2025 has been a year of reinvention for Nike. A time for them to overhaul their training shoe lineup as runners seek more from their trainers: more cushion, more support, more speed. For the Swoosh, it seems, their classics - in the Pegasus, Structure, and Vomero - needed some complimenting, with each model set to be joined by a "Plus" and "Premium" version that aim to provide different experiences for runners depending on the model they choose.
After the Vomero 18 went down well (we sold out pretty swiftly!), Nike are now launching the Vomero Plus. Designed as a max-cushion everyday trainer and built on a full bed of ZoomX foam, the idea is to provide comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. making it ideal for daily training and long runs.
We took delivery of the Vomero Plus just this week and just had to lace it up for a spin on the treadmill for some first insights and reactions. This is what the team thought:
Matt's initial expectation was one of skepticism. That did not stop him, however, from jumping straight on the Wahoo treadmill and instantly notching the pace up to 3:50/km. "You know what... I'm actually very pleasantly surprised" he exclaimed, bouncing along with his forefoot gait. "With so much foam underfoot – what, it's like 35mm, right – I was expecting it to feel too mushy. But actually I'm get the appeal now. There is enough responsiveness to go a little faster than recovery pace. I'm noticing a bit of a rocker too, with the ZoomX encouraging me a little."
Usually wearing a 7.5UK in most trainers, a size 7 fit Matt like a glove. "I'd probably use these in my rotation for my daily miles" which for him, as you can see above, are generally run at a decent clip! "They remind me of a Superblast, except with a noticeable heel-drop".
Would he buy them? "Hmmm, yeah I think they'd be a contender for me. And I did not expect to be saying that."
Next up, Molly jumped in a pair. "Oh nice, I like the first few seconds in these. If i'm using them, they'd definitely be for easy long runs, or recovery runs". Landing more in the rear-foot: "I feel like I've got so much cushioning when landing. If you're more of a forefoot runner, maybe it would feel you're not getting that maximum cushion, but it feels like a lot for me. I really like that first test". Molly found that the Vomero Plus is true to size in a 6.
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"Tell you what, if you're a midfoot or heel-striker, this feels awesome" said Raif. "Definitely a shoe I'd be using if my legs are heavy and tired but I have a run on the plan. I'm imagining 10-miles easy in this shoe right now" as he ran on the treadmill. "I don't know about how good this would be if there is stability problems for someone, but there is only a little movement for me right now so it could be OK." The one thing that was a bit of a conundrum is the use of ZoomX for the midsole "This doesn't feel like the same foam as a Vaporfly, even though they both apparently use ZoomX" Raif said, which might lead to consumer confusion. However, Nike confirm that the midsole is constructed with a 'tuned' version of their most-responsive foam, designed for durability and a milder responsiveness.
For Anthony: "This is everything you expect from an easy daily shoe.Plenty of cushion... Aesthetically pleasing. Maybe a bit too much orange, but I can deal with it. I like the see through the set-though upper as well... I don't know what more you want me to say: It's an easy shoe, isn't it? The thing screams recovery pace!"
