Nike Zoom Vomero 5

Zoom Vomero 5

Part of a long-running series of athletic footwear first released in 2006, the 2011 Zoom Vomero 5 took the line in a new direction with Zoom Air midsole cushioning supporting both forefoot and heel. This made it a popular design, but it wasn’t long before the brand moved on to new models and left the Vomero 5 behind.

However, the silhouette was not forgotten, and in 2018, it made a stunning return thanks to the creativity of designer Samuel Ross. Having founded luxury fashion label A-COLD-WALL* in 2014, Ross developed a reputation for his innovative approach to design, which he brought to the Zoom Vomero 5 collaboration. As well as adding an eccentric sculpted heel piece to the shoe, he removed its protective PU and UV coatings as a way of humanising the design through exposing it to the effects of environmental ageing.

Despite its polarising look, Ross’ unique take on the classic Vomero 5 thrust it back into the limelight, and in 2019 the collaboration was extended to another two colourways. Ross used this as an opportunity to investigate colour, employing experts at specialist dye facilities in the United Kingdom and Italy to create richly toned designs. As a result of this process, each individual shoe looked slightly different from the others, giving people the chance to own a truly one-of-a-kind version of the Vomero 5.

The Nike x A-COLD-WALL* collaboration took the Zoom Vomero 5 to new heights, both in the world of high-fashion and amongst sneaker fans. Following this success, Nike relaunched the classic model in various colourways, some decorated in understated neutral tones, others with more vibrant hues. Its layered mesh and leather upper had a nostalgic look that tapped into the prevailing trend of the time for retro running shoes, and from 2022 onwards, Nike released a wide range of classy colourways to make the most of its newfound popularity.

In its relatively short history, the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 has been on a remarkable journey. Renowned for its comfort-giving features and beloved for its stylish retro look, this sophisticated sneaker is now considered an iconic Nike silhouette.