It’s hard to find a sportswear brand with more praise and recognition than Nike. The iconic swoosh is one of the most recognizable logos around, and countless elite athletes and casual runners depend on Nike shoes for a fast, comfortable, and reliable ride.
One of the most beloved shoes in its lineup is the Vomero, a high-cushioned neutral shoe that helps you tackle daily mileage and recovery runs in comfort. After 18 iterations, the shoe has remained a fan favorite among athletes looking for some extra underfoot cushioning.
But if you thought Nike would rest on its laurels with the beloved Vomero, you would be wrong. In the summer of 2025, Nike released the Vomero Plus, a max cushioned shoe that aims to be a step up from the Vomero 18 in terms of plushness, cushioning, and responsiveness.
So how exactly does the Vomero Plus live up to this reputation? What really are the differences between the Vomero and Vomero Plus? And is it really worth the extra cost compared to the standard Vomero running shoe?
At Marathon Sports, we’re here to answer all these questions and more. We put the Nike Vomero Plus to the test, so we can give you all the information and resources you need to decide if the Vomero Plus is the right addition to your running shoe rotation.
Our Review Process
We know that every runner is different and has completely different preferences and needs when it comes to the perfect running shoe. Our dedicated review team keeps this in mind when testing any shoe, taking them on a variety of runs across different terrains to gain the most insight possible.
Through long recovery runs, easy daily miles, speed workouts, treadmill runs, and more, we learned everything there is to know about how the Vomero Plus feels and performs. And while the best way to decide if the shoe is right for you is to try it out for yourself, we hope our review and road test give you a better idea of what you can expect when you lace up the Vomero Plus for the first time.
Nike Vomero Plus: Fast Facts
Throughout this review, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the highlights and features the Vomero Plus has to offer. But before we do that, let’s take a quick look at the Vomero Plus specs and details:
- Advertised as a max cushion recovery shoe
- Stack height: 45mm/35mm
- 10mm heel-to-toe offset
- Weight: 9.6oz (M), 8.1oz (W)
- Midsole is a full-length ZoomX unit for more energy return and plushness
- Pronounced rocker geometry keeps you moving forward with more efficient strides
- Engineered mesh upper is light and breathable for added comfort on long runs
- High-abrasion rubber outsole offers superior durability and traction
- Price: $179.95
Nike Vomero Plus: The Nitty Gritty Details
Now that you know what specs you can expect to find in the Vomero Plus, let’s take a closer look at the key features and how they play into the shoe’s fit, feel, and performance.
Full-Length ZoomX Midsole Unit
One of the biggest differences between the Vomero 18 and Vomero Plus can be found in the midsole unit. While the Vomero 18 incorporates some ZoomX foam into its dual-density midsole, the Vomero Plus has a single-layer midsole composed entirely of responsive and energetic ZoomX foam.
ZoomX foam is one of the lightest, most responsive foams in Nike’s lineup, so the full-length ZoomX midsole creates a truly one-of-a-kind underfoot feel with unparalleled bounce and energy return. And with a whopping 45mm of this cushioning in the heel and 35mm in the forefoot, the shoe is guaranteed to keep you feeling like you’re running on clouds.
In terms of actual stack height, the Vomero Plus is very comparable to the Vomero 18. But if you’re looking for plush landings and maximum responsiveness, the Vomero Plus’s soft and bouncy ZoomX midsole unit is hard to beat.
Soft and Breathable Engineered Mesh Upper
The Nike Vomero Plus is all about softness and comfort, and this philosophy extends into the upper construction. Around the top of the shoe, you’ll find a soft, breathable engineered mesh upper designed to keep your feet cool and comfortable throughout any type of run.
The ventilated mesh offers a snug and secure fit around the heel and midfoot, while the extra padding around the tongue and heel collar provides some extra comfort and security with each step. Another plus is the webbed lace loops, which offer a more customizable fit.
Nike shoes do tend to run on the narrow side, and while the Vomero Plus fits true to size, runners with high-volume or wide feet may find the tapered toe box too narrow. However, the adjustable lacing system and soft upper do offer a more accommodating fit and help reduce pressure points for more foot shapes and sizes.
Overall Geometry and Construction
With the Vomero Plus, Nike includes several features designed to guide you forward and keep you moving towards your goal in comfort.
One of the key components of the Vomero Plus’s geometry is the pronounced rocker design. The curved sole rolls you through each stride, working with the soft and responsive cushioning to reduce impact and drive smooth strides and turnover. This shape creates more efficiency with every step to help you take on any long run or workout.
And while the Vomero Plus offers a more cushiony feel compared to the Vomero 18, it’s also even lighter than its counterpart. The lightweight upper and light, bouncy foam give the shoe a remarkably lightweight feel, especially compared to the colossal stack height. At 9.6 oz for men’s shoes and 8.1 oz for women’s, the Vomero Plus is one of the lightest max cushion shoes you can find on the market.
Durability and Value
We know that running shoes can be an investment, so when you’re choosing the right shoe for you, you want to feel confident that you’ll get plenty of use and mileage out of your new purchase.
Fortunately, the Vomero Plus shines when it comes to durability and versatility, so you can get plenty of value for your money.
The shoe features a high-abrasion rubber outsole that improves its longevity while adding grip and traction on any terrain. And while some high cushion shoes lack versatility due to being too soft and spongy, the unique ZoomX midsole helps the Vomero Plus avoid this pitfall.
Sure, the shoe feels incredibly soft and cushioned, making it a great choice for long runs or recovery days. But the unique ZoomX midsole foam is well-balanced and doesn’t sacrifice springiness and responsiveness for luxurious softness. With fantastic bounce and energy return, the Vomero Plus can also serve as an everyday, workhorse running shoe.
One downside compared to the Vomero 18 and other high-cushion daily trainers is the price. At $180, the Vomero Plus is on the pricier end when it comes to cushioned running shoes. However, if you prefer extra cushioning and plushness on your runs, you’ll likely find the extra cost worth it, especially considering the shoe’s versatility and adaptability.
Road Test Results
With all the positive feedback we’ve been hearing around the Vomero Plus, we couldn’t wait to lace these shoes up and start pounding pavement in them ourselves. Our review team took the Vomero Plus out for a variety of different runs to get the best possible understanding of how it performs, and here’s what we found.
From the second the Vomero Plus was on our feet, the plushness and amount of cushioning immediately stood out. The enormous 45mm/35mm stack height is noticeable underfoot right off the bat, while the bouncy and luxurious ZoomX midsole offers unmatched step-in comfort and softness.
And as good as the plush, bouncy cushioning feels when you slide the shoe on your foot, it feels even better when you take to the pavement for a run. The midsole unit is remarkably cushioned yet well-balanced, offering plenty of bounce and energy return with padded and protected landings.
This energetic and soft cushioning primarily shone on long runs and recovery runs, where the max cushion design offered max comfort and protection mile after mile. The rocker geometry also came into play on these long runs, pairing well with the energetic cushioning to keep us moving forward in comfort.
Throughout these long runs, the soft engineered mesh upper also played a key role in promoting maximum comfort. The soft material felt snug and secure around our feet, while the breathable material kept us feeling cool and comfortable even during warmer summer runs. The padded tongue and heel collar was another nice touch, providing even more all-around cushioning.
Running shoe preferences tend to be dependent on individual needs, and this is especially true when it comes to heel-to-toe offset. With a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, the Vomero Plus has a relatively high offset for running shoes.
Runners who prefer a low drop shoe or have a mid or forefoot strike may find that the Vomero Plus has too much cushioning in the heel. But if you’re a heel striker or want to reduce stress on the Achilles or calf, you’ll likely appreciate the extra foam and heel raise the Vomero Plus has to offer.
Despite the Vomero Plus excelling in longer recovery runs, it also serves as one of the most versatile max cushion shoes on the market. Even with the soft landings, the ZoomX midsole maintains a high amount of responsiveness and energy return, so you can feel ready to take on any workout.
Even with this bouncy foam, however, some runners may find the Vomero Plus too bulky and cushiony for everyday runs or speedier workouts. If you prefer a stiffer underfoot feel or like more ground feel on runs, you may want to look elsewhere for your next running shoe.
Max cushioned shoes aren’t for every runner or every type of run. But if you prioritize shock absorption and cushioning on your runs, or are looking for a dedicated long run shoe with some versatility, the Vomero Plus might be your ideal running shoe.
Pros and Cons
There’s a lot to love about the Vomero Plus, but that doesn’t mean the shoe is without its faults. Let’s take a closer look at all the pros and cons we found throughout rigorous testing of the Vomero Plus.
Pros
- Full-length ZoomX midsole strikes an ideal balance of soft and responsiveness, making it a versatile trainer that can work for several different types of runs
- Engineered mesh upper is soft, secure, and breathable for max all-around comfort
- Remarkably lightweight, especially for the high stack height, adding to the versatility and adaptability
- High-abrasion rubber outsole adds traction and extends the shoe’s lifespan
- Rocker geometry helps keep you moving forward and aids in smooth transitions
Cons
- Runners with wide or high-volume feet may find the toe box to be too shallow and narrow
- More versatile than other high cushion shoes, but runners who prefer a stiffer, responsive shoe may find it too soft for speedier days
- 10mm drop may feel too high for runners with a mid or forefoot strike
- Significant price increase compared to the Vomero 18
Nike Vomero Plus vs the Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
Today’s running shoe world is saturated with new models and up-and-coming innovations. So in this crowded running shoe landscape, how does Nike’s newest max cushion model compare?
If you’re looking for a versatile, high-cushion option that shines on long runs or recovery runs, the Vomero Plus is one of the best choices out there. However, not every running shoe works for every runner and every fitness goal.
Those who want the cloud-like softness of the Vomero Plus without the hefty price tag may want to consider the New Balance More v6. While this cushioned trainer doesn’t offer quite as much cushioning as the Vomero Plus, the high stack of Fresh Foam X midsole provides exceptional comfort and shock absorption on runs. The shoe also features a low 4mm heel-to-toe drop and inherent stability elements, offering some extra support for runners looking for a versatile cushioned shoe.
Luckily, brand-loyal Nike fans also have other high cushion options if the Vomero Plus isn’t for them. The Vomero 18 offers plenty of soft cushioning, while the dual-layer midsole creates a stiff and efficient underfoot feel. The Vomero Plus may be the perfect long run companion, but if you’re looking for a workhorse daily training shoe, you’ll likely appreciate the reliability and versatility the Vomero 18 has to offer.
Nike Vomero Plus: Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Nike may already be a staple in the running shoe game, but with the Vomero Plus, the iconic brand proves that it has even more to offer. Its newest addition to the Vomero lineup offers a unique, well-balanced max cushion shoe with so much to love.
From first sliding on the shoe to the very last mile of our long runs, the plush midsole, secure upper, and overall geometry and design provided all-around comfort and impact absorption to keep legs and feet feeling fresh.
If you’re looking for a shoe to help you break your PR or move faster on the track, the Vomero Plus may not be your first choice. Even with lots of energy return and lightweight design, the high stack height reduces ground feel and may feel too soft and cushiony for many runners.
But when it comes to a cushy, comfortable shoe with cloud-like comfort that you can slide on for recovery runs, you can’t go wrong with the Vomero Plus.
And you don’t have to just take our word for it – stop by your nearest Marathon Sports to try out the Vomero Plus and other top running shoes for yourself. Whether you go with the newest Vomero Plus, another shoe from the Vomero lineup, or an option from a different brand entirely, our team of footwear experts will make sure you walk out with the best shoe to help you work towards all your running goals.
