Nike Zoom Vomero 5

The intricate layering and complex textures of this Nike Zoom Vomero 5 make it aesthetically pleasing both visually and to the touch. It is generally decorated in light tones, with an earthy Gum Medium Brown being the darkest of the set as it coats the waffle grip patterns of the outsole. While many of the gaps between the cube-shaped pads under the forefoot are also brown, some of them are Sail-coloured. This off-white hue then fills the larger indentation below the heel, with the stocky tread rising up around it returning to Gum Medium Brown. On the rear lateral grip pad, BRS 1000 text has been debossed, indicating the use of an extra-durable rubber to protect high-wear areas. Above this, the thick midsole is formed of Sail Cushlon foam that has been moulded into a sleek shape, with chunky blocks of springy foam cushioning the heel. Inside it, Nike’s hi-tech Zoom technology provides supreme comfort to the wearer, its presence suggested by the Nike Zoom lettering lightly debossed into the lateral side of the midsole, a little way back from the word “Cushlon”.

Continuing the elegant colour scheme of the sneaker, most of the upper comes in a pale shade of grey known as Light Orewood Brown. This appealing tone can be seen on the leather toe cap, which has reflective Metallic Silver bands adorning each side, as well as the textile overlay framing the forefoot. Beneath this layer is a broad mesh in the same colour, and behind it, more careful layering effects give the midfoot an intriguing appearance. The centre of each flank is bolstered by a plastic panel with open bars cut into it, the thin mesh behind allowing the foot plenty of room to breathe. Either side of this panel are curved leather overlays whose dual colouration adds another dynamic element to the sidewalls as the contrasting bands running through the centre of each are reflective. The midfoot structure is rounded out by a Sail leather swoosh with a Light Orewood Brown outline.

Another band of Light Orewood Brown leather divides the bottom of the heel from the top of the collar, the former part being a protective layer of plastic with sturdy triangular formations decorating its surface, the latter made of the same breathable mesh as that seen on the forefoot. Although the centre of the heel counter is solid, some of the triangles on its sides have been opened up to bring further aeration to the back of the foot. Above this, on the leather overlay, reflective strips of Metallic Silver move along its sides, each one stopping just before its centre, in which resides a Sail swoosh.

Elsewhere, the shoe’s inner combines Sail on its softly padded walls with Light Orewood Brown on its insole. Here, a special emblem depicts one of Nike’s co-founders, Bill Bowerman, in black and white beside a banner that reads “Bowerman Series” as an homage to the legendary shoe designer. Back on the outer, Sail laces tie up through a textile eyestay and over a mesh-covered tongue, both of which are Light Orewood Brown. They are held in place by a series of lace loops, three emerging from the sides of the eyestay, and the rest created by a piece of textile sewn onto the middle of the tongue, a Metallic Silver line running up its centre. A label has been placed at the top of the tongue, its surface perfectly blending Sail and Light Orewood Brown, just like the rest of the design. The gentle contrast between the two tones distinguishes the words “Nike” and “Vomero 5”, bringing an appropriately graceful conclusion to this classy sneaker.