Ben Parkes's Nike Vomero Plus Review

Nike · Footwear · Reviewed by Ben Parkes · Published 2026-02-01

Rating 4/5Source quality 100/100Evidence 15Claims 10Q&A 7Pros 5Cons 3FootwearIndependent creator

Based on a review by Ben Parkes (accessed 2026-02-01).

This page converts Ben Parkes's review of the Nike Nike Vomero Plus into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Product Evidence hub pending. This is currently the only analysed source for this product. A full evidence hub becomes available once a second qualifying source is processed.

Source verdict

The reviewer concludes that heavier runners need shoes with a balance of soft comfort and firm support, excellent durability, and often wider fit options. While the ASICS Superblast v2 is highly praised for its versatility and durability across various runs, specific recommendations are given for daily, recovery, and even faster-paced options, emphasizing the importance of stability and avoiding overly soft or minimal designs.

About this source

This review analyzes the best running shoes for heavier runners, focusing on key attributes like cushioning, support, durability, and fit. The reviewer discusses daily trainers, max-cushion recovery shoes, and race-day options, providing detailed insights on several specific models.

Review notes

The Nike Vomero Plus is a highly versatile daily trainer, excelling across various paces and distances for heavier runners. Its full-length ZoomX foam midsole provides a comfortable yet supportive ride, preventing bottoming out during runs. The durable waffle sole on the bottom ensures longevity and good grip, though the high stack height requires caution on corners. If you need a single shoe for easy runs, speed sessions, and long runs, this offers good value and comfort. If you frequently navigate sharp turns or require multiple width options, you might want to consider alternatives.

What the reviewer liked

  • Really good all-round versatile shoe for various paces and distances
  • Surprisingly comfortable with good width and volume in the toe box
  • Good value for money at its price point
  • Durable waffle sole with good grip
  • Accommodates larger feet up to UK size 14

What the reviewer criticised

  • Requires caution when cornering due to soft foam and high stack height
  • Only available in one width size
  • A relatively big and chunky shoe

Structured claims

Shoes for heavier runners require adequate cushioning that provides both comfort and firm support, robust durability to prevent premature wear, good stability to manage higher stack heights, and often wider fit options.

reviewer_claimstrong

The Nike Vomero Plus is a versatile daily trainer, well-suited for various paces, offers surprising comfort, good width for larger feet, and promises good durability and grip from its waffle sole.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The Puma MagMax v2 is a lightweight shoe for its substantial volume and support, highly versatile for all paces and distances, and features amazing and durable grip, though it lacks multiple width options.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The Saucony Triumph v23 provides a firmer yet responsive foam with good energy return, making it suitable for faster sessions, and offers better stability in corners compared to max-stack alternatives like Nike and Puma.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The ASICS Superblast v2 is lauded for its supreme versatility, handling speed, easy, and long runs with comfort and stability. It is also exceptionally durable, often lasting up to 1000km per pair.

reviewer_claimstrong

The New Balance More v6 offers abundant soft cushioning without bottoming out, combined with good stability from its wide base, making it extremely comfortable for recovery runs and all-day wear.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is an extremely comfortable shoe with a notable weight reduction, offering good stability and a premium build quality designed for longevity, despite its slightly outdated foam.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The Brooks Glycerin Max v2 delivers excellent plush comfort, stability, and build quality suitable for long-term wear and easy runs, but it is notably heavy and expensive for its limited versatility as a jogging-only shoe.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The reviewer explicitly states that all reviewed products were purchased with his own money, ensuring an unsponsored and unbiased review process.

reviewer_claimstrong

Heavier runners are advised to avoid minimal shoes because they typically lack the necessary support to protect the body from the higher forces experienced during foot strike.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Evidence items

Heavier Runners Need Specific Cushioning and Support

expert_opinionneutral

Heavier runners need shoes with the right amount of cushioning that is soft enough for comfort but firm enough to support the body through each foot strike. Overly soft foam can compress and bottom out, not providing adequate support.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

Reviewer's Unbiased Product Acquisition

reviewer_claimneutral

All shoes and products discussed in the review were bought 100% with the reviewer's own money to ensure an unsponsored, unbiased, and independent review.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

Nike Vomero Plus Specifications and Weight

measurement_testneutral

The Nike Vomero Plus features a 45mm stack height with a 10mm drop and weighs 359g for a UK size 12. It uses a full length Zumax foam midsole with no plate.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

Nike Vomero Plus Versatility and Fit

reviewer_claimpositive

The Nike Vomero Plus is a good all-round shoe, versatile for easy jogs, recovery, and picking up the pace. It offers a decent width and good volume in the toe box, making it suitable for larger feet.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

Puma MagMax v2 Specifications and Weight

measurement_testneutral

The Puma MagMax version 2 has a 46mm stack height at the back and an 8mm drop, weighing 324g for a UK size 12. It features Puma's Nitro foam throughout the midsole.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

Puma MagMax v2 Lightweight and Grip

reviewer_claimpositive

The Puma MagMax v2 is surprisingly lightweight given its volume and support, offering great versatility for various paces and distances. It also provides amazing and durable grip.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

Saucony Triumph v23 Specifications and Weight

measurement_testneutral

The Saucony Triumph version 23 has a 37mm stack height and a 10mm drop, weighing 327g. It utilizes Saucony's Power Run PB foam and is available in wider widths up to a UK size 14.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

Saucony Triumph v23 Foam Responsiveness and Stability

reviewer_claimpositive

The Saucony Triumph v23's firmer foam is surprisingly responsive with good energy return, making it suitable for sessions. Its firmness and width provide better stability in corners compared to the Nike and Puma models.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

ASICS Superblast v2 Specifications and Weight

measurement_testneutral

The ASICS Superblast version 2 has a 45mm stack height and an 8mm drop, weighing a seriously lightweight 288g. Its midsole consists of FF Turbo Blast on top of a thin layer of FF Blast Eco.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

ASICS Superblast v2 Versatility, Comfort, and Durability

reviewer_claimpositive

The ASICS Superblast v2 offers exceptional versatility for all types of runs and paces, is supremely comfortable, and is notably durable, with pairs often lasting up to 1000km without foam breakdown.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

New Balance More v6 Specifications and Weight

measurement_testneutral

The New Balance More version 6 has a 44mm stack height with a 4mm drop and weighs 361g. It features a Fresh Foam X midsole and is available with wider fit options.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

New Balance More v6 Comfort and Stability for Recovery

reviewer_claimpositive

The New Balance More v6 provides good stability with a wide base and lovely soft foam that doesn't bottom out, making it extremely comfortable for slower recovery runs and all-day wear.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Specifications and Weight

measurement_testneutral

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 has a 43.5mm stack height with an 8mm drop and weighs 335g. It uses an FF Blast Plus midsole and is available in wider options up to a UK size 15.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Comfort and Durability

reviewer_claimpositive

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is an extremely comfortable shoe, boasting a good weight decrease from its predecessor and feeling nimble. It offers good stability and a premium build quality, indicating it's built to last many miles.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

Brooks Glycerin Max v2 Specifications and Weight

measurement_testneutral

The Brooks Glycerin Max version 2 has a 45mm stack height with a 6mm drop and is quite heavy at 390g. It uses Brooks's DNA Tuned foam.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvl-O5Td34g

Quick answers

  • What characteristics should a heavier runner look for in a running shoe? The reviewer emphasizes the need for shoes that are soft enough for comfort but firm enough for support, with a good reputation for durability.
  • Which versatile daily running shoes are recommended for heavier runners? The Nike Vomero Plus is a good all-rounder for various paces.
  • What are the best options for maximum comfort and recovery runs for heavier runners? These shoes are generally high stack, bulkier options prioritizing comfort.
  • Are there durable running shoes suitable for heavier runners? The Nike Vomero Plus features a waffle sole designed for long-lasting durability.

Buyer questions answered

What characteristics should a heavier runner look for in a running shoe?

The reviewer emphasizes the need for shoes that are soft enough for comfort but firm enough for support, with a good reputation for durability. They should also accommodate wider feet and be available in larger sizes, possess good stability, and avoid overly soft foams that might compress or 'bottom out.' Minimalist shoes are also to be avoided due to insufficient support.

Which versatile daily running shoes are recommended for heavier runners?

The Nike Vomero Plus is a good all-rounder for various paces. The Puma MagMax v2 is very versatile for different paces and distances. The Saucony Triumph v23 is also good as a 'do-it-all' shoe, especially for faster paces. The ASICS Superblast v2 is considered perhaps the best, handling speed work, easy runs, and long runs exceptionally well.

What are the best options for maximum comfort and recovery runs for heavier runners?

These shoes are generally high stack, bulkier options prioritizing comfort. The New Balance More v6 offers lovely soft foam and extreme comfort for slower runs. The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is exceptionally comfortable and nimble despite its bulk. The Brooks Glycerin Max v2 provides plush details and significant comfort, ideal for long periods.

Are there durable running shoes suitable for heavier runners?

The Nike Vomero Plus features a waffle sole designed for long-lasting durability. The Puma MagMax v2 is holding up very well for the reviewer. The ASICS Superblast v2 is noted for extreme durability, often lasting up to 1000km per pair without the foam dying. The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 and Brooks Glycerin Max v2 are also described as having premium build quality and being built to last for many miles.

Which recommended running shoes for heavier runners offer wider fit options?

While the Nike Vomero Plus has decent width but only one option, and the Puma MagMax v2 and Brooks Glycerin Max v2 also lack different width options, the Saucony Triumph v23, New Balance More v6, and ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 all explicitly offer wider fit options. The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 even goes up to a UK size 15.

How do these shoes perform in terms of stability for heavier runners?

The Nike Vomero Plus and Puma MagMax v2 require a little caution in corners due to their high stack, though the Vomero's full-length outsole helps. The Saucony Triumph v23 is more stable in corners due to its firmer foam and width. The ASICS Superblast v2 is surprisingly stable for a high-stack shoe due to its firmer ride and wide base. The New Balance More v6, ASICS Gel Nimbus 28, and Brooks Glycerin Max v2 all boast good stability with wide platforms and supportive designs.

Are there lightweight running shoes suitable for heavier runners?

The ASICS Superblast v2 is noted as a "seriously lightweight shoe" at 288g, making it fast despite its high stack. The Puma MagMax v2, at 324g, is also considered "really quite a lightweight shoe" given its substantial volume and support. In contrast, shoes like the Brooks Glycerin Max v2 (390g) are described as being on the heavier side, though its weight might be less critical for easy runs.

Specs mentioned in this review

Nike Vomero Plus Specifications and Weight
The Nike Vomero Plus features a 45mm stack height with a 10mm drop and weighs 359g for a UK size 12 g
Puma MagMax v2 Specifications and Weight
The Puma MagMax version 2 has a 46mm stack height at the back and an 8mm drop, weighing 324g for a UK size 12 g
Saucony Triumph v23 Specifications and Weight
The Saucony Triumph version 23 has a 37mm stack height and a 10mm drop, weighing 327g g
ASICS Superblast v2 Specifications and Weight
The ASICS Superblast version 2 has a 45mm stack height and an 8mm drop, weighing a seriously lightweight 288g g
New Balance More v6 Specifications and Weight
The New Balance More version 6 has a 44mm stack height with a 4mm drop and weighs 361g g
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Specifications and Weight
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 has a 43 g
Brooks Glycerin Max v2 Specifications and Weight
The Brooks Glycerin Max version 2 has a 45mm stack height with a 6mm drop and is quite heavy at 390g g

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Value
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

100/100 source quality

  • ✓ Independent of the brand
  • • Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

Ben Parkes discusses the best running shoes for heavier runners, drawing on personal experience and expert research. He highlights key characteristics such as good durability, accommodation for wider feet, stability with firm-enough foam, and avoiding minimal shoes. The video then reviews specific models, including the Nike Vomero Plus, Puma MagMax v2, Saucony Triumph v23, and ASICS Superblast v2 as versatile daily options, and the New Balance More v6, ASICS Gel Nimbus 28, and Brooks Glycerin Max v2 for maximum comfort and recovery runs. Each shoe's specifications, pros, and cons are detailed, helping heavier runners find suitable footwear.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

Explore more on Orkio