Nike revamped its running shoe lineup in 2025, doing away with the Invincible line and consolidating its cushioned options under the Vomero banner.
The Nike Vomero Premium sits at the top of that line, above the Nike Vomero Plus and the Nike Vomero 18. All three impressed during testing, but I’ve done a lot of running in the Vomero Plus and Vomero Premium in particular, because they stand out as among the best running shoes released this year.
Both are incredibly cushioned and comfortable, but the Vomero Premium takes things to another level — quite literally, it’s 10mm taller than the Vomero Plus. You have to pay more for that extra cushioning though, and the Vomero Premium is also heavier.
As a result, whether the Vomero Plus and Vomero Premium better suits you depends on both your budget and what you need from a running shoe. If you just want the last word in comfort, the Vomero Premium is perfect, but if you need a more versatile daily trainer, I’d lean toward the Vomero Plus.
Nike Vomero Plus vs Nike Vomero Premium: Price and availability
The Nike Vomero Premium is the most expensive cushioned shoe in Nike’s line-up, costing $230. that's significantly more expensive than the Nike Vomero Plus at $180.
Another advantage to the Vomero Plus is that it’s easy to find, with eight colors currently available, whereas the Vomero Premium sold out its initial run and is currently out of stock on the Nike website. New Vomero Premium colors are due to go on sale in mid-November.
Nike Vomero Plus vs Nike Vomero Premium: Design and fit
I used the same size with both shoes, and they fit me well in my normal running shoe size, with a comfortable and secure hold around the heel and midfoot.
Both have 10mm drops and high stacks of foam in the midsole, but the Vomero Premium pushes to new heights, standing 55.5mm tall at the heel and 45.5mm at the forefoot in the men’s shoe.
The Nike Vomero Plus is also a max-cushioned shoe, but more in line with the rest of the running shoe market with a 45mm stack height at the heel and 35mm at the forefoot.
As a result of this lower stack, the Vomero Plus is the lighter shoe, weighing 10.6oz in my US men’s size 10; the Vomero Premium is 12.5oz in the same size.
Upper
In keeping with their focus on comfort, the uppers on both the Vomero Premium and Vomero Plus are plushly padded around the collar and on the tongue to increase the step-in comfort of the shoes.
Both run the risk of becoming a little hot on long runs on sunny days because of this. Even in the forefoot, the material used is quite thick, though it does breathe well enough in my experience.
Midsole
The Vomero Plus has a midsole entirely made from ZoomX foam, which is a soft, lightweight and bouncy material that delivers both comfort and energy return.
Nike also uses ZoomX foam for most of the midsole on the Vomero Premium, but there are also two large Air Zoom units in place as well — one under the forefoot and one under the heel.
These Air Zoom pods are firmer and more responsive than the ZoomX foam, and add both stability and a little more pop to the midsole of the Vomero Premium, maximizing its energy return.
Outsole
Both shoes have Nike’s classic waffle tread outsole, with rubber covering most of the bottom of each shoe. I’ve had no problems with grip with either shoe, and the waffle rubber has withstood my running so far, with no signs of wear and tear.
Nike Vomero Plus vs Nike Vomero Premium: Running performance
The Vomero Plus and Vomero Premium are both very cushioned and comfortable shoes with bouncy foams in their midsoles, but the Premium really takes this to the max with its design.
It’s softer and springier than the Vomero Plus thanks to the 10mm of extra foam you have underfoot, and while the Vomero Plus is great for protecting the body when you’re cruising through easy runs, the Vomero Premium is the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever tested.
However, it’s also a lot heavier than the Vomero Plus, and that’s noticeable when you run at anything faster than your easy pace. The Vomero Premium has a lot of bounce, and I didn’t mind hitting a steady pace in it, but the Vomero Plus is lighter and nimbler, and turns over faster.
I did find the Vomero Premium a little smoother, though, with the mild rocker shape it has helping to roll you onto your forefoot with each stride. The Vomero Plus is a little snappier, which isn’t an objective negative; I just prefer a more rockered ride myself.
Both are surprisingly stable given the high stack of soft foam they have, but it’s actually the Vomero Premium that is a bit more supportive in my experience. It has a wider base than the Vomero Plus, especially around the midfoot, and never felt worryingly wobbly during my testing.
Nike Vomero Plus vs Nike Vomero Premium: Verdict
The Nike Vomero Plus is a more versatile and affordable shoe than the Vomero Premium. It would be my pick if you need one running shoe to cover all your training. It’s very comfortable, and has a good amount of bounce when you hit faster paces.
On the other hand, if you’re just looking for the most comfortable shoe you can get, perhaps to add to a running shoe rotation alongside faster, lighter options, then the Vomero Premium would get my vote. It’s expensive, but unique, and perfect for protecting the body when you’re racking up the miles.
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