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Nike is introducing the completely revamped Vomero 18 — and with it a new set of boundaries to define the intent of its running lineup.
The Nike Vomero 18 will replace the Invincible franchise as the maximum-cushioned shoe in the Swoosh’s road running slate. Sitting with 46mm of stack height, the highest ever in the Vomero franchise and 6mm taller than its direct predecessor, the 18th iteration of the sneaker features a midsole with ZoomX running full-length and ReactX targeted at the heel and forefoot. A soft and stretchy engineered mesh upper focuses breathability proud the toe and tongue, and the outsole is made of a durable rubber with rocker geometry to smooth the transition from heel to toe.
As is becoming more common in performance footwear, demonstrated just yesterday with Adidas’ announcement of the Supernova Rise 2, the Vomero 18 was designed with women’s insights and preferences in mind. The Vomero 18 will also be available in kids’ sizing, which will mark the first time ReactX foam has ever been made available to younger runners.
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“We heard from runners that when they think of maximum cushioning, they envision a soft, plush experience that alleviates feeling the impact of the ground underfoot. We obsessed the details to give the running community that sensation with best-in-class design and technology,” Ashley Campbell, Nike Running Footwear product line manager, said in a press release. “That ethos is apparent throughout the Vomero 18, a shoe purpose-built to give every runner — from the everyday to the elite — the ultra-comfortable ride that is both supportive and easy on the body, and equips runners to achieve their goals.”
Along with the Vomero 18, Nike is introducing more simplified lines for its road running franchises. The Pegasus line will denote responsive cushioning, the Structure supporting cushioning and the Vomero maximum cushioning. The goal is to make selecting a sneaker from Nike’s offering more intuitive, and each franchise will feature a flagship Icon shoe, as well as Premium and Plus versions
“We know runners just want a shoe that feels right for their daily runs. They don’t want to overthink it,” Marian Dougherty, Running Footwear Product senior director, said. “That’s why we have streamlined our offerings and created clear distinction between them so runners can easily find what they need. It’s all about finding that sweet spot so runners can just lace up and hit the road.”
Vomero sneakers will be better for beginners and recovery runs, while the Pegasus is tailored more to speed.
Nike has also announced new Swift and Stride running apparel lines, with the former targeted functionality in running and lifestyle and the latter more overtly to performance.
The Nike Vomero 18 will will release February 27 through Nike’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing has not yet been announced, but the Invincible 3 retails for $180 and the Vomero 17 $160.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
