If the Pegasus is Nike’s reliable all-rounder and the Alphafly is its carbon-plated speedster, the Vomero is the plush, pampering friend who insists you slow down and enjoy the ride. Built for comfort-first runners, the Vomero line has always prioritized soft landings, smooth transitions, and maximum cushioning to make your legs feel like they’re on vacation even when you’re logging miles.
Enter the Nike Vomero Plus: the newest member of the family and a bit of a luxury upgrade. Unlike the Vomero 18, which blends ZoomX and ReactX for a balance of bounce and stability, the Vomero Plus goes all in on full-length ZoomX, Nike’s lightest and most energetic foam. The result? A softer, bouncier ride that makes recovery runs feel like you’re jogging on marshmallows with a propulsion system.
This isn’t the shoe for chasing PRs. It’s the shoe for those glorious “I’m just out here enjoying the vibes” runs. If your idea of a good time is letting your legs do their thing while your brain takes a nap, the Vomero Plus might just be your new go-to.
Contents
- Design and Fit
- Midsole and Cushioning
- Outsole and Traction
- Performance on the Run
- Weight, Drop, and Stack Height
- Pros and Cons
- Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Nike Vomero Plus
- Final Verdict: Nike Vomero Plus
Design and Fit
Slip into the Nike Vomero Plus, and your feet will think they’ve just checked into a five-star resort. The engineered mesh upper isn’t just breathable; it feels fancy. We’re talking plush, premium, and just structured enough to keep your foot feeling hugged, not squished.
There’s generous padding around the collar and tongue, and Nike didn’t hold back. The interior cushioning cradles your foot like it’s being swaddled in memory foam, no hotspots, no weird seams, just pure step-in comfort. Whether you’re heading out for a three-miler or a Sunday long run, this shoe’s got your back (and heel, and midfoot).
Compared to the Vomero 18, the materials feel like a clear upgrade; less utilitarian, more “treat yourself.” And while it may look like a max-cushion shoe built for recovery days (because it is), the lockdown is surprisingly solid. You won’t be swimming in it.
Fit-wise, it runs true to size with enough room in the toe box. No sizing drama here; just lace up, lean back (slightly), and cruise.
Midsole and Cushioning
The Nike Vomero Plus ditches the dual-foam setup of the Vomero 18 and goes all in with full-length ZoomX, Nike’s lightest, most energetic midsole foam. The result? A ride that feels softer, bouncier, and just a bit more joyful with every step. It’s like your feet upgraded to first class and now refuse to fly coach.
Without the stabilizing presence of ReactX, the Vomero Plus leans more neutral. It’s not trying to correct your gait or offer structured support; it’s simply there to keep your feet happy, especially on easy to steady-paced runs. Compared to the Vomero 18, which offers a bit more ground feel and stability underfoot, this version is noticeably cushier and more forgiving over long distances.
So, if you’re a neutral runner who wants plush comfort and smooth transitions for daily training or long weekend miles, the Vomero Plus delivers, with bounce to spare. Just don’t ask it to play stability coach. That’s not in its job description.
Outsole and Traction
Flip the Nike Vomero Plus over, and you’ll see a generous layer of rubber covering almost the entire outsole; Nike clearly didn’t skimp on coverage. That said, the rubber is noticeably thinner than what you’ll find on the Vomero 18. But don’t let that worry you. Nike’s outsole rubber has a reputation for being one of the most durable in the game, so while it may look a little leaner, it’s built to go the distance.
Traction-wise, the grip is solid. Pavement, treadmill, light gravel; it handles it all without slipping or sliding. Whether you’re jogging through a misty morning or cruising through a post-rain sidewalk, the Vomero Plus sticks the landing.
Pair that dependable outsole with the plush ZoomX ride up top, and you’ve got a smooth, comfortable experience that makes this shoe an easy go-to for daily runs. It’s the kind of trainer that quietly earns your trust, mile after mile, no drama, no fuss.
Performance on the Run
The Nike Vomero Plus is a daily workhorse that knows its strengths; and speed isn’t one of them. But that doesn’t mean it can’t keep up. Built for daily runs, long miles, and recovery days, it’s the kind of shoe that shows up rain or shine, no complaints, just comfort.
Thanks to the full-length ZoomX midsole, the energy return is noticeably better than the Vomero 18. There’s a springy, responsive feel underfoot that makes each step feel a little lighter, especially when your legs are anything but.
That said, this isn’t a race-day rocket. If you want to pick up the pace, the Vomero Plus is game, but it’s not going to push you there. You’ll need to do the legwork (literally). Once it gets going, though, the ride is smooth, balanced, and surprisingly lively for such a cushioned trainer.
Think of it as your easygoing training partner: it won’t lead the charge, but it’ll gladly cruise by your side for the long haul.
Weight, Drop, and Stack Height
For a shoe loaded with plush cushioning, the Nike Vomero Plus keeps its weight impressively in check—8.5 oz for women and 10.3 oz for men. That’s pretty light for a max-cushion trainer with this much foam underfoot. You’re not exactly floating, but you’re definitely not dragging bricks, either.
The 10 mm heel-to-toe drop hits the sweet spot for most runners. It’s the Goldilocks of drop measurements; just right for offloading stress from the foot, ankle, Achilles, and calves. Whether you’re nursing a niggle or just want a bit of mechanical help on tired days, this drop quietly does its job in the background.
Then there’s the stack height: 45 mm in the heel, 35 mm in the forefoot. That’s a whole lot of 100% ZoomX foam, and it shows. Every landing feels soft and protective, like you’re bouncing off a padded runway. If maximal cushioning is your love language, the Vomero Plus speaks it fluently.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Full-length ZoomX foam offers plush, bouncy cushioning with excellent energy return
- Lightweight for a max-cushion shoe (8.5 oz women / 10.3 oz men)
- Wide toe box and soft upper provide all-day comfort
- Durable rubber outsole with solid grip on roads and light paths
- Smooth transitions make it ideal for daily runs, long runs, and recovery days
- High 45/35 mm stack height delivers serious underfoot protection
Cons:
- Less stable than the Vomero 18, especially for runners who need support
- Not built for speed, requires extra effort to pick up the pace
- Thinner outsole rubber may raise durability concerns over time (despite Nike’s strong track record)
- No ReactX foam, which limits its versatility for those needing added structure
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Nike Vomero Plus
You Should Buy the Nike Vomero Plus If:
- You’re a neutral runner who wants maximum cushioning for daily training or long runs
- You prefer a soft, bouncy ride with full-length ZoomX foam underfoot
- You need a shoe for recovery days, easy miles, or all-day comfort
- You appreciate a roomy toe box, plush step-in feel, and breathable upper
- You want a lightweight max-cushion trainer that doesn’t feel bulky
You Might Want to Skip It If:
- You need stability or motion control features for overpronation
- You’re looking for a speed-focused shoe for intervals or race day
- You prefer a firmer, more grounded ride with better lateral support
- You rely on the ReactX foam in the Vomero 18 for added structure
Final Verdict: Nike Vomero Plus
The Nike Vomero Plus is a welcome evolution in the Vomero line—softer, bouncier, and more cushioned than ever, thanks to its full-length ZoomX midsole. It’s built for neutral runners who prioritize comfort over speed, and it shines on easy runs, long miles, and recovery days when your legs need a break but you’re still lacing up.
Compared to the Vomero 18, it trades some stability for a more energetic and luxurious ride. While it’s not the shoe to chase PRs, it’s one you’ll reach for when comfort is non-negotiable.
If you’re looking for a max-cushion daily trainer with a smooth ride and premium feel, the Vomero Plus is absolutely worth considering, especially if your feet are tired of doing all the work.
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