I test running shoes, and if you need a cushioned sneaker for marathon training, the Nike Vomero Plus is my top pick — here’s why

(Image credit: Future)

The recent trend towards max-stack cushioned running shoes has not been one that I’ve always enjoyed. While the idea of incredibly cushioned sneakers protecting the legs from the impact of running is great, in practice, I’ve often found such shoes cumbersome and heavy things that detract from the joy of my training.

That meant I wasn’t too excited by the new Nike Vomero line of running shoes when it was announced. All three of the Nike Vomero 18, Nike Vomero Plus and Nike Vomero Premium feature huge stacks of cushioning, with the Vomero Premium’s midsole stack height hitting 55mm at the heel.

However, when I’ve run in the Vomero shoes, they’ve been very impressive, especially the Vomero Plus and Premium, because the springy foams in their midsole create a highly enjoyable ride.

Of the pair, I favor the Nike Vomero Plus over the Vomero Premium, and have run over 100 miles in the shoe in recent months while marathon training. Here’s why I think it’s the best cushioned shoe going right now.

The ZoomX midsole is soft and springy

Where the Vomero Plus goes right, and many other max-cushioned shoes go wrong, is that its midsole isn’t just built for comfort and protection.

It’s certainly very comfortable and cushioned, but the bounce from the ZoomX foam means the ride is still lively and the shoe doesn’t feel too heavy. The foam also retains its bounce through the 20+ mile runs you do when marathon training.

ZoomX has been a key ingredient in many of the best Nike running shoes over the past couple of years, and it’s used to great effect in the Vomero Plus.

It makes most other max-cushioned shoes feel quite dull in comparison, and it’s the reason I go back to the Vomero Plus for easy long runs whenever I’m not testing something new.

It’s more versatile than many cushioned shoes

Another benefit of the bouncy ride is that the Vomero Plus feels better at fast paces than other highly cushioned shoes. While its main strength is easy runs, you can pick up your speed in the Vomero Plus as well.

It’s a great option for new runners and those who only want one shoe for all their runs, and ideal for a range of marathon training runs and the event itself (if you don’t plan on a lightweight racer on the day).

It has a full outsole

After 100 miles, I haven't worn down any areas of the outsole, which seems durable and has gripped well for me during the many runs I’ve done in the Vomero Plus in wet weather.

The outsole rubber covers most of the bottom of the shoe as well, which is increasingly uncommon even with cushioned shoes — many brands just use rubber on the heel and forefoot to save weight.

There's no major problem with that approach, but a full outsole is always likely to prove more durable, and the Vomero Plus is still fairly light for a max-stack shoe.

The upper is comfortable

The Vomero Plus has a comfortable, padded upper and will fit most runners in their normal size. It also comes in a wide version if you have wide feet, and I’ve not had any concerns with rubbing or hot spots in all my time running in the shoe.

It’s also available in 14 colors, and you can customize your own version if none of them are to your taste.

It’s better value than the Vomero Premium

Nike Vomero Premium — (Image credit: Future)

The Vomero Premium stands 10mm taller than the Vomero Plus, and is the most cushioned and comfortable shoe I’ve ever run in. But I still prefer the Plus myself and recommend it to runners ahead of the Premium.

That’s because it’s lighter and more versatile if you’re using it for a range of different runs, and it’s also considerably cheaper than the Premium.

If you are struggling to pick between the two shoes, check out my direct Nike Vomero Plus vs Nike Vomero Premium comparison.

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Nick Harris-Fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear.

Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 and became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 25min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK.

Nick is an established expert in the fitness area and along with writing for many publications, including Live Science, Expert Reviews, Wareable, Coach and Get Sweat Go, he has been quoted on The Guardian and The Independent.

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