Our verdict

The Vomero 17 marks a significant upgrade, shedding the Air unit for added ZoomX cushioning and slashing weight, firmly establishing itself as a premium Pegasus in Nike's lineup. We found it to be a steadfast companion that, while not standing out in any one area, consistently delivers in multiple distances and paces. We see potential for improvement in weight and fit, yet the overall durability and top-notch materials make it a solid recommendation especially for Nike enthusiasts.

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  • Outstanding durability
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  • All-day comfort
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nike air yeezy black grey pink color dress Cons

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  • Possible heel slippage

Audience verdict

87
Good!

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We've put the Vomero 17 through its paces and we think it's a great choice for:

  • Pegasus fans ready to level up, as the Vomero 17 offers that premium experience you're craving with even more comfort and style.
  • Runners seeking a dependable, cushioned, and cosy daily trainer who don't mind investing a bit more for quality.
  • Those with fond memories of the Pegasus Turbo's dual-density midsole that can handle a tad more weight, as the Vomero 17's ZoomX top layer will not disappoint.

Nike Vomero 17

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We've thoroughly tested the Vomero 17 and, while it has its strengths, we believe there are better choices for those seeking the ultimate running experience.

The Vomero 17 lacks an exclusive ZoomX midsole, opting instead for a layer of Cushlon EVA-based foam at the bottom. For runners craving that hyper-plush, full ZoomX feel, we do not recommend the Vomero 17. Instead, Nike's Invincible 3, nike air max 1 ridgerock for sale los angeles.

nike vomero 17 7 21215186 main

Furthermore, we think the Vomero 17 might not be the best pick for those accustomed to lighter footwear, especially given the current trend towards crafting taller yet lighter daily trainers.

If you're on the hunt for something lighter, we suggest not opting for the Vomero 17. The nike what the lebron 11 preorder Air Max 90 Vikings ASICS Superblast stands out as a premium-and-pricier option with better energy return.

Breathability

The Vomero line has long stood as Nike's premium workhorse, synonymous with good ventilation. Our eye-catching smoke test confirmed this, revealing that the engineered mesh provides impressive airflow, earning a solid 4/5 rating from us.

This level of ventilation strikes a perfect balance between providing ample protection in colder months and ensuring breathability during warmer seasons.

Delving deeper, our light examination uncovered a very structured upper from the midfoot to the rear—designed with stability in focus—while the forefoot remains notably thinner for improved airflow.

Nike Vomero 17 microscope

Turning to the microscope, a lab favourite, we observed Nike's use of a sophisticated, dual-layer mesh with multiple ventilation holes.

nike vomero 17 ventilation hole 21212217 main

In our hands-on evaluation, we also found Nike's commitment to crafting a comfortable experience above everything else using a dual-layer upper, something that long-distance runners will appreciate. It's engineered mesh, yet so comfy that feels like knit!

Test results
Vomero 17 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 252 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Upon unboxing, one of the first things we noticed was the mesh used by Nike, which felt incredibly soft and gentle to us—a detail that often raises questions about durability.

We fired up the Dremel for its inaugural run with the Vomero 17, but certainly not its last. Our initial test revealed that the toebox held up impressively, securing a better-than-average 3/5 rating.

How did Nike manage this? As mentioned before in the breathability analysis, this Vomero boasts a multi-layered mesh that truly demonstrated its advantages here. While the outer white layer gave way, the inner green fabric resisted like a champion.

nike vomero 17 toebox durability 21212201 main
Test results
Vomero 17 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 186 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
1
Toebox durability
5

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The heel padding is often a concern for runners in search of a reliable daily trainer, as it tends to wear out prematurely in some models, posing a significant issue.

However, this won't be a concern with the Vomero 17. Our tests showed that the heel padding outperformed even the toebox, securing an impressive 4/5 rating.

Nike Vomero 17 nike air span 2 hot coral snake bite
Test results
Vomero 17 4
Average 3.3
Compared to 182 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
1
nike air span 2 hot coral snake bite
5

Outsole hardness

After evaluating the upper and heel, we shifted our focus to the outsole, undoubtedly a critical component for durability in any workhorse.

nike vomero 17 outsole 21212221 main
Bill Bowerman's iconic waffle outsole has been incorporated into the Vomero 17, now enhanced with additional grooves for better flexibility and water drainage.

Using our Shore C durometer, we measured the rubber at 88.5 HC, placing it on the harder end of the spectrum. This was expected in the lab, as the Vomero has always ultra in durability but often fell short in grip. However, it appears the trend is changing slightly, as we noticed improved traction compared to previous versions.

nike vomero 17 outsole hardness 21212209 main
Test results
Vomero 17 88.5 HC
Average 80.1 HC
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Compared to 303 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
52.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

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We were eager to put the concrete-like rubber to the test with the Dremel. So, off we went!

Post-test, it was clear that the Vomero outsole is built like a tank, showing a minimal 0.4 mm indentation. While it may not offer the unmatched grip of a Continental outsole, its durability is phenomenal, and the traction on dry surfaces is really good.

nike vomero 17 outsole durability 21212200 main
Test results
Vomero 17 0.4 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 164 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

If you're still worried about the outsole's durability, here's more good news—the 3.2 mm thickness significantly enhances overall durability.

Nike Vomero 17 outsole

In plain terms, we can't envision any runner wearing down this rubber, even on gravel roads, before the midsole gives out.

nike vomero 17 outsole thickness 21212203 main
Test results
Vomero 17 3.2 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 322 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

The Nike Vomero line has historically catered to runners who prioritise comfort over weight. However, a lighter shoe benefits everyone, and we found that Nike's latest adjustments have brought the Vomero below the 10-oz barrier.

For a Vomero, this achievement is truly remarkable, and we can attest that the shoe feels lighter than any of its predecessors. Indeed, it tips the scales at just 9.9 oz (282g), marking a significant step in the right direction. Yet, there's still room for improvement!

Nike Vomero 17 Weight
Test results
Vomero 17 9.95 oz (282g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 323 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

This Vomero isn't just incredibly light; it's also the most stacked version yet.

Nike Vomero 17

With a 33.9 mm heel and large midsole sidewalls for extra stability, the shoe is better suited for heel strikers than ever before. However, we wouldn't classify it as a max-cushioned shoe by any means. As mentioned earlier, it remains a daily trainer, yet updated to the current trends.

nike vomero 17 heel stack 21215499 main
Test results
Vomero 17 33.9 mm
Average 33.8 mm
Compared to 322 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
7.6 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, we measured 26.2 mm, which differs from the brand's stated figures.

To sum up, following World Athletics' official guidelines, we got measurements of 33.9/26.2 mm, whereas Nike claims the Vomero 17 measures 39/29 mm.

nike vomero 17 forefoot stack 21212231 main
Test results
Vomero 17 26.2 mm
Average 25.2 mm
Compared to 322 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

The actual heel-to-toe drop of the Vomero 17 is 7.7 mm, measured according to World Athletics standards. This marks one of the largest discrepancies we've encountered in a Nike shoe. Take the the Alphafly 3 nike air yeezy black grey pink color dress.

This minor adjustment may slightly favour midfoot and forefoot strikers, but at 7.7 mm, it's very close to the 8 mm drop, widely known as the safe-bet-for-every-footstrike in the world of running.

Nike Vomero 17 Drop
Test results
Vomero 17 7.7 mm
Average 8.7 mm
Compared to 322 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

The insole is of average thickness at 4.4 mm, making it feel similar to many other shoes on the market. It's crafted from a soft foam, adding to the shoe's plush ride.

nike vomero 17 insole thickness 21212229 main
Test results
Vomero 17 4.2 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 318 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The most significant improvement in the Vomero 17 is in the midsole. Nike has finally placed a substantial layer of ZoomX right underfoot, making it exceptionally plush. Our Shore A durometer showed a reading of just 11.9 HA, one of the softest we've ever recorded in the lab.

This means the Vomero 17, which also ditched away from the Air unit, is now more responsive than before, boasting a full-length segment of top-notch, Pebax-based ZoomX foam.

nike vomero 17 midsole softness 21212228 main
Test results
Vomero 17 11.9 HA
Average 21.2 HA
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Compared to 250 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Secondary foam softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Vomero 17 still doesn't offer the full ZoomX experience, likely because Nike reserves that for their pricier model, the Invincible. This is why they've also incorporated a firmer foam at 22.0 HA that's closer to the ground, aiming to enhance stability. And it does.

Nike Vomero 17 dual foam

However, at a £160 price point, we anticipated a more advanced foam in the lower midsole.

Cushlon 3.0 isn't terrible, but it's essentially standard EVA, although better than the previous SR-02. Had Nike utilised a superior secondary compound like ReactX, the Vomero could have offered much better energy return.

Nike Vomero 17 Secondary foam softness
Test results
Vomero 17 22.0 HA
Average 23.7 HA
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Difference in midsole softness in cold

Being made from Pebax, we'd expect ZoomX foam to excel in cold conditions, and our tests confirmed just that. After a 20-minute nap in the freezer, we saw a mere 4.1% difference in softness, showcasing truly impressive resilience.

Nike Vomero 17 Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
Vomero 17 4.1%
Average 25.1%
Compared to 249 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Stability

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Positioned as a high-end Pegasus, we're certainly discussing a neutral running shoe. Yet, it also offers slightly better stability than the standard Peg.

This improvement comes from the dual-midsole setup, complemented by midsole sidewalls in the heel, offering guidance that might be enough for those with minor pronation issues. However, it's not on par with mild-stability shoes like the nike air assault high tops for sale by any means.

In our view, the Vomero 17 is ideal for pure neutral runners or those seeking a touch of guidance while maintaining a neutral gait.

Torsional rigidity

In terms of how stiff the shoe twists and bends, it's pretty average with a score of 3 out of 5, which is what we expect from a versatile shoe. This helps make the ride feel stable for neutral runners.

Test results
Vomero 17 3
Average 3.3
Compared to 301 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
1
Torsional rigidity
5

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The heel counter also aims for moderate stiffness at 3/5.

We found it comfortable and not bothersome, though we noticed a bit of heel slippage. We quickly fixed this by stopping and tying a runner's knot.

Test results
Vomero 17 3
Average 2.8
Compared to 285 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
1
nike dunk hi skinny yellow pill
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

Adding to the stable ride is the midsole width, which is a bit wider than we expected for a daily running shoe. We measured it at 115.2 mm with our callipers.

nike vomero 17 midsole width in the forefoot 21215590 main
Test results
Vomero 17 115.2 mm
Average 113.8 mm
Compared to 323 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
100.5 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.5 mm

Midsole width in the heel

The heel, at 92.5 mm, is about average or maybe a bit wide. We think it can be described either way. Anyway, we found it provides enough support for neutral runners who are heel strikers.

Nike Vomero 17 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Vomero 17 92.5 mm
Average 90.5 mm
Compared to 323 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
74.9 mm
Midsole width in the heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Being a versatile shoe means the shoe must excel at various activities—not just running, but also serving well for gym workouts, dog walking, or even an all-day city exploration.

For these uses, having a bit of longitudinal flexibility is crucial, unlike the stiffer design often preferred in competition shoes. This flexibility can also help strengthen foot muscles, potentially enhancing performance later on.

nike vomero 17 5 21215182 main

The great news is that the Vomero 17, with its plush midsole and strategically placed outsole cutouts, requires only 18.7N to bend to the desired degree. That's impressively low and adds to the shoe's versatility!

Test results
Vomero 17 18.7N
Average 28.9N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 305 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Difference in stiffness in cold

We did the 20-minute freezer test again to see how stiff the shoe gets in really cold weather.

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Test results
Vomero 17 10.2%
Average 35.2%
Compared to 305 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
148%

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

Nike has long been known for making snug-fitting uppers, but the trend is shifting in recent models, and that deserves our applause.

Nike Vomero 17 toebox

The Vomero 17 is further evidence of this change, boasting 99.2 mm in the widest part of the toebox. That's definitely on the spacious side!

nike vomero 17 toebox width at the widest part 21212235 main
Test results
Vomero 17 99.2 mm
Average 98.4 mm
Compared to 323 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
89.5 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
109.1 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

We took a second measurement to gauge the toebox's taper, and discovered it remains comfortably spacious for most feet at 78.3 mm.

We found the toebox has decent vertical space, but it's nothing out of the ordinary.

This additional measurement is crucial for us, setting our testing apart from the norm. Simply measuring the toebox's widest point only reveals a fraction of the story...

Nike Vomero 17 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Vomero 17 78.3 mm
Average 78.3 mm
Compared to 197 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
60.4 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
92.5 mm

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The tongue stays perfectly in place, not shifting side to side, no matter the pace, since it's fully gusseted to the sides.

This is precisely the high-quality feature we anticipate in a premium-priced shoe, so kudos to Nike for getting it right this time.

nike vomero 17 tongue gusset type 21212233 main
Test results
Vomero 17 Both sides (full)

Comfort

Tongue padding

The tongue is another area where Nike trimmed some weight off the Vomero. Now it sports a 4.9 mm cushion, which is pretty decent and we found it comfortable enough for long runs.

Nike Vomero 17 tongue

Nevertheless, if you're all about super-padded tongues, this might not be your best pick. Maybe give the Brooks Ghost Max a look instead—it's got a 8.5-mm tongue.

nike vomero 17 tongue padding 21212234 main
Test results
Vomero 17 4.9 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 320 running shoes
nike dunk low gs green speed blue bike
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

The Vomero 17 doesn't feature a heel tab, but Nike threw in a tiny piece with the logo. However, you can't use it as a pull tab, even if you've got super-small fingers.

Nike Vomero 17 Heel tab
Test results
Vomero 17 None

Removable insole

The insole is removable and has a standard shape, meaning you can easily swap it out for third-party orthotics or better insoles from other shoes.

nike vomero 17 removable insole 21212212 main
Test results
Vomero 17 Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

When a brand asks us to pay a premium for a daily trainer, we expect top-tier features. Thankfully, the Vomero 17 delivers, boasting reflective elements for enhanced safety.

These reflective dots felt familiar to us in the lab—they are the same Nike utilised in the forefoot of the trail-racing Nike Ultrafly!

Test results
Vomero 17 Yes