From my teens to my early twenties — the years that I first started exercising for fun rather than for sport or a required class — I almost exclusively wore Nike sneakers for workouts. They were, after all, what everyone was wearing. And the brand's shoes were far more stylish than other models on the market.
But as I got later into my 20s and started increasing my mileage and weekly exercise goals, I realized that the brand's shoes just didn't have enough cushioning for my needs and I switched to sneakers with more foam to help with some aches and pains I was having: Namely, Hokas.
But earlier this year, Nike released a new shoe, the Nike Vomero Plus, its highest cushioned running shoe to date. And I realized it was the perfect opportunity for me to return to my once beloved brand — and I couldn't wait to try to see how it compared to my trusty Hoka Clifton 10 sneakers.
I wore both for walks and runs over to see how they stack up. Keep reading to see all of my thoughts, including what activities each sneaker might be best for.
How I tested
I wore both sneakers for a range of activities, including runs and walks, to see how they stack up. I am an avid runner who has completed both half marathons and marathons. I wore the Hoka Clifton 10 for some runs while training for my most recent marathon and the Nike Vomero Plus while training for an upcoming half, with runs ranging anywhere from three to eight miles. On days when I’m not running, I typically walk between two to five miles, so I wore the sneakers on some of these walks as well.
Best for running:
The first thing that I noticed when I took these sneakers out of the box was how fun they looked. With their bold color and unique sole, I couldn't wait to slip them on. And when I finally did, I discovered that running in them was just as exciting.
The shoes feature Nike’s ZoomX foam — it's the same foam used in Nike's racing shoes that its professional athletes wear, but in those sneakers, there's also a carbon plate to help boost speed. These just feature the foam to give you the maximum amount of bouncy, protective cushioning for your everyday runs.
They make each step feel extra springy, like you're being propelled forward (according to the brand, the ZoomX cushioning delivers roughly 85% energy return), so it feels like you don't have to work quite as hard to get far. It's almost as if you strapped two trampolines to your feet.
I run almost exclusively on pavement, which often leaves my legs feeling worn down and joints aching after a long run. But with all the shock absorption that the high level of cushioning provides, after a recent 7.5-mile run, my legs felt great — and I was even able to walk around for the rest of the day in the shoes without having any aches and pains at all. (If you’re looking for even more cushioning, you should try the soon-to-be released Vomero Premium.)
The comfort features are not just reserved for the shoe’s sole; there is also padding in the tongue and along the collar, which helps to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing. They're also pretty stylish, too — I've only had them for a couple of weeks and they're already the most-complimented running shoes I own.
Another cool thing about this shoe is that while it is for everyone (there are men's sizes available), it was created with women in mind first. Nike worked with a group of non-professional athletes to support them as they trained for the Olympic trials, and the runners’ feedback was used to refine the design of the shoe.
While they are slightly heavier than I would typically want my running shoes to be, something about the energy return makes their weight a little less noticeable than other shoes I've tried of around the same weight. While some of the other shoes were only suited for easy miles, I found myself easily being able to run close to my race pace in these.
Best for everyday wear:
At this point, I own quite a few sneakers that fall under the everyday category, but this is one that I repeatedly find myself reaching for. The Cliftons are one of Hoka's bestselling shoes for a reason: They're designed for everyday walkers and runners, so they work well for just about anyone.
I often think of the Clifton 10s like that one great pair of jeans in your closet — you may sometimes stray to newer, more exciting options, but you always come back to them. While there are a number of reasons why I keep coming back to the shoes, number one, of course, is their comfort level.
The shoes feature a compression-molded EVA foam material that gives them their pillow-y plush feel, to make every step feel cushioned and comfortable. While I was already a fan of the previous Hoka Clifton 9s, the brand dialed up the cushioning with these, adding an additional 2 mm to the heel-to-toe drop. The cushioning is a mix of soft and firm, but leans more toward the former side. It's a good midpoint, though it's not quite as bouncy and responsive as the Vomero Plus. That's why I find it's best for easier efforts, jogs and walks.
Like the above sneaker, the Cliftons also feature a metarocker design for smooth and fluid steps. It has an active foot frame that's focused in the back to give some extra support to your heel and arch. It also has a pretty roomy toe box, so my feet don't feel cramped inside, and a stretchy upper and padded tongue and collar, for all-over comfort.
Basically, there's plenty to love. And while they're not overly heavy, and I can still comfortably log easy runs in them without feeling bogged down, they do feel a bit heavier than the Vomeros.
Best overall: Hoka Clifton 10
The Nike Vomero Plus and the Hoka Clifton 10s are arguably two of my favorite shoes released this year and both are staples in my sneaker rotation. And ultimately, the best shoe for you will probably differ based on your own individual preferences and needs. But for me, I find the Hoka Clifton 10s to be ultra versatile, perfect for both everyday walks and runs, whereas the Vomeros, with their higher stack height and bouncier feel, are better suited for runs, and might feel a little unstable for some for walking. Plus, the lower price tag on the Hoka shoes makes them feel even more accessible.
Both are heavily cushioned, making them a great choice for those looking for shock absorption or anyone who is dealing with injuries. They both seriously deliver on comfort, so you really can't go wrong either way.
How we chose
We chose the two sneakers highlighted because they both promise to deliver maximum cushioning and comfort. Both of the brands are popular in the fitness space and they’re also expert and editor favorites.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
Emma Stessman is a writer for Shop TODAY. She has over a decade of experience in digital media — with nearly half of that time being focused on the health and wellness space. She has interviewed dozens of podiatrists and other experts for her coverage around sneaker trends, foot health and top shoe brands. She has also run two marathons and multiple half marathons. At Shop TODAY she covers a range of topics, from wellness products to expert-approved beauty trends.
