Nike Vomero Plus running trainer review: They’re comfortable and bouncy but here’s why you can’t expect high performance

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Nike might be best known for its race-day shoes and performance trainers, but the Vomero line has always been about one thing: comfort. 

If you’re a regular long-distance runner or even a casual road runner, finding the best trainers for your feet is important.

The Nike Vomero Plus is the brand’s latest attempt to deliver a cushioned, everyday road running shoe that still feels responsive underfoot.

With a ZoomX foam midsole, engineered mesh upper and a relatively lightweight build for such a plush shoe, these trainers promise a smooth, bouncy ride for daily miles. 

But do they live up to that promise – and are they worth the premium price tag? I put the Vomero Plus trainers through their paces to find out.

You’ll find my short verdict below, followed by a deeper dive into design, performance and value further down.

Our verdict

After running in the Nike Vomero Plus for a mix of easy runs, longer steady miles and everyday wear I came away impressed, particularly by just how comfortable these trainers are.

The ZoomX foam midsole is the real star here. It delivers a noticeably soft landing without feeling dead or sluggish, and I found it did a great job of reducing impact on longer runs. My legs felt fresher than usual the day after, which is exactly what I want from a high-cushion road shoe.

That said, this isn’t a shoe built for speed. While it doesn’t feel heavy on foot, it’s not one I’d reach for if I was doing intervals or chasing a PB. The cushioning prioritises comfort over aggression, and that’s something to bear in mind.

So who is this shoe for? If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable daily trainer for road running – especially for easy miles, recovery runs or longer distances – the Vomero Plus is a very strong option. If speedwork is your main focus, you may want something lighter and firmer to pair alongside it.

How we test

We aim to test running shoes across a variety of real-world scenarios rather than lab conditions alone. I wore the Nike Vomero Plus for multiple runs on pavements and roads, as well as for walking.

I looked closely at comfort and cushioning – how my feet and legs felt during and after wear. I also considered responsiveness to my running style, as well as must-have things like breathability, grip and overall value for money.

Nike Vomero Plus women’s running shoe review

Design and features

Straight out of the box, the Vomero Plus feels premium. The engineered mesh upper is soft, flexible and breathable, wrapping comfortably around the foot without feeling restrictive. I had no issues with rubbing or hot spots, even on longer runs.

The shoe uses ZoomX foam throughout the midsole – Nike’s most responsive cushioning – and it’s immediately noticeable underfoot. There’s plenty of padding, but it still feels springy rather than spongy.

At around 242g (women’s size 5.5), it’s lighter than I expected for a shoe with this level of cushioning. 

The 10mm heel-to-toe drop makes it well-suited to heel strikers and those who prefer a more traditional road-running feel.

The rubber outsole feels durable and grippy on pavements, even on damp winter runs, and I never felt unstable or unsure of my footing.

Performance

On the road, the Vomero Plus really comes into its own on easy and steady-paced runs. The cushioning absorbs impact extremely well, making it ideal for longer distances or days when your legs feel tired.

I found the ride to be smooth and consistent, with a gentle bounce that helps keep you moving without feeling forced. While it’s not a ‘fast’ shoe, it never felt clunky or awkward – just comfortable and reliable.

Breathability was also good. Even during longer sessions, my feet stayed cool and the upper didn’t feel stiff or overly structured.

One thing to note is that runners who prefer a firmer, more connected-to-the-road feel may find the Vomero Plus a little too soft. For me, though, that plushness was exactly what made it enjoyable.

Value for money

There’s no denying the Nike Vomero Plus sits at the higher end of the price scale for daily trainers at £155. However, considering the ZoomX foam, overall build quality and comfort levels, I think it offers solid value if you’re someone who runs regularly on the road.

This is the kind of shoe you’ll reach for again and again – not just for running, but also for walking and everyday wear – which helps justify the cost.

If you’re only running occasionally, a cheaper trainer may do the job. But for consistent runners who prioritise comfort, this feels like money well spent.

How does it compare to similar products?

When compared with other popular cushioned daily trainers on the market, the Nike Vomero Plus clearly sits at the premium end of the spectrum – both in terms of feel underfoot and price. 

In the UK, the Vomero Plus typically retails at around £155 at full price, although discounts can occasionally bring it closer to the £115–£125 mark depending on colourway and retailer.

That puts it noticeably above long-standing rivals such as the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Brooks Glycerin 22 (read our full review of the latest Brooks Glycerin 23 here) and Saucony Triumph 22, all of which are commonly priced between £100 and £130 online, and often less during seasonal sales. 

Those shoes are all well-regarded for their comfort and durability and for many runners, they offer excellent value for money as dependable daily trainers.

How does it rate online? 

Overall, the Nike Vomero Plus are very well regarded by runners online, with most listings showing average ratings around 4.7 out of 5 stars from hundreds of reviewers.

On retailer sites, many users highlight how comfortable the shoes are for everyday runs and walking, although a small number of buyers note that the ride can feel too soft for faster training and that sizing can vary slightly between colourways.

Independent review sites align with this generally positive view, scoring the Vomero Plus highly for comfort, energy return and daily training performance, while occasionally mentioning that durability and grip in wet conditions aren’t quite perfect. 

 

Why trust us

Our product reviewers have years of experience testing footwear, fitness kit and everyday essentials. 

We aim to be honest and practical, highlighting both strengths and limitations so you can decide whether a product is right for you and your lifestyle.

FAQs

Is the Nike Vomero Plus good for long-distance running?

Yes. The cushioning makes it particularly well-suited to slower, longer runs and recovery days, where comfort and impact protection matter most. It’s the ideal low-impact trainer.

Can I use Nike Vomero for speed workouts?

You can, but it’s not ideal. The soft cushioning prioritises comfort over responsiveness for fast-paced training.

If your priority is cushioning, comfort and everyday usability – rather than outright speed – it’s one of the best options Nike currently offers.

Does the Nike Vomero Plus fit true to size?

In my experience, yes. The fit felt secure without being tight, and I didn’t need to size up or down. However, other users have suggested that the fit can vary between colours, so it’s worth reading user reviews for specific colours before purchasing, especially if you’re an in-between size.