The Nike Vomero Plus is a versatile max-stack daily trainer that can handle most weekly miles. Its deeply cushioned platform offers amazing impact protection from the road, with very good rebound and enough bounce to stop daily miles from feeling dull. It's also a decent pick for long runs and can get you to the finish line of a marathon if you're not racing. However, its bulk means it's not the shoe to pick for faster running.
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Our Verdict
The Nike Vomero Plus is a decent marathon option for runners focused on finishing rather than racing. The amazing cushioning holds up decently over the distance, while very good rebound gives enough back to help you keep moving late in the race. However, the shoe carries too much weight for competitive racing, and the forefoot lacks the assistance needed to hold faster paces.
Cushioning keeps legs decently protected over the marathon distance.
Very good rebound helps maintain efficiency late in the race.
Very good rebound gives faster running some efficiency.
Heavy build cumbersome to turnover as miles build.
Forefoot offers limited assistance for sustained race pace.
The Nike Vomero Plus is a mediocre pick for 5K or 10K racing. The very good rebound gives faster running some efficiency, but the shoe carries far too much weight for short-distance racing. The forefoot also lacks the snap and assistance needed for quick turnover.
Heavy build makes quick turnover difficult.
Shoe lacks the snap for short distance racing.
The Nike Vomero Plus is a decent long-run shoe. The amazing cushioning takes plenty of sting out of the road, while the decent stability keeps the platform trustworthy as fatigue builds. The cushioning also holds up reasonably well over distance. However, the shoe's bulk becomes more noticeable as the miles build, while the forefoot isn't the most assistive through toe-off.
Amazing cushioning keeps legs decently protected over longer efforts.
Decent stability keeps the ride trustworthy enough as fatigue builds.
Heavy build becomes cumbersome over longer efforts.
Forefoot isn't the most assistive through toe-off.
The Nike Vomero Plus is a very good daily trainer. Its amazing cushioning provides deep impact protection for regular mileage, while the very good rebound makes the ride lively enough. The great heel rocker also moves heel strikers smoothly into midstance. Despite its decent stability, runners with dedicated support needs may find the tall, soft platform a bit wobbly underfoot. Its bulk also limits faster running.
Amazing cushioning provides deep protection for daily miles.
Very good rebound keeps daily miles efficient.
Great heel rocker moves heel strikers smoothly into midstance.
Heavy build limits faster running.
Tall, soft platform may feel wobbly for runners with dedicated support needs.
Changelog
- Updated Sep 16, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.15, which replaces Responsiveness with three specific performance usages: Bounciness, Snappiness, and Roll. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Sep 02, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.14, which adds new lace-specific results. We've included a close-up photo of the laces, as well as details including lace type, width, thickness, and stretch. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jun 30, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jun 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
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Updated Apr 30, 2026:
We've updated this review to add text for the new Responsiveness and True To Size usage boxes and made minor phrasing adjustments throughout the review for consistency.
- Updated Apr 28, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
- Updated Mar 25, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
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Updated Jan 09, 2026:
We updated the Popular Comparisons section to include a reference to the recently reviewed PUMA MagMax NITRO 2.
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Updated Dec 04, 2025:
We've updated the Popular Comparisons section following the release of the Nike Vomero Premium.
- Updated Oct 28, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
- Updated Oct 09, 2025: Review published.
- Updated Sep 18, 2025: Early access published.
- Updated Sep 10, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Sep 04, 2025: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Aug 11, 2025: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Energy Return
The Nike Vomero Plus has very good energy return. The forefoot gives plenty back at toe-off, while the heel provides good rebound after landing.
Very good forefoot rebound at toe-off.
Heel gives plenty back after landing.
The energy return from the forefoot of the Nike Vomero 18 easily outshines similarly stacked shoes like the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 or the PUMA MagMax NITRO.
Stability
The Nike Vomero Plus has decent stability for such a tall shoe. Its broad heel gives rearfoot strikers a secure base on landing, while the wide forefoot provides a dependable platform at toe-off. However, the softer heel can move around more for runners with longer ground contact, while the non-gusseted tongue provides less midfoot lockdown than a gusseted setup.
Broad heel provides a secure base on landing.
Wide forefoot keeps toe-off dependable.
Softer heel can become less secure during longer ground contact.
Non-gusseted tongue makes midfoot lockdown less secure.
The Nike Vomero Plus's heel is decently firm overall, providing a secure enough platform for landings.
The Nike Vomero Plus has a decently firm forefoot and provides a satisfactory platform for toeing off, although it's much less firm than the Nike Vomero 18.
The Nike Vomero Plus uses a non-gusseted tongue and no plate. The lack of a plate keeps the shoe accessible for daily training. The non-gusseted tongue is a surprising choice given the shoe's high stack and only decent stability, since a gusset could provide more secure midfoot lockdown.
Cushioning
The Nike Vomero Plus has amazing cushioning. It absorbs impact well across different force levels, giving runners deep protection from the road, whether they land at the heel or farther forward. The cushioning also holds up decently over longer efforts, so protection remains dependable as the miles build.
Amazing impact protection across different force levels.
Deep cushioning takes plenty of sting out of the road.
Protection holds up decently over longer efforts.
Soft ride may be too plush for some runners.
The impressive heel cushioning in the Nike Vomero Plus softens the impact of even the heaviest heel strikes.
The Nike Vomero Plus's forefoot cushioning is also great, but it's less absorbent at faster paces than the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 or the PUMA MagMax NITRO.
The cushioning holds up decently over longer efforts, with an expected decline as the miles build. The ride doesn't become harsh over the marathon distance, though protection falls well short of its big brother, the Nike Vomero Premium.
Bounciness
The Nike Vomero Plus has okay bounce. The heel and forefoot return a good amount of energy, giving the ride plenty of rebound. The forefoot also compresses reasonably well under load, adding some spring at toe-off. However, the heel compresses less deeply, limiting how much bounce the shoe gets at the rear.
Good rebound keeps the ride lively.
Forefoot compression adds some spring at toe-off.
Heel doesn’t compress deeply enough for a highly springy landing.
Snappiness
The Nike Vomero Plus has okay snap. The forefoot takes a good amount of force to bend, giving runners decent leverage at toe-off. It also returns a decent amount of the energy stored while bending. However, the forefoot itself isn't especially stiff, while the tame rocker angle offers little assistance moving onto the toes.
Forefoot provides decent leverage at toe-off.
Decent bending energy return adds some efficiency through push-off.
Soft forefoot limits snap.
Tame rocker angle offers little assistance onto the toes.
The forefoot returns a decent amount of the energy stored while bending, adding some efficiency through toe-off.
Roll
The Nike Vomero Plus has okay roll. The great heel rocker moves heel strikers smoothly into midstance, while the adequate forefoot geometry keeps the transition through late stance reasonably smooth. However, the rocker flattens too easily under load, reducing assistance farther forward. The forefoot also provides less assistance than the rear of the shoe.
Great heel rocker moves heel strikers smoothly into midstance.
Rocker flattens too easily under load, reducing assistance farther forward.
The rocker is on the softer side and flattens under load, reducing the assistance provided through the stride.
True To Size
The Nike Vomero Plus fits true to size and has enough width and vertical space around the toes. The main limitation is through the arch, where the fit is more restrictive and can feel snug if you have flatter or higher-volume feet. Most runners can still confidently pick their usual size.
Length is spot-on.
Forefoot width gives most runners plenty of room.
Toe box provides ample vertical space.
Snug arch may restrict runners with flatter or higher-volume feet.
Despite having a wider base and slightly taller stack height than the Nike Vomero 18, the Nike Vomero Plus actually weighs about 17 g less than its sister shoe.
The Nike Vomero Plus uses ZoomX, though Nike doesn't disclose the composition of the compound in this shoe. ZoomX covers different formulations across Nike's lineup, so the name alone doesn't tell you how a shoe will perform. Here, the amazing cushioning pairs with very good energy return, pointing to a very different tuning from the Nike Vomero 18.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The Nike Vomero Plus is a highly cushioned daily trainer that sits between the standard Nike Vomero 18 and the much more extreme Nike Vomero Premium. Compared with similarly max-cushioned shoes like the PUMA MagMax NITRO 2 and Mizuno Neo Vista 2, the Vomero Plus gives up a bit of outright cushioning but provides better rebound, making it the better pick if you want the most exciting shoe for easy mileage and longer efforts.
Within Nike's lineup, the Nike Pegasus 42 is the more traditional daily trainer, while the Nike Structure targets runners who want more support. The Nike Vomero 18 is the more relaxed cushioned option, while the Nike Vomero Premium pushes protection much further at the cost of extra bulk. The Vomero Plus is the best fit if you want the most versatile cushioned option of the group, especially if long runs and regular mileage matter more than speed.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best Nike running shoes, the best running shoes, as well as the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.
The Nike Vomero Plus is a better shoe than the Nike Vomero 18 for most runners. It offers more cushioning with considerably more bounce, while also weighing less, making it better suited to longer runs or faster daily mileage. The Vomero 18 has better stability and a more controlled ride. Get the Vomero Plus if you want the more versatile daily trainer; get the Vomero 18 if stability matters more than liveliness.
The Nike Vomero Plus is a better shoe than the Nike Pegasus Premium for most runners. It provides more dependable impact protection across different loads and works much better for daily training plus longer efforts. The Pegasus Premium is more specialized, working best for easy mileage where its softer ride can take priority. Get the Vomero Plus for versatility; get the Pegasus Premium if you mainly want a highly cushioned shoe for relaxed running.
The HOKA Bondi 9 and Nike Vomero Plus are both max-cushioned shoes, and the differences between them reflect their respective brands' strengths. The HOKA is overall better cushioned, soaking up more impact across all force levels and holding up longer into a long run before bottoming out. The Nike still has excellent cushioning but makes fewer sacrifices to speed, delivering very good energy return and weighing less than the HOKA. If you want a shoe that will stay soft and cushy all day, the HOKA is a great choice. If you want a shoe that can more easily pick up the pace, go with the Nike.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 is a better all-rounder than the Nike Vomero Plus. It's significantly lighter, more protective over longer efforts, and better suited to faster running. The Nike shoe offers amazing cushioning for daily mileage and costs less. Get the ASICS if you want one shoe with more range; get the Nike if easy mileage plus long runs matter more than speed.
The Nike Vomero Plus and the Nike Vomero Premium are the two new additions to the Vomero family within Nike's revamped lineup. The Plus version sticks closer to the Vomero family tree, maintaining a reasonable stack height but incorporating a full ZoomX midsole that delivers great bounce and excellent cushioning. The Premium version is the more experimental and "out there" shoe, towering nearly 10 mm higher than the Plus and integrating two AirZoom units into a ZoomX midsole. Although the Vomero Plus is heavier than the average running shoe, it's much lighter and more versatile than the Vomero Premium, which feels mostly suited to easy, recovery runs.
The Nike Vomero Plus and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are two highly cushioned trainers that combine bounce and comfort in a shoe that feels soft enough for easy miles yet has enough spring to pick up the pace. The ASICS is the much lighter of the two, whereas the Nike has better energy return. Smaller runners who apply less force might prefer the leaner ASICS, but larger runners could get more bounce from the Nike.
The HOKA Clifton 10 and Nike Vomero Plus are both cushioned daily trainers in a similar weight range, but they deliver that comfort in different ways. The Nike sits a bit higher and feels more well-rounded for runners who want a softer, more protective ride that still has some bounce to keep easy mileage from feeling dull. The HOKA, on the other hand, focuses more on a stable, predictable platform, so it remains the preferred option if you highly value a more planted ride.
The Nike Pegasus 42 is the trusty steed in Nike's lineup, while the Nike Vomero Plus is a fun, flamboyant new addition. Where the Pegasus 42 offers a stable, reliable ride, the Vomero Plus is lively and bouncy. If you just want a reliable workhorse shoe that will last a long time, the Pegasus is a solid option. If you're looking for something to spice up your workouts and you plan on doing longer runs, the Vomero Plus is a more enjoyable ride.
The Brooks Glycerin Max and Nike Vomero Plus are two very different interpretations of a max cushioned shoe. The Brooks is higher stacked and heavier, so it doesn't feel nimble at all, but it does a better job of absorbing heavy impacts. The Nike shoe has softer, bouncier foam that gives far more energy return, so it feels better suited to uptempo efforts, but it doesn't hold up as well over long distances. If you're looking for a shoe for easy cruising and long runs, get the Brooks. If you want a shoe that's comfortable for easy runs, but can also handle some faster workouts, the Nike is the way to go.
The Nike Vomero Plus is better than the Nike Pegasus Plus for runners who prioritize cushioning and longer runs. It offers much better impact protection and a livelier ride, though the Pegasus Plus is more stable and provides more feedback from the road. Get the Vomero Plus for comfort over distance; get the Pegasus Plus if you want a lower-profile daily trainer for faster, shorter runs.
The Nike Vomero Plus is a better shoe than the Nike Winflo 12 for most runners. It's significantly more cushioned, much more energetic underfoot, and much lighter, making it a more versatile shoe, whether you're taking it for easy runs or some faster running. The Winflo 12 is much more stable and considerably cheaper, however, so if you mainly want a secure shoe for easy daily miles without spending as much, it’s still a good pick.
The adidas Adizero Evo SL is a better shoe for faster running than the Nike Vomero Plus. It's lighter and much better suited to workouts or quicker daily miles, while the Nike provides considerably more impact protection and works better for easy mileage. Get the adidas if speed matters more; get the Nike if you're looking for a shoe for relaxed miles.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 and Nike Vomero Plus are two popular cushioned trainers, but they deliver it with a different personality. The New Balance comes in lighter and not quite as high-stacked, which helps it feel more stable and grounded overall, giving it a reliable, no-fuss ride that stays predictable from start to finish. The Nike sits higher and feels more cushioned and more energetic, translating into a more pronounced, more dynamic experience that feels a bit more unique and fun underfoot.
The ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 is a better shoe than the Nike Vomero Plus if you want more versatility at faster paces. It's significantly lighter and better suited to workouts, while still handling long runs well. The Nike shoe offers deeper protection for regular daily mileage and provides very good rebound of its own. Get the ASICS if speed matters; get the Nike if cushioning for everyday running matters more.
The ASICS MEGABLAST is a better shoe than the Nike Vomero Plus. It offers better impact protection, handles marathon-distance efforts better, and has more range when you want to run faster. The Nike is cheaper and still works very well as a daily trainer for easy mileage plus long runs. Get the ASICS if you want a more complete shoe; get the Nike if you want a very good daily trainer without spending as much.
The PUMA MagMax NITRO 2 and the Nike Vomero Plus are two big and tall maximalist trainers with excellent cushioning, but the similarities end there. The Vomero Plus is a much livelier and more versatile shoe that's miles ahead of the PUMA in energy return. The Nike shoe is a fun, bouncy trainer that can handle everyday mileage, progression runs, or even some strides. The PUMA, on the other hand, seems much more specifically tailored to slow, easy runs. Its midsole doesn't put the same spring in your step, but its cushioning holds up better over long distances, and it's a touch more stable, thanks to its broader platform and fully gusseted tongue.
The Saucony Triumph 23 and Nike Vomero Plus are both modern daily trainers with energetic, bouncy compounds, but they have different secondary priorities. The Nike sits higher and feels more protective, offering a bigger buffer underfoot that makes it especially comfortable for longer steady runs and easy mileage. The Saucony still delivers very good cushioning and a lively feel, but it isn't quite as high stacked, and its slightly firmer forefoot gives it a more stable, controlled ride overall.
The On Cloudsurfer Max and Nike Vomero Plus both target runners seeking a cushioned, comfortable ride, but they approach that goal differently. The Nike is heavier, higher-stacked, and delivers a much bouncier, more cushioned ride, so it feels like a true premium trainer that prioritizes softness, protection, and energy return for long runs and daily cruising. The Cloudsurfer Max, by contrast, is firmer, with much less rebound and less deep cushioning than the name suggests, but it feels more stable and more predictable underfoot thanks to its platform and geometry.
The Nike Vomero Plus and Saucony Hurricane 25 are two max-cushioned trainers built on very different design principles. The Nike shoe has the brand's classic high drop, so while its heel sits higher than the Saucony's, the Nike shoe's forefoot is actually lower to the ground. The Nike is also built on a narrower platform than the Saucony, which, combined with Saucony's moderate stability features, makes the Hurricane 25 the more stable of the two shoes. Unsurprisingly, given the shoes' differing designs, the Nike is comparably more cushioned in the heel, while the Saucony is better cushioned in the forefoot. Both shoes have a fun, bouncy ride, but the Nike returns energy more consistently.
The Kiprun Kipride Max and Nike Vomero Plus both use high-stack platforms, though the Nike sits slightly higher and delivers a noticeably bouncier ride. That makes it a more viable option for uptempo efforts, while the Kirpun will feel more at home at relaxed paces. The Kiprun's midsole absorbs a bit more impact overall, and that advantage becomes even more noticeable as distances increase, helping it feel more protective deep into long runs. The Kiprun is also a bit more stable, so it's the best choice if you're looking for a more planted feel when you land.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Nike Vomero Plus in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label for our pair, in the Black/Metallic Dark Grey/Cool Grey/Dark Smoke Grey colorway. The shoe is also available in numerous other colorways, depending on your region. The Vomero Plus is available in regular and extra-wide sizes for both men and women. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect the other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
