Nike Zoom Vomero 5

The greyscale colour palette of this Nike Zoom Vomero 5 gives it a compelling look and allows versatility in its styling. Its foundation is a sturdy outsole with BRS 1000 rubber on the various cuboid grip pads of the forefoot and heel to provide excellent durability and traction. Text indicating the use of this hardy material has been debossed below the heel, whose tread formations come in a dark charcoal tone. More areas like this appear at each end of the forefoot, while its central section is a pleasantly pale green. Underneath the arch of the foot, there is a smooth piece of light green, and the rest of this recessed part is Light Bone, as are many of the grooves between the outsole’s grip pads.

Much of the midsole has been decorated in this same off-white tone as it covers the spongy blocks around the heel and lateral side, along with the Cushlon foam stretching down both flanks. As well as being filled with this comfortable padding, the midsole contains Zoom Air cushioning for additional responsiveness and support. Lettering revealing these two materials has been etched into the lateral side of the midsole, the word “Cushlon” appearing in the Light Bone part, and “Nike Zoom” in the strip of charcoal grey foam running along the top edge of the sole.

Atop this lies a composite upper that brings together a variety of materials which have been dynamically arranged to deliver a sporty appearance that reflects the athletic history of the Vomero range. Breathability is a key part of the shoe and is facilitated by different types of mesh. To begin with, a wide netting covers the base layer of the forefoot and wraps around the collar, here in a light grey tone. Cobblestone leather overlays act as a frame over the former and a border below the latter, while another panel caps the toe in Flat Pewter. Reflective bands on each side of the toe can be distinguished by their slightly different colouration, with similar ones showing up on the heel overlay. In between these last two is a light green swoosh, which adds a stylish touch to the back of the foot. A Flat Pewter covering bolsters the heel just below this strip of leather, its surface decorated with triangular lines, some of which have been opened up to allow air to flow into the back of the shoe.

Inside, creamy off-white tones coat the lining and the insole, which itself is adorned with a black and white image of the legendary Bill Bowerman alongside a Bowerman Series banner. The top of the tongue features the same tone, while its lower portion exhibits mesh like that on the forefoot, thus bringing more ventilation over the top of the foot. A band of striped light green and grey textile moves up the centre of the tongue, looping outwards as it goes to create gaps for the cream-coloured laces to pass through. At its peak, this band meets a label with dark Nike and Vomero 5 text woven through its off-white and green surface to forge a strong tonal contrast.

Meanwhile, the eyestay is made of Flat Pewter leather and is overlaid in the middle by supportive sidewall panelling on each flank. This consists of curving pieces of Cobblestone leather with lighter bands of colour lined up in twos along each one, and a central area of dark grey plastic that forms a protective cage over the midfoot. Behind this, Cobblestone mesh can be seen, its narrow holes admitting more air into the sides of the shoe. Finally, capping off this powerful structure is a leather swoosh whose Cobblestone outline serves to emphasise the lighter tone through its centre and rounds out this captivating Vomero 5 with a nifty visual effect.