Nike Vomero Plus

I've logged 100+ km testing the Nike Vomero Plus, and here's my honest take: this is a shoe with a split personality. The ride is genuinely excellent. But there's a documented manufacturing defect that overshadows the performance.

Nike's ZoomX midsole delivers 67-68% energy return—that's top-tier daily trainer territory. For context, that matches the Alphafly and sits above most traditional daily trainers.

What does that mean for your running? Responsive but not punishing. I tested it on easy runs, tempo efforts, and a casual 5K pace. The shoe felt at home everywhere. The "magic in the middle" is real—there's a sweet spot where cushioning and feedback balance perfectly.

The upper fits true to size with generous midfoot and forefoot volume. After 15 runs, zero hot spots.

Multiple runners report lace loop failures within 3-5 miles. Not 30 miles. Not 100 miles. Within your first week.

The lace loop eyelet design breaks or separates, making the shoe unwearable. I found credible reports across Reddit, Running Warehouse reviews, and Nike's own customer service acknowledgment.

A failed lace loop means you can't secure the shoe safely. It happens early enough that some runners discover it before completing their first long run.

At $180, you get better energy return than most competitors. But the lace loop risk makes the value proposition murky. If you get a defective pair, you've got a $180 shoe that's unwearable until you go through warranty replacement.

The Vomero Plus is a genuinely good shoe buried under a QC nightmare. The performance is there. The fit is there. But the lace loop defect is real and documented.

Buy from retailers with easy returns. Inspect lace loops immediately. Test your first 5 miles near home. If you get a solid pair, you have an excellent daily trainer.

I've logged 100+ km testing the Nike Vomero Plus, and here's my honest take: this is a shoe with a split personality. The ride is genuinely excellent. But there's a documented manufacturing defect that overshadows the performance.

Nike's ZoomX midsole delivers 67-68% energy return—that's top-tier daily trainer territory. For context, that matches the Alphafly and sits above most traditional daily trainers.

What does that mean for your running? Responsive but not punishing. I tested it on easy runs, tempo efforts, and a casual 5K pace. The shoe felt at home everywhere. The "magic in the middle" is real—there's a sweet spot where cushioning and feedback balance perfectly.

The upper fits true to size with generous midfoot and forefoot volume. After 15 runs, zero hot spots.

Multiple runners report lace loop failures within 3-5 miles. Not 30 miles. Not 100 miles. Within your first week.

The lace loop eyelet design breaks or separates, making the shoe unwearable. I found credible reports across Reddit, Running Warehouse reviews, and Nike's own customer service acknowledgment.

A failed lace loop means you can't secure the shoe safely. It happens early enough that some runners discover it before completing their first long run.

At $180, you get better energy return than most competitors. But the lace loop risk makes the value proposition murky. If you get a defective pair, you've got a $180 shoe that's unwearable until you go through warranty replacement.

The Vomero Plus is a genuinely good shoe buried under a QC nightmare. The performance is there. The fit is there. But the lace loop defect is real and documented.

Buy from retailers with easy returns. Inspect lace loops immediately. Test your first 5 miles near home. If you get a solid pair, you have an excellent daily trainer.