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Nike Vomero 18 vs Nike Vomero Premium

We haven't tested Nike Vomero Premium yet, so its role suitability is estimated from published specs.

Nike Vomero 18

Nike

Vomero 18

Check price

Review Pulse · Mostly positive · 75/100

Reviewers praise the cushioning and stability and split on the ride and upper.

Nike Vomero Premium

Nike

Vomero Premium

Check price

Review Pulse · Mostly positive · 71/100

Reviewers praise the cushioning and durability, criticise the value and split on the ride and upper.

The differences that matter

  • Nike Vomero 18 is 28 g lighter.
  • Nike Vomero Premium has 9 mm more foam under the heel.
  • Nike Vomero 18 costs $80 less at list price.

What reviewers say

Ride

Nike Vomero 18

Divisive

Soft, smooth and stable for easy cruising, but the ReactX-heavy midsole gives little back, so reviewers split between finding it plush and finding it flat and sluggish.

Nike Vomero Premium

Divisive

An ultra-plush, bouncy ride that is fun on recovery and long days, but its weight and size make faster running feel clumsy.

Cushioning

Nike Vomero 18

Praised

Deep max-cushion protection that holds up over long runs and keeps tired legs comfortable, especially under the heel.

Nike Vomero Premium

Praised

The tallest stack in the test delivers record levels of impact protection and stays protective over long runs.

Upper

Nike Vomero 18

Divisive

Plush and padded with a comfortable step-in, but reports on width split and the thick tongue and warm mesh draw criticism, with the toe box tapering for wide feet.

Nike Vomero Premium

Divisive

A padded, spacious upper with a secure heel, though the toe box tapers and the thick materials run warm.

Durability

Nike Vomero 18

Divisive

Some long-term testers see the outsole and exposed foam hold up well, while others report fast heel wear and worry about the uncovered midsole.

Nike Vomero Premium

Praised

Full rubber coverage and a durable midsole hold up well, with little wear after 25 to 60 miles.

Grip

Nike Vomero 18

Divisive

Fine on dry roads and adequate in light rain, but lab traction is below average and wet pavement is the weak spot.

Nike Vomero Premium

Praised

The waffle outsole grips wet and dry roads reliably, with enough traction for light paths.

Stability

Nike Vomero 18

Praised

The wide base, firm forefoot and gusseted tongue make it one of the most stable max-cushion trainers, even for heavier runners.

Nike Vomero Premium

Divisive

A wide base and rocker keep the tall platform surprisingly centred, but it still wobbles on turns and uneven ground.

Value

Nike Vomero 18

Praised

A rare price cut makes it strong value for the amount of foam and protection, even if cheaper Nikes are livelier.

Nike Vomero Premium

Criticised

At $230 it costs more than many carbon racers while delivering a narrow, recovery-only ride.

Which one to choose

Choose Nike Vomero 18 if…

  • you want the lighter shoe
  • you prefer to feel closer to the ground
  • price matters
  • its stability is what you care about most

Reviewers recommend it for

  • Easy and recovery runs
  • Long runs and marathon training mileage
  • Heel strikers who want a plush landing

Choose Nike Vomero Premium if…

  • you want more foam under you
  • its durability is what you care about most
  • its grip is what you care about most

Reviewers recommend it for

  • Recovery runs
  • Easy and long runs
  • Runners who want maximum cushioning

Specifications

Category
Max-cushion trainer
Max-cushion trainer
Price
$150$80 less
$230
Weight
298 g28 g lighter
326 g
Drop
10 mm
10 mm
Stack
46 / 36 mm
55 / 45 mm9 mm more stack
Plate
No plate
Not reported
Stability
Neutral
Neutral
Foam
ZoomX
ZoomX / Air Zoom

Role suitability

DAILY

Best fit
Best fit

RECOVERY

Best fit
Best fit

LONG RUN

Strong fit
Best fit

TEMPO

Limited
Limited

RACE

Limited
Limited