The Nike Vomero 18 is built for comfort, plain and simple. If you're someone who racks up easy miles, enjoys long walks, or just wants something cushy and stable underfoot, this is the kind of shoe that provides exactly what you need, for the most part.
I’ve been testing it on my slower-paced runs and all-day wear, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite max cushion running shoes for recovery days.
While it's not a radical departure from the Vomero 17, it does dial up the comfort even more, especially with that new ZoomX/ReactX foam combo in the midsole.
Key specifications
- Price: $155 at DSG / REI.com / Sportsshoes.com (UK)
- Weight: 10.9oz (309g) for US Men’s 9
- Drop: 10mm (stack height: 46mm heel / 36mm forefoot)
- Upper: Engineered mesh with plush foam collar and tongue
- Midsole: Dual-density (ZoomX top layer, ReactX base layer)
- Outsole: Rubber with traction pods and exposed foam sections
- Extra attributes: Rockered geometry, reflective details, MR-10 last fit
Sizing and fit
Fit is true to size with a surprisingly roomy toe box, something I don’t often say about Nike shoes.
The upper has a plush, padded feel around the collar and tongue, and the mesh is also very soft and accommodating.
The Vomero 18 has a fantastic step-in comfort overall, and no pressure points to speak of.
Alastair Dixon
Performance review
Let’s get straight to into the fun stuff, how they actually perform.
The Vomero 18 literally feels like running on clouds, and I never use metaphors like that unless I truly mean it.
The midsole setup with ZoomX stacked on ReactX is soft from front to back, so they perform great whether you heel strike or forefoot strike. But what makes it stand out is how balanced it feels.
A lot of max-cushion shoes go too far into mushy, plush territory, but this setup still feels stable and structured thanks to the ReactX structured cradling and the wide, sculpted base.
I’ve mainly been using them for recovery runs and long, easy miles, and that’s exactly where they shine brightest. The rocker geometry smooths out transitions really nicely, especially when your legs are tired and form is a bit sloppy.
There’s enough cushioning underfoot that you feel protected from impact, but they’re not so heavy or bulky that you feel like you’re dragging your feet.
Alastair Dixon
Speaking of weight, 10.9oz for my US M9 is certainly on the heavier side when compared to some others in this category of shoe, but they don’t feel heavy in motion.
That’s a testament to how well the geometry works. They transition well and roll forward easily at slower paces, and don't feel bulky.
However, the upper mesh, while super comfortable, does run warm,; training in Florida’s hot and humid weather has made that pretty clear. The tongue is especially thick, which adds to the cozy feel but traps heat during longer efforts on hot days.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to consider if you run in warmer climates.
Also worth mentioning is the 10mm drop that encourages more of a heel strike than I’d prefer, personally.
I naturally land more on my forefoot, and this drop makes it a bit harder to maintain that, though the soft foam does smooth things out enough to make it tolerable.
Traction has been excellent so far, with no issues relating to grip or instability.
That wide platform definitely helps add confidence, especially on uneven pavement or taking corners but there are some exposed foam areas underfoot, which will show wear faster than you'll see on the rubber compound.
I’ll keep an eye on that as I put more miles in, and update this review, if necessary.
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My verdict
The Nike Vomero 18 delivers serious comfort in a surprisingly stable package.
For me, it has become a go-to for recovery runs and days when I just want to switch off and cruise. It’s soft, smooth, and thoughtfully designed, without ever feeling sloppy.
Would I use it for tempo days or workouts? No. But that’s not what this shoe is for. If you want one of the most cushioned and forgiving shoes out there for easy running and walking, it’s a strong option at a fair price.
I’d love to see Nike improve breathability and lower the drop a touch, but as it stands, the Vomero 18 still earns a solid place in my daily trainer rotation.
