Nike Zoom Vomero 5

Neutral tones combine with rich reds to give this Nike Zoom Vomero 5 an elegant look that matches its nickname: Valentine’s Day. This begins on the outsole, whose waffle tread pattern comes in Team Red. The deep shade of red also fills in some of the ruts between the grip pads, while others appear in the off-white tones of Sail and Pale Ivory. BRS 1000 text has been pressed into one of the pads below the heel – an indication of the protective material that coats parts of the outsole, and a pink capsule below the arch of the foot contains a Team Red swoosh for another romantic touch. The midsole is made of soft Cushlon foam and supported internally by springy Zoom Air cushioning, both of which are advertised on the lateral side of the midsole in lightly debossed text. Chunky pads provide more cushioning below the heel, their Sail colouration creating a gentle contrast against the Pale Ivory that covers the rest of the midsole.

On the upper, the same two appealing hues come together across its various layers and textures. The leather panel capping the toe is Pale Ivory with two reflective Sail strips on its sides – a visual setup repeated by the piece of leather that enwraps the heel. The shoe’s underlayer is made of a Sail mesh which is visible behind the Pale Ivory forefoot overlay and around the collar. It can also be seen through the plastic bars of each midfoot panel, which aids both the breathability and the integrity of the flanks. Its edges are overlaid with arcing bands of Sail leather and a Pale Ivory swoosh rests across the top of the whole structure.

Inside, the plush lining and insole are all decorated in Team Red, while the latter feature hosts a beautiful pink flower emblem. In its center is a Team Red heart and within that is a light pink swoosh, once again establishing the shoe’s Valentine’s Day theme. Over the top of the foot, Sail and Team Red intermingle to form the words “Nike” and “Vomero 5” upon the tongue label. Sail mesh covers the tongue itself, and the leather eyestay accommodates rope-style laces, all in the same off-white hue. Team Red textile loops help to hold the laces firmly in place, while another strip of rich red fabric runs up the middle of the tongue, the stripe at its center applied with a darker reflective coating.

Elsewhere, the heel counter has been formed from a sturdy Sail-coloured plastic to offer additional protection around the back of the foot. Diagonal lines criss-cross back and forth over its surface, shaping triangles as they go. While many of these are closed off, some of the ones on its sides have been left open to facilitate air flow to the heel. Just above this, in the middle of the heel overlay, is a Team Red flower centered around a pink heart and a Team Red swoosh – the perfect way to complete this Valentine-themed sneaker.