The Nike Vomero 16 is the 16th version of the popular Vomero. It’s one of the few shoes from Nike (minus the Pegasus) that has stayed around. Like many Nike shoes, this year only features an upper change, and most of the update is with the padded tongue. I guess if you dislike change, you’ll be happy to know there isn’t much change in the Nike Vomero 16.
Nike Vomero 16 Quick Facts:
Weight: 10.9 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm
Price: $150
Nike Vomero 16 Intro:
When I think of the Nike Vomero 16, I think of a soft and luxurious ride. The difference between the Nike Pegasus and the Nike Vomero is there is more cushion in the Vomero. The Vomero is more expensive, more durable, and has more cushion. The Pegasus is lighter and faster. With the addition of the Nike Invincible, the Vomero now becomes a versatile trainer instead of the high cushion, a super soft trainer from Nike.
When I first looked at the Nike Vomero 16, I thought: wow, this almost looks identical to the Vomero 15. And really…it is.
The Vomero 16 is a minor update. It has the same midsole and outsole as the Vomero 15, but it has a new upper. The new upper looks very similar to the previous version, and you need to examine it very closely to notice the differences.
Nike Vomero 16 Fit:
All (yes, really all) of the update of the Vomero 16 is done in the upper. Have I said that enough? When you first look at the Nike Vomero 16, you might not think there are “a lot” of changes from the 15 to the 16. There really isn’t, but the changes are substantial enough to affect the fit.
The Nike Vomero 16 no longer has a flat tongue, and it’s been updated to a more plush shoe. It makes the Vomero overall more comfortable. I’ve had issues with a few tongues ripping through my ankle and cutting it up, but thankfully the updated Nike Vomero 16 tongue is more plush. It does cause the Vomero 16 to be about .7 of an ounce heavier.
The second update is there are no longer thin midfoot straps to lock down your midfoot. The Vomero 16 now uses “panels.” What does this mean? The panels are distributed more evenly and also make the upper overall more comfortable.
The Vomero 15 fit slightly long. Not long enough to go down half a size but long enough that it felt off. The Nike Vomero 16 fits true to size. Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and the 10.5 fits well.
Nike Vomero 16 Ride:
The Nike Vomero 16 features ZoomX, which provides more energy return than the Nike React Foam. This means the Vomero 16 feels better and less soft on faster runs. For a while, it felt like the Vomero was only best for easy runs, but these days it’s progressed to being more versatile (or so Nike says).
The Nike Vomero 15 and 16 have the exact same sole, so the ride of the shoe will remain unchanged. If you liked the Nike Vomero 15, there shouldn’t be a reason you don’t like the 16. It’s soft in the heel but more firm in the forefoot. You can see the large Zoom “Air Bag,” which provides an energy pop during toe-offs.
Durability and Traction: The Vomero 16 has a lot of traction, and you don’t have to worry about sliding around. I’ve used the Vomero on trails and in inclement weather with no issues of it sliding around. I don’t have to worry on sandy trails, and the shoe drains fairly well in poor weather. I’ve put just over 100 miles on it, and I don’t expect it to wear out below 400. One reason for its durability is there is no exposed rubber. Nike claims they developed this rubber in-house.
Throughout the years, I’ve used the Vomero in various situations. It’s never really been my “fast run shoe,” but it’s been my versatile shoe, my easy run shoe, and just an average shoe. This year, it’s a great option to bring when I don’t know what kind of run I’ll do. It’s fairly easy to pick up the pace but can also handle easy runs. It’s actually one of my more favorite versatile shoes out there this year.
Nike Vomero 16 Conclusion:
While the updates in the Nike Vomero 16 aren’t drastic, they are enough to feel a difference in the fit. If you like the ride of the Vomero 15, you’ll appreciate it stays the same in the Vomero 16. If you are looking for a more versatile trainer, the Vomero 16 is a great option. In all, it’s stayed a good shoe in the Nike lineup. Similar options to the Nike Vomero 16 include the Hoka Mach 4 and the New Balance Rebel. The Nike Pegasus has less cushion, whereas the Nike Invincible has more cushion.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Saucony Triumph 19, Nike Vomero 16
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL:PDX, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Nike Vomero 16?
What is your favorite versatile shoe?