Nike Vomero Premium Running Shoes

Nike Vomero Premium Upper

The Nike Vomero Premium running shoe has a highly cushioned, premium upper that is extremely comfortable. The front part is made of double mesh with average breathability. The outer mesh material is slightly stiffer and almost transparent due to its thinness, while the inner mesh material is soft with a looser weave and larger holes. The shoe’s tongue is thick and soft, and easily absorbs moisture. It is fixed on both sides and the inner mesh material essentially continues the strap that secures the tongue, serving as an inner lining. The heel collar is also highly padded, soft and less rigid on both sides, yet strongly reinforced at the back. The rear heel collar is high, but the upper part is not stiff and will not irritate the Achilles tendon. The inner insole is removable, so you can easily replace it with your own if required. The upper fits true to size and is moderately wide.

Nike Vomero Premium midsole

The midsole of the Nike Vomero Premium running shoe consists of two separate Air Zoom units and ZoomX foam. As the Air Zoom units are positioned at different angles and are separate from each other, they can compress and rebound independently, making transitions in the shoe much smoother and softer. ZoomX foam is currently Nike’s most advanced midsole: it is very soft and lightweight yet resilient and dynamic.

Taking the first few steps in the shoe feels very interesting because it doesn’t feel overly soft. However, when you put weight on it and strike the ground with greater force, you can easily push it down as you roll through it. You can really feel the dynamics of the Air Zoom units bouncing and springing when you push off; it’s the foam that gives the shoe its softness. The Air Zoom units provide support and stability to the midsole without compromising comfort. You can’t use the extra dynamics to run faster; instead, you instinctively put less energy into your push-offs, so you tire less and can run longer distances. I generally dislike very soft midsoles for running, walking or standing, but the Vomero Premium midsole is completely different; it’s as if it takes the weight off your feet. Its shock absorption is uniquely high, protecting your feet even during longer periods of use.

The extremely high midsole (55.5 mm at the heel and 45.5 mm at the front) is wide as well as high, so it does not feel unstable. While I wouldn’t describe the shoe’s stability as outstanding, it’s much better than I expected. The midsole is less flexible and has high torsional rigidity, partly due to the two AirZoom units that are as wide as the midsole itself. The thick and large outsole also contributes to the midsole’s stiffness and stability.

The midsole is clearly better suited to lower-intensity, longer-distance runs, where endurance and comfort are important. This soft yet rather stiff midsole is easy on the feet, making it an excellent choice for recovery runs, even after heavy loads or injuries.

Nike Vomero Premium weight

I don’t usually write a separate section on the weight of running shoes, but the weight of the Nike Vomero Premium running shoe deserves special mention. While the Nike Vomero Premium running shoe is heavy, weighing more than 350 g depending on the size, it’s worth considering this from a different perspective.

On the one hand, the midsole is 55.5 mm thick and therefore adds weight. Of course, there are counterexamples, such as the 46 mm Asics Megablast, which weighs only 230 g, although it does not have such a cushioned upper. However, the Vomero Plus weighs only 292 g despite its 45 mm midsole. The Mizuno Wave Sky, Puma Mag Max Nitro, Hoka Bondi 9 and Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 running shoes, which have highly cushioned uppers, also weigh around 300 g. However, none of these have a midsole as high or wide as the Vomero Premium.

However, you don’t really feel the extra 30–50 g when running because the ZoomX foam and two Air Zoom units provide such dynamism and extra energy to your feet that they compensate for the additional effort required to lift the heavier shoe.

Does it make sense that the extra energy would be taken away by the greater weight of the shoe? If we think rationally, the answer is no. However, in running, it’s not the moment of crossing the finish line that matters, but the journey to it. The Vomero Premium is not the goal itself, but an innovative step towards achieving it.

Nike Vomero Premium outsole

The Nike Vomero Premium running shoe’s outsole covers almost the entire midsole. There is only one large longitudinal cut-out, which reveals the Air Zoom units and reduces the torsional rigidity of the shoe. However, I am concerned that the exposed Air Zoom units could easily become caught on gravel and become punctured. The waffle-patterned outsole provides satisfactory traction, particularly for lower-speed runs where sudden manoeuvres are not expected. The outsole is also resistant to wear, but this depends on your running style, weight and the type of surface you typically use the shoe on.

Who is the Nike Vomero Premium upper designed for and what kind of runs is it suitable for?

The Nike Vomero Premium running shoe is a highly cushioned, comfortable neutral shoe that protects your feet when running long distances or recovering from an injury. The highly cushioned upper is made of soft, premium materials that pamper your feet. The midsole is extremely high and wider than average, providing a soft yet supportive feel. It is primarily intended for lower-intensity runs, such as easy or longer runs. If you are an experienced runner who finds that running helps your feet to recover, the Vomero Premium may be one of the best choices for you. While the shoe is not specifically designed for beginner runners, there is nothing about it that would stop me from recommending it to them. It may also be suitable for heavier or overweight runners for longer runs, although the Air Zoom units may not be durable under heavier loads. The Nike Vomero Premium is also a good choice for all-day standing or walking.