Nike Vomero Plus Running Trainer Review: Comfort Meets Performance
Nike, renowned for its high-performance race-day footwear, has consistently aimed to blend speed with comfort in its product lines. The Vomero series stands out as a dedicated comfort-focused range, designed to cater to runners seeking plush cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness. The latest iteration, the Nike Vomero Plus, promises to deliver a cushioned, everyday road running shoe that remains agile underfoot. With features like a ZoomX foam midsole, an engineered mesh upper, and a relatively lightweight build, these trainers target runners looking for a smooth, bouncy ride during daily training sessions. But does the Vomero Plus live up to its premium price tag and performance claims? This review delves into the design, performance, and overall value to provide a comprehensive assessment.
Design and Features: Premium Build with Advanced Cushioning
Upon unboxing, the Nike Vomero Plus exudes a premium feel, thanks to its high-quality materials and thoughtful construction. The engineered mesh upper is soft, flexible, and breathable, wrapping comfortably around the foot without causing any rubbing or hot spots, even during extended runs. This design ensures a secure fit that adapts to various foot shapes, enhancing overall comfort.
The standout feature is the ZoomX foam midsole, which Nike touts as its most responsive cushioning technology. This foam provides a noticeably soft landing that feels springy rather than spongy, offering excellent impact absorption without a sluggish response. With a heel stack of 10mm, the shoe is well-suited for heel strikers and those who prefer a traditional road-running feel, promoting a natural gait cycle.
Weighing approximately 242 grams for a women's UK size 5.5, the Vomero Plus is lighter than expected for a shoe with such substantial cushioning. The high-abrasion rubber outsole adds durability and reliable grip on pavements, even in damp conditions, ensuring stability and confidence during runs. Overall, the design prioritises comfort and durability, making it a solid choice for daily wear.
Performance on the Road: Comfort Over Speed
In real-world testing, the Nike Vomero Plus excels on easy and steady-paced runs, where its cushioning truly shines. The ZoomX foam midsole effectively absorbs impact, reducing strain on the legs and making it ideal for longer distances or recovery days. Runners will appreciate the smooth, consistent ride with a gentle bounce that encourages forward motion without feeling forced.
However, this shoe is not built for speed. While it doesn't feel heavy on foot, the cushioning prioritises comfort over aggression, which may slow down runners during intervals or when chasing personal bests. The plushness, while enjoyable for casual runs, might be too soft for those who prefer a firmer, more connected-to-the-road feel. Breathability is another strong point, with the upper keeping feet cool even during longer sessions, preventing overheating and discomfort.
Value for Money: Is the Premium Price Justified?
Priced at £154.99, the Nike Vomero Plus sits at the higher end of the market for daily trainers. This premium positioning reflects the advanced ZoomX foam technology and overall build quality. For regular runners who log consistent miles on roads, the investment can be justified by the shoe's durability, comfort, and versatility—it's suitable not only for running but also for walking and everyday wear.
For occasional runners, a cheaper alternative might suffice, but for those prioritising comfort and impact protection, the Vomero Plus offers solid value. Its ability to leave legs feeling fresher after runs adds to its appeal, potentially reducing recovery time and enhancing long-term running enjoyment.
Comparison with Competitors and Online Reception
When compared to other cushioned daily trainers like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Brooks Glycerin 22, and Saucony Triumph 22, the Nike Vomero Plus is positioned at a higher price point, typically retailing around £155 at full price. These rivals often cost between £100 and £130, making them more budget-friendly options, though they may lack the advanced ZoomX foam technology.
Online, the Vomero Plus receives positive feedback, with average ratings around 4.7 out of 5 stars from hundreds of reviewers. Users frequently praise its comfort for daily runs and walking, though some note that the ride can be too soft for faster training and that sizing may vary between colourways. Independent review sites echo this sentiment, highlighting strengths in comfort and energy return while pointing out minor issues with durability and wet-condition grip.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Nike Vomero Plus?
After extensive testing, the Nike Vomero Plus proves to be an impressive option for runners seeking a reliable, comfortable daily trainer. Its ZoomX foam midsole delivers exceptional cushioning that reduces impact and promotes leg freshness, making it ideal for easy runs, recovery sessions, and longer distances. However, it's not the best choice for speedwork or aggressive training due to its soft ride.
In summary, if you're a regular road runner who values comfort and durability over outright speed, the Vomero Plus is a strong contender. Pair it with a lighter, firmer shoe for speed sessions to cover all training needs. While the price is steep, the quality and performance justify the cost for dedicated runners.
