Our Nike Vomero 18 review covers Nike's plush, maximum-cushion trainer. It costs about $165 at full price for the men's and $155 for the women's, and stacks ZoomX foam over ReactX with a much taller platform than the Vomero 17. Reviewers praise the step-in feel and stability for its size. It is heavy and has a narrow toebox, so it fits easy runs, recovery and walking better than speed. Best for: runners and walkers who want a plush, high-stack Nike.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Nike Vomero 18 Review (2026): Worth $165?
3.5/5
our rating
our rating
$165Full price on Nike’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Runners and walkers who want a plush, high-stack Nike.
Skip it if: You want a light shoe or you have wide feet in a standard width.
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What we like
- First max-stack Vomero with a plush step-in
- ZoomX over ReactX foam
- Stable for its size per reviewers
- Good for recovery runs and heel strikers
- Price dropped versus the Vomero 17
Watch out for
- Heavy (about 11.5 oz men's)
- Narrow toebox per lab data
- Grip is weaker on wet surfaces
- Less agile at faster paces
On this page
Fit and sizing
RunRepeat's 639 owner votes call the Vomero 18 true to size. Lab data found a narrow toebox, and width options per RunRepeat run from Narrow to X-Wide in the men's. The upper is comfortable. Use our running shoe finder to filter widths.
Cushioning and ride
Nike lists roughly a 45 mm heel and 35 mm forefoot with a 10 mm drop. The ZoomX layer sits on ReactX, tuned for training durability. RunRepeat's lab rated the foam soft with strong heel shock absorption, but weak wet traction, and noted the shoe is heavy at about 325 g.
How it performs for recovery runs and walking
Reviewers say it suits recovery runs and heel strikers and is stable for its size. Nike's description calls it a max-cushion everyday shoe. It lacks agility at faster paces. For a lighter Nike, see the Pegasus 42.
Price and value
At about $165 at full price it is premium, but Nike discounts often. The price is lower than the Vomero 17's. Nike offers a 60-day Wear Test return window.
Alternatives
The HOKA Bondi 9, Brooks Glycerin 23 and ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 are the other max-cushion options. See our cushioned running shoes list.
Who should skip it
Skip the Vomero 18 if you want a light shoe, a roomy standard toebox or strong wet-weather grip.
Specs
| For | Men & women |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) |
| Extended fits | Wide widths |
| Weight | 325 g (11.5 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10 mm |
| Heel stack | 45 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 35 mm |
| Cushioning | Soft |
| Support | Neutral |
| Widths | Narrow, Regular, Wide, X-Wide |
| Plate | None |
| Midsole foam | ZoomX over ReactX |
| Surface | Road |
| Best use | Daily |
| Colors | 24 at time of checking |
| Good for | Running, Walking, Recovery, All-day standing, Long runs |
The verdict
A plush, stable, heavy cushioned trainer that is excellent for easy days and long hours on your feet. If you want speed or a lighter feel, look elsewhere. Skip it if you want a light shoe or you have wide feet in a standard width. Ratings here are editorial estimates, not our own testing.
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nike Vomero 18 good for walking?
Reviewers often pick it for recovery runs and daily wear because of the soft cushion. If you have lasting foot pain, see a podiatrist. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
How much is the Vomero 18?
Nike lists $165 for men's and scope research shows $155 for women's. Prices change often. Prices move often with sales and new colorways, so treat the list price as a starting point and compare retailers before you buy. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves.
Does the Vomero 18 run small?
RunRepeat's owner votes call it true to size, but its toebox is narrow. Fit is personal, so try it on with your usual socks if you can, and buy from a retailer with an easy return policy. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves.
Is the Vomero 18 a carbon shoe?
No. It uses ZoomX and ReactX foam with no plate. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Price $165 men's per Nike's page ($155 women's per scope.md; RunRepeat lists $150, which looks like a discounted or older figure). Weight approx. 325 g (11.5 oz) men's US 10 per Nike's page; women's 262 g (9.2 oz) per RunRepeat quoting Nike; drop 10 mm; stack 45/35 mm per RunRepeat quoting Nike (text elsewhere cites 46/36); lab 298 g, 13.9 mm, 42.5/28.6 mm. Widths per RunRepeat: men's Narrow/Normal/Wide/X-Wide; women's Normal/Wide/X-Wide; Nike's page did not list widths. 24 colorways on men's page. Ratings estimated; we have not tested this shoe.
- nike.com/t/vomero-18-mens-road-running-shoes-NzWnvcC8/IQ0458-001
- nike.com/t/vomero-18-womens-road-running-shoes-7rbVWb/HM6804-013
- runrepeat.com/nike-vomero-18
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.