Nike Vomero 17 review

We've put the Vomero 17 through its paces and we think it's a great choice for:

• Pegasus fans ready to level up, as the Vomero 17 offers that premium experience you're craving with even more comfort and style.
• Runners seeking a dependable, cushioned, and cozy daily trainer who don't mind investing a bit more for quality.
• Those with fond memories of the Pegasus Turbo's dual-density midsole that can handle a tad more weight, as the Vomero 17's ZoomX top layer will not disappoint.

We've thoroughly tested the Vomero 17 and, while it has its strengths, we believe there are better choices for those seeking the ultimate running experience.

The Vomero 17 lacks an exclusive ZoomX midsole, opting instead for a layer of Cushlon EVA-based foam at the bottom. For runners craving that hyper-plush, full ZoomX feel, we do not recommend the Vomero 17. Instead, Nike's Invincible 3, with a similar weight but a higher stack of pure ZoomX, might be a more fitting choice for you.

Furthermore, we think the Vomero 17 might not be the best pick for those accustomed to lighter footwear, especially given the current trend towards crafting taller yet lighter daily trainers.

If you're on the hunt for something lighter, we suggest not opting for the Vomero 17. The ASICS Novablast 4 offers a more budget-friendly alternative, while the ASICS Superblast stands out as a premium-and-pricier option with better energy return.

The Vomero line has long stood as Nike's premium workhorse, synonymous with good ventilation. Our eye-catching smoke test confirmed this, revealing that the engineered mesh provides impressive airflow, earning a solid 4/5 rating from us.

This level of ventilation strikes a perfect balance between providing ample protection in colder months and ensuring breathability during warmer seasons.

Delving deeper, our light examination uncovered a very structured upper from the midfoot to the rear—designed with stability in focus—while the forefoot remains notably thinner for improved airflow.

Turning to the microscope, a lab favorite, we observed Nike's use of a sophisticated, dual-layer mesh with multiple ventilation holes.

In our hands-on evaluation, we also found Nike's commitment to crafting a comfortable experience above everything else using a dual-layer upper, something that long-distance runners will appreciate. It's engineered mesh, yet so comfy that feels like knit!

Upon unboxing, one of the first things we noticed was the mesh used by Nike, which felt incredibly soft and gentle to us—a detail that often raises questions about durability.

We fired up the Dremel for its inaugural run with the Vomero 17, but certainly not its last. Our initial test revealed that the toebox held up impressively, securing a better-than-average 3/5 rating.

How did Nike manage this? As mentioned before in the breathability analysis, this Vomero boasts a multi-layered mesh that truly demonstrated its advantages here. While the outer white layer gave way, the inner green fabric resisted like a champion.

The heel padding is often a concern for runners in search of a reliable daily trainer, as it tends to wear out prematurely in some models, posing a significant issue.

However, this won't be a concern with the Vomero 17. Our tests showed that the heel padding outperformed even the toebox, securing an impressive 4/5 rating.

After evaluating the upper and heel, we shifted our focus to the outsole, undoubtedly a critical component for durability in any workhorse.

Using our Shore C durometer, we measured the rubber at 88.5 HC, placing it on the harder end of the spectrum. This was expected in the lab, as the Vomero has always excelled in durability but often fell short in grip. However, it appears the trend is changing slightly, as we noticed improved traction compared to previous versions.

We were eager to put the concrete-like rubber to the test with the Dremel. So, off we went!

Post-test, it was clear that the Vomero outsole is built like a tank, showing a minimal 0.4 mm indentation. While it may not offer the unmatched grip of a Continental outsole, its durability is phenomenal, and the traction on dry surfaces is really good.

If you're still worried about the outsole's durability, here's more good news—the 3.2 mm thickness significantly enhances overall durability.

In plain terms, we can't envision any runner wearing down this rubber, even on gravel roads, before the midsole gives out.

The Nike Vomero line has historically catered to runners who prioritize comfort over weight. However, a lighter shoe benefits everyone, and we found that Nike's latest adjustments have brought the Vomero below the 10-oz barrier.

For a Vomero, this achievement is truly remarkable, and we can attest that the shoe feels lighter than any of its predecessors. Indeed, it tips the scales at just 9.9 oz (282g), marking a significant step in the right direction. Yet, there's still room for improvement!

This Vomero isn't just incredibly light; it's also the most stacked version yet.

With a 33.9 mm heel and large midsole sidewalls for extra stability, the shoe is better suited for heel strikers than ever before. However, we wouldn't classify it as a max-cushioned shoe by any means. As mentioned earlier, it remains a daily trainer, yet updated to the current trends.

In the forefoot, we measured 26.2 mm, which differs from the brand's stated figures.

To sum up, following World Athletics' official guidelines, we got measurements of 33.9/26.2 mm, whereas Nike claims the Vomero 17 measures 39/29 mm.

The actual heel-to-toe drop of the Vomero 17 is 7.7 mm, measured according to World Athletics standards. This marks one of the largest discrepancies we've encountered in a Nike shoe. Take the the Alphafly 3 for instance, which had a mere 0.5-mm difference.

This minor adjustment may slightly favor midfoot and forefoot strikers, but at 7.7 mm, it's very close to the 8 mm drop, widely known as the safe-bet-for-every-footstrike in the world of running.

The insole is of average thickness at 4.4 mm, making it feel similar to many other shoes on the market. It's crafted from a soft foam, adding to the shoe's plush ride.

The most significant improvement in the Vomero 17 is in the midsole. Nike has finally placed a substantial layer of ZoomX right underfoot, making it exceptionally plush. Our Shore A durometer showed a reading of just 11.9 HA, one of the softest we've ever recorded in the lab.

This means the Vomero 17, which also ditched away from the Air unit, is now more responsive than before, boasting a full-length segment of top-notch, Pebax-based ZoomX foam.

The Vomero 17 still doesn't offer the full ZoomX experience, likely because Nike reserves that for their pricier model, the Invincible. This is why they've also incorporated a firmer foam at 22.0 HA that's closer to the ground, aiming to enhance stability. And it does.

However, at a $160 price point, we anticipated a more advanced foam in the lower midsole.

Cushlon 3.0 isn't terrible, but it's essentially standard EVA, although better than the previous SR-02. Had Nike utilized a superior secondary compound like ReactX, the Vomero could have offered much better energy return.

Being made from Pebax, we'd expect ZoomX foam to excel in cold conditions, and our tests confirmed just that. After a 20-minute nap in the freezer, we saw a mere 4.1% difference in softness, showcasing truly impressive resilience.

Positioned as a high-end Pegasus, we're certainly discussing a neutral running shoe. Yet, it also offers slightly better stability than the standard Peg.

This improvement comes from the dual-midsole setup, complemented by midsole sidewalls in the heel, offering guidance that might be enough for those with minor pronation issues. However, it's not on par with mild-stability shoes like the ASICS GT 2000 12 by any means.

In our view, the Vomero 17 is ideal for pure neutral runners or those seeking a touch of guidance while maintaining a neutral gait.

In terms of how stiff the shoe twists and bends, it's pretty average with a score of 3 out of 5, which is what we expect from a versatile shoe. This helps make the ride feel stable for neutral runners.

The heel counter also aims for moderate stiffness at 3/5.

We found it comfortable and not bothersome, though we noticed a bit of heel slippage. We quickly fixed this by stopping and tying a runner's knot.

Adding to the stable ride is the midsole width, which is a bit wider than we expected for a daily running shoe. We measured it at 115.2 mm with our calipers.

The heel, at 92.5 mm, is about average or maybe a bit wide. We think it can be described either way. Anyway, we found it provides enough support for neutral runners who are heel strikers.

Being a versatile shoe means the shoe must excel at various activities—not just running, but also serving well for gym workouts, dog walking, or even an all-day city exploration.

For these uses, having a bit of longitudinal flexibility is crucial, unlike the stiffer design often preferred in competition shoes. This flexibility can also help strengthen foot muscles, potentially enhancing performance later on.

The great news is that the Vomero 17, with its plush midsole and strategically placed outsole cutouts, requires only 18.7N to bend to the desired degree. That's impressively low and adds to the shoe's versatility!

We did the 20-minute freezer test again to see how stiff the shoe gets in really cold weather.

Afterward, bending the shoe only required 20.6N of force, which is 10.2% more. Pretty impressive!

Nike has long been known for making snug-fitting uppers, but the trend is shifting in recent models, and that deserves our applause.

The Vomero 17 is further evidence of this change, boasting 99.2 mm in the widest part of the toebox. That's definitely on the spacious side!

We took a second measurement to gauge the toebox's taper, and discovered it remains comfortably spacious for most feet at 78.3 mm.

We found the toebox has decent vertical space, but it's nothing out of the ordinary.

This additional measurement is crucial for us, setting our testing apart from the norm. Simply measuring the toebox's widest point only reveals a fraction of the story...

The tongue stays perfectly in place, not shifting side to side, no matter the pace, since it's fully gusseted to the sides.

This is precisely the high-quality feature we anticipate in a premium-priced shoe, so kudos to Nike for getting it right this time.

The tongue is another area where Nike trimmed some weight off the Vomero. Now it sports a 4.9 mm cushion, which is pretty decent and we found it comfortable enough for long runs.

Nevertheless, if you're all about super-padded tongues, this might not be your best pick. Maybe give the Brooks Ghost Max a look instead—it's got a 8.5-mm tongue.

The Vomero 17 doesn't feature a heel tab, but Nike threw in a tiny piece with the logo. However, you can't use it as a pull tab, even if you've got super-small fingers.

The insole is removable and has a standard shape, meaning you can easily swap it out for third-party orthotics or better insoles from other shoes.

When a brand asks us to pay a premium for a daily trainer, we expect top-tier features. Thankfully, the Vomero 17 delivers, boasting reflective elements for enhanced safety.

These reflective dots felt familiar to us in the lab—they are the same Nike utilized in the forefoot of the trail-racing Nike Ultrafly!