Nike's Vomero 18 was my dream running shoe, until I bought the wrong size

A brilliant shoe, just make sure you size up

Nike Vomero 18
(Image: © Future)

TechRadar Verdict

The Nike Vomero 18 is a brilliant long-distance trainer with lots of cushioning. It's very comfortable on the foot, but you'll want to size up to get the best experience.

Pros

  • +

    Great cushioning

  • +

    Fantastic Style

  • +

    Reasonably priced

Cons

  • -

    Very snug/not true to size

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Nike Vomero 18: Two-minute review

Nike Vomero 18

(Image credit: Future)

The Nike Vomero 18 is new for 2025 and is Nike's new king of cushioning. Replacing the Invincible 3, the Nike Vomero 18 combines ZoomX and React X foam, as well as the largest stack height we've ever seen in the Vomero line, 46mm.

They take their place as the third shoe in Nike's recalibrated road running line-up, alongside the Structure range for runners who overpronate, and the popular Pegasus 41 as an everyday trainer.

The Nike Vomero 18 is absolutely a high-mileage shoe designed for slower runs, recovery, and long distances. You won't be setting any track records in them, but as a big, squishy shoe, they're definitely some of the best running shoes out there.

Nike Vomero 18

(Image credit: Future)

The Nike Vomero 18 contends with another recent shoe I tried, the Under Armour Infinite Elite 2. Whereas the Elite 2 is a really disappointing package from a style standpoint, the Vomero 18 looks exquisite. We picked them up in the new Men's Barely Green/Hyper Crimson/Barely Volt/Metallic Silver, and I have to say they're absolutely stunning.

The colors are electrifying, although there are more neutral tones available if these look a bit much. The overall silhouette is really impressive, and once on they really stand out. If you want a head-turning trainer for the gym or road, this is a prime contender.

The upper is extremely soft and cushioned, and the whole trainer screams quality. Another gripe of mine with the Elite 2 was the rather cheap-feeling foam. By contrast, the Nike Vomero 18 shoes feel much more premium and exude build quality.

Nike Vomero 18

(Image credit: Future)

Stepping into the Vomero 18 for the first time, I was immediately struck by how cushioned and soft the interior felt overall, however, there's one standout catch. Compared to other shoes I've used – including Nike's own Pegasus 41 – the Vomero 18 feels extremely snug.

During all my testing, I found the Vomero 18 to be ever-so-slightly too small at my standard size 10, and on reflection, I would recommend sizing up to pretty much everyone. Coupled with the pronounced arch, the fit is extremely close and feels ripe for going up .5 on the size charts.

Nike Vomero 18

(Image credit: Future)

Built with long, slow, steady-state runs in mind, the Vomero 18 has a pronounced 10mm heel-toe drop and an enjoyable rocker design. That's more than the aforementioned Elite 2, and might put some folk off, but I've generally found the rolling motion of the Vomero 18 to be extremely pleasant.

Nike Vomero 18

(Image credit: Future)

The combination of the ZoomX and React X foams serves the Vomero 18 extremely well. Compared to the Elite 2, they're still squishy and soft (possibly moreso), but are much more stable by contrast.

I've had absolutely no wobbles or complaints despite the elevated stack height, and the Vomero 18 is very pleasant to run in, mile after mile. With the enormous heel stack, these will naturally favor heel strikers, however, there's so much cushioning on the shoe in general that they'll suit pretty much everyone.

While on the slightly heavier and bulkier side, the Vomero 18 shoes don't feel overly cumbersome, and I've had no concerns with overheating.

Nike Vomero 18: price & availability

  • $150 / £135 / AU$220
  • Men's and women's options, six colors
  • Size up

The Nike Vomero 18 running shoes are available from Nike.com and a host of third-party resellers in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond.

Priced at $150 / £135 / AU$ 220, they have been extremely popular since their launch in February 2025 and are often sold out on Nike's website. As such, they're extremely difficult to find at a discount.

As noted, the Vomero 18 is too snug to be described as true to size. I'd recommend sizing up half a size. If you can, be sure to test these out at your local running store, or buy them from somewhere you can return them if the size isn't right. Most retailers will let you return shoes within two weeks, provided you haven't used them outdoors.

  • Value score: 4/5

Nike Vomero 18

(Image credit: Future)

Nike Vomero 18: specifications

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Weight (per shoe):

325g (US 9)

Heel-to-toe drop:

10mm

Colors:

Women's: 6, men's: 6

RRP:

$150 / £135 / AU$220

Upper:

Mesh

Midsole:

ZoomX and ReactX

Outsole:

Rubber

Nike Vomero 18: scorecard

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Category:

Comment:

Score:

Value

Cheaper than rivals from Under Armour and Altra, a very reasonable price for the package.

4/5

Design

Stunning silhouette and aesthetic, a real head-turner. Very snug and don't run true to size.

4/5

Performance

The best cushioning of any Nike running shoe, a delight to run on and very stable.

4.5/5

Overall

Brilliant shoe overall, as long as you pick the right size.

4/5

Should I buy the Nike Vomero 18?

Nike Vomero 18

(Image credit: Future)

Buy if it...

You want a striking long-distance shoe

The Nike Vomero 18 is definitely one of the most stylish long-distance options on the market.

You want brilliant cushioning

The Vomero 18 offers some of the best cushioning I have experienced in a running shoe.

Don't buy it if...

Your feet are on the larger side

The Vomero 18 are very snug; for some, even sizing up may not be enough.

You want a lighter, speedier shoe

The Vomero 18 shoes are fairly weighty and won't see you setting record times.

Also consider

Nike Vomero 18

(Image credit: Future)
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Row 0 - Cell 0

Nike Vomero 18

Under Armour Infinite Elite 2

Altra FWD Via

Weight (per shoe):

325g (US 9)

306g (US 10)

269g (US size 10, UK size 9)

Heel-to-toe drop

10mm

8mm

4mm

Summary

A very stylish and formidable long-distance shoe, only let down by its snug fit.

A brilliant long-distance shoe for slower runs with plenty of cushioning, but not the most stylish option.

An arguably less stylish option, but with a more neutral heel-toe drop and considerably lighter.

RRP:

$150/£135/AU$220

$160 / £145 / AU$220

 $160 / £145 / AU$249

Upper:

Mesh

Mesh

Mesh

Midsole:

ZoomX/ReactX

HOVR+ foam

Altra EGO FLO

Outsole:

Rubber

Rubber

Rubber

Altra FWD Via

Our current favorite for long-distance, slow runs, also with a rocker.

Read our full Altra FWD Via review

Under Armour Infinite Elite 2

A slightly more comfortable, but far less stylish alternative.

Read our full Under Armour Infinite Elite 2 review

How I tested

I used the Nike Vomero 18 as my primary running shoe over a number of weeks, testing them at a variety of speeds and distances.

First reviewed: May 2025

Stephen Warwick
Fitness & Wearables writer

Stephen Warwick is TechRadar's Fitness & Wearables writer with nearly a decade of experience covering technology, including five years as the News Editor of iMore. He's a keen fitness enthusiast and is never far from the local gym, Apple Watch at the ready, to record his latest workout. Stephen has experience writing about every facet of technology including products, services, hardware, and software. He's covered breaking news and developing stories regarding supply chains, patents and litigation, competition, politics and lobbying, the environment, and more. He's conducted interviews with industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. Outside of work, he's a massive tech and history buff with a passion for Rome Total War, reading, and music. 

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