Back on June 26th, leading up to the Breaking4 event in Paris with Faith Kipyegon, Nike teased a brand-new model. It was even before the launch of the now hugely popular Nike Vomero Plus. Even then, it was clear that something even wilder awaited later in the year – and now it's finally here.
Say hello to the insanely tall and incredibly bouncy .
It's so big that some might dismiss it as a gimmick or a fun experiment. But let me say right away – this is an excellent shoe. It delivers one of the most unique and enjoyable running experiences I've ever tried.
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How big is the new Nike Vomero Premium really?
In short: On launch day, Vomero Premium is the tallest mass-produced running shoe in the world, at least among the brands I know. Nike knows this – and they're proud of it. The heel even sports a cheeky label stating the shoe is “not approved by World Athletics”. And if that's not enough, Nike has engraved the stack height directly under the midsole as a reminder of how massive the shoe truly is.
The reason for the extreme height of 55.5 mm at the heel and 45.5 mm at the forefoot is to give the runner an almost anti-gravity sensation. It's designed for recovery runs, long distances, and days when you just want to give your body a break from harder training sessions.
Despite its size, it doesn't feel heavy – a testament to Nike's technical prowess.
As our expert Jeppe and the lightning-fast Simonsen mentioned in their “Nike Road Running Lineup” video, Nike only uses the “Premium” designation when designers are allowed to go all in – when they unleash their creativity to build the boldest and most advanced shoes they can imagine. And with Vomero Premium, they've truly done it: the shoe features ZoomX foam and two large Air Zoom units, which not only make it look wild but also provide a unique running sensation.
Nike Vomero Premium isn't slow – but it's not fast either
Of course, it's a subjective assessment that all runners must try for themselves. But after about 50 km in the shoe, I find it perfectly suited for runners seeking a soft, floating sensation. Just remember, it's not built for speed.
That doesn't mean it feels slow. On the contrary, it naturally settles at a moderate pace – for me, around 4:30 min/km. This is due to three factors: the ZoomX midsole, which is soft yet springy; the Air Zoom units, which provide a firm take-off and some stiffness like a plate; and the new rocker geometry, ensuring a smooth transition from heel to toe.
This makes Nike Vomero Premium an obvious long-distance shoe – ideal for days when you just want to glide at a comfortable, bouncy pace. While many other high-stacked shoes may feel soft or heavy, the firmer Air Zoom units make a noticeable difference. The shoe doesn't feel clunky – on the contrary, it provides a springy, satisfying sensation with every stride.
Is Nike Vomero Premium unstable because it's so tall?
No, not unstable – but not stable either.
The construction, with a firmer core and softer foam around, can give a slight instability. But as mentioned, the Air Zoom units help make the shoe stiffer and more propulsion-oriented, which dampens that feeling.
Comparing Nike Vomero Plus and Nike Vomero Premium, you get two quite different experiences. The heel of the Vomero Plus, resting directly on ZoomX foam, may feel a bit less stable on heel strikes than the Premium version, which pushes you forward faster. On the other hand, the forefoot of Vomero Plus feels almost minimalist compared to the 45 mm under the forefoot on Vomero Premium.
Both models are neutral running shoes, but Vomero Premium is so tall that it should probably be kept away from uneven terrain – after all, it's a long way down if you land incorrectly.
How does the fit of Nike Vomero Premium feel?
Nike's running shoes generally have a good but relatively snug fit around the midfoot. Vomero Premium feels like a classic Nike shoe – though not quite as tight-fitting as the Pegasus or the new Vomero Plus, at least not for me. There's a bit of extra space in the forefoot and midfoot, allowing feet to expand on longer runs, while the heel stays nicely secure.
Even though the forefoot is slightly roomier, I would still say the shoe is true to size. I typically wear 29 cm in Nike, and Vomero Premium fits perfectly in the same size.
The upper is incredibly comfortable, with plenty of padding around the heel, a stitched tongue, and a thin, breathable mesh. My only small gripe is that the tongue could have been a bit thinner – even if it would cost a little comfort.
As a long-distance shoe, I couldn't wish for much more. I've personally run a 25 km long run in it, and I'm quite confident it will feel just as good when running even longer.
Who should try the new Nike Vomero Premium?
Nike Vomero Premium is for runners who want to experience this new “anti-gravity” sensation that Nike has introduced. It's an obvious choice for slower or heavier runners who want a soft, cushioned shoe that eases the body. At the same time, it's a perfect addition for faster runners looking for something comfortable for recovery runs.
It may look a bit crazy – but it's also fun, and I would definitely recommend trying it if you get the chance.
Experience endless bounce with Nike Vomero Premium.
