That Fit Friend is supported by its readers. I [Jake] run this site myself and buy the gear reviewed. If you purchase through my site, I may earn commissions on sales. Read more here!
Ever since I signed up for more HYROX races and started adding miles to my weekly programming, I’ve been on the quest for my running shoe perfection.
However, this is no easy feat to tackle alone. So, I tapped NYC-based running and strength coach Brian Levine, who told me that Nike’s Vomero 18 is a really good entry point into a more maximalist shoe, and I was interested to test them with him.
To properly test the Vomero 18, Brian and I both picked up a pair and logged countless miles around New York City and most of Phoenix. From the jump, we can confidently say these are a solid entry point for someone who is interested in a maximalist running shoe.
The Vomero is one of Nike’s flagship running shoe lines, and is marketed as a generalist daily trainer for running. That seems to fit with how this shoe performed. It did a lot really well, but had a few quirks to its performance.
Nike Vomero 18
$155
Pros
- Great entry maximalist running shoe
- Good if you like support
- Soft, plush midsole
Cons
- Can feel heavy/sluggish on long runs
- Limited upper volume
Best For
- Marathon Training
- Runners Who Like Support
- Plush Midsole Lovers
- Mid-Range Runs
- Beginner Runners
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 10mm (36mm forefoot/46mm heel) |
| Weight | 11.80 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | N/A |
| Run Distance Threshold | Mileage Testing 1-12 miles |
Who Should Buy the Vomero 18?
- Maximalist Beginners: If you’re interested in exploring a more maximalist runner, the Vomero 18 is a great introduction to that more cushioned, high-stack running shoe.
- You Need Structure: If you need more structure from your running shoe, the Vomero 18 is a great place to start. Especially if you carry more muscle or a bit heavier, you won’t bottom out in this shoe.
- Narrower Feet: If you’re a Nike die-hard and are used to a narrower silhouette, this shoe is going to be right up your alley.
- Heel Strikers: If you’re a heel-strike runner, the high stack height and dual foam layers make the heel much more forgiving.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Vomero 18?
- You Need a Shoe for Speed Days: If you’re looking for a shoe to do more speed work or track days, the Vomero 18 is a bit too heavy for our liking and lacks the energy return you’ll want.
- You Have Wider Feet: If you have a wider foot, think 3E+, or a thicker foot, the toe box is a bit too narrow and the upper volume just isn’t there.
Fit & Sizing
About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.
Relative Sizing Thoughts
- Narrow (<D): True to size
- Medium (D): True to size
- E-EE: True to size
- 3E+: Skip altogether
Both Brian and I got a size 10, and the length was true to size. The issue was the width. Granted, I prefer more room in the toebox, but for my E/EE foot width, it was almost too narrow. If you’re on the upper end of an EE foot width or larger, this shoe will be too narrow for you, even if you size up a half size. WHEN IN DOUBT, GRAB THE EXTRA WIDE OPTION!
The upper volume is also a bit limited. If you have a thicker or flatter foot or use thicker orthotics, you may want to pass on this, too. It’s not an immediate “no” if you fall into this camp, just tread lightly and make sure you try them on in home before going for a run in them.
Performance Assessment
Short Runs (1-3 miles): 8/10
I liked the Vomero 18 for the most part. It is an easy shoe for shorter runs, especially at a more casual pace. I tend to start heel striking at slower paces and roll more toward a forefoot strike as I speed up. The added padding and structure to the heel gave me a nice bit of cushion and never bottomed out.
Brian didn’t like them as much as I did. The lack of energy return and pop from the ZoomX and ReactX foam combo was a bit disappointing for him. The lack of pop showed up most during some 400 and 800-meter intervals on the track. It’s also a heavier shoe, which doesn’t fit well with speed work. The Hoka Clifton 10 would be a better option here. It’s lighter than the Vomero 18 and has a slightly lower heel-to-toe drop.
Mid Runs (4-6 miles): 8.7/10
This is really where the shoe fits best, the middle distance runs. There’s enough plush and cushion that it’s a comfortable enough ride. The stack height does a really good job of protecting the feet from taking too much of a beating on pavement and packed gravel. It’s not so marshmallow-y that you lose all ground feel though.
The lack of pop and rebound wasn’t as big of an issue on these runs, but it’s still a pretty big limiting factor. The Asics Gel Nimbus 27 is a better option if you’re looking for something that’s more responsive and bouncy in the midsole.
Feeling a bit lost with your running? Check out Brian’s coaching site. He’s helping me (Jake) prep for my HYROX races and is a dynamite, attentive coach who can help runners at all levels!
Long runs (7+ miles): 8.5/10
This is where the weight of the shoe really started to show up. After an hour or so, the weight starts to feel especially heavy and Brian was wishing for something lighter on his feet. The Vomero 18 was great for structure and stability. For longer runs, though, it’s that soft marshmallow-y midsole that you get from something like a Hoka or Asics Gel Kiana that you really want.
For heavier runners or those with more muscle mass, the firmer midsole helps maintain structure even deep into a long run, which can be a nice perk of this shoe.
Walking & Daily Wear: 7.5/10
I wasn’t a huge fan of this one for walking or daily wear. It’s just too narrow, and the upper volume feels limiting. The ventilation and heel-to-toe transition are solid, but comfort fades fast over time.
Brian enjoyed it more than I did. It was comfortable enough and durable enough to stand up to the constant wear and tear of walking around the city. For casual use or shorter dog walks, comfort is on point. When he wasn’t pounding the pavement, the midsole cushion felt great. And, the re-worked outsole tread and lug pattern gave it incredible traction.
Construction & Materials
The Vomero 18 weighs 11.30 oz, has a heel-to-toe drop of 10 mm, and has a removable insole.
There is an extended outsole layer on the toe box. The toebox itself has a thinner lip than the Vomero 17 which helps with its flexibility and comfort over the toes.
The mesh upper runs through the entirety of the shoe and features extra perforations for added ventilation on the toebox and midfoot.
The boot and tongue use a padded mesh that adds structure and lockdown around the ankle and heel. There’s also an internal heel cup for extra security.
There are 5 core eyelets with a 6th for lacelock. The padded tongue is gusseted to help prevent it from sliding or folding. The 3 bottom eyelets are made with a string material that offer a bit more give and comfort.
The midsole combines Nike’s ZoomX foam, known for its lightweight softness, encased within a layer of ReactX foam for added stability and durability. Together they deliver a firmer, more stable ride than the plush appearance suggests.
The outsole pattern has been reworked from the Vomero 17 for better versatility. The lug layout on the medial and lateral forefoot and heel is more aggressive for extra traction, while strategic cutouts expose the foam to add flexibility and reduce weight.
Final Thoughts: Would We Get Again?
The Vomero 18 is a great introduction for anyone curious about trying a more maximalist running shoe. Especially if you’re transitioning from a more minimalist shoe and you’re not quite ready to fully commit to the added bulk of a Hoka or Asics Gel Kiana.
I think it’s a solid shoe for the right runner. For me, I won’t be getting these again. They’re just too narrow and don’t offer the responsiveness that I want from a running shoe.
That said, if you’re a fan of Nike, you’ll love this iteration of the Vomero line.
Add a Comment