Nike Vomero 18

With the Nike Vomero 18, the swoosh brand reinvents its most cushioned daily trainer and officially joins the club of maximalism for the masses. The new version takes a big step up in the midsole: 43 mm at the heel (according to Nike), with a dual layer of ZoomX and ReactX that gives a noticeably plusher ride than its predecessor. This approach brings it closer to rivals such as the Hoka Clifton 9 or the Saucony Triumph 23, although with a character geared more towards comfort than speed. Mind you, it is not the lightest shoe on the market, but for easy runs and long runs where comfort comes first, it can be a very interesting option.

Compared with its predecessor, the Air ZoomX Vomero 17, the changes are significant and mostly positive. The dual-layer engineered mesh upper gives a padded, pillow-like fit that wraps the foot without pressure points, although the toe box is still somewhat narrow for wide feet, something typical of Nike. The semi-gusseted tongue (13.4 mm of padding) improves lockdown, although it adds weight. The integrated heel counter with a finger loop makes the shoe easier to put on and adds a premium touch; we will see whether anyone is willing to pay more for it.

The midsole of the Vomero 18 stands out for its combination of ZoomX (top layer) and ReactX (bottom layer), which delivers exceptional cushioning for easy paces and recovery runs. The official 10 mm heel-to-toe drop (lab measurement: 13.9 mm) ensures smooth transitions for heel strikers. The outsole, with rubber reinforcements at the heel and forefoot, ensures durability, although wet traction could be better according to tests. Ideal for recovery runs, long runs at a conversational pace and neutral runners looking for maximum comfort, meaning a soft feel without getting mushy. A word of warning: its weight (298 g) and lack of responsiveness make it a poor choice for intervals or fast paces, as running under 3:00/km is not the same as running over 5:00/km. Spoiler: no maximalist shoe will make you fly, but the Vomero 18 makes every kilometre feel like walking on clouds and will make you forget what you paid for it. Clouds with a little weight in the backpack, that is.