Nike Vomero 18 review
Nike’s most cushioned everyday trainer: ZoomX on top of ReactX, around 46 mm under the heel, made for the long, easy miles.
- Drop
- 10 mm
- Heel stack
- 46 mm
- Forefoot
- 36 mm
- Weight
- 325 g
- Support
- Neutral
- Plate
- None
Our verdict
Big comfort for easy miles.
The Vomero 18 is a premium max-cushion daily training shoe that feels plush when you step in and more stable than its height suggests once you run. It fits heel strikers who spend most of their week at easy pace and want comfort over speed.
Strong points
- ZoomX over ReactX: the tallest Vomero yet
- Steadier transitions than you expect from this much foam
- Plush tongue, collar and heel padding in a premium upper
- Tall, soft heel suited to a rearfoot landing
Weak points
- Heavy: Nike lists about 325 g (11.5 oz) for a men’s US 10
- Lacks the agility for tempo and intervals
- Toe box width disputed: generous to testers, narrow in the lab
- Measured drop well above the listed 10 mm
- Outsole wear came early for Doctors of Running
Who it fits
- You land on your heel
- Your week is mostly easy and long runs
- You want max cushion without a wobbly ride
- Comfort is the deciding factor
Who should skip it
- You want one shoe for tempo and intervals
- You like a light, connected shoe
- Your toes need a lot of room
Shoe profile
Where the Vomero 18 sits among the 395 shoes in our catalogue.
| Axis | Vomero 18 |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | 93 |
| Lightness | 6 |
| Stability | 30 |
| Drop | 84 |
| Response | 20 |
Fig. 1 · How to read it. Each axis runs from 0 at the centre to 100 at the edge. Cushioning, lightness and drop are the shoe’s rank in the catalogue from listed figures; stability and response are scored from the support type, the plate, the rocker and the intended use. The dotted grey line is the catalogue median. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Where it sits in the catalogue
Weight325 g, heavier than 96% of shoes
Drop10 mm, higher than 84% of shoes
Heel stack46 mm, higher than 93% of shoes
Forefoot stack36 mm, higher than 82% of shoes
How it feels
Written from 3 published tests. We quote measurements, not impressions we did not have.
Plush step-in, steady underfoot. ZoomX over a thick ReactX base is plush at step-in yet firmer than expected once running, composed at pace.
Neutral, but calm for its height. Neutral, with a wide base and a stiff platform that nudge you toward the centre. Often enough for a mild inward roll.
Smooth, not fast. Smooth rather than fast: the rocker flows at steady pace, but the weight shows when you push.
Plush step-in, steady underfoot. Nike stacks a thin layer of ZoomX, a PEBA-based foam, on top of a thick ReactX base. Nike lists a stack height of 46 mm at the heel and 36 mm at the forefoot, while Running Warehouse and Doctors of Running list 44 and 34. Either way it is the tallest Vomero yet: on Nike’s figure, it ranks fifth for heel height among the 183 neutral road shoes in our catalogue. Nike says the midsole is 18 percent softer than the Vomero 17’s.
The feel is less mushy than the numbers suggest. Lab testing rates the midsole softer than average, yet Doctors of Running found it firmer than expected for a max-stack shoe once running, and Believe in the Run describes enough rebound to avoid a marshmallow ride. Plush at step-in, composed at pace: that is the trade.
Neutral, but calm for its height. It is a neutral shoe with no support features. A wide base, small sidewalls and a flared outer heel give a slight push toward the centre on landing, and reviewers describe transitions as stable, helped by the rocker.
It is also stiff torsionally in lab testing, which keeps the platform from twisting. For a mild inward roll that is often enough. For a marked one, a stability shoe is the better start.
Smooth, not fast. ReactX gives more energy back than the old foam, according to Nike, and testers say the shoe feels nimbler than it weighs. The rocker keeps the ride smooth at steady pace.
Push harder and the weight shows: close to 12 oz for a men’s US 10.5 in Believe in the Run’s hands. Keep it for the runs where pace does not matter.
Read more
Plush step-in, steady underfoot. Nike stacks a thin layer of ZoomX, a PEBA-based foam, on top of a thick ReactX base. Nike lists a stack height of 46 mm at the heel and 36 mm at the forefoot, while Running Warehouse and Doctors of Running list 44 and 34. Either way it is the tallest Vomero yet: on Nike’s figure, it ranks fifth for heel height among the 183 neutral road shoes in our catalogue. Nike says the midsole is 18 percent softer than the Vomero 17’s.
The feel is less mushy than the numbers suggest. Lab testing rates the midsole softer than average, yet Doctors of Running found it firmer than expected for a max-stack shoe once running, and Believe in the Run describes enough rebound to avoid a marshmallow ride. Plush at step-in, composed at pace: that is the trade.
Neutral, but calm for its height. It is a neutral shoe with no support features. A wide base, small sidewalls and a flared outer heel give a slight push toward the centre on landing, and reviewers describe transitions as stable, helped by the rocker.
It is also stiff torsionally in lab testing, which keeps the platform from twisting. For a mild inward roll that is often enough. For a marked one, a stability shoe is the better start.
Smooth, not fast. ReactX gives more energy back than the old foam, according to Nike, and testers say the shoe feels nimbler than it weighs. The rocker keeps the ride smooth at steady pace.
Push harder and the weight shows: close to 12 oz for a men’s US 10.5 in Believe in the Run’s hands. Keep it for the runs where pace does not matter.
Which runs it’s for
| Run | Fit | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy runs | Made for it | What it was built for: comfortable, steady miles. | Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run |
| Long runs | Made for it | Reviewers single out long runs, where the extra foam pays off. | Believe in the Run, Running Warehouse |
| Recovery runs | Made for it | Plush step-in and lots of foam for the day after a hard session. | Doctors of Running, RunRepeat |
| Tempo | Not for it | Lacks the agility for faster running, testers agree. | RunRepeat, Believe in the Run |
| Intervals | Not for it | Too heavy for speed work. Use a lighter shoe. | Believe in the Run |
| Marathon race | Not for it | Believe in the Run advises skipping it for racing. | Believe in the Run |
Source: Doctors of Running, Believe in the Run, Running Warehouse, RunRepeat
What the tests say
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat and Believe in the Run agree the Vomero 18 is a plush, steady, heel-first shoe for easy miles. They disagree on the width of the toe box.
| Test | Type | Our reading | In one sentence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctors of Running | Review | Mixed | Doctors of Running gives B plus: a high-stack, premium-fitting trainer for easy and recovery miles, held back by an outsole that peels easily. | Read |
| RunRepeat | Lab | Positive | RunRepeat scores it 90 out of 100, in its Superb band, while finding the narrow toe box restrictive for wider feet. | Read |
| Believe in the Run | Review | Mixed | Believe in the Run places it in its B tier and calls it the best Vomero yet, with excellent cushioning and a better fit. | Read |
They agree
- Comfort first, speed secondRunRepeat and Believe in the Run both find it lacks the agility for tempo work and keep it for easy and long runs.
- Steadier than its height suggestsDoctors of Running and Believe in the Run both describe stable transitions, and RunRepeat measured a torsionally stiff platform.
- True to size with a secure heelAll three report your usual size and no heel slip.
They split
- Roomy or narrow?Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run found the upper roomy for a Nike. RunRepeat measured a narrow toe box that limits toe splay.
- How soft it feels at paceRunRepeat rates the foam softer than average, while Doctors of Running found it firmer than expected once running.
How it’s built
A two-layer midsole, ZoomX on top of ReactX, under a thick, padded engineered mesh upper, with a reworked rubber outsole that leaves foam exposed in the midfoot. There is no plate.
A two-layer midsole, ZoomX over ReactX, under a thick, padded engineered mesh upper, with a reworked rubber outsole that leaves foam exposed in the midfoot. No plate.
| # | Part | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UpperEngineered mesh | Breathability 3 / 5 |
| 2 | Tongue | 13.4 mm |
| 3 | Heel | Stiffness 3 / 5 |
| 4 | MidsoleZoomX, ReactX | 30.5 AC |
| 5 | Insole | 4.6 mm |
| 6 | OutsoleHigh abrasion rubber | 3.8 mm |
Fig. 3 · Side profile. Stack heights to scale (listed: 46 mm heel, 36 mm forefoot; measured: 3.8 mm outsole); the split between the two foams is not measured and is drawn at mid-height. Dashed: insole, hidden. Sources: Nike, Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Believe in the Run.
Upper. A dual-layer engineered mesh with some stretch, plush and dense: RunRepeat’s light test found it among the least see-through uppers it has measured, which also makes it warm. A half bootie runs from the toe to the midfoot, and the laces run through stitched textile loops rather than punched eyelets, which spreads pressure over the instep.
Tongue. Thick and semi-gusseted, with 13.4 mm of padding in RunRepeat’s measurement. Doctors of Running could tighten the laces with no lace bite; Believe in the Run finds it more padding than needed.
Heel. A moderately stiff heel counter, 3 out of 5 in RunRepeat’s test, that rises about two thirds of the way up, wrapped in generous padding. Doctors of Running notes a wider lateral than medial heel flare, which nudges the foot toward the inside on landing.
Midsole. A thin top layer of ZoomX over a thick base of ReactX foam, the first use of ReactX in a Vomero. RunRepeat’s microscope shows this ZoomX is denser than the PEBA-based race version in the Alphafly 3, built to last rather than for maximum energy return. Doctors of Running lists a 44 mm heel stack height; Nike lists 46 mm, a high stack even among max-cushion shoes.
Insole. A standard Nike insole, 4.6 mm thick and removable. RunRepeat found most aftermarket insoles slide in without fit issues.
Outsole. Rubber with flex grooves, reinforced at the heel and forefoot edges, with a central groove and large areas of exposed midsole in the middle to save weight. RunRepeat measured 3.8 mm of rubber, more than most, and a wet traction score of 0.38: good on dry roads, only decent in the rain. Doctors of Running finds the lugs grip well on roads and mild trails.
Read more
A two-layer midsole, ZoomX on top of ReactX, under a thick, padded engineered mesh upper, with a reworked rubber outsole that leaves foam exposed in the midfoot. There is no plate.
1. Upper. A dual-layer engineered mesh with some stretch, plush and dense: RunRepeat’s light test found it among the least see-through uppers it has measured, which also makes it warm. A half bootie runs from the toe to the midfoot, and the laces run through stitched textile loops rather than punched eyelets, which spreads pressure over the instep.
2. Tongue. Thick and semi-gusseted, with 13.4 mm of padding in RunRepeat’s measurement. Doctors of Running could tighten the laces with no lace bite; Believe in the Run finds it more padding than needed.
3. Heel. A moderately stiff heel counter, 3 out of 5 in RunRepeat’s test, that rises about two thirds of the way up, wrapped in generous padding. Doctors of Running notes a wider lateral than medial heel flare, which nudges the foot toward the inside on landing.
4. Midsole. A thin top layer of ZoomX over a thick base of ReactX foam, the first use of ReactX in a Vomero. RunRepeat’s microscope shows this ZoomX is denser than the PEBA-based race version in the Alphafly 3, built to last rather than for maximum energy return. Doctors of Running lists a 44 mm heel stack height; Nike lists 46 mm, a high stack even among max-cushion shoes.
5. Insole. A standard Nike insole, 4.6 mm thick and removable. RunRepeat found most aftermarket insoles slide in without fit issues.
6. Outsole. Rubber with flex grooves, reinforced at the heel and forefoot edges, with a central groove and large areas of exposed midsole in the middle to save weight. RunRepeat measured 3.8 mm of rubber, more than most, and a wet traction score of 0.38: good on dry roads, only decent in the rain. Doctors of Running finds the lugs grip well on roads and mild trails.
Durability. Mixed. The midsole held its feel and the heel padding scored a rare 5 out of 5 in RunRepeat’s Dremel test, but the outsole wore 1.1 mm, more than RunRepeat likes for a daily trainer. Doctors of Running had worn down lugs and lost a piece of rubber after 45 miles, and rates durability average.
Durability. Mixed. The midsole held its feel and the heel padding scored a rare 5 out of 5 in RunRepeat’s Dremel test, but the outsole wore 1.1 mm, more than RunRepeat likes for a daily trainer. Doctors of Running had worn down lugs and lost a piece of rubber after 45 miles, and rates durability average.
Specs, listed and measured
Every figure carries its source.
Drop, mm
Heel stack, mm
Forefoot stack, mm
Weight, g
| Spec | Listed | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Drop |
|
|
| Heel stack |
|
|
| Forefoot stack |
|
|
| Weight, US M10 |
|
|
| Support |
| – |
| Plate |
| – |
| Surface |
| – |
Fig. 4 · Listed vs measured. Bars start at zero. Sources: Nike, Running Warehouse, RunRepeat.
Lab measurements
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Midsole hardness |
|
| Energy return |
|
| Torsional rigidity |
|
| Heel counter stiffness |
|
| Traction coefficient |
|
| Breathability |
|
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Toe box width |
|
| Toe box height |
|
| Outsole thickness |
|
| Insole thickness |
|
| Tongue thickness |
|
| Flex force |
|
Sizing and fit
Most runners can take their usual size; wide feet should check the wide version or try two sizes.
Length
True to size
Widths
standard and wide
Toe room
Reports on toe room conflict. RunRepeat measured a narrow toe box that limits toe splay, while Doctors of Running found a normal to slightly wide forefoot and Believe in the Run noted decent room, unusual for a Nike.
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Believe in the Run
Full sizing notes from testers
Doctors of Running, RunRepeat and Believe in the Run all call it true to size, with a secure heel and no slip. Nike itself notes that it runs slightly small or narrow for some, and suggests half a size up for wider feet or extra toe room.
Width reports conflict. Doctors of Running and Believe in the Run found the upper roomy for a Nike, while RunRepeat measured a narrow toe box that limits toe splay. Nike lists regular and wide widths; Running Warehouse only stocks the standard width.
Nike, Doctors of Running, RunRepeat, Believe in the Run, Running Warehouse
Vs Vomero 17
The Vomero 17 was a lighter, more versatile trainer. The 18 goes full max cushion and gives up some speed for comfort.
If you used the Vomero 17 for both easy runs and a bit of tempo, the 18 will feel slower. A remaining pair of the 17 or a nimbler trainer will serve that mix better.
Version history: Vomero 17 to Vomero 18
Much more foam. Believe in the Run puts the heel at 6 mm higher than the 17; Running Warehouse lists about 4 mm. Either way, it moves into max-cushion territory. (Believe in the Run, Running Warehouse)
ZoomX over ReactX. The Cushlon bottom layer of the 17 is replaced by ReactX, with ZoomX now on top. Nike says the result is 18 percent softer. (Nike, Believe in the Run)
A more padded upper. A new engineered mesh with extra padding around the collar and heel, a thick tongue and a reworked outsole that drops the full-length waffle pattern of past versions. (RunRepeat, Believe in the Run)
Heavier, more specialised. Doctors of Running describes the 17 as light and responsive, and the 18 as a heavier premium daily trainer that follows the max-stack trend. (Doctors of Running)
Alternatives compared
Each one fixes one thing the Vomero 18 does not do.
| Nike Vomero 18 |  ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 |  ASICS Novablast 5 |  Hoka Bondi 9 |  Nike Pegasus 41 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick it for | This page | Lower drop | Lighter | Lower drop | Less cushion |
| Drop | 10 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | 10 mm |
| Heel stack | 46 mm | 43.5 mm | 41.5 mm | 43 mm | 37 mm |
| Weight | 325 g | 306 g | 252 g | 297 g | 283 g |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Questions runners ask
Is the Nike Vomero 18 true to size?
Most reviews say yes. Doctors of Running, RunRepeat and Believe in the Run all report a true-to-size fit. Nike notes it runs slightly small or narrow for some runners and suggests half a size up for wide feet or more toe room. A wide version is listed on Nike’s site.
What is the stack height and drop of the Vomero 18?
Nike lists 46 mm at the heel, 36 mm at the forefoot and a 10 mm drop. Running Warehouse and Doctors of Running list 44 and 34 mm. RunRepeat’s lab cut measured 13.9 mm, so it behaves like a high-drop shoe: in our catalogue, 201 of 234 neutral road shoes list a lower drop than 10 mm.
What is the difference between the Vomero 18 and the Vomero 17?
The Vomero 18 is taller, heavier and more cushioned. It adds ZoomX on top of a new ReactX base, replacing Cushlon, and gains several millimetres of stack. The 17 was a more versatile shoe; the 18 is a max-cushion trainer for easy and long runs.
Vomero 18 or Pegasus 41?
Both are neutral, high-drop Nike trainers. The Vomero 18 has much more foam and suits long, easy runs and runners who want maximum comfort. The Pegasus 41 is lighter and lower, with a thinner forefoot, and suits shorter easy runs for heel strikers.
Is the Vomero 18 good for heavier runners?
No review we checked tested it specifically with heavier runners. What is known: it has a lot of foam, a stiff platform in lab testing and a ride testers describe as stable for its height. Those traits often suit heavier runners at easy pace, but fit and landing matter more than a label.
How durable is the Nike Vomero 18?
The midsole and upper hold up well: RunRepeat gave the heel padding a rare 5 out of 5 and Doctors of Running found the foam unchanged after 45 miles. The outsole is the weak point, with exposed foam in the midfoot and early lug wear for runners who are hard on rubber.
Sources
- Nike, Nike Vomero 18 Men's Road Running Shoes. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Doctors of Running, Nike Vomero 18 Review. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- RunRepeat, Nike Vomero 18 lab review. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Believe in the Run, Nike Vomero 18 Review. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Running Warehouse, Nike Vomero 18 Men's Shoes. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Strideprint, Strideprint running shoe catalogue (ranks computed on 2026-10-11). Accessed Oct 11, 2026.
- cat: Strideprint catalogue, 395 shoes
How we review. We read published tests, brand and retailer pages and lab measurements, cross-check the figures and flag where they disagree. We did not test this shoe ourselves. Last updated October 12, 2026.