Nike
Black Vomero 18 Sneakers Women
The Nike Vomero 18 is a women's neutral running shoe designed for daily training and easy recovery runs. It features a breathable mesh upper, a hybrid midsole combining ZoomX and ReactX foams for responsive cushioning, and an abrasion-resistant rubber outsole. Running community feedback highlights its plush comfort, though some users note it may feel heavy and run warm on longer runs.
- Color
- Black
- Gender
- female
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Size
Specifications
Women's Nike Vomero 18 sneakers with breathable mesh upper and responsive hybrid midsole.
Breathable mesh upper, padded collar and tongue, removable foam footbed, ZoomX/ReactX hybrid midsole, rubber outsole, back pull loop.
- Color
- Black · black
- Material
- Upper: Mesh; Lining and sock: Synthetic foam; Outer sole: Rubber
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- Removable foam footbed
- Hybrid midsole with ZoomX and ReactX foam for comfort and responsiveness
- Abrasion-resistant non-slip rubber outsole
- Back pull loop for easy on
Product Insights
Optimized for easy and recovery runs, Nike's Black Vomero 18 sneakers ($190 CAD) provide a stable, max-cushioned ride with a forefoot rocker and dual-density foam that maintains softness in cold, offers reliable wet traction, and accepts custom orthotics via its removable footbed; its true-to-length snug fit with a narrow toe box and winter warmth come at the cost of low breathability (5.5/10) that causes overheating above 75°F, a heavy, sluggish feel on longer runs, and moderate energy return (58.9%), making it unsuitable for speedwork. The shoe incorporates 20% recycled materials.
- Fit
True-to-length shoe with a snug fit: narrow toe box, thick tongue, and bootie sleeve reduce internal volume.
Why this is supported
The Vomero 18 fits true to length, but the toe box is shallow and narrow.
I tried the vomero 18 and those were just too narrow.
u/DaMatik23 in r/RunningShoeGeeksConversely, some find it roomy:
It's far more accommodating width wise than most Nike trainers. Pretty roomy through the midfoot, even wider than the ZF6.
u/TerpRunner1 in r/RunningShoeGeeksThe snug fit is also due to a full interior bootie sleeve, which
provides wearers with a consistently smooth fit
solereview.com, and heavily padded tongue—one reviewer called it
probably the thickest I have worn in many years
morningcoffeerun.com. The mesh upper can relax slightly, but
significant widening is not typical
Does the upper stretch over time to accommodate wider feet?. These factors explain mixed feedback and the common recommendation to go half a size up.
- Orthotic compatibility
Removable foam footbed accepts custom orthotics without raising heel.
Why this is supported
The shoe features a removable foam footbed. According to Q&A, the cavity is deep enough to accommodate most custom orthotics without raising the heel, allowing runners to customize arch support while preserving cushioning.
- Cushioning
Max-cushion dual-density foam with forefoot rocker delivers a smooth, stable ride.
Why this is supported
The Vomero 18 uses a dual-density midsole with ZoomX over ReactX.
it gets a little firmer as you get deeper into the foam, and there is a bit of guidance as you roll through your foot strike.
outdoorgearlab.comThis controlled feel avoids the instability of full-soft ZoomX.
delivers a distinctive high-stack Nike ride without the instability of a full slab of soft ZoomX.
nextgait.comThe shoe adds a forefoot rocker for the first time.
the addition of the forefoot rocker makes the Vomero 18 more propulsive than any of the prior models.
solereview.comLab measurements confirm a 42.5 mm heel stack, placing it in max-cushion territory.
We discovered that the Vomero 18 has officially joined the max-stack club. With a massive 42.5 mm in the heel compared to just 33.9 mm in the Vomero 17
runrepeat.comUnlike other max-cushion shoes, the Vomero avoids a 'pillow sink' feeling.
many other comfort-oriented max-cushioning trainers feel more like a pillow that you slowly sink into when you land, but then have to climb up out of as you push off.
outdoorgearlab.comCombined, these elements give a smooth, stable ride for heel strikers.
- Energy return
Lab measures forefoot energy return at 58.9%, moderate.
Why this is supported
RunRepeat lab-tested the Vomero 18's energy return.
the forefoot fell to 58.9% from 64.5%.
runrepeat.comThis places it in the moderate-rebound category, ideal for recovery and easy runs.
- Cold performance
Midsole softness stays consistent in cold, unlike EVA foam.
Why this is supported
Temperature resilience testing by RunRepeat found minimal change in midsole softness in cold conditions.
| Difference in midsole softness in cold | Small | Small | Small | Small |
runrepeat.comThis means the shoe maintains its plush feel on winter runs, unlike many EVA-based trainers.
- Weight
Buyers report the shoe feels heavy and sluggish on longer runs.
Why this is supported
Feedback from runners on Reddit highlights the shoe's weight as a downside.
For me it’s way too heavy, I actually feel sluggish
u/thecamerastories in r/RunningShoeGeeksAt approximately 10.6 oz for men's US 10, the weight is noticeable and can make the ride feel sluggish, especially for lighter runners or on longer distances.
- Breathability
Runs warm above 75°F with a 5.5/10 breathability score.
Why this is supported
The Vomero 18's engineered mesh upper contains a full interior bootie sleeve that provides a smooth fit but
compromises air circulation
solereview.com. Independent testing rated breathability at
5.5
outdoorgearlab.comon a 10-point scale, and testers observed that
our feet got warm during runs over 75 degrees
outdoorgearlab.com, establishing a practical upper limit. The tongue padding also traps heat—one reviewer called it
the thickest I have worn in many years
morningcoffeerun.comand noted it feels
more cosy than cool
morningcoffeerun.com. Compared to the Vomero 17, the upper is
a significant improvement over the Vomero 17's thicker upper
runstopshop.com.au, but the shoe still runs warm overall.
- Winter warmth
The shoe performs well on frigid winter mornings.
Why this is supported
In cold conditions, testers reported that
these shoes performed well on frigid winter mornings
outdoorgearlab.com, indicating the insulation is beneficial. However, a runner's contrary experience notes that
the upper way too thick, and even in the winter I prefer something less warm
u/thecamerastories in r/RunningShoeGeeks, suggesting the warmth may be excessive for some.
- Use case
Optimized for easy, recovery, and long slow runs; not for speedwork.
Why this is supported
Reddit runners and lab testers confirm the Vomero 18 is optimized for easy, recovery, and long slow runs. One reviewer notes,
I’ve been liking the 18 for easy recovery runs.
u/monothreat in r/AskRunningShoeGeeks. The 46mm heel stack and dual-density foam provide plush protection, but the shoe's weight and moderate energy return (forefoot dropped to 58.9%) limit it to slower paces:
For me it’s way too heavy, I actually feel sluggish and am noticeably slower.
u/thecamerastories in r/RunningShoeGeeks. Heavier runners (190–200+ lbs) find it the most comfortable shoe in their rotation, as one states:
I’m 27 M 190lbs and they are my most comfortable shoe out of 15+
u/Henderbot in r/RunningShoeGeeks. This shoe underwent a full overhaul from the Vomero 17 to become a max-cushion trainer:
The Vomero 18 received a much-needed, full-scale overhaul to match today’s trend of max-cushioned trainers.
runrepeat.com.
- Weather performance
Performs well in cold and wet conditions; not ideal above 75°F.
Why this is supported
Independent testing shows the Vomero 18 handles cold and wet conditions well. Outdoor Gear Lab reports,
these shoes performed well on frigid winter mornings.
outdoorgearlab.comand the outsole's waffle-edge and polygonal lugs provide reliable grip:
We did not have any issues on cold or wet pavement.
outdoorgearlab.com. However, the shoe's full bootie sleeve and thick tongue trap heat:
Overall, our feet got warm during runs over 75 degrees and were sweatier than after running in better ventilated shoes.
outdoorgearlab.com. Breathability is rated 5.5/10, making it less suitable for hot, humid runs.
- Stability
Stable, non-mushy ride thanks to firmer ReactX base under ZoomX.
Why this is supported
The dual-density midsole (ZoomX over ReactX) provides a stable ride. A reviewer explains,
it delivers a distinctive high-stack Nike ride without the instability of a full slab of soft ZoomX.
nextgait.com. The foam gets firmer deeper down, offering guidance:
it gets a little firmer as you get deeper into the foam, and there is a bit of guidance as you roll through your foot strike.
outdoorgearlab.com. A Reddit user adds,
But they don’t feel too mushy and energy-sucking like the Nimbus 26.
u/monothreat in r/AskRunningShoeGeeks.
- Wet traction
Provides reliable wet-pavement and light-trail grip.
Why this is supported
The outsole uses Nike's waffle pattern along the edges and polygonal lugs under the forefoot.
We did not have any issues on cold or wet pavement.
outdoorgearlab.comThis confirms the outsole maintains grip in wet and cold conditions.
- Pricing
At $190 CAD ($150 USD), it's $10 less than the Vomero 17 and undercuts competitors.
Why this is supported
The Vomero 18 is priced at $190 CAD (approx. $150 USD). Sources state
Competitively priced at $150, $10 less than v17 with far more cushion: Sam/Sally/Peter/Courtney
roadtrailrun.com. RunnersWorld calls it
Max cushioning at a non-max price.
runnersworld.com- Heaviness feel
Runners over 140 km/week report a heavy, sluggish feel, with thick padding adding weight and rocker sole smoothing transitions.
Why this is supported
Buyer reports highlight the shoe's heaviness:
For me it’s way too heavy, I actually feel sluggish and am noticeably slower.
u/thecamerastories in r/RunningShoeGeeksand
They’re super plush (the tongue padding is gratuitous) and heavy, which you can feel during longer runs.
u/monothreat in r/AskRunningShoeGeeksThe thick tongue padding is noted as
probably the thickest I have worn in many years
morningcoffeerun.comand a
full sleeve inside the upper, which provides wearers with a consistently smooth fit but compromises air circulation
solereview.comadds material weight. To mitigate the heft, the shoe features
increased rocker geometry, providing runners with a smoother heel-to-toe transition
about.nike.com, helping the shoe feel more propulsive. Despite the weight, some runners use it for easy days:
I’ve been liking the 18 for easy recovery runs.
u/monothreat in r/AskRunningShoeGeeks- Sustainable materials
Synthetic foam, mesh, and rubber construction with 20% recycled content and ReactX sustainable foam.
Why this is supported
Nike's sustainability data confirms the Vomero 18 contains at least 20% recycled content by weight.
This product is made with at least 20% recycled content by weight
nike.comFor a women's size 8 shoe weighing 262 g, this represents about 52 g of reused materials.
262 g (W8)
fleetfeet.comNike's materials-footprint analysis indicates that materials make up more than 70% of any product's environmental impact, making the recycled content a direct reduction in the shoe's largest footprint driver.
From sweat-wicking fabrics to the bouncy foam under your feet, materials make up more than 70% of any product’s footprint.
nike.comAdditionally, the midsole uses ReactX foam, which Nike markets as its most sustainable foam.
ReactX (Nike’s most sustainable foam, which also offers a high energy return)
runnersworld.com- Cleaning
Hand wash or spot clean with mild soap; machine washing may damage materials.
Why this is supported
Care guidance confirms:
We recommend hand washing or spot cleaning the mesh upper rather than machine washing, as machine washing can damage the shoe's materials and shape. Use mild soap and air dry.
Can the mesh upper be machine washed, and if so, what is the recommended care?Thus, hand washing is the safe method.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Right-facing side profile of a black running shoe with a knit mesh upper, lace closure, heel pull tab, prominent sculpted foam midsole with molded concentric pattern, and rubber outsole tread.
- View and orientationRight-side profile view of a single shoe, toe pointing right and sole visible in full profile.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.50 · w 0.90 · h 0.40 (high) - Upper materialKnitted or woven mesh upper with visible horizontal textured lines and layered translucent overlays creating subtle stripe patterns across the forefoot and midfoot.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.42 · w 0.65 · h 0.20 (high) - Lacing and eyeletsCentral lace closure with flat laces threaded through fabric eyelets and a reinforced eyelet panel near the collar.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.40 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high) - Heel pull tabSmall fabric pull loop at the heel collar, visible as a loop extending rearward above the heel counter.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.47 · w 0.07 · h 0.06 (high) - Swoosh logoGloss-finish Nike Swoosh emblem applied on the lateral midfoot, contrasted against the matte knit upper.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.48 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Midsole shapeThick sculpted foam midsole with pronounced stacked profile and horizontal ridge that runs the shoe length; midfoot area has concentric molded oval pattern.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.62 · w 0.82 · h 0.18 (high) - Midsole text“ZOOMX”
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.66 · w 0.26 · h 0.10 (high) - Outsole treadBlack rubber outsole with segmented lug pattern visible along the bottom edge and slightly raised tread at the forefoot and heel.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.74 · w 0.87 · h 0.10 (high) - Toe overlaySmooth protective toe cap overlay integrated with the knit upper at the forefoot, appearing slightly denser in texture than surrounding mesh.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.50 · w 0.25 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a light grey seamless background showing full shoe profile with soft shadow beneath; even frontal lighting with slight cast shadow to bottom left.
- Background and stagingUniform light grey seamless backdrop with a faint drop shadow under the shoe, centered horizontally and occupying lower third of frame.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shot compositionShoe is placed in the lower half of the image with ample empty space above; image framed to show entire lateral profile and sole.
- Lighting and shadowEven diffuse lighting with soft shadow directly beneath and slightly left of shoe, minimal specular highlights on glossy Swoosh and midsole curves.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.70 · w 0.60 · h 0.18 (high)
Colors
matte black· upper#141413dark charcoal· midsole#1C1C1Bgloss black· Swoosh logo#0E0D0C- View and orientationRight-side profile view of a single shoe, toe pointing right and sole visible in full profile.
- 02
Product
Rear and partial lateral view of a pair of black running sneakers showing the heel, midsole, outsole tread, upper knit, heel pull tab, and Swoosh overlay on the lateral side of the visible shoe.
- Overall viewPair of athletic sneakers shown from the rear-right three-quarter angle; right shoe in foreground showing outer lateral side and heel, left shoe placed sole-up in background.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.28 · w 0.68 · h 0.62 (high) - Upper material and patternBlack engineered knit or mesh upper with horizontal ribbed stripe pattern on the lateral mid-panel and more open mesh near the toe box; knit shows subtle lighter streaks in the ribs.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.36 · w 0.39 · h 0.33 (high) - Heel counter and pull tabPadded heel collar with molded heel counter overlay and a fabric pull tab at the back of the heel; overlay includes cutout shapes and a reflective or lighter grey small oval graphic.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.46 · w 0.38 · h 0.34 (high) - Lateral SwooshGlossy black Swoosh-shaped logo applied on the lateral side of the visible shoe above the midsole.
1 region
x 0.70 · y 0.40 · w 0.16 · h 0.15 (high) - Midsole shape and textureThick sculpted midsole with pronounced oval cushioning window on the lateral heel area and horizontal molded lines wrapping the foam; midsole finish appears slightly glossy.
1 region
x 0.50 · y 0.62 · w 0.45 · h 0.25 (high) - Outsole treadRubber outsole with square studs and patterned tread visible on the sole of the left shoe placed sole-up in the background and along the front edge of the right shoe.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.44 · w 0.49 · h 0.38 (high) - Visible text on midsole“ZOOMX”
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.69 · w 0.23 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio shot with even lighting on a pale neutral background and soft shadow beneath the shoes; image cropped tightly around the pair with slight vignette of floor shadow.
- Background and lightingSmooth light gray background with soft directional lighting from above-left producing a diffuse shadow beneath the shoes.
- Shot compositionProduct placed off-center with right shoe foregrounded and left shoe rotated sole-up behind it to show outsole and midsole details.
- Image qualitySharp focus on the foreground shoe with fine texture visible; no visible motion blur or compression artifacts.
Colors
black with grey ribbing· upper#110E0Ddark charcoal· midsole#232323matte black· outsole#13110E- Overall viewPair of athletic sneakers shown from the rear-right three-quarter angle; right shoe in foreground showing outer lateral side and heel, left shoe placed sole-up in background.
- 03
Product
Top-down view of a pair of black athletic running shoes showing mesh uppers, crisscross lacing, visible tongue labels, interior insoles, and heel pull tabs.
- Pair arrangementTwo shoes shown from a top-down view, placed side-by-side with toes at the top of the image and heels at the bottom.
- Upper materialKnitted mesh upper with visible vertical and horizontal perforation pattern across the toe and forefoot areas.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.04 · w 0.84 · h 0.52 (high) - Toe perforation patternToe box area shows rows of small rectangular perforations forming a repeated grid-like pattern.
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.06 · w 0.29 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.06 · w 0.29 · h 0.26 (high) - Lacing systemFlat woven laces threaded in a crisscross pattern through fabric eyelets and reinforced lace-eyestay overlays.
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.32 · w 0.50 · h 0.28 (high) - Tongue label text“RUN”
1 region
x 0.41 · y 0.38 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Lateral toe text“NIKE RUNNING”
2 regions
x 0.11 · y 0.12 · w 0.16 · h 0.11 (medium); x 0.73 · y 0.12 · w 0.16 · h 0.11 (medium) - Insole text“zoom”Partial
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.68 · w 0.27 · h 0.22 (medium) - Nike SwooshContrasting Swoosh logo visible on the outer side panels of both shoes as a darker gray mark on the black upper.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.34 · w 0.22 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.76 · y 0.34 · w 0.22 · h 0.28 (high) - Heel pull tabFabric loop pull tab centered on the heel collar of each shoe.
2 regions
x 0.15 · y 0.86 · w 0.18 · h 0.11 (high); x 0.67 · y 0.86 · w 0.18 · h 0.11 (high) - Collar and liningPadded collar and textile interior lining in dark color visible around the ankle opening.
1 region
x 0.21 · y 0.60 · w 0.58 · h 0.34 (high) - Midsole and outsoleContinuous dark midsole and outsole visible around the perimeter, appearing slightly matte compared with the upper.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.46 · w 0.88 · h 0.48 (high)
Other
Studio-style top-down product photo on a light neutral background with soft shadows and even lighting.
- Shot compositionTop-down centered composition with even spacing between the two shoes and consistent margin to image edges.
- BackgroundFlat light gray background with subtle soft shadow beneath shoes.
- LightingDiffuse, even lighting with low contrast and minimal specular highlights.
Colors
black· upper and lining#0E0D0Cdark gray· Swoosh and trim#4C4C4B
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
5 threads · r/RunningShoeGeeks, r/AskRunningShoeGeeksThe Nike Vomero 18 is seen as a plush, comfortable daily trainer with mixed feedback on fit and weight, and often overshadowed by the Vomero Plus.
While many users find it exceptionally comfortable and cushioned, criticisms about its heavy weight, thick upper, and some narrow fit complaints balance the overall sentiment.
Themes
Use Cases
- Easy and recovery runs
- Daily training and long runs
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Nike Vomero Plus
The Vomero Plus is generally preferred for its bouncier ride and wider fit, with the Vomero 18 being seen as a downgrade by some.
vs Asics Nimbus 26
The Vomero 18 is considered more supportive and less mushy/energy-sucking than the Nimbus 26, though still heavy.
Source Threads
Narrow fit of Vomero 18 compared to roomy Vomero Plus
As a 200+ runner. I think these fit well even for chonky feet. Vomero Plus is surprisingly rommy. I tried the vomero 18 and those were just too narrow.
u/DaMatik23r/RunningShoeGeeksView thread →
Most comfortable shoe in a large rotation
I got the Vomero 18 about 3 weeks ago and am also extremely impressed after 50 miles or so. I’m 27 M 190lbs and they are my most comfortable shoe out of 15+
u/Henderbotr/RunningShoeGeeksView thread →
Accommodating width in Vomero 18
It's far more accommodating width wise than most Nike trainers. Pretty roomy through the midfoot, even wider than the ZF6.
u/TerpRunner1r/RunningShoeGeeksView thread →
Criticism: too heavy and upper too warm
I’m a similar runner to you, although somewhat older and a bit heavier, and I really don’t like the Vomero. To the point where I’m considering selling/donating it after 140-ish km. For me it’s way too heavy, I actually feel sluggish and am noticeably slower. True, for easy runs that shouldn’t matter, and it really is plush, but with its weight it’s still not a nice easy run experience for me. I also find the upper way too thick, and even in the winter I prefer something less warm.
u/thecamerastoriesr/RunningShoeGeeksView thread →
Plush and heavy, but better than Nimbus 26
I don’t have the plus, but I’ve been liking the 18 for easy recovery runs. They’re super plush (the tongue padding is gratuitous) and heavy, which you can feel during longer runs. But they don’t feel too mushy and energy-sucking like the Nimbus 26.
u/monothreatr/AskRunningShoeGeeksView thread →