The Nike Vomero 17 is a premium daily trainer. Sitting above the Nike Pegasus 41, this iteration of the Vomero includes a top layer of PEBA-based ZoomX foam in the midsole atop a bottom layer of Cushlon 3.0 EVA foam, offering a more cushioned feel and a tad more efficiency. With a relatively high stack, high drop, and a comfortable upper, it's a relatively stable, balanced workhorse for every day running at a range of paces.
Our Verdict
The Nike Vomero 17 isn't well-suited to marathon racing and isn't intended to be a racing shoe. While it has a fair amount of cushioning, it's not quite protective enough for running the full length of a marathon. Beyond that, it's simply too heavy and lacking in energy return for performance racing at longer distances.
-
Fairly cushioned.
-
Heavy.
-
Energy return is lacking for racing.
The Nike Vomero 17 isn't intended for high-performance racing at shorter distances. It's too heavy for racing and doesn't offer the most energy return. While it has a firm forefoot, its bulky build prevents it from feeling truly snappy as a daily trainer.
-
Firm forefoot.
-
Heavy.
-
Energy return is lacking for racing.
The Nike Vomero 17 has okay energy return. The heel is less responsive than the forefoot, which does return a reasonable amount of energy. While it doesn't offer the same level of rebound as more performance-oriented shoes, it still offers some bounce when toeing off.
-
Adequate forefoot energy return.
-
Disappointing energy return in the heel.
The Nike Vomero 17 is fairly cushioned. Its heel does a good job of absorbing energy, making for fairly plush and protected landings for heel strikers. However, its forefoot doesn't offer the same level of cushioning.
-
Well cushioned in the heel.
-
Forefoot absorbs less impact.
The Nike Vomero 17 has decent lateral stability. Despite its high stack height, its softer ZoomX foam is balanced out by a bottom layer of EVA foam, which adds a bit of firmness and stability. It also has a fairly wide outsole, especially around the heel, creating a pretty stable platform.
-
Wide heel outsole.
-
Dual-layer foam is relatively firm.
-
High stack height.
- 5.5 Marathon Racing
- 6.5 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 6.5 Energy Return
- 6.6 Cushioning
- 7.4 Lateral Stability
Changelog
-
Updated May 23, 2025:
We removed less relevant comparisons in the Compared to Other Running shoes box and replaced them with a mention of the Nike Vomero 18.
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the Nike Vomero 17 in men's US size 9. Our pair is the Black/Anthracite/White colorway, and you can see the label here. The shoe comes in a wide range of different colorways, depending on the region and gender, including but not limited to White/Black/Pure Platinum-white, White/Royal Pulse/Glacier Blue-white, Hyper Violet/White/Laser Orange/Black, and Hyper Violet/Black-white.
You can buy this shoe in standard, wide, or extra wide.
Compared To Other Running Shoes
The Nike Vomero 17 is a middle-of-the-road daily trainer. Though it doesn't stand out in any one area, it combines relatively premium materials and a dual-layer foam for a fairly versatile training experience. It's a bit less boring and more cushioned than the firmer Nike Pegasus 41, but it isn't nearly as bouncy or responsive as the Nike Invincible 3, which has a full ZoomX midsole. As far as daily trainers go, the Vomero 17 offers a balanced mix of cushioning, stability, and responsiveness in a durable, comfortable package. However, those seeking a more exciting max-cushioned experience will get more by stepping up to the Nike Vomero 18, which boasts a higher stack height and is considerably more protective, especially in the heel.
For more options, check out our picks for the best running shoes.
The Nike Vomero 17 is like a more premium, built-up Nike Pegasus 41. With more responsive ZoomX foam in its midsole, the Vomero provides a bit more energy return and feels noticeably more cushioned, giving it a softer, plusher feel that makes it a better option for easier paces and longer runs.
The Nike Vomero 17 and the Nike Vomero 18 share a similar identity as comfort-focused daily trainers. The 17 has a bouncier midsole, but the 18 brings several key updates that shift its ride and feel. The Vomero 18 adds some stack height, especially under the heel, and introduces a ReactX carrier foam beneath the ZoomX layer instead of a cushion. This change makes the 18 way more cushioned and protective, though it also adds noticeable weight. The rocker geometry is more pronounced in the 18, leading to a smoother rolling transition. Fit-wise, the 18 has a roomier forefoot and a thicker, plusher upper, improving step-in comfort but leading to a less breathable experience. Overall, if you want more protection, better structure, and a smoother ride, the Vomero 18 is a clear upgrade.
The Nike Invincible 3 and the Nike Vomero 17 are both daily trainers in Nike's lineup, but they have different strong suits. The Invincible features a full PEBA-based ZoomX midsole, giving it notably better energy return and making for a softer, bouncier ride. The Vomero, on the other hand, uses a mix of ZoomX and firmer EVA foam, making for a firmer and more controlled ride overall, at the expense of some energy return.
Test Results
The Nike Vomero 17 is quite heavy, though about similar to other daily trainers in Nike's lineup, including the Nike Pegasus 41.
The heel has mediocre energy return. It's a tad bouncier than the Nike Pegasus 41 but ultimately lacks the responsiveness of more efficient shoes and racers like the Nike Alphafly 3.
The forefoot has slightly better energy return, thanks in part to the higher concentration of ZoomX foam in that area. While it's still somewhat muted compared to more exciting options, there's enough rebound for a fairly smooth ride when pushing off.
The heel is well-cushioned, offering a good amount of protection underfoot across a range of forces. It has notably better impact absorption in the heel than some other daily trainers, like the Nike Pegasus 41 or the adidas Supernova Rise, which helps prevent the heel from bottoming out.
The forefoot cushioning is sub-par. It does a decent job at lower forces, offering enough protection in the forefoot for easier paces, but it lacks sufficient cushioning for heavier runners or runners who apply a lot of force in the forefoot.
The heel is reasonably firm. It's softer than a lot of other daily trainers, including the Nike Pegasus 41, but not so soft that it becomes unstable.
The forefoot is very firm, providing remarkable stability and control when toeing off. However, if you prefer a softer forefoot, you'll likely find it overly rigid.