With the 7th version, Nike introduced major changes to the Vomero.

This time around, Nike kept the Vomero virtually unchanged.

So, the good news is: if you were a fan of the 7, then you will love the 8. But the bad news is: if the 7 didn’t go over well with you, then you will not like the 8.

Nike Zoom Vomero+ 8 First Impressions

Out of the box, the Vomero 8 features loud neon colors. But once I looked past the colors, I quickly realized that the shoe was basically unchanged.

Like its predecessor, the Vomero 8 has a fairly flexible forefoot, is somewhat rigid side to side due to its thick midsole (stack heights are 30mm in the heel and 18mm in the forefoot), and has a fairly rigid heel counter.

Nike Zoom Vomero+ 8 Sole Unit

Nike appears to have carried over the sole unit from the 7. So expect the 8 to feel the same underfoot. For those who are not familiar with Vomero, the word that comes to my mind is: BIG.

It is a big shoe that offers big-time cushion with its big sole unit. When I put on the Vomero 8, I feel extra tall, as if I am wearing platform shoes. This, for me, makes the Vomero feel rather unstable.

However, if you are someone who does not pronate very much (underpronates) or not at all (supinates), this combination of big cushion and lack of medial stability might be perfect.

Because of all the cushion underfoot, the Vomero 8 offers zero road feel. And the overall ride of the shoe is somewhat boxy or clunky. I feel well protected from impact, but I also feel like I am plodding along.

Again, for someone who is looking for impact-protection on long runs, recovery days, or everyday training, the Vomero 8 is certainly worth a look.

Nike Zoom Vomero+ 8 Upper

The few changes that were made to the 8 are in the upper. There are less overlays, and the external heel counter on the 7 has been replaced for some reflective material. The 8 does not feel any lighter than previous versions, but they do feel slightly more breathable.

Some changes were made to the Dynamic Fit lacing system, but these seem to be strictly cosmetic. Overall, the upper felt slightly baggy and unstructured, which again added to that boxy or clunky ride-feel.

Nike Zoom Vomero+ 8 Opinion

As always, shoe selection is highly personal, and the best shoe is the right shoe for the right runner. The Vomero is a good example. For someone looking for the most impact-protection a running shoe has to offer, the Vomero 8 will be an excellent fit.

But for someone who wants more performance from their shoe for racing or simply for preference, then the Vomero will feel clunky. However, in my opinion, the Vomero 7 was not the perfect shoe, and so, I felt that Nike wasted an opportunity with the 8 by basically reproducing the 7.

So, for me, the Vomero is still not versatile enough to recommend it to a runner looking for one shoe to do everything from everyday training to races.

For that, I’d suggest the Nike Pegasus, which, in my view, is a more versatile shoe for $30 less.

We thank the nice people at Holabird Sports for sending us a pair of Zoom Vomero+ 8 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.