Nike Vomero 17 Review: A Legacy Reinvented

Hello everyone.

Today we will take a look at new Nike Vomero 17. As I am currently running a lot, I need durable and comfortable shoes for everyday runs. Pegasus 40 are doing just fine, but I really would love to have something to rotate my Pegasus. I was so exited when Nike introduced new Vomero. But are they keeper or not you will find out at the end of this review.

Historical Context

• Series Evolution: The first Nike Vomero running shoe, the Nike Zoom Vomero+, debuted in 2006. Known for its EVA footbed, snug heel counter, and full-length Zoom Air unit, the series has evolved, incorporating new technologies and design improvements.
• Inconsistent Past: With drastic changes between models, the Vomero line faced mixed feedback and uncertainty about its future.

Technical Specifications

• Weight: Men’s size 10: 10.5 oz (300.2 g); Women’s size 8: 8.5 oz (243.3 g).
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm.
• Stack Height: Heel height of 39 mm and toe height of 29 mm, close to the World Athletics stack height limit, offering a stable ride.
• Midsole Changes: Removal of the forefoot Zoom Air unit, replaced by stacked ZoomX foam, leading to a softer and more responsive ride.

Upper Design

• Material: Engineered mesh, balancing durability and breathability. What I really like, that mesh is really breathable and your feet are not getting hot, but also it stays clean. For example, my Pegasus became dirty between mesh layers after just one run on the ground, but Vomero are clean after month of running on the same ground.
• Fit: Secure and snug, adapting to the foot’s shape, reducing in-shoe slippage. True to size.
• Comfort Features: Plush insole, soft collar, padded tongue, and stretchy laces for a comfortable and adjustable fit.

Midsole Technologies

• ZoomX Foam: Provides energy return and a soft, cushioned feel, lightweight and responsive.
• Cushlon 3.0 Foam: A reworked version of Nike’s standard EVA foam, offering stability and durability.

Comparison: Vomero 17 vs. Vomero 16

• Midsole: Vomero 17 features a dual midsole with Cushlon 3.0 and ZoomX, offering a softer ride. In contrast, the Vomero 16 includes Nike’s React foam and a Zoom Air unit for a firmer, more responsive experience.
• Upper: Vomero 17 has less padding than the Vomero 16, making it more suitable for warmer climates.
• Outsole: The Vomero 17’s outsole includes some exposed midsole foam, possibly affecting durability.

Personal Experience

Fit and Feel

• Initial Impressions: I distinctly remember running in this model before, but it was a very long time ago. I couldn’t recall why I hadn’t paid attention to it in recent years, but the 17th edition drew my attention.

Experience after 500 Kilometers:

• Positive Aspects:
  • Stability and Width: They are adequately stable and wide.
  • Lightweight: The shoes are light, enhancing the running experience.
  • Breathability: Despite the dense upper, they do not feel overly warm.
  • Upper Mesh Design: The design of the upper mesh prevents dirt and dust from getting trapped, keeping the shoes cleaner for a longer duration.
  • Overall Feel: They provide a more plush and soft feel compared to the Pegasus series. However, they are more stable and versatile, suitable for running at different paces, unlike the Invincible or Infinity models.
• Negative Aspects:
• Slippery Laces: The laces tend to come undone easily, even when double-knotted, which is annoying and creates a strange feeling in the area where the laces are tied. It feels like the foot is not securely fastened in the shoe, which I personally dislike (I love slipping my foot into a shoe without untying it). This could potentially be a source of injury, as any malfunction in a running shoe often requires compensation from our feet.
• Noise Level: Surprisingly, these shoes are very noisy. Typically, I can run quietly without startling people, but in the Vomero 17, I found that I made a lot of noise, as if not only I but also a group of gnomes in wooden shoes were running behind me. This was a concern for others as well, who felt like someone was pounding the ground while running in this footwear. This noise occurs everywhere, not just on concrete, but also on asphalt. Is it the foam construction? The absence of Zoom Air units that could be causing this noise?
• Trail Performance: An interesting point that I hadn’t encountered in other shoes. As you know, I often say that the Pegasus is the best shoe in the world because if you need one pair of shoes for all occasions, choose the Pegasus; they are suitable for trails, roads, and last a long time, though they definitely get very dirty. However, when I spontaneously ran on a trail in my Vomero, I found myself uncomfortable, my feet felt unstable, and I couldn’t understand what was happening. It turned out that the Vomero is not at all capable of handling the trail, or at least I couldn’t run in them on the trail. They were very unstable and uncomfortable, and I couldn’t control my movements well.

Conclusion

Even though I like feeling when I am running in these shoes I decided sent them back. The main reason what area where you knot your laces is weird and feel like there is a lot of materials on the shoes and you just can not secure you foot as it supposed to be. I know this is not a big issue but in my experience this kind of things can create road to the really bad injuries. I decided not take a risk and for now just bought new pair of Pegasus 40.