Nike Vomero Plus vs HOKA Bondi 9

Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , low energy return , neutral stability .

• The reviewer's preferred max-cushion shoe overall thanks to its exceptionally bouncy ZoomX midsole, edging out the Clifton Pro despite being pricier and heavier.

  Ride:Full ZoomX midsole gives a very bouncy, high energy-return ride with a 45/35mm stack and 10mm drop; smooth despite the high drop thanks to a moderate rocker.

  Fit:True to size in UK9 (US10); thick, warm, well-padded upper; also available in wide fits.

  In their words: "booming bouncy mid sole" · "sink in and then come straight back" · "extra springy ride just wins the day"

  — The Run Testers , 99 mi tested , source

• EDDBUD says the Vomero Plus SE offers a huge amount of cushion, carrying over heavily from the discontinued Nike Invincible Run, and is great value at the discounted price.

  In their words: "huge amount of cushion" · "borrows heavily from the previous version" · "can't lose under 100 quid"

  — EDDBUD , source

• Fordy's clear favourite long run shoe, powered by ZoomX foam; he used it heavily through a prior marathon block and it's the obvious, default pick again for this training cycle.

  Ride:ZoomX foam that's proven epically reliable for long runs.

  In their words: "absolutely loved it" · "epically reliable for my long runs" · "constantly recommend on this channel"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

• Kofuzi likes the Vomero Plus's peppier, comfortable midsole and thinks it could work as a speedy long-run or marathon shoe for bigger/taller runners, but at 10 oz he personally finds it too heavy for anything beyond easy everyday runs.

  Ride:A similar midsole design to the Neo Vista 3 with more pop, very comfortable and well-padded, but noticeably heavier at 10 oz.

  In their words: "a lot more pop to it" · "too heavy to do anything"

  — Kofuzi , source

Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .

• Grouped with shoes the hosts consider unable to perform well outside easy cushioned running and not a personal favourite.

  Ride:Seen as unable to function well outside of the pure cushioned easy-day category

  In their words: "can't really function very well"

  — The Run Testers , source

• A high-stack comfort cruiser the reviewer calls the go-to shoe for recovery runs when legs need an easy day.

  Ride:Very high stack, comfort-cruiser ride described as an even bigger, more cushioned Clifton.

  In their words: "more cushioning, more stack, just more" · "this is the comfort cruiser"

  — Believe in the Run , source

• An excellent max cushion shoe that nails the balance between cushion and bounce without feeling mushy.

  Ride:Max cushioned with a little bit of bounciness — doesn't feel tall for the sake of being tall and isn't mushy. A fantastic update.

  In their words: "a little bit of bounciness" · "they got it just right with the Bondi" · "excellent example of a max cushion shoe"

  — Kofuzi , source

• A genuine surprise: the updated midsole makes the Bondi 9 feel meaningfully better than prior Bondis, and he'd pick it over the Vomero 18.

  Ride:Feels noticeably better under step than prior Bondis thanks to updated EVA midsole; softer and more cushioned, and under 10 oz in his size which is very good for a maximalist daily trainer.

  Fit:Snug through the midfoot — maybe a touch too snug — and a smidge in the toe box; consider a half size up for wider feet. Love the heel pocket and counter; tongue could be a bit more plush.

  In their words: "felt snug through the midfoot" · "Maybe a half size up" · "felt so much better under step"

  — Seth James DeMoor , 50 mi tested , source