Vomero 18

I tried this for a while with my Vomero 18, and I strongly recommend having two different shoes. It doesn't affect the shoe's performance, but I want to add some reasons here. 1. The smell and hygiene of your shoes, it is really hard to manage this with a shoe that you use for casual and running; for some shoes it can damage the outsole or the midsole (usually only an issue with softer running shoes) 2. Different muscle loads and stress on the feet due to higher drops, stack heights, and other shoe specifics. I find myself using normal tennis shoes for walking around, as it helps me feel closer to the ground and keep my natural biomechanics 3. Lifespan of the running shoe (especially if you run on the treadmill lots), you can get a premium running shoe to last well over 4-5 years with shoe rotations (casual v. running) I want to add that I think running shoes are great for casual wear and walking, but try to keep them with a lower stack height (under 40mm in the heel). If you'd like some suggestions, let me know, but this is what I've learned.

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

Right now it’s the Vomero 18 if I were replacing a pair of Novablasts. Such a well rounded shoe and 100% could run a marathon in. I also got the adidas Adios pro Equiptment. Which is the pro 3 with a more lifestyle upper that is infinitely better than the pro 3 upper and laces. I’ve done my last 2 long runs in them and they have been great.

It didn’t work for me. They were far too cushioned - to the point of loss of stability in my runs. I felt like it was effecting my strides. Giving more of a bounding sensation. I went back to the Vomero 18 for long runs and recovery and haven’t looked back.

Vomero 18 has a bit less foam and more heel to toe drop.

Agreed. The 18 foam is squishier and so it doesnt feel as unstable as the Plus sometimes does. It also has more ground feel especially toward the front of the shoe that gives you a better sense of balance.

I just got the Glizzy Max 2 and I have Zero issues with the shoe after my first run. I never had V1, but I can't see why someone wouldn't like V2. I love the upper, no issues there. No issues with the fit. I also have owned Vomero 18 and Plus and its comparable to the Plus but not as bouncy or responsive so your legs have to work harder against the foam at faster paces...but it is a recovery shoe first and foremost so no complaints there. This is my first Brooks running shoe, and I do find the rocker to be a bit ridiculous...like the toe falls off a cliff. You get used to it pretty quickly and I can see how it keeps you rolling with all that foam underfoot....but its way more drastic than the Plus, and even the 18 which has a more noticeable rocker than the Plus does...I think its done perfectly on the 18 vs the other 2 shoes. But I'm very happy with the Glizzy Max 2 and would recommend them based on my first impression.

My take on Plus vs 18 owning both now: The Plus feels like a different shoe, a true max cushion shoe. There is more foam along the foot and you don't feel a drop off at the forefoot and toe like you do with the 18. It doesn't matter if the heel stack is the same height....there is more cushion along the rest of the shoe and you notice it right away. The even level of cushion makes the shoe feel more stable along the entire foot. This is a BIG deal and I'm surprised more people are only talking about the weight of the shoe which in reality is negligible. What I like more about the 18's: I like the upper material and look of the 18's more. I also like the laces on the 18's more, and I also like the tongue of the 18's better as it's not as cushioned but doesn't get in the way of a good lace up. For Walking: The Plus are better for walking and felt more stable overall. The cushion is increased and the foam is better...that much is apparent when I walked in one of each shoe to compare. The Plus don't flatten or bottom out at the heel like the 18 does when walking faster or running in it...the full zoom foam is springier and more lively. My feet would still begin to hurt after walking for several miles in the 18, but the Plus cushioned and protected my feet better and they felt good even after walking several miles in them. For running: Vomero 18 will still be my go-to running shoe. It is a more versatile shoe and less of a Bondi-like Max Cushion shoe like the Plus is. The pure Zoom X foam of the Plus makes it more responsive so many will like it better for running. Flip a coin...they are both great for running, but the Plus is better for walking hands down.

Go with Vomero 18.

What’s wrong with your Vomeros? Those are a fine daily trainer.

The Vomeros are fine for road running. That’s what they’re intended to be used for! And they are very highly cushioned shoes. Can you clarify what specifically you dislike about them? Have you tried them on the road?

Oh I see, I think the Vomero 5 is more of a lifestyle shoe, not really on par with modern running shoes. Check out the Vomero 18 - that’s what I thought you had been using!

I'm new to running as well and my Vomero 18s have been great so far!