In previous versions, the Nike Vomero was a plush, soft shoe for long, slow runs. This year's Vomero 18 carries on the tradition with a really comfortable, plush ride.
The Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature has React foam in its midsole but has an additional layer of Zoom X foam on top of the React foam. A high cushioning-to-weight ratio makes the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature a very versatile trainer. The Pegasus Turbo Next Nature is lighter but which of these shoes is for you?
The Vomero has a ZoomX top layer in its midsole, combined with a firmer bottom later of ReactX. The ZoomX provides energy return and a plush step in feel which the ReactX provides a stable platform which is more durable.
The Pegasus Turbo Next Nature’s combination of Zoom X and React foam gives the shoe a sophisticated ride character. The Zoom X on top is highly responsive and soft while the React foam on the bottom provides a supportive base and prevents the midsole from bottoming out.
The Vomero is best suited to long-distance, and easy runs because you get a high level of cushioning. The ride of the Vomero has a plush ride suited to runs above 5 minutes per kilometre. The light weight and highly responsive midsole of the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature makes it suitable for tempo runs. It also possesses enough soft cushioning for distances above 20km.
Stability of the Vomero is excellent due to the firm midsole with no lean bias and the sides of the rearfoot midsole which rise up around the foot to create a cupping effect. Stability of the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature is hindered by its soft midsole and its lack of midfoot rigidity (it flexes in the middle of the shoe).
The outsole of the Vomero consists of lots of hard carbon rubber which will last hundreds of kilometres. Most of its outsole is covered in this thick, durable rubber which makes it one of the most durable outsoles on the market.
The Pegasus Turbo Next Nature’s outsole has exposed midsole foam on the midfoot and carbon rubber on the forefoot, rearfoot and around the perimeter of the outsole. The exposed React foam in the middle will show the most wear.
Outsole durability is better on the Vomero but the Pegasus Turbo has the more durable midsole as ZoomX and React foam do not lose much cushioning over the life of the shoe.
The Vomero has a mesh upper which isn’t very breathable. It fits true to size and has a roomy toe box. A racing-inspired, thin, flat tongue was introduced on the first version of the Vomero 14 but the Vomero now has a wide, generously padded tongue. The heel of the Vomero is plush and filled with generous amounts of foam. There is no heel slippage and additional last row eyelets are provided for heel lock lacing.
The Pegasus Turbo Next Nature has a stretchy Flyknit upper which is think. The Pegasus Turbo Next Nature has a spacious forefoot and toe box but it has a loose-fitting heel which feels like your heel could slip out. The Pegasus Turbo Next Nature fits true to size and it only comes in a regular width.
If you’re a runner looking for a neutral trainer suited to long-distance, easy runs the Vomero is for you. The Vomero has a comfortable upper and a durable midsole and outsole. Stability is great with the Vomero and the ZoomX provides a springy sensation.
If you’re a runner looking for a lightweight trainer that can go short and fast, or long and slow, the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature is the shoe for you. The Pegasus Turbo Next Nature has smooth ride transitions and an ultra responsive midsole thanks to its ZoomX/React setup. The upper of the Pegasus Turbo Next Nature isn’t as comfortable or padded as the Vomero but it has a great balance of soft cushioning and bouncy responsiveness.
