Nike Just Added a Rugged Edge to Its Breakout Hoka Challenger

The new running shoe that’s had a massive impact on Nike’s 2025 turnaround is following a familiar fall pattern for the sportswear giant.

Close-up of a teal and black Nike shoe with a light green swoosh and water droplets on the surface.

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By Ben Bowers

Published October 14, 2025

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Updated October 15, 2025

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Nike’s Vomero 18, released earlier this year ostensibly in direct response to Hoka’s success with maximalist sneakers, has been nothing short of a sensation for the sportswear giant.

Just months after launch, Nike CEO Elliot Hill revealed during the brand’s Q2 earnings call that the cushioned running shoe had become a $100 million franchise within 90 days.

Black and white Nike running shoe with Gore-Tex fabric and thick cushioned sole. — The new Vomero 18 Gore-Tex looks quite similar to the original version of the shoe.

Now, with fall weather settling in across the country, Nike’s breakout hit is joining a long-standing fall tradition reserved for the brand’s other flagship sneakers.

Ready for Rain and Snow

Close-up of a black Nike running shoe with white swoosh, Gore-Tex Invisible Fit label, and white sole. — After quickly becoming a $100 million dollar business for Nike in just 90 days, the Swoosh hopes to continue the Vomero 18’s success this year with the introduction of a winter-ready Gore-Tex equipped edition.

At the heart of the Vomero 18 Gore-Tex is, unsurprisingly, a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that wraps the entire upper.

The membrane works in tandem with Nike’s proven cushioning setup: lightweight ZoomX foam stacked atop responsive ReactX foam in the midsole. This delivers the same plush, comfortable ride that helped the original Vomero 18 appeal to runners seeking maximum cushioning without excessive weight.

Black and purple Nike running shoe sole with "Nike Sport-Tread" text in yellow-green. — Nike also added a so=called Storm-Tread outsole that is specifically designed to enhance traction in slippery conditions.

But Nike didn’t stop at just adding waterproofing. The Gore-Tex version introduces a new Storm-Tread outsole specifically engineered for wet, slippery conditions, should inspire more confidence when navigating slick sidewalks and rain-soaked roads.

It also addresses one of the few criticisms leveled at the standard Vomero 18, which scored just 0.38 in wet traction testing according to independent lab analysis at RunRepeat.

$Black Nike running shoe with light blue reflective accents and a black swoosh logo on a dark background.$

An new band of reflective material was also added to the shoe to increase visibility during darker winter nights.

Nike

Visually, the shoe also gets a subtle but functional upgrade with an additional ribbon of reflective material that undulates near the top edge of the sneaker.

Combined with other reflective details throughout the design, this ensures you’ll be visible during those darker morning and evening runs as daylight hours shrink.

$Light gray and white Nike ZoomX running shoe with beige cushioned sole and silver swoosh logo.$

Nike is currently offering the Gore-Tex version in five colors.

Nike

Perhaps most impressive is what Nike didn’t change: the weight. Despite the rugged additions, this Gore-Tex version weighs less than 2 grams more than the standard Vomero 18.

That’s a negligible difference that most runners won’t notice, especially given the substantial weather protection gained in return.

Pricing and Availability

Dark green and neon yellow Nike ZoomX running shoe with water droplets and a black background. — The ruggedized version costs $25 more than the standard Vomero 18

The Nike Vomero 18 Gore-Tex is available now directly from Nike for $180 in several compelling, winter-ready colors.

That price represents a $25 premium over the standard Vomero 18, which retails for $155.

Pair of white Nike ZoomX running shoes shown from the back with textured soles and pull tabs.

Though that feels relatively modest, it does position the Vomero 18 Gore-Tex at the upper end of the Gore-Tex running shoe spectrum. For example, Hoka’s Clifton 9 GTX retails for $165.

Still, given the additional weather resistance and enhanced reflective details, the upcharge should be worth it for runners who log miles year-round regardless of weather conditions.