Nike released the Zoom Vomero Roam in the fall of 2024, a ruggedized sneaker designed to withstand the harsh street conditions of winter.
As my colleague and fellow footwear-loving degenerate Jack Seemer noted in his initial coverage of the Zoom Vomero Roam launch, it’s a shoe based on the Vomero 5, which “was first released in 2011 as a stability-focused running shoe” which was then revived more recently as “the Swoosh’s answer to the dad-shoe trend.”
I immediately bought a pair of the Zoom Vomero Roam in black, which I’ve been consistently wearing with zero regret. And now Nike has finally offered its first discount on the pair in one of the shoe’s best, albeit bold, colorways, a.k.a. “Racer Blue.”
If you prefer a different color, other versions of the sneaker are also on sale at retailers like Footlocker.
The Mudguard & Lace Toggle are Key
Two key features set the Zoom Vomero Roam apart from your typical sneaker.
The first and most important detail is the wrap-around rubber mudguard that blends relatively seamlessly with the midsole. This feature helps prevent puddle splashes from ruining the otherwise clean look of the shoe’s textile upper and eventually soaking your socks.
The upper is still treated with a water-repellant finish to keep your feet dry during more significant missteps.
The other key feature is the lace toggle system, which easily tightens and hooks into place. It’s a great way to secure a sneaker in colder temps, especially if you’re wearing gloves.
