Nike’s Structure Plus Aims to Make Stability Shoes Feel More Exciting

At a December running event in San Antonio, Nike’s product development team introduced the Structure Plus, a new stability trainer intended to make supportive footwear feel less monotonous for long‑distance runners.

The shoe builds on the Structure 26 by widening the platform, adding a convex sidewall for alignment assistance, and pairing two foam layers: a soft, high‑rebound ZoomX foam and a firmer ReactX foam that together aim to provide a smooth, energizing ride. Despite a 42 mm heel and 32 mm forefoot stack, the men’s size 10 weighs 10.9 oz, slightly lighter than its predecessor.

During the author’s Boston Marathon training cycle, the Structure Plus was used on a 12‑mile run and reportedly delivered the expected support without feeling heavy or restrictive. The shoe’s design guides the foot rather than forcing alignment, which the writer found helpful as fatigue set in on longer miles.

"What I liked most about the Nike Structure Plus was the strong sense of support it delivered on every run," said overpronator tester Julian Caiazzo. "The shoe felt stable and dependable without ever coming across as stiff or restrictive."

Katherine Thomas, another overpronator who typically avoids Nike shoes, praised the unexpected stability and lack of side‑foot pinching.

What to know: The Structure Plus may benefit runners who experience form changes from fatigue, but individual fit varies. Consult a medical professional before changing footwear if you have a diagnosed gait or orthopedic condition.