The Nike Vomero+ 5's

So a few posts ago (here), I talked about my struggle to find a decent shoe to run in and form a long distance relationship with (hehe, get it?)  Well, I’m happy to report that after judicious use the Nike Vomero+ 5 has proven itself to be a fairly good shoe.  I only have a couple of qualms and points of interest before you go and purchase your pair. 

First: The shoe is soft. Very soft. You’ll feel it immediately once the shoes are on your feet. Walking around Disneyland for an entire day proved a task few shoes can master. The Nikes performed diligently and left me with nary a foot or leg pain.  I had a few hot spots, but nothing overwhelming.

I’ve logged a few double digit runs in the shoes and noticed something pretty significant. Make sure you try the shoe on and wear it for a good day or two before you decide to hold onto it. It needs to be the right size.  Sounds easy, right?  Not necessarily for me and this shoe.

At this point, I am wearing the 10.5 size – which is my normal size.  It felt a lil roomy at the start – especially in the toe box which is huge – but I knew that on longer runs, foot swell would make up for that as is normal with distance running.  After wearing the shoes in a bit, I’ve noticed that I may need a half size smaller.  They’ve stretched enough where now when I lace them up, I feel like I’m tying a zeppelin down for dear life.

The Pseudo-Flywire System is the blue rubber stripes on the side of the shoe

But I’ve come to realize that’s the WRONG thing to do with this shoe.  I believe it’s the Nike Flywire system (I realize the Vomero doesn’t have the proper Nike Flywire system seen in the Lunarglides, but it’s upper side rubberized cincher strings are very similar in build).  I’ve noticed – and remember, everyone’s foot is different – If you tighten too much, the shoe’s ride will feel stiffer and provide less give in both the toe-off and mid-strike.  However, when I leave the laces at a comfortable looseness (still with my heel solidly supported) the shoe rides soft and cushy.  Even as I write this, I know it sounds obvious and I just told you something like, “food is for eating.” but never in a shoe have I felt more of a distinct difference in performance based on the tightness of the lacing.

I only wish this problem was more apparent in the earlier stages of break-in on this shoe as now it’s well passed it’s 30 day return period (both literally and by the amount of dirt I’ve trucked through!).  Hey Nike, wanna send me a new pair?  Perhaps in another rad color? KThnxBai.

Secondly: The tongue should be longer.  But then again, isn’t that an argument for everything?

Should I have purchased a half size smaller?  Possibly, but it wouldn’t hurt you to try out both sizes for yourself and really give the lace pressure/tightness test a try.  You might be able to enlighten me on the situation.  In the meantime, I’m still lovin the Vomeros softness in seamless lining.  I will definitely run in these until I wear them out, however I may be back in the market for the Jesus Shoe once that happens.  I continue to keep you posted on how these work out when I start upping my single run mileage into the upper teens in preparation for the Disneyland Half Marathon this fall.

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