The updated Vomero 18 has a brand new midsole with a ZoomX and ReactX. The Vomero has always been a plush, max-cushioned shoe for long distances and the Vomero 18 continues this trend.
The InfinityRN has a ReactX midsole but it's a softer React foam than on any other Nike shoe. Which of these shoes is for you?
The Vomero has a plus ride with the ZoomX top layer creating a really soft step in feel. The bottom layer of ReactX provides stability and durability. Most of the cushioning is concentrated in the heel.
The InfinityRN is suitable for rearfoot and midfoot/forefoot strikers. The ReactX used in the InfinityRN is been modified to be softer and more squishy. The InfinityRN has a soft forefoot and rearfoot which falls into the max-cushioned category.
The Vomero’s more energetic ZoomX midsole makes it best suited to faster runs and long runs above 20km. The InfinityRN is on the other side of the spectrum. Its soft forefoot and rearfoot are best suited to short runs at slow paces above 5 minutes per kilometre. The ReactX midsole of the InfinityRN stays soft and comfortable for the duration of the run without becoming mushy.
Stability in the Vomero is excellent. It has a supportive midsole with no lean bias and it has raised midsole edges that come up around the rearfoot to help keep the foot centred through the gate cycle. Even though the InfinityRN is classified as a light stability shoe, stability is only average in the InfinityRN due to its soft midsole.
The outsole of the Vomero has generous amounts of hard-wearing rubber. The rubber used in this version adds to the firm ride of the Vomero. This outsole setup is one of the most durable outsole setups on any running shoe and capable of over 1000 km’s of running.
The outsole of the InfinityRN uses a softer type of rubber than the one used on the Vomero. The entire forefoot is covered with rubber and most of the midfoot/rearfoot. There are wide grooves on the midfoot and forefoot to help with flexibility and to save weight. The sides of the midfoot are not covered with rubber so they tend to scrape the ground.
The Vomero has a double-layer engineered mesh upper which runs warm. The upper has a comfortable fit and a heel counter which is filled with plush foam. The heel counter has an internal heel counter which holds the heel in place to prevent heel slippage. The tongue of the Vomero is wide and generously padded and no tongue slide occurs because it’s attached to an inner sleeve. The Vomero fits true to size and available in a wide version too.
The InfinityRN has a smooth-feeling Flyknit knitted upper. It has a snug fit with a just-right toe box. There are last row double-eyelets to do heel-lock lacing for a more secure fit. The InfinityRN fits true to size and isn’t available in optional widths.
If you’re a runner looking for a neutral trainer for faster paces, the Vomero is for you. The Vomero has a comfortable upper with a secure lockdown and a durable ReactX midsole with ZoomX for extra spring. The Vomero has excellent stability and a tough outsole. The Vomero has a midsole setup which suits rearfoot strikers.
If you’re a runner looking for a max-cushioned trainer for long distances at slow paces, the InfinityRN is the shoe for you. The InfinityRN has a breathable upper and a super soft ReactX midsole which doesn’t become mushy. The InfinityRN is not as stable as the Vomero and has an outsole that isn’t as durable as the Vomero. The InfinityRN is suitable for rearfoot and forefoot strikers and can handle marathon distances and beyond with ease. The Vomero is the same price as the the InfinityRN and is also lighter.
