In this product guide:
- 1. Best for daily runs: Nike Vomero 18
- 2. Best for max-cushioning: Nike Vomero Plus
- 3. Best for marathons: Nike Alphafly 3
- 4. Best for 10K and half-marathons: Nike Vaporfly 4
- 5. Best for 5K and track: Nike Streakfly 2
- 6. Best on a budget: Nike Winflo 11
- 7. Best for road and trail: Nike Pegasus Trail 5
- 8. Best for trails: Nike Wildhorse 10
- How we selected
This version is easily the best Vomero of the decade. Not only is the Vomero 18 an improvement over the Vomero 17, but it’s also now a capable do-it-all trainer. Replacing the ZoomX and EVA stack of the Vomero 17 is a thick ReactX layer with a thinner ZoomX layer on top. But that’s just the headline; there’s more to the Vomero 18 than the kind of foam it uses.
There are a few stand-out features. The ultra-tall stack heights (44 mm and 34 mm) make themselves felt during a run or walk. There’s a sense of deep cushioning that was absent on the previous versions of the Vomero. The forefoot stack feels very substantial. The soft footbed, foam lasting, and ZoomX add a plush cushioning layer closer to the foot.
The new Vomero happens to be very bouncy. Most of this effect comes from the deep groove under the heel that behaves like a trampoline. At slower speeds, the bounciness is quite noticeable. Once the speed picks up, the trampoline effect switches to speed-friendly responsiveness. This Vomero has something that no other prior version had – an effective rocker profile. The stiff forefoot makes the rocker effective, making roll-offs much easier. On the road, it’s easier to pick up speed during a tempo workout. The Vomero 18 doesn’t struggle at 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) speeds.
The firmer ReactX layer prevents the midsole from bottoming, and also helps the foot cycle through the transitions efficiently. The firm base layer also isolates the ZoomX foam’s bouncy feel. The new setup makes the Vomero 18 very versatile. Calling it a comfortable daily workhorse would be underselling it, to say the least.
The plushness of the redesigned upper matches the cushioned ride. The heel and tongue have abundant foam padding, and the lacing speed loops help secure the midfoot.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: A comfortable ride for everyday runs.
- Upper: Engineered mesh with a full sleeve.
- Upper fit: True to size, just-right fit.
- Midsole: React X foam with ZoomX top layer. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Regrind rubber under the forefoot, Carbon rubber.
- Weight: 298 gms/ 10.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 44 mm (heel), 34 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular).
- Recommended use: Everyday runs, tempo runs, marathon training, walking.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile for different use cases
- Rocker assists with smooth roll offs
- Neutral and stable ride
- Goldilocks zone cushioning
- Just-right and plush fit
Cons
- No widths at this time
- Average grip on wet roads
- Runs warm due to full sleeve
- Low reflectivity
Do you remember the Nike Invincible 3? The Vomero Plus is essentially a more usable version of that shoe. With massive stack heights of 45 mm in the heel and 35 mm in the forefoot, cushioning comfort is the last thing a runner will need to worry about. The full-length midsole delivers bottomless cushioning regardless of footstrike. Whereas the Invincible 3’s claim to fame was its cushioned ride alone, the Vomero Plus goes a step further with a transition-friendly midsole rocker. While this is no speed shoe, the rocker makes it easier to glide through the take-off phase. Also, ZoomX has a firmer rebound quality that keeps the ride from feeling mushy. This form factor is ideal for everyday miles, marathon training, recovery runs, and high-mileage weeks – preferably at paces slower than 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile).
Some recent Nike models have dropped the full inner sleeve, freeing up interior space. The Vomero Plus does the same, making it roomier than the sleeved Vomero 18. This change affects sizing as well – the Vomero Plus fits about a half-size larger than the Vomero 18. The upper uses ultra-plush materials to match the ultra-cushioned ride. The heel and tongue are generously foam-backed, and a satin-like midfoot lining enhances comfort.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Full-stack, ultra-soft max cushioning.
- Upper: Textured mesh with reflective details and midfoot lining, no sleeve.
- Upper fit: True to size, just-right fit.
- Midsole: 100% ZoomX foam, Ortholite insole. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Single-piece carbon rubber.
- Weight: 292 gms/ 10.3 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 10/UK 9/EUR 44/CM 27.1
- Stack heights: 45 mm (heel), 35 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular), 4E- (extra-wide).
- Recommended use: Recovery runs, long runs, walking.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Max cushioning that doesn’t feel lethargic
- Mild rocker assistance
- Plush interiors
- Reflective details
- Secure fit
- Optional width
Cons
- Average grip on wet roads
- Runs warm because of thick mesh and tongue
Also consider:
- Hoka Bondi 9
- Brooks Glycerin Max
- New Balance More V6
- Puma Magmax Nitro
- Use the Nike Vomero Plus for long runs, recovery runs
- Use Nike Pegasus Plus for daily training and tempo runs
- Use the Nike Vaporfly 4 for 5K, 10K, and marathons
In most Nike running shoes, a Zoom Air bag is an outdated technology that has seen better days. The Nike Pegasus 41 is a good example. The only running shoe where the Zoom Air bag is truly functional is the Alphafly 3. Not only is the Zoom Air bag a part of the midsole, but it is also the cornerstone of the overall cushioning experience.
The Alphafly 3 isn’t for everyone, though. This racing shoe works best for forefoot strikers who run faster than 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile). That’s the sweet spot for this unique midsole. The pressurized Zoom Air bag is firmer than the surrounding ZoomX foam, so it takes a certain effort to activate it. Landing in the dead center of the forefoot releases the springy feel of the Zoom Air unit, followed by a propulsive roll-off. The glove-like fit does an excellent job of centering the foot over the Zoom Air bag.
Through its sheer size, the Zoom Air bag makes a difference on the Alphafly.
What happens during heel strikes or slow runs in the Alphafly 3? Nothing bad is going to happen, but that won’t result in optimal performance. Since the Zoom Air bag is firmer than the Zoom X midsole, it’s easy to negative drop when heel striking, thus putting pressure on the Achilles. Despite the carbon plate, the heel-to-toe transition will be choppy, as the foot travels from soft to firm. Otherwise, the heel stability is surprisingly good, and the distance-friendly cushioning is available regardless of the footstrike pattern. The Nike Vaporfly 4 is a more user-friendly and forgiving marathon racer; the Nike Zoom Fly 6 is more so.
The Alphafly has a true-to-size upper with a race-day fit; it fits flush over the foot and breathes well. Prospective Alphafly buyers should be mindful of the potentially misaligned insole that can chafe the arch. And how can you tell if the insole is misaligned? Look inside, and if the insole is warped under the arch (refer to the picture above), then don’t buy that particular pair.
Over the years, the Vaporfly’s evolution has been linear. Nike has avoided making drastic changes to this shoe, so the Vaporfly 4 isn’t all that different from the previous versions. The carbon plate inside the PEBA foam (ZoomX) midsole creates a rocker effect under the forefoot and a snappy feedback under the heel. This now-familiar setup makes the best of both components; the ZoomX midsole absorbs impact forces during a race while the plate minimizes energy loss.
The Vaporfly 4 is an improvement over the Vaporfly 3. The upper fit has improved due to the new mesh and better lockdown. The asymmetrical lacing has been replaced with a conventional tongue placement. There’s more padding in the heel for comfort, and the ventilation is excellent. The ride is more stable due to the midsole ridges, and the thicker outsole grips better during the push-off phase.
We recommend the Vaporfly 4 for 10K races and half-marathons, but it has the performance chops to be a marathon racer.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: A fine-tuned shoe that’s trusted from a mile to a marathon.
- Upper: Perforated mesh, no sleeve.
- Upper fit: Secure, true-to-size fit.
- Midsole: Full-length ZoomX foam with carbon plate. 6 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 190 gms/6.7 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 10/UK 9/EUR 44/CM 27.1
- Stack heights: 35 mm (rear), 29 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed).
- Previous model: Nike Vaporfly 3.
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 10K races, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 300 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and quicker.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Lightweight and springy ride
- Seamless plate-foam integration
- Ventilation
- Secure upper
Cons
- No innovation except for minor updates
- No widths
- Not ideal for heavy runners and overpronators
Forget what you thought you knew about the Streakfly. Now equipped with a full-length carbon plate, Nike takes this shoe in a different direction. The carbon Flyplate makes the updated Streakfly extremely stiff; the foot cannot bend the shoe as it could before. This means that the Streakfly 2 is limited only to fast runs of speeds 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) or faster. At these speeds, the carbon plate effectively transitions the foot towards quick push-offs, helped by the grippy waffle outsole. The ultra-tight upper locks the foot over the midsole for superior bounce and power transfer. This character is ideal for blazing fast 5K paces and runs on synthetic tracks.
What happens during slow runs? Well, the foot tries to bend the carbon plate during take offs, increasing the chances of unnecessary fatigue. Unlike a taller midsole with a plate, the Streakfly has no rocker effect. So instead of simply rolling forward, the foot tries to work the plate. In short – buy this narrow-fitting racer only for short, high-speed runs or races.
If you don’t want to spend Pegasus money on an everyday trainer, consider the Winflo 11. Its EVA midsole and full-length Air insert add plenty of everyday comfort. The Winflo doesn’t use React, but another Nike foam that was used on vintage Vomero models. It’s an EVA blend that Nike calls Cushlon – a midsole material that increases ride comfort. Cushlon is not mushy, so there’s adequate comfort for daily workouts as well as the versatility for higher-paced runs.
The new Pegasus-inspired upper is a step up from the Winflo 10. The midfoot uses speed loops to help achieve a better fit, and the smooth interiors secure the foot without pressure spots. The heel and tongue flap are padded for a comfortable fit. It’s not just the upper that borrows its design from the Peg 41. The new midsole features similar side scoops and a sculpted profile. At the bottom is a protective rubber outsole for multi-surface traction.
The Pegasus Trail has always been a road-trail hybrid, and it’s no different this time. The React midsole adds road-worthy cushioning, and the outsole design isn’t aggressive. The React X foam midsole is comfortable enough for both road and trail use. The redesigned midsole and outsole make the Pegasus Trail 5 firmer than the Pegasus Trail 4.
The upper has a protective toe bumper and reinforced inner midfoot, but the rest of the exterior is soft and comfortable. The outsole also forms the protective toe bumper, and the lacing panel is layered for durability. The Flywire cord system works with the lacing to secure the midfoot. Just know that the Pegasus Trail 5 GTX fits a half-size shorter than the non-GTX model.
There’s a good reason why this shoe is called a trail-road hybrid. It’s not meant for serious trail runs on technical terrain, as the outsole and upper design lack the necessary features. For example, the outsole has shallow lugs with exposed areas and lacks a protective rock plate.
Also, except for the rubber bumper, the toe-box isn’t reinforced with fused overlays – like how the Salmon Speedcross 6 and Nike Wildhorse 8 are designed. So it’s best to limit the Pegasus Trail 5 to gentle grades and dirt/chip trails. A waterproof version is also available, but for a $20 upcharge.
The Wildhorse 10 is Nike’s do-everything trail runner that’s halfway between the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 and Terra Kiger 10. Its forefoot rock shield and more aggressive outsole geometry is capable of higher on-trail performance than the Pegasus Trail 5. But it’s not as serious as the Terra Kiger 10 and its Vibram outsole. In practical terms, the Wildhorse will work on most trails except technical trails that require heightened proprioception.
Everyday trail running is the best use case for the Wildhorse. The ReactX midsole offers the comfort of a road shoe, while features like the rock plate and rubber toe-bumper offer moderate protection on the trail. Though the outsole isn’t Vibram like the Terra Kiger, the All-Terrain-Compound (ATC) offers reliable grip. The soft upper secures the foot in breathable comfort.
How we selected: What to look for
#IMAGE ALPHAFLY 3 ON ROAD
So what exactly makes a particular Nike running shoe comfortable? Is it just ZoomX or React foam? Or is it a combination of Zoom Air and other midsole foams? While a cushioning material like React or ZoomX usually increases ride comfort, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The term ‘ride comfort’ isn’t the same across different categories
#IMAGE VOMERO PLUS
On an easygoing cruiser like the Invincible Run 3, more ZoomX is better. However, this approach is counterproductive on the Vaporfly 3 or ZoomX Streakfly. The Streakfly’s race-day character would be diluted with too much ZoomX, and the Vaporfly’s snappy responsiveness won’t be the same with a bulky midsole.
Lightweight is usually better, but not always
At higher price tiers, a featherlight running shoe is a result of using a superior midsole with an upper to match. In Nike’s context, the Vaporfly 4 is such a product. However, at lower price bands, an ultra-lightweight running shoe is often lacking in structural integrity. A long time ago, Nike even sold a lightweight marathon racer that was aptly named the ‘Mayfly’. It was designed just to last a few training sessions plus a marathon, and then self-destruct.
It’s not just about a spacious upper, but rather how it fits
The interior comfort is a lot more than a spacious upper; it depends on how the upper interacts with the foot. The upper of the Nike Free 5.0 and Pegasus 41 have a snug feel, but the lack of overlays or pressure hot spots creates a comfortable environment.