Nike’s Best Rugged Sneaker in Recent Years Is Still the All-Weather Workhorse to Beat

After a successful pilot program, the Vomero 5’s weatherized step brother finally returns for season two.

Close-up of a gray sneaker heel with a geometric lattice pattern and fabric pull tabs.

Published 23 hours ago

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Lining shoes with Gore-Tex can only get you so far. And yet it remains one of the most consistent strategies among shoemakers to “winterize” popular models.

Nike took a different approach with the Vomero 5, a retro runner from 2011 that has since become of the the brand’s most popular everyday styles.

Instead of simply lining the upper with a water-resistant membrane and calling it a day, Nike made the Vomero Roam, which slots into the Swoosh catalog more as a step brother than a full sibling.

Pair of gray Nike sneakers with grid pattern and thick textured soles on a teal background. — The Vomero Roam goes beyond Gore-Tex to weather-proof one of Nike’s most popular everyday sneakers.

Winter blues

It would appear that shoe, first released in 2024, made a positive first impression during its debut.

Nike has decide to renew the Vomero Roam for a second season, with the first new colorway in months surfacing on the brand’s official website in South Korea.

Gray Nike sneaker with textured mesh upper and thick sole on a teal background. — The shoe’s signature trait is a wraparound mudguard that matches the sidewall of the midsole.

The shoe’s signature trait is an oversized mudguard that wraps around the upper, showcased here in “Cool Gray” alongside a matching midsole.

That of course protects both the textile upper — presented in “Metallic Pewter” and finished with a DWR treatment — and the wearer’s foot from puddle splashes, otherwise ruining a clean look.

Close-up of a gray Nike sneaker with a textured grid pattern, ribbed side panel, and elastic laces with toggle. — Fret not. The upper is still treated with a DWR finish.

What’s more, the Vomero Roam features a lace toggle system that makes for an easy on and off, even with gloves or a thick winter coat getting in the way. And reflective details add extra visibility for early sunsets.

Black sneaker with reflective silver overlays and black laces on a dark background. — Reflective accents add extra visibility after early sunsets.

Pair of gray Nike sneakers with mesh and synthetic overlays, blue insoles, and bungee-style laces on a gray surface. — Speed laces make for an easy on and off with winter gloves and jackets.

Finally, the tacky rubber outsole provides more grip and heft than what can be found on the everyday Vomero 5, giving it the qualities (and confidence) of a boot.

Black rubber outsole with a textured tread pattern on a gray shoe sole against a teal background. — The rugged outsole adds grip and heft.

Availability and pricing

For now, the new colorway of the Vomero Roam is currently only available in South Korea. However, it’s expected to make its way to the US in the coming weeks.

Stateside shoppers can currently buy previously released variants of the shoe, which cost $190.

Gray Nike sneaker with textured upper, thick sole, and pull tab at heel.

Nike Vomero Roam “Metallic Pewter”

$190 at Nike

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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