| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| + Great energy return + Surprisingly stable + Comfy, secure upper + Luxurious running experience | – Race shoe price tag |
Just like male model Hansel, super trainers are “so hot right now!” Super trainers are classified as non-racing specialty shoes that feature a distinct component (usually a plate…and higher price tag) separating it from other pairs. While the latest edition in the max cushioned Vomero line doesn’t have a plate, it boasts a game-changing stack height and Air Zoom units. Does the tallest stacked shoe live up to the hype, or does it fall flat? I detail my experience with the pair through 50 miles, in this Nike Vomero Premium review.
Nike Vomero Premium Review
| STACK | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| M: 55.5/45.5 mm W: 52/42.9 mm (10 mm drop) | M10: 12.4 oz/351g W8: 9.8 oz/278g | $230 |
As has become increasingly common among brands, Nike’s Vomero model now has three versions: the regular Vomero 18, Vomero Plus, and now the Premium. The Vomero trio all have ZoomX foam, with the Plus being softer, lighter, and more responsive than the regular Vomero, while the Premium adds extra stack and Dual Air Zoom units.
The Premium isn’t just the tallest Nike running shoe, it’s the tallest shoe. A dishonorable mention to Adidas’ Adizero Prime X Strung (50 mm/43 mm). With an outlandish 55.5 mm/45.5 mm stack height, it’s clearly overcompensating for something. Certainly not a small ego — without peeking, guess how many Nike logos are on the Vomero Premium. Got your guess in? Ok, you’re way off. There are five (5!) Nike logos on the left shoe and four (4!) on the right, for a total of nine (9!) to a pair. (The left has one on the insole.) Gee whiz! I’ve always wanted to be a human billboard for Nike! Alas, you won’t receive any kind of compensation for wearing these. Chalk it up to them being super prideful of their innovative shoe. And they should be; this is a special pair.
So, what gives? Why does Nike feel they need to introduce yet another variation of the Vomero? In their words:
“Our mission was to redefine what recovery and training could feel like, to help athletes put in more miles while limiting the wear and tear on their bodies. Inspired by anti-gravity treadmills, the Vomero Premium aims to replicate the sensation of reduced body weight through a more protected sole…”
That’s all well and good, but at a whopping $230, is it worth the high price of admission?
Midsole
ZoomX foam is always a winner; I’ve never disliked a shoe with ZoomX. And with the enormous stack height of 55.5 mm/45.5 mm for men and 52 mm/42.9 mm for women, there’s more than enough to go around. (Sadly, it seems Nike doesn’t believe in shoe gender equality.) The Peba-based midsole is Nike’s lightest, softest, and most responsive foam, also found in beloved racing shoes like the Vaporfly and Alphafly, and the two other Vomero editions. I’ve run in many Peba midsoles, and ZoomX is among the best of the best.
Nike claims ZoomX delivers an impressive 85% energy return, easily making it one of the top foams, and paired with forefoot and heel Air Zoom units, elevates the Premium to new heights. The Air Zoom units are spring-like threads that contract and pop up with impact, giving a bouncy sensation.
Ride
Providing maximum comfort throughout and a magic carpet ride-like sensation underfoot, the Vomero Premium may just be the most luxurious running shoe.
While the stack height may be a non-starter in and of itself, it’s not the “wild and crazy” shoe others will have you believe. For such a tall shoe, there’s a surprising level of stability in the ride, thanks to the wide outsole base and firm heel counter. Additionally, the 10 mm heel-toe drop also doesn’t feel as extreme as it does in other pairs with an identical drop.
I love the Air Zoom in this shoe; this is one of the bounciest shoes I’ve run in. Seriously, it’s like running on pogo sticks. Ok, I’m exaggerating. But, it does feel like running on a carbon plate despite no plate in the midsole. Each stride packs a punch, with noticeable energy return upon landing. It’s got a very soft underfoot feel but isn’t mushy thanks to the lively midsole. With the high amount of foam, you’d think landings would feel weighted, but the impact upon foot strike is noticeably lighter than expected.
Of course, it’s not intended as a shoe for speed work of any kind. It’s much too heavy and stacked for it not to feel a bit clunky at faster paces. The Premium shines best as a recovery/easy day shoe, with the soft, plush ride taking the pressure off tired, achy muscles. I’ve been using it during marathon training following tough speed workouts and long runs and it works wonders for my sore body. I’m able to exert less energy without losing any energy return, thanks to ZoomX and Air Zoom units.
While never a shoe I’d use for a long run (too heavy and too much shoe), it can also serve as a solid daily trainer for shorter efforts.
Upper
The Premium has what Nike calls a Mono blended upper, an extremely plush material with a large and rigid heel collar and thick, gusseted tongue to cradle the feet. There’s no irritation whatsoever and no retying necessary to ensure a secure lockdown. While it’s a tremendously comfortable upper, the fit does run slightly long with some extra room in the toebox. I find I have to tie my laces tighter than usual to ensure a better fit. Not a major issue, but something to be mindful of. If you’re between sizes, you may consider going a half size down.
Outsole
On the bottom, there’s a “Waffle” tread pattern outsole with high abrasion rubber for traction and durability. There’s no wear and tear after 50 miles, and with the pair’s abundance of rubber, I expect good durability, which you should hope for with such a hefty price.
Price
Don’t let the obscene $230 price tag fool you: this is certainly not a racing shoe. While the quality and quantity of materials used may fit the higher cost, it’s still going to be tough for some to stomach paying that amount for a trainer they won’t race in. And that’s totally understandable. If Nike didn’t send me this shoe to wear test, I’d be hard pressed to make the purchase. It comes down to your individual budget and potential use cases. I think $200 would be a more “reasonable” price (it’s all relative), but there are also shoes in the $200 price range that don’t have the same features as the Premium. Case in point: I far prefer the Vomero Premium to the $200 Brooks Glycerin Max.
And yet, this shoe seems to be already quite popular despite the high price. Colorways continually sell out on Nike’s site, with only one or two typically available in limited sizes.
Weight
Fortunately, it doesn’t feel as heavy as its weight of 12.4 oz (351 g) for men’s size 10 and 9.8 oz (278 g) for women’s size 8. While it may not feel “anti gravity” as Nike markets the shoe, you do feel much lighter on your feet in the Premium compared to shoes of a similar weight.
Aesthetics
Despite sharing an identical stack height with Frankenstein’s boots, the Premium is a modern and sleek looking shoe. I’m a sucker for those exposed Air Zoom units, and they’re what transform the shoe from drab to fab. Take notes, ASICS: there’s no need to hide your PureGel within the shoe.
While there are only a few colorways to choose from, the “Sail/Coconut Milk/Total Orange/Black” colorway is, in a word, “fresh.”
Conclusion
On paper, this is a shoe that shouldn’t work as well as it does. It should feel heavy: 12.4 oz for a men’s size 10. It should feel unstable with a “supernatural stack height” of 55.5 mm/45.5 mm. And it should feel awkward with a tall heel-toe drop: 10 mm. It’s none of those things.
Surprisingly stable, lighter than it looks, and an absolute joy to run in, the beefy Vomero Premium shows it’s not filled with fluff—it’s thoughtfully designed to provide the most luxurious running experience available, albeit, with luxury pricing.
The Vomero Premium is available on Nike’s website.
Nike graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this Nike Vomero Premium review and they didn’t get an opportunity to see this Nike Vomero Premium review before I published.
This post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase using the links (at no extra cost to you.)
