Nike has long held a strong position in the running world, not only through its race-day super shoes, but also via its daily trainers and max-cushion offering. In 2025, Nike reorganized its running portfolio into three silos: Pegasus, Structure, and Vomero, each with three tiers — standard, Plus, and Premium. The Pegasus remains the workhorse daily trainer, the Structure focuses on stability, and the Vomero represents max cushioning.
Within Vomero family, the Nike Vomero Plus and Nike Vomero Premium are the latest launches and both pushing cushioning to new heights, quite literally. The Vomero Plus already gave runners more softness and bounce compared to the regular Vomero 18. But then came the Vomero Premium, which takes things even further: higher stack, dual Air Zoom pods, and the most luxurious ride Nike has ever packed into a training shoe.
This raises an important question: what exactly makes the Premium different, and is it worth the jump from the standard Vomero or the Plus? Let’s break it down
Key specifications:
Brand: Nike
Model: Vomero Premium
Weight: 350g for US 9 model
Heel: 55.5 mm
Toe: 45.5 mm
Heel drop: 10 mm
Price of Nike Vomero Premium
Price: $220 USD
Release date: October 2025
Nike Vomero 18 vs Vomero Plus vs Vomero Premium
So how do these three versions compare?
Nike Vomero 18 (standard) is the most versatile option. It has a lower stack, lighter build, and a mix of ZoomX and ReactX foams. It works as an everyday trainer that can handle easy miles but also pick up the pace when needed.
Nike Vomero Plus shifts closer to luxury. It uses a full ZoomX midsole, offering a softer and more cushioned ride than the standard Vomero. It’s still relatively versatile, lighter than the Premium, and fits well for runners who want more comfort without going all-in on bulk.
Nike Vomero Premium, finally, is the extreme version. With its towering stack and dual Air Zoom units, it’s the softest, most protective shoe in the lineup. But it’s also the heaviest, and that limits its range — this is a shoe meant almost entirely for easy days and long recovery runs.
In short: Vomero 18 is a versatile daily trainer, Vomero Plus is a cushioned upgrade, and Vomero Premium is max comfort no matter the cost.
Upper
Step into the Vomero Premium, and you’ll notice Nike has gone all-in on plushness. The engineered mesh upper feels soft against the foot while still structured enough to keep you locked in during long runs. Around the heel, the collar is thickly padded, giving a secure and cushioned fit, while the tongue is gusseted so it doesn’t slide around once you start moving.
The fit leans on the roomy side, particularly in the forefoot, which adds to that relaxed, easy-run feel. On cooler days, the comfort is undeniable, but in warmer weather, some runners may find the padding holds onto heat. This is a shoe designed with comfort as the top priority, and that’s clear from the first lace-up.
Midsole
The midsole is where the Vomero Premium separates itself from anything Nike has done before in this category. It sits on a massive platform — about 55 mm in the heel and 45 mm in the forefoot — making it one of the tallest trainers on the market. That stack is filled with full-length ZoomX foam, Nike’s softest and bounciest material.
What really sets the Premium apart, though, are the two oversized Air Zoom units, one in the heel and one in the forefoot. They’re partially exposed on the sides, which not only makes them look futuristic but also gives them room to compress and rebound. The result is a ride that feels soft on landing yet springy as you push off, a blend of cushioning and pop that you don’t find in many max-stack trainers.
The trade-off? With so much foam and extra air units, the shoe tips the scales at over 12 ounces (men’s US 10). It isn’t built for speed sessions or nimble cornering. Instead, it’s designed to make long, slow miles feel almost effortless on the legs.
Outsole
Nike didn’t cut corners on durability either. The Vomero Premium features a full-coverage rubber outsole with a waffle-inspired pattern. This setup grips well on dry and wet pavement, and the amount of rubber means the ZoomX midsole is well-protected from early wear. The thickness of the sole does limit flexibility — don’t expect much ground feel or natural foot roll here. But the pay-off is durability. For runners logging heavy mileage, the Premium looks like it will outlast many other high-stack trainers in its category.
Interested in buying Nike Vomero Premium?
Who Should Go for the Nike Vomero Premium?
The Vomero Premium isn’t for every runner, but for the right person, it can be game-changing. You should consider the Vomero Premium if:
- You log high weekly mileage and want the softest possible option for easy days.
- You’re coming back from hard sessions, marathons, or even injury, and need a shoe that minimizes impact stress.
- Budget isn’t your main concern because at $220, this is a premium investment.
On the other hand, if you want one shoe that can cover daily miles, tempo workouts, and the occasional long run, the Vomero Plus or standard Vomero 18 may be a better fit. The Premium shines brightest when you know exactly what you want from it: comfort above everything else.
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption makes long recovery runs easier
- Plush ZoomX midsole with dual Air units delivers a soft, bouncy ride.
- Durable outsole holds up well over high mileage
Cons
- Feels heavy on foot, making it unsuitable for speed work or tempo runs.
- Priced at $220, it’s one of Nike’s most expensive daily trainers.
Verdict
The Nike Vomero Premium represents the most cushioned and luxurious trainer Nike has ever built. It’s not the lightest, fastest, or most versatile shoe but it was never meant to be. Instead, it excels at what it promises: protecting your legs, making recovery runs feel easier, and turning long slow miles into a smoother experience.
For runners who crave maximum cushioning and don’t mind the extra weight or price tag, the Vomero Premium is more than just another shoe in Nike’s lineup, it’s a statement of how far comfort tech has come.