Nike Vomero 18 – Best training shoes of the year?

I've been around the block, as they say, but now I'm talking about high-stack running shoes, training shoes , unfortunately. And yet, it's also my favorite category of running shoes, so I'm actually quite happy with that statement. There have been good, there have been less good, such is life. Some are high-stack just to attract attention, others are genuine, or to be precise, others truly offer something exciting in the midsole, so let's dive into which of the two groups, Vomero 18 belongs to (maybe you've already guessed from the title).

HERRE

Is Nike only good for fast running shoes?

I don't think we offend anyone by saying that Nike has been strongest in their racing category over the years. That's about to change. With the launch of Vomero 18, Nike is sharp in ALL categories. Vomero 18 positions itself as Nike's take on a max cushioned running shoe, a "daily workhorse" to use a somewhat worn-out term. Max cushioned running shoes can again be divided into several types, some made for recovery, typically ultra-soft, others more versatile and easier to run in, if that makes sense. Vomero 18 is very easy to run in.

A top-class midsole - Nike Vomero 18

Let me explain why Vomero 18 is easy to run in. It's due to the incredibly well-composed midsole on the shoe. Nike has placed two types of midsole material in the shoe, ZoomX and ReactX. You may know ZoomX from some of Nike's fastest raceday shoes, and ReactX from their training shoes. These two-layer midsoles are not a new phenomenon, but they are far from always successful. However, they are in this case. You get both the bouncy and energetic ZoomX feel underfoot, but also enough stability from the ReactX foam so it doesn't become too unstable. And you get, as mentioned, plenty of protection from the ground, a full 46mm foam in the heel and 36mm at the toe, which with some quick math gives you a 10mm drop, quite standard for their Vomero line, and it works really well. I also think it deserves to be mentioned that Nike has succeeded with an excellent rocker geometry in Vomero 18, something not seen much in their training shoes, historically.

A shoe in balance - Nike Vomero 18

With the release of Nike Vomero 18, I'm sure Nike will cement itself back in the consumers' minds when it comes to training shoes. It's a shoe in balance, it rolls along, it bounces, it wants to have fun, without being too much in any direction. When I read they would use two types of foam material, I was immediately skeptical, a bit like when you end up at a fancy restaurant offering fusion cuisine - it can quickly become unbalanced when mixing too much. But not Vomero 18, hence the shoe is incredibly friendly, can be used for short jogs with fresh legs, or on days when legs are heavy and pace needs to be slow.

An upper with comfort and structure - Nike Vomero 18

The upper on Vomero 18 has plenty of structure, many classic traits, where there hasn't been an attempt with wild quirks around either heel, tongue, or general material choice. Overall, it's just a very comfortable upper, offering you the stability and structure you need, considering this shoe is intended for running many kilometers. If one were to say something, the tongue is probably on the soft side, which might make the upper slightly warm, especially over summer.

Is weight an issue? - Nike Vomero 18

I've read some criticize the weight of Vomero 18. I must say, I've run in many other shoes from the same category that are both heavier and feel much clunkier, so I'm not worried about that. It is heavier than its predecessor, yes, but you also get quality for those extra grams. I'd also add, it actually feels lighter than it is, unlike myself, feeling heavier than I am, what a world.

HERRE

Happy Ending - Nike Vomero 18

With Nike's new approach to their lineup, with this "silo" categorization of their running shoes, where you get the "Icon" version, as in Vomero 18, there will eventually be a Vomero 18 Plus, and a Vomero 18 Premium. And from what I've experienced, I can't help but salivate at the thought of Plus and Premium, but initially, it's about Vomero 18, and wow, what a running shoe you get for your money.

Nike Vomero 18 is a shoe for everyone. Yes, I said it again. But from beginners to elite runners, anyone could find one or more moments in the week where this shoe is the right choice from their rotation. Therefore, I'm not a second in doubt it will be a success, it will be Comeback of the Year, we've missed this shoe from Nike , but now it's here.