Nike Vomero 18 Review – A Surprising Return to Form for Nike Running

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The Nike Vomero 18 arrives with quiet confidence, slotting into the max-cushioned daily trainer category—and surprisingly, it delivers where so many recent Nike daily trainers have fallen short. This shoe is a clear step in the right direction for Nike, and perhaps one of their best efforts in this space in recent years.

Build & Specs

At £135 RRP, the Vomero 18 comes in cheaper than its predecessor, and the value becomes even more impressive if you can snag it with a discount code. It weighs in at 330g (UK 9) and features a dual foam setup: ZoomX on top for softness and bounce, and ReactX on the bottom for structure and durability. With a massive 46mm heel stack and 36mm forefoot (10mm drop), it's definitely in max cushion territory.

A thick engineered mesh upper provides a secure fit, although it runs warm—something to consider for summer training. The outsole uses Nike’s classic waffle design, offering impressive grip and a wide base that adds welcome stability. The tongue is heavily padded, possibly too much for some runners, and contributes to the overall bulk of the shoe.

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On the Run

Despite its hefty on-paper stats, the Vomero 18 runs lighter than expected. The dual foam system works brilliantly: ZoomX gives you that soft, responsive ride, while the ReactX ensures the shoe doesn’t feel unstable or overly squishy. The result is a surprisingly peppy ride for a max-cushion trainer, particularly at easy and recovery paces.

Over the course of a week’s marathon training—including easy miles, some race pace efforts, and recovery runs—the Vomero 18 proved to be reliable, comfortable, and fun to run in. The outsole grip and stable platform provide confidence on varied terrain and in different conditions. While it’s not designed for speedwork, it can handle light uptempo efforts like marathon pace without issue.

Comparisons & Rotation Fit

The Vomero 18 finds itself competing with models like the ASICS Novablast 5, New Balance 1080v14, and Brooks Ghost Max 2. Compared to the Novablast, it’s heavier and less versatile but offers more stability and outsole grip. For runners looking to build a rotation, the Vomero 18 is an ideal daily/recovery option. Pair it with a lightweight speed shoe like the Zoom Fly 6 or Vaporfly for faster sessions, and you’ve got a complete setup.

Pros

• Great value for money, especially with discounts

• Excellent outsole grip and stability

• Dual foam setup offers a smooth, balanced ride

• Surprisingly versatile for a max cushion shoe

• Comfortable fit with good lockdown

Cons

• Upper runs warm—might be uncomfortable in hot weather

• Weight is noticeable at times

• Tongue is overly thick

• 10mm drop might not suit everyone

Verdict

The Nike Vomero 18 is a strong return to form. After several disappointing attempts in the daily trainer space, Nike has produced a genuinely solid max cushion shoe that everyday runners can trust for their easy and recovery miles. It's stable, comfortable, and a joy to run in—especially for those logging higher weekly mileage. At full price it's fair, and with the right discount, it’s a total steal. This is the kind of running shoe you’ll find yourself reaching for more often than expected.

You can get discounts on your next running shoe purchase at Sportsshoes.com by either becoming an affiliated club member with FORDY RUNS Running Club where you will get 15% off or you can join the club for free and get 10% off your next purchase by getting our latest discount code from our website