How runners paved the way for the Nike Vomero 18

What to know:

• Female runners played an integral role in creating the Nike Vomero 18.
• The design team used a women's sample size to model the ideal fit and feel.
• The shoe's high-stack design came about as a result of female runners' emphasis on cushioning and comfort.
• Both male and female athletes have praised the Vomero 18 for its comfort and versatility.

Nike's Vomero 18 is not only the latest in an esteemed line of running shoes but is also a testament to the feedback process.

When Nike set out to create the Vomero 18, they leaned into the insights from female runners. "We hear from women a lot that they're prioritising cushioning and comfort", said Ashley Campbell, Nike product line manager.

With female athletes as the guiding star, Nike placed the onus on maximum cushioning and comfort.

Since its launch, the Vomero 17 had received praise for its enhanced comfort and impact protection. So the question remained—how do you build off such a highly regarded running shoe? For the Vomero 18, the innovation team developed a winning formula—cushioning, width and rocker geometry.

Better cushioning comes from a higher stack height of 36mm in the forefoot and 46mm in the heel. The lightweight ZoomX foam teams up with the responsive ReactX foam underfoot to produce a special experience for runners.

While comfort is at the forefront of the Vomero 18, stability is also a critical feature. The Nike team leaned into this concept, integrating a generous width into the design to achieve stability and reduce the potential to feel wobbly.

With the onus on cushioning, rocker geometry and stability, the team began constructing the first prototype using a women's sample size.

"We really obsessed over the fit and feel for women", Campbell said.

One of the critical validation phases for the shoe occurred at Blue Ribbon Sports in Los Angeles, where male and female runners offered their feedback. While there, runners completed approximately two miles in both the Vomero 17 and the Vomero 18. The majority of the athletes preferred the Vomero 18.

Part of the testing process in LA focused on the design. "We wanted to make sure we offered a range of colours that could appeal to everyone and give women the choices they're looking for", Campbell noted.

In February 2025, Nike officially launched the Vomero 18 to much buzz, particularly around the cushioning innovation.

"As a creative, being able to say that in the smallest way you have an effect on people's lives is pretty cool", said Kevin Reyes, who led the design team. Growing up, he loved both sport and the arts, and footwear design allowed him to merge these passions. Spotting the bold colours on the feet of other athletes is an unbeatable feeling.