Nike's New Vomero Premium: Is This Max Cushion Shoe Actually Worth $230?

Nike has dropped a new shoe that's pushing the boundaries, with a massive 55.5mm stack height. This new Vomero Premium is certainly an outlier in Nike's lineup, and we've been testing it to see if all that cushioning actually means more comfort.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The box itself is pretty standard Nike – orange and white with the iconic swoosh. But what's inside is anything but ordinary. The Nike Vomero Premium is here, and it's the most extreme shoe Nike has released, one I honestly didn't think they'd make. Nike arguably kicked off the whole 'illegal' running shoe trend with their Alphaflys, which led to new regulations, including a 40mm stack height limit. These Vomero Premiums don't just nudge that limit; they shatter it at a staggering 55.5mm. That's one of the thickest shoes you can find. Nike even added a note on the back saying it's 'not approved by World Athletics,' likely to prevent people from getting banned from races.

My main question is: does more cushioning equal better comfort? Are these the most comfortable shoes available? And how do they compare to other comfy Nike shoes?

Tech Specs and Release Details

These shoes are set to drop on October 2nd and are already listed on the Nike app. The launch colourway, a sail with orange accents, looks incredible. The retail price is a hefty $230, making them pricier than the already expensive Nike Pegasus Premium. They're also a bit heavier than the Pegasus Premium.

• Model: Nike Vomero Premium
• Release Date: October 2nd, 2025
• Colourway: Sail / Orange
• Price: $230
• Fit: True to size (similar to the Vomero line)

Blind Comfort Test

To see how they really stack up, we did a blind comfort test with Dylan, who hadn't seen the shoes before. He compared them to the Nike Pegasus Premium and the Vomero Plus.

Key Takeaways from the Blind Test:

• The Vomero Premium was immediately noticeable as being much softer and bouncier.
• When comparing all three shoes, the Vomero Premium was consistently rated as the most comfortable.
• Dylan described the feeling as "crazy thick" and "unlike anything I've ever felt before."

After the test, seeing the shoes, Dylan was surprised, expecting something more extreme-looking, like shoes with "crazy contraptions on the bottom." He noted the "noticeable bump" from the air units.

Cushioning and Stability Deep Dive

So, does more cushioning mean better comfort? For these shoes, I think it does. In terms of pure, unadulterated comfort, they are an outlier. They're incredibly soft, making the Vomero Plus and Pegasus Premium feel firm in comparison. Even when tested against shoes from other brands like New Balance and Brooks, the Vomero Premium stood out.

The midsole uses full-length ZoomX foam, and this version feels like the softest ZoomX I've ever experienced. They also feature two large orange Air Zoom units. These units are pockets of air that provide responsiveness and bounce. Combined with the soft ZoomX, it creates a unique feeling. While not as bouncy as the Pegasus Premium, that's not the goal here; it's all about maximum, ultra-squishy cushioning.

Surprisingly, despite their height, they are quite stable. I tried to roll my ankle, and they felt much more stable than expected for a shoe this tall. While you wouldn't buy them for stability, Nike did a good job engineering them so they don't feel overly wobbly, especially compared to other max cushion shoes.

Use Cases: Running, Casual Wear, and Gym

Running: These shoes are great for low-impact runs, recovery runs, or just casual jogging. They're heavier, but that's the point – they're not designed for speed.

Casual Wear: Surprisingly, they can work for casual wear, especially for people who do a lot of walking, commute, or stand for long periods. However, if you prefer something slimmer and firmer for everyday wear, the Vomero Plus or Vomero 18 might be better choices. But if you love max cushion, these could be for you.

Gym Use: While not explicitly tested for gym use in the video, their cushioning might be too soft and unstable for serious weightlifting or agility work.

The Verdict: Are They Worth It?

The standout feature is definitely the midsole, and that's where most of the $230 price tag goes. The upper is similar to the Vomero Plus, using a dual fabric mesh with identical tongues and padding. The premium version has a cool, subtle "air" text fused into the design.

The look is certainly a wow factor – they are very chunky and will stand out, especially with shorts. However, with the popularity of shoes like Hoka and New Balance's thick-soled models, they're not as polarizing as they might have been a few years ago. It really comes down to whether you like the style.

The biggest hurdle is the $230 price. It's a lot of money. But the experience of putting them on and feeling that incredible softness is undeniable. If you're looking for the softest, most cushioned shoe out there, the Vomero Premium might just be it.