The Nike Vomero 18 is a no-nonsense trainer that combines a modern high-stack build with dependable cushioning, making it a trusted, protective workhorse for daily training. A taller stack of dual-density foam places a lively layer of ZoomX directly underfoot, supported by ReactX foam for added stability and durability, giving the shoe an even plusher, more protective ride than its predecessor, the Nike Vomero 17. The 10 mm drop, broad heel platform, and reliable rubber outsole make it a dependable, inherently stable option for daily outings. A generously padded upper delivers step-in comfort, though the extra cushioning, padding, and rubber do add noticeable weight that limits its suitability for faster efforts. Overall, the Vomero 18 caters to athletes seeking durable cushioning, smooth rockered transitions, and "set-and-forget" comfort for their shorter daily runs.
Our Verdict
The Nike Vomero 18 isn't built for chasing PRs over 42 km. Its high stack, generous foam, and stable feel are appreciated for comfort, but the bulk and modest spring underfoot mean you'll expend more effort holding race pace than in lighter, livelier marathon shoes. Think of it as a reliable cruiser that gets you to the finish line in comfort rather than a performance weapon.
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Dual-density midsole offers good underfoot protection.
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Good stability.
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The forefoot tends to bottom out after a while.
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Dull ride, despite the ZoomX namesake.
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Heavy and bulky.
The Nike Vomero 18 is more of a friendly training partner than a high-performance option. A firm forefoot helps you push off crisply, yet the extra ounces and subdued rebound keep the shoe from feeling truly snappy when the watch says go. It's fine for the occasional fun run, but dedicated speedsters will definitely want something lighter and more propulsive.
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Dual-density midsole offers good underfoot protection.
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Dull ride, despite the ZoomX namesake.
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Heavy and bulky.
The Nike Vomero 18 trades raw spring for plush security. Up top sits a denser trainer-grade ZoomX that lacks the explosive feel of the super shoe formulation, while the supporting layer of ReactX adds durability but further mutes rebound. Both foams feel a bit lively during short shakes, yet their pop fades as soon as the miles stack up, leaving the ride flat for extended efforts.
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Dual-density midsole offers good underfoot protection.
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The forefoot tends to bottom out after a while.
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Dull ride, despite the ZoomX namesake.
The Nike Vomero 18 has very good cushioning, especially in the heel. A thick ZoomX top layer softens impact while the broad ReactX carrier absorbs road chatter. If day-to-day comfort and protection top your priority list, this is where the shoe truly shines.
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High heel-stack.
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Dual-density midsole offers good underfoot protection.
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The forefoot tends to bottom out after a while.
The Nike Vomero 18 feels reassuringly stable thanks to its wide base, gusseted tongue, and firm forefoot foam. The platform resists unwanted wobble and helps you stay confident during your daily miles. This inherent stability lets heavier runners or those with mild form breakdown keep moving smoothly without resorting to a formal stability shoe.
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Dual-density midsole offers good underfoot protection.
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Super wide base.
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Firm at the forefoot.
- 4.6 Marathon Racing
- 5.5 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 3.4 Energy Return
- 7.7 Cushioning
- 7.6 Lateral Stability
Changelog
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Nike Vomero 18 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label of our unit, in the White/Electric Green/Volt/Black colorway. This model is offered in a full range of men's and women's sizes, but no wide-fit versions are available. Other colorways include Summit White/Dusty Cactus/Geode Teal/Black, Black/Coconut Milk/Light Iron Ore/Summit White, Black/Dark Smoke Grey/Light Smoke Grey/Black, Barely Green/Hyper Crimson/Barely Volt/Metallic Silver, and Platinum Tint/Siren Red/Light Smoke Grey/Metallic Pewter, though availability may vary by region.
Compared To Other Running Shoes
The Nike Vomero 18 is firmly positioned as a no-fuss modern trainer built for comfort, protection, and durability over short, easy miles. While it shares its ZoomX top layer with Nike's faster models, it's tuned for a very different purpose—not performance, but cushioning and reliability. Unlike the fun, bouncy feel of shoes like the Nike Invincible 3, the Vomero 18 doesn't return much energy through its midsole, though it still provides a smooth, rockered transition and deep underfoot protection. It's also heavier than most of its peers but makes up for it with a stable platform, dense outsole rubber, and a luxuriously padded upper, making it a solid option for runners seeking comfort. If you're looking for even more cushioning and a higher stack height in a lighter package, consider the Mizuno Neo Zen; just don't expect the same step-in comfort feel you get from the Vomero in the Mizuno's mesh upper. There's also the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, which features a more consistent midsole that remains a preferred option for longer runs.
Within Nike's broader daily trainer ecosystem, the Vomero anchors the cushioned category, with a focus on protection and underfoot softness. It sits alongside two other core lines: the Structure series, which prioritizes stability, and the Pegasus series, which is their legacy lineup. All three series are expected to follow a tiered model structure moving forward: a standard version (Nike Pegasus 41 and Nike Vomero 18), a Plus version featuring a full-length ZoomX midsole (Nike Pegasus Plus), and a Premium version built around a larger, wraparound Air Zoom unit (Nike Pegasus Premium). While only the Pegasus line currently features these variants, the Vomero Plus and Vomero Premium versions are anticipated in 2025. Still, the Vomero 18 remains a very protective and comfort-oriented option in Nike's daily lineup, ideal for short daily miles, recovery days, or high-mileage athletes who want a plush yet durable trainer.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.
The Nike Invincible 3 and the Nike Vomero 18 are both daily trainers designed for comfort, but they offer different takes on that goal. The Invincible 3 feels noticeably bouncier, thanks to its full ZoomX midsole, giving it a lively, fun ride that some runners love for easy miles. The Vomero 18, on the other hand, feels more protective, with a higher overall stack and a firmer, more structured dual-foam setup that emphasizes stability and underfoot protection. The Nike's upper is also much more substantial. Both shoes are on the heavier side, and both can tend to bottom out and feel harsher for longer efforts.
The Nike Vomero 18 and the Nike Pegasus 41 are both daily trainers, but they serve different roles in Nike's lineup. The Vomero 18 is the more cushioned and protective option, featuring a taller stack and dual-density midsole that does a better job shielding your legs on short, easy runs—which is exactly what most people need from a daily trainer. While the Pegasus 41 does offer a bit more energy return, that added bounce is less relevant in practice for this category of shoe—you're not likely to pick either of these for speed work or intervals. In the end, the Vomero may be heavier, but it delivers better on the core promise of a daily trainer: comfort, protection, and durability.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and the Nike Vomero 18 are both daily trainers focused on comfort, but they take different approaches. The ASICS is lighter, more cushioned, and more energetic, offering a soft, bouncy ride that protects your legs while still feeling playful across a range of paces and distances. It's just a bit more versatile, whether you're cruising or picking things up a bit. The Vomero 18, on the other hand, is heavier and firmer, with a more structured and stable platform that emphasizes consistency and durability. The Vomero counters with a smoother rocker and slightly snappier forefoot, appealing more to those who prefer a grounded, stable feel for short, easy miles.
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.
Test Results
The Nike Vomero 18 tips the scale well above its predecessor, giving it a noticeably heftier feel than most daily trainers. That extra mass isn't a deal-breaker for relaxed mileage, but it does make the shoe feel a touch sluggish when the pace quickens.
As one of the most notable changes from its predecessor, the Nike Vomero 17, the Nike Vomero 18 gains a substantial amount of stack compared with the previous Vomero 17's, pushing it firmly towards max-cushion territory. Nike's goal with this new geometry is greater protection from the ground without abandoning the signature 10 mm drop. In practice, the extra foam makes the heel noticeably more absorbent, but it also contributes to the shoe's added weight and keeps the forefoot feeling relatively thin.
The Nike Vomero 18 provides muted heel energy return. Upon each landing, the foam gives back little pop, so you'll need to supply most of the propulsion yourself. It returns less energy than its predecessor, the Nike Vomero 17.
The Nike Vomero 18 is similarly restrained in the forefoot, offering only minimal rebound during toe-off. The ride stays steady rather than springy, making the shoe better suited to easy efforts than to speed work.
The Nike Vomero 18 delivers great heel cushioning. The high stack of ZoomX/ReactX soaks up impact beautifully, keeping things comfortable even for heel-strikers, especially for shorter, easier miles. With this iteration, Nike doubles down on the Vomero's line role as their most cushioned daily trainers, prioritizing underfoot protection—even if it comes at the cost of added weight.
The Nike Vomero 18 offers decent forefoot cushioning that protects well during daily mileage, though it isn't quite as plush as the heel. The padding up front is sufficient for short training days, but those who crave a marshmallow-like forefoot may find it a bit more grounded. Because Nike kept the traditional 10 mm drop, there's relatively little foam under the forefoot, so it compresses quickly under higher forces and can feel bottomed-out as the miles pile up.
This model has quite a soft heel, delivering a forgiving, comfort-first landing for heel-strikers. It's not as soft as other modern trainers like the Mizuno Neo Zen, but it's definitely not a very firm shoe either.
The Nike Vomero 18 keeps a very firm forefoot, noticeably stiffer than most max-cushion contenders like the HOKA Skyward X, which is a bit puzzling if Nike aims to play in that ultra-plush space. The foam can become quite harsh late in a run, yet this update is still a move toward more softness versus the previous Nike Vomero 17. It preserves the classic Vomero character that appeals to runners who enjoy a touch of forefoot rigidity or prefer foam that holds its shape over the miles, while still being a step in the right direction.