What Is The Nike Zoom Vomero 5?

The athlete's favourite sneaker that turned into the streetwear fans’ ‘if you know, you know’ go to. 

Nike Zoom Vomero, 2006

The Nike Zoom Vomero series, which is a part of the Bowerman collection named after one of the founders of Nike - Bill Bowerman which acts as Nike’s core running line, was released in 2006, and was a fan favourite for runners with a full-length Zoom Air Cushioning unit in the midsole in conjunction with an EVA Foam footbed for additional comfort. Weighing in at 11.8 ounces, the sneaker provided runners with a comfortable, lightweight experience which was only furthered by the snug-fitting heel counter and upper. 

As with many of the late 90s/early 2000s Nike sneakers, innovation was key as was seen in everything from their Air Max line to their Air Jordan collection. For the Vomero, it was the introduction of ‘Cushlon’. Integrated into the EVA footbed, Cushlon aims to provide some of the best comfort of any Nike silhouette. While it was introduced in 2006, it is still in use most recently in the Nike Go FlyEase in 2021.

Nike Shank Plate Design

Following its introduction, Nike continued to develop the Vomero each year featuring a new innovation with each release including the introduction of Nike Air Zoom technology in the third iteration released in 2008 and a midfoot supportive shank plate, first introduced within the infamous Air Foamposite in 1997, added into the fourth version released in 2009.

At the time of writing, the Vomero model has evolved into its 16th edition, arriving in 2022, which continues to showcase the latest technology in footwear including ZoomX cushioning in addition to a lightweight, breathable, stretchy upper that hugs the foot in conjunction with an adjustable midfoot strap and heel clip for long-distance running. 

However, it’s the fifth edition of the Nike Zoom Vomero that has remained a fan favourite to this day. Released in 2010, the silhouette continued to innovate the model by introducing two separate Air Zoom cushioning units as well as a redesigned midfoot to assist with a runner's stride. 

A COLD WALL* x Nike Zoom Vomero 5 'Solarized', 2018

First being revisited 8 years after its debut in 2018, London-based brand A-COLD-WALL*, founded by Samuel Ross, released the silhouette with a stripped-down construction with the PU coating removed. By doing so, it allowed the sneaker to age over time in a more natural fashion. Speaking to HYPEBEAST at the time of the release, Ross says: 

“I am interested in how a garment ages and taking a user on that journey…that is something I believe should be encouraged. It’s much more human. It’s much more dynamic as well.” Going on to discuss the thought behind using the silhouette, he says: “With the Vomero, there has been this opportunity to really exalt the technology of its time and modernize the aesthetic, which is uncompromised to its purpose and function. It’s interesting to look at a shoe which has such a beautiful and polished wireframe, and then to be able to isolate individual aspects of that shoe, to really exalt the technology”.

The release of the collaboration turned people's attention back to the silhouette, allowing it to feature on several top 10 sneakers of the year lists. 

Drake wearing a 1 of 1 pair of Nike Zoom Vomero 5s, 2019

However, the popularity of the sneaker was somewhat shortlived, with 2019 being peppered with colourways one of which was a never before seen (rumoured to be one of one custom) pair of Vomero 5s in worn by Drake in Paris during his Assassination Vacation tour. 

Following the short surge of popularity, the Vomero line seemed to return to its usual performance staple. That is, until now. 

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 'Oatmeal', 2022

One of the first outlets to release the news, Nice Kicks released images of the upcoming ‘Oatmeal’ colourway in addition to a darker ‘Cobblestone’ colourway of the 2022 version of the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 in a move that no one saw coming similar to the return of the Nike Mac Attack expected in 2023.

Nike Zoom Vomero 5 'Cobblestone', 2022

With the Cobblestone colourway providing a metallic-inspired makeup, it’s the Oatmeal that has people talking. Similar to the 2018 ACW pair, the design provokes a sense of ageing widely seen within sneaker colourways over the last couple of years. A yellowed midsole is broken up by subtle light blue details which are also found on the tongue and heel. 

Inside, nothing has changed in terms of technology. The sneaker will still provide a comfortable ride with the prominent focus being on providing a vintage-style aesthetic. 

Whether the Vomero 5 will return with more longevity than its previous endeavours is yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, Nike revisiting older silhouettes and providing a new audience to explore and enjoy them cannot be a negative feat. 

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