Big cushion, bigger dream

Nike Performance

Big cushion, bigger dreamNike’s Vomero 18 hits the Nevada desert

Every runner pushes their limit, but some take it to absolute extremes. We follow Nike and Zalando’s team through one of the world’s most gruelling endurance runs, and investigate the power of community at the very edge of what’s possible.

By Hiwot Keleta

23 May 2025 · 3 min read

There’s something magical about the journey every runner embarks on. It begins long before any race hits off, and continues long after any finish line’s been crossed. Running isn’t just about the miles you log — it's about the early mornings, the soreness in your legs, the internal battles you fight, the relentless belief that you're chasing something greater than the run itself. And, crucially, it’s about the communities you forge through those experiences.

Embarking on a 548-km run across Nevada and California, no one knew this better than the nine runners we followed. Not only was the length of their undertaking gruelling, but their route travelled through some of the world’s most inhospitable areas: not least through Death Valley, widely thought of as the hottest place on Earth. Under such conditions, the bonds formed between people are what’s most important. Such a journey is more than a mere test of physical strength; it’s a raw, beautiful celebration of mettle, connection, and achieving what seems almost impossible.

A group of diverse individuals wearing athletic clothing, posing outdoors with a city skyline in the background, while one person holds a small dog in their arms.

A journey like this is a test not only of physical but mental strength. For the team, this wasn’t simply about making it across the desert; it was about the moments that happened in-between. The breakthroughs, the camaraderie, and the quiet support exchanged between the teammates. It was about discovering resilience mile by mile.

Nike understands the needs of their athletes — and knows how to kit them out to perform their best. “Big dreams, big cushion” is the tagline of the new Vomero 18, the shoe our runners turned to for their mammoth undertaking. As part of a crew, support must be physical as well as emotional, and, granular as it might sound, even the smallest detail — like a bit of extra bounce in the sole — can make all the difference. This is what Nike’s Vomero 18 is about: that extra bit of support, often unnoticed but always stable, and cumulative over the miles. Plus, Nike’s performance apparel ensured that the team was well equipped and always stood out.

Built to go further

“ By embracing a childlike perspective, we can approach new experiences. ”

- Amandine Angless

Runner Mattis Molyvdis is leading the team, all of whom share a common vision. For Mattis, it’s not just about making it to the finish. “When exhaustion sets in, our strength is found in lifting each other up, proving that the true finish line is about redefining our own limits together,” he says.

Trainer and Nike ambassador Amandine Angles embraces new challenges with the excitement of a kid on their first day of school. “This run was such a unique moment in time!” she says. Amandine believes that reconnecting with your more playful spirit is key to staying open and curious, especially when facing the unknown. For her, challenges are less about completing the task at hand and more about the process of learning and reconnecting with your true passion.

For everyday extremes

“ It’s about the journey, the struggle, and the undeniable rush that comes with giving it everything you’ve got. ”

- Angelina Nieddu

And for Angelina Nieddu, a Paris-based movement coach, every stride was a step toward self-evolution. The challenge wasn’t just to complete the run, but to tap into something deeper, to move past perceived limits and find a new version of herself along the way. “What I love most about sports is the raw emotion it brings,” she says. The journey might end, but the lessons and victories stay.

In the end, running is never just about the physical experience but the personal journey that comes with it. That’s what makes the aches and pains all worth it — whether you’re chasing the glory of the medal or just a better version yourself