Vomero 18 GORE-TEX

https://preview.redd.it/kuzfqf9xqsig1.jpg?width=1174&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=322a89c24ddded2c6c53ee464574629a94b65158 **About Me** 27-year-old male, 6'1 and weighing around 150 lbs. I started running a little over a year ago and run an average of 40-60 km a week, depending on my current training. I currently only have a one-shoe rotation because my feet have grown (from 10.5 to 11). I reside in Edmonton, Alberta, where the weather is variable, dry, icy, snowy, cold, and unfavourable most of the time, so if you're in a similar situation, welcome! I have run roughly 160 km in the V18, alongside a winter (& extremely icy, black-ice at 0 degrees Celsius) half-marathon, at the 2:02-hour mark. **Easy Pace:** 5:50-6:00 min/km **Tempo, intervals, & thresholds:** 5:10-5:15 min/km **Marathon Pace:** 5:30 min/km **Previous shoes in rotation:** Novablast 5 (first HM, 2:16 finish), 1080v14 (retired at 92 km) *The Vomero 18 has been known to be heavy, and while it is, it doesn't necessarily feel heavy when you get your legs turning over, thanks to a nice rocker and a good cushion setup alongside its high drop. I have run in lower-drop shoes (6-8mm) for most of my running, and the Vomero 18 has been a game-changer for my running form and efficiency.* **Fit** Because my foot size has changed, it's hard for me to include a 'shoes that fit me well' section here. I will say that the Vomero 18 in a size 11 feels roomy and good enough for me, with plenty of room in the front, a snug heel, laces that fit well, and a padded tongue, which is a nice addition. I traditionally have needed 2E sizes in Saucony and New Balance, and did not need any extra width in the Vomero 18. The tongue gusset keeps your fit locked in and prevents the tongue from moving. **Upper** A very standard engineered mesh upper, maybe a little thicker than something you'd expect on a tempo trainer, but roughly the same as older Pegasus models or more cushioned daily trainers. It soaks up quite a bit of sweat, although for the tough winter months, I have found the upper quite reliable against the elements and haven't had any issues with breathability. I cannot really speak on the warm-weather wear regarding the upper. The shoes are covered in reflective elements that make you visible throughout your runs, and they are quite noticeable, especially on the medial sides of the foot. The upper is definitely very padded in every area, so if you prefer a minimal fit or something closer to a race shoe, this is definitely not the shoe for you. **Outsole** I don't believe Nike uses any special rubber on the bottom of this shoe; the outsole rubber is good. It has strong coverage, and the waffle outsole is good for light traction. I never had any problems with the traction on the shoe, and when I did, no shoe would have had good traction in those cases. It has been quite durable and shows little wear. https://preview.redd.it/kpy3buoupsig1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a7e2013126c66c871c388071a3a9189387b4e7f **Midsole** The fun part of the review! The Vomero 18 uses a dual-density setup, with ZoomX on the inside of the midsole and ReactX as the carrying foam. The ZoomX is about as responsive as you'd expect for the price; it's a quick little bounce that helps you get the legs turning, whereas the ReactX does a great job of firming up the ride, enhancing stability, and making this shoe an absolute tank in the durability market. I have run in soft shoes like the Novablast, 1080v14, and Nimbus 26/27, and after spending significant mileage in the Vomero 18, this has really changed my view on impact protection and efficiency. I find myself leaning towards firmer shoes with a higher drop, and if that's what you are also looking for, this is a great shoe. The Vomero 18 is very stable, offers great protection, and is a perfect shoe for daily miles and recovery runs. https://preview.redd.it/f1oujuaxpsig1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f6ff831c9d6244ebbdc5a8ac472159a8bf22b54 **It's not all perfect for the Vomero 18!** While I have many good things to say about this shoe, and it definitely has changed my approach to running shoes, I would not consider it a versatile one-shoe-rotation, do-it-all shoe. On the track, treadmill, and in my speed sessions, I found myself wanting to put back on my Novablast and seeking a lighter, closer-to-the-ground shoe. There are many factors that could contribute to this, but I will attribute it to the stack height, weight, and padding in the shoe. For do-it-all shoes, you should look at: ASICS Novablast 5 (soon 6), Puma Velocity Nitro, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4/5, and Hoka Mach. **Conclusion & TL;DR** The Vomero 18 positions itself as a strong competitor. It has a great dual-density foam setup that performs well, is durable, and has a bit of pep to get you through both daily and relaxed miles. For the function and form of this shoe, it is a great price and punches well above its weight. If you like firm shoes with some pep, high stacks, and a really padded shoe for daily miles and walking around, this is a great, cost-conscious option. *If you have any questions about my review or want to ask related ones, please feel free to leave a comment. I'll do my best to get back to you and provide insight!*

I agree, they don’t have the greatest pep and race coa, but the ReactX helps keep the shoe feeling consistently firm and new. Part of the reason why i think a lot of shoe brands are moving away from super soft and squishy mid soles.

There are so many good options out there it’s hard for me to toss one in The 1080v15, Saucony Ride/Triumph, ASICS Novablast, Puma Velocity Nitro, 860/880 from NB, Brooks Ghost, Ghost Max, or the Glycerin. The main goal is that the drop should be slightly different, and the foam being a different feel to help reduce muscle fatigue and exercise other stress For me I have been rotating between the Vomero 18 (daily miles, walking, steady runs) and the Brooks Glycerin Max (easy runs/long runs) For my speed work I am using the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4