Nike Running has hit its stride. Although the milage-obsessed team revolutionized the sport as we know it throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s with the development of the AlphaFly and VaporFly franchises, the squad's training offerings were an area of improvement. The last year has seen the Swoosh overhaul all of its lines under three main ranges: Pegasus, Structure, and Vomero. The most latter of the trio has won longtime Nike skeptics over.
Since 2006, the Nike Vomero series has had one goal: to deliver the industry's most luxurious and comfortable running shoes. The line's history showcases that the Oregon-based company hit its mark multiple times over the last 19 years, but the most recent Vomero 18 arguably returns the franchise to its earliest magic. Its plush midsole setup, rocker geometry, and padded upper have helped some athletes return to the Swoosh's training models after years trying out the competition. A quick glance across social media also shows the 18th mainline Vomero design being many folks' first pair of serious running shoes ever.
The sneaker's $155 price point and variety of color schemes will surely keep it top-of-mind for casual and serious runners alike, but the brand has also developed another silhouette for those looking for an elevated take on the cushioned model. Enter: Nike Vomero Plus.
Prior to this year, the brand's most cushioned running model fell under the "Invincible Run" banner. Built with full-length ZoomX foam and aggressive rubber coverage, its shoes were meant to endure controlled efforts over a long distance. Nike Running's overhaul, however, has effectively consolidated the Invincible Run series into the Vomero line, making available choices much easier to understand.
The Vomero Plus and defunct Invincible Run 3 might not share many visual similarities, but their purpose is the same: provide the maximum amount of comfortable cushioning. To this end, the Vomero Plus abandons the firmer ReactX carrier foam seen in the Vomero 18 in favor of pure, unlocked ZoomX cushioning. Although the compound differs from what's found on the heralded Pegasus Plus tempo trainer, both solutions have been praised across the industry.
Nike's Vomero Plus arrives at a lighter weight than the Vomero 18; a pair in a Men's US 10 comes in at approximately 273 gram/9.6 ounces. The heel features 45 millimeters of foam, with a heel-to-toe drop being measured at 10mm.
Insight from the model's design team reveals that the silhouette was partly inspired by the iconic Air Max 95. Originally developed to log daily miles, Sergio Lozano's creation has become a staple within the lifestyle footwear space over the last 30 years. Although the Vomero Plus is marketed to and adopted by runners, it's also won over a segment of the market that's always on the look out for the most comfortable footwear to assist them with walking and/or being on their feet for prolonged periods of time.
Nike's Vomero Plus launches globally on Friday, Aug. 7, via Nike.com and select running shops. Men's and Women's sizes are priced at $180.
Check out inaugural styles ahead, and expect more pairs to arrive throughout the remainder of the year.
For more sneaker news from the Swoosh conglomerate, check out all upcoming Jordan releases.
