The Nike Winflo 12 has had a fairly big update this year.
It’s now noticeably bigger, softer, and more cushioned underfoot. On the surface, that sounds like a clear improvement. But it also raises a more interesting question—has Nike essentially turned this into a cheaper alternative to the Vomero Plus, or is it actually a completely different type of shoe?
And if you liked the previous version, should you be thinking about picking up the Winflo 11 while it’s still available?
What’s actually changed?
The first thing you notice is the increase in cushioning.
The Winflo 12 now sits at around 41mm in the heel and 31mm in the forefoot, with a 10mm drop. That’s about 6mm more foam underfoot compared to the Winflo 11, which is a significant jump for a shoe in this category.
On paper, more cushioning usually sounds like a good thing. But in reality, it changes how the shoe feels quite a bit.
Interestingly, both versions use Cushlon 3.0 in the midsole, yet they feel very different when you’re actually walking or running in them. The Winflo 11 had a slightly firmer, more grounded feel. The 12, on the other hand, is much softer. When you step into it, you tend to sink into the cushioning rather than getting much back from it.
If you like that soft, almost pillow-like feel for walking or standing, this will appeal to you. But if you prefer something a bit more responsive or stable, it may not feel like an upgrade.
The upper is a clear improvement
One area where the Winflo 12 does improve is on top of the shoe.
Nike have introduced a new engineered mesh, and the overall fit is more accommodating. The toe box has more space, so it doesn’t feel as tapered as the previous version. Around the heel, there’s a bit more structure and depth as well, which helps with lockdown.
It’s a more comfortable and slightly more premium feeling upper overall, especially if you found the Winflo 11 a bit restrictive.
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Softer doesn’t always mean more stable
Because the midsole is softer, Nike have tried to add stability in other ways.
The base of the shoe is noticeably wider—roughly a centimetre or so throughout—and there’s a lot of sole flare, particularly along the outer side of the forefoot. Under the heel, it almost creates a small crash pad effect, helping to absorb impact as you land.
All of that does add some stability, but it’s important to understand where that support is coming from. A lot of it is on the outside of the shoe rather than through the arch. So while it can work quite well if you have higher arches or tend to supinate slightly, it’s not the best option if you’re looking for more structured arch support or if you have flatter feet.
A different feel through the forefoot
Another change is in how the shoe moves.
The Winflo 12 has a more noticeable forefoot rocker and more toe spring, so your foot is held slightly more in extension. It also feels more flexible through the forefoot compared to the previous version.
The Winflo 11, by contrast, had a bit more stiffness and structure in this area. That gave it a more protective feel, particularly for shorter runs or gym use.
So despite having more cushioning, the Winflo 12 can actually feel less supportive in certain situations, especially if you preferred that firmer, more controlled platform.
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How does it compare to the Vomero Plus?
This is where the comparison starts to fall apart a bit.
The Vomero Plus uses ZoomX foam, which is Nike’s more premium midsole. It’s lighter, more responsive, and has a noticeable bounce to it. Rather than sinking into the shoe, you get a bit of energy return that helps move you forward.
The Winflo 12 doesn’t really do that. It’s softer, but it’s not particularly lively.
So while the Winflo 12 might look like a more affordable version of the Vomero, the underfoot experience is quite different. The Vomero feels more performance-focused, whereas the Winflo 12 leans more towards comfort.
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Where each shoe fits best
If you’re deciding between the three, it helps to think about how you’ll actually use them.
The Winflo 11 still holds up very well as a budget option. It’s firmer, a bit more stable, and works nicely for walking, gym sessions, and shorter runs in the 5 to 10 kilometre range.
The Winflo 12 shifts more towards comfort. It’s softer, more cushioned, and better suited to walking or easy, recovery-style runs. It feels more like a lifestyle shoe that you can also run in, rather than the other way around.
The Vomero Plus sits in a different category again. It’s more expensive, but you’re getting a more responsive, higher-performance feel that can handle longer runs much more comfortably.
Final thoughts
The Winflo 12 isn’t really a cheaper Vomero.
It’s softer, more cushioned, and more comfortable straight out of the box, but it doesn’t offer the same level of responsiveness or versatility.
In some ways, it’s a bit of a shift away from what made the Winflo 11 appealing. That firmer, more grounded feel is becoming less common, especially in more affordable models.
If you liked that aspect of the previous version, it might be worth picking one up while it’s still available.
If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something softer and more forgiving for day-to-day use, the Winflo 12 will suit you better.
