Nike Vomero Premium review: ZoomX foam takes cushioning to extremes

It’s been less than a year since Nike announced the overhaul – or rather, simplification – of its running shoe lineup, led by three core franchises: Vomero (max cushion), Pegasus (responsive), and Structure (stability/support). The brand didn’t launch all the models at once, and we had to wait until June 2025 for the big Vomero Premium reveal.

Stacking up to the sky

In the launch article, I said Nike is taking maximum cushioning seriously with the Vomero Premium. These shoes are taller than any running shoes I’ve tried before, even the ludicrously high-stack Adidas Adizero Prime X 2 Strung, with a 55.5 mm heel stack and a 10 mm drop.

The tallest of the Vomero lineup, the Premium features full-length ZoomX foam and dual Air Zoom units for stability. ZoomX is the same foam propelling some of Nike’s fastest running shoes, including the Alphafly NEXT% 2 and the Vaporfly series.

Nike claims it’s lighter, softer, and more responsive than any of its other foams, offering high rebound and low weight. The company even says the midsole “delivers 85% energy return,” a bold claim, but looking at how many races Nike’s super-shoes have won, it’s not entirely far-fetched.

Not built for the podium

Of course, the Vomero Premium isn’t built for racing. In fact, it says so right on the heel (“NOT APPROVED BY WORLD ATHLETICS”), a cheeky nod to the governing body’s 40 mm stack-height limit introduced after the Vaporfly NEXT% started dominating road races back in 2019.

Nike’s monster trainer differs from other max-cushion options like the Hoka Bondi 9 or On Cloudmonster Hyper by offering subtler energy return. As the most cushioned shoe in Nike’s current lineup, the Vomero Premium is best suited for recovery and slow-paced runs when leg preservation is your top priority.

The physics of plushness

It’s worth pausing for a second to talk about running-shoe dynamics. Most models sit somewhere on an imaginary scale between cushioning and energy return. No shoe delivers both at 100 per cent, just as there’s no waterproof jacket that’s entirely waterproof and entirely breathable.

The Vomero Premium leans heavily toward the cushioning side. It does provide energy return, thanks to the stiffness of the Air Zoom pockets and ZoomX’s natural rebound, but with so much foam underfoot, some of that energy inevitably dissipates. It’s also a heavy shoe; my UK 10 / US 11 weighed 385 g (13.6 oz).

Tall shoes, strong ankles

Another issue with pairing such a tall stack height and soft foam is that it demands strong ankles to stay balanced. Thankfully, the waffle-patterned outsole is grippy, and the landing platform feels reassuringly wide.

That said, the midsole section directly underfoot is tapered, presumably to save weight, which makes balancing a little trickier when standing or running.

Still, I found them less mushy than the Nike Vomero 18, which I wasn’t blown away by. The Vomero Premium might not be the most versatile shoe out there, but it’s undeniably comfortable and genuinely fun to run in.

Plus, it adds about two inches to your height, enough that I’ve started ducking under doorways. I’m used to tall running shoes, but the Vomero Premium takes it to another level. The upper has just the right amount of snugness, though I do find Nike shoes a bit lacking in heel support; nothing a runner’s knot can’t fix!

A pricey dose of comfort

I haven’t mentioned price yet, but as you can guess, a Nike trainer with Premium in the name doesn’t come cheap. At £210 / $230, it costs as much as some super shoes, which might make it harder to justify if you’re looking for a one-shoe-does-all option.

It’s hard not to like the Nike Vomero Premium. It’s a whacky-looking trainer that’s as much a statement piece as it is a tool to get you from A to B. The Barely Green / Barely Volt / Volt / Clay Green colourway I tested certainly made me more visible on runs, something I actually like in running shoes.

The max-cushion life isn’t for everyone, even though more brands are leaning into big-foam designs. But if you’re into that plush, cloud-like ride, the Vomero Premium is worth checking out. Just don’t expect it to go particularly fast.

The Vomero Premium is available now at Nike UK, Nike US, Nike EU and Nike AU for the recommended retail price of £210 / $230 / €230 / AU$320.