Nike Vomero 18: 100km Review
Nike back in the daily trainer game?
The Vomero 18 signals a bit of a shift for Nike, as they move into expanding their daily trainer range. While much of the brand’s attention has been focused on their super shoes like the Vaporfly and Alphafly, the Vomero 18 brings the spotlight back to those easy miles that make up the bulk of your weekly mileage.
Since getting my hands on a pair, the Vomero’s been one of my go-to for cruisy midweek runs, usually in the 30–60 minute range. With 100km+ now on the clock, it feels like the right time to check in and see how it’s holding up.
Fit and comfort
Nike shoes have a bit of a rep for running narrow and while the Vomero 18 still tapers through the forefoot, it’s definitely more accommodating than something like the Pegasus 41. If you’ve written off Nike before for being too snug, this could be the one to pull you back in.
The upper feels dialed in, it’s padded in all the right spots, has a nice pull tab on the heel and the material choice feels premium. The tongue is thick (maybe a little too thick), but the lockdown through the midfoot is solid and the heel’s deep enough to work well with orthotics. All in all, it’s a comfortable, plush, no-fuss fit.
Ride and performance
What I’ve come to really appreciate in the Vomero 18 is its simplicity, in the best possible way. With a 10mm drop, no aggressive rocker and no fancy plate tech, this is a “classic daily trainer” through and through.
The dual-layer midsole pairs ZoomX on top with ReactX below, which creates a nice balance. I find it soft enough for easy days, but not too mushy like a lot of shoes on the market at the moment! It’s a setup that gives the shoe some structure and resilience, which is especially noticeable on longer runs. This is the first Vomero I've put some solid mileage into since the nostalgic Vomero 13 release back in 2017. For its time, it was a really reliable cushioned workhorse and I feel like the Vomero 18 is a modern day take on that shoe.
This isn’t a shoe I reach for when I want to run faster in a session, but it’s perfect for recovery days and those easy aerobic efforts. The broad base and midsole density add a sense of stability that holds up well over time and on varied road terrains.
I think it’s important to highlight the outsole of the Vomero 18. I've really enjoyed the waffle style. Nike have used iterations of this on other daily trainers such as the Invincible 3. The outsole of the Vomero 18 is really solid, there’s good coverage and the waffle style gives you a lot of confidence when it gets wet or you’re on any dirt.
100km in, how’s it holding up?
At just over 120km, the Vomero 18 is holding up exactly how you'd want a daily trainer to. There's no midsole flattening, no premature creasing and no signs of losing its bounce. The ride still feels lively and consistent, with that same cushioned, stable feel I had out of the box. For a shoe with this much underfoot stack, it's a promising sign for long-term durability.
There’s a bit of visible wear on the heel section of the outsole which pretty typical for me, but nothing concerning. The exposed ZoomX foam through the midfoot still looks surprisingly untouched, which speaks to the smart use of rubber placement in high-impact areas without overdoing it.
The upper has also held up nicely. No fraying or stretching, even after repeated use in wet and dry conditions. The lockdown remains just as secure as day one and the padding in the tongue and collar hasn’t packed out at which can happens quicker in some plush uppers.
All signs point to the Vomero 18 comfortably making it to 600–700km mark, and possibly beyond, depending on your gait and how you rotate your shoes. For a high cushion trainer in this category, it’s impressive, especially when durability is often a trade-off for softness. Nike has clearly struck a good balance here between comfort and longevity.
Who’s it for?
If you’re after a reliable neutral trainer with max cushioning and a more traditional feel, the Vomero 18 is a great pick. No gimmicks here, just a smooth, protective ride for daily miles.
It’s beginner-friendly too, making it a great first shoe choice, but also holds appeal for more experienced runners who want something reliable for easy days. In a category that’s been a bit neglected by Nike in recent years, it’s great to see them deliver a shoe that can be so universally useful to runners of all experience levels.
Wrap up
After 100km, I think the Vomero 18 is a seriously good shoe. It’s simple, comfy, consistent and built to last. At $220, it undercuts other max-cushioned trainers like the Saucony Triumph 22 and Brooks Glycerin 22, while delivering comparable performance.
If you’re looking for a solid all-rounder with plush comfort, it’s definitely worth a look.
