its intended uses. Of the Vomero Premium, Vomero Plus, and Peg Premium it is my least favorite of the three.
Michael: In my opinion, he Vomero Premium is an eminently more runnable shoethan the Pegasus Premium. While the Pegasus Premium was better than I was expecting (and while it does provide a noticeably soft, comfortable ride), the full length Air Zoom-dominated feel of the super Peg is just not what I gravitate towards for true recovery. Add to that that - despite the higher stack - I find the Vomero Premium more stable, and it’s kind of a no brainer. Both shoes are good - and for what it’s worth, I would rather run a workout in the Pegasus Premium, between the two - but I just like the maximum… everything of the Vomero Premium.
Asics Megablast (RTR Review)
The Megablast has a similar soft and energetic super foam ride with no distractions as its midsole is all supercritical Turbo foam. Its stack height is a “mere” 45/37 but still massive. It is dramatically lighter at 7.69 oz / 218g US 8.5 and this is felt. Due to its more minimal upper and no Air or plates, it is about equally as stable. Priced about the same at $225, it is a better choice for the faster lighter runner seeking a soft and energetic daily trainer while the Premium I think is a better choice for recovery runs and the more casual runner seeking the max in soft fun cushioning that is more controlled.
Michael: I agree with Sam that the main division here is use case. If you’re a runner looking for a shoe that provides max stack but has that tempo-run upside, then I would unequivocally take the Megablast. It’s just faster feeling, more agile, sharper. But if you have dedicated workout shoes, and want a shoe for anything in the sub-easy to easy range (and even the occasional “wow I feel good, I’ll give it a little gas” day, the Vomero Premium is a lovely ride. If you only have one shoe, it’s ASICS, hands down. But if you’re a geek with a rotation, I think the Nike is better for its specific category.
Brooks Glycerin Max (RTR Review)
A lower 6mm drop shoe, the 45.25 mm heel / 39.25 mm forefoot stack height Brooks is also lighter at 10.6 oz / 301g US8.5. Even with its big dimensions, the Max leans faster paces than the Premium. It has been a relative chore to run slower paces in due to its abrupt front rocker and lower drop. Its dual supercritical foam midsole is duller, firmer and less reactive in feel but more stable than the Nike’s.
Fresh Foam More v6 (RTR Review):
Michael: New Balance has its own max stack shoe, and I think it gets often forgotten because it’s so… regular? The More v6 is chunky (like the Nike) and above that World Athletes 40mm legal limit (like the Nike, albeit “only” at 44mm) but if New Balance called it the next 1080,
I wouldn’t be surprised - it feels more like an “everyday trainer” than the “super-recovery” type profile that Nike brings here. That isn’t a bad thing, but that does mean it’s sort of caught between two worlds - not quite nimble enough to be a truly do-it-all (which the current gen 1080 is!) and not quite plush enough to be a dedicated recovery option.
This is not to say I dislike the v6 - quite the opposite, it’s stuck around a while in my rotation - but it doesn’t have the “wow” factor that the Nike has. I prefer the Vomero Premium, with the exception that I did find the NB upper a somewhat superior (and, for the price, it is definitely worth a look).
Adidas Prime X Strung (RTR Review)
Utterly different approaches to super super max cushion trainers here and different uses. The 50mm heel Prime X is considerably lighter at 10 oz / 283g US8.5 and equipped with an elaborate system of plates. It is designed for uptempo running, unlike the mellow paces Premium and is not much fun (or of any use) run at slower paces. Clear win for Nike in upper comfort here.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
The Vomero Premium releases October 2nd with global release October 12
Tester Profiles
Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 66:46 half-marathon and a 2:20:41 marathon PR at the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
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 1:43 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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