Breaking Down Nike's Latest Running Sneaker — The Nike Vomero 18
Nike’s Vomero line has always quietly delivered on comfort, but the Vomero 18 makes a loud entrance. Built for runners who value plush cushioning over stripped-down speed, the newest Vomero dials up the stack height, adds a dual-foam midsole, and arrives ready to soak up miles. While other shoes may fight for race-day supremacy, the Vomero 18 is content being your most dependable daily trainer — the kind that disappears underfoot on long runs, recovery days, and everything in between.
Now in its 18th edition, the Vomero has come a long way since its early Zoom Air days. For 2025, Nike has repositioned the Vomero as its most cushioned neutral trainer, perfect for runners who want premium comfort without crossing over into the carbon-plated or maximalist categories. It doesn’t have the flashy reputation of the Invincible or Vaporfly, but the Vomero 18 might just be the shoe that keeps you running.
The big story here is the midsole, which now features a full-length layer of ZoomX foam paired with ReactX under the heel and forefoot. ZoomX handles the bounce and energy return, while ReactX — which Nike claims is 13% more responsive than standard React — brings the durability and structure needed for longer efforts. This setup helps the Vomero 18 feel soft on landing but not mushy, and lively without feeling unstable.
Nike also raised the stack height to a generous 46mm in the heel, the tallest in Vomero history, offering added protection for long distances. Combined with the slightly rockered geometry, the result is a shoe that makes transitions feel smooth and easy.
Things remain straightforward up top as a breathable engineered mesh upper molds comfortably to the foot without being overly snug. Plush padding around the tongue and heel collar adds to the easy-on feel. Runners who tried the Vomero 17 will notice slightly more structure in the heel, and a forefoot fit that’s forgiving enough to accommodate wider feet.
As for the outsole, Nike uses a waffle-patterned rubber in high-wear areas for better traction and durability across wet and dry pavement. It won’t win any trail awards, but it’ll hold up just fine on sidewalks, roads, and the occasional light gravel.
The Vomero 18 has already earned praise from reviewers and everyday runners alike for being one of the most comfortable shoes in Nike’s lineup. Fans love how it handles easy runs, recovery days, and even walking or standing for long periods. It’s not the lightest shoe in the stable, and it won’t be your go-to for tempo days or races — but that’s not what it’s trying to be. It’s a workhorse, not a show pony — and in today’s flashy running shoe landscape, that’s a compliment.
Below, we’ve provided links to virtually every pair available right now on nike.com.
Men's Nike Vomero 18 Colorways
Women's Nike Vomero 18 Colorways
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
