As a running shoe reviewer who has logged miles in everything from the original waffle trainers to the latest super shoes, I’ve seen the “stability” category go through an identity crisis. For years, it was the land of gray, bulky, medical-looking devices designed to correct “flaws.” But in 2026, the script is going to be flipped.
Today we are diving deep into the Nike Structure Plus review, analyzing a shoe that promises to end the era of boring stability by injecting Nike’s premier racing foam, ZoomX, into a daily workhorse.
The new Nike hierarchy: A matrix of choice
Before we lace up the Structure Plus, we need to understand the massive shift in Nike’s road running strategy. Nike has streamlined its confusing catalog into three clear pillars, each serving a specific run type:
- Pegasus: The Responsive Daily Trainer
- Vomero: The Plush/Max Cushion Cruiser
- Structure: The Supportive/Stable Platform
Here is the kicker: Under each of these three pillars, Nike now offers three distinct tiers to match your budget and performance needs:
- Icon: The standard base model (e.g., Structure 26, Pegasus 41).
- Plus: The upgraded experience with better foams and “max sensation” (e.g., Structure Plus).
- Premium: The luxury tier with top-shelf tech (coming later for Structure).
The Nike Structure Plus sits right in the middle of the stability silo, offering a significant upgrade over the standard model without the likely astronomical price tag of a future Premium version.
Nike Structure Plus: What’s new?
The headline feature here is “Supportive Cushioning.” Nike has ditched the old-school medial posts and hard plastic shanks. Instead, they are using geometry and foam density to guide the foot.
The biggest news? ZoomX is finally in a stability shoe. Nike has taken the high-energy foam from the Vaporfly 4 and Alphafly 3 and sandwiched it inside a stable frame. This aims to solve the biggest complaint about stability shoes: that they feel dead and unresponsive.
Key specifications:
Brand: Nike
Model: Structure Plus
Weight: 9.8 oz. (277 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 42mm
Toe: 25 mm
Heel drop: 6 mm
Midsole: Hybrid ZoomX (Core/Top) + ReactX (Carrier/Bottom)
Price of Nike Structure Plus
Price: N/A
Release date: January 8, 2026 (Specialty Run Stores), February 5, 2026 (Global)
How is it diferent from Structure 26?
If the Structure 26 is the reliable sedan, the Structure Plus is the sport-tuned crossover.
Stack Height: The Plus is significantly taller, sitting at 42mm in the heel compared to the sub-40mm stack of the standard Structure 26.
Foam Composition: The Structure 26 relies primarily on ReactX foam. The Plus introduces a dual-density setup, placing a soft, bouncy layer of ZoomX directly underfoot, cradled by the firmer ReactX.
Ride Character: The Structure 26 is grounded and predictable. The Plus is designed to be “fun” and energetic, offering more bounce while still preventing ankle roll.
Upper
The upper pulls heavy inspiration from retro ’80s and ’90s runners (think Bowerman series aesthetics) but uses modern materials. It features a plush engineered mesh that is accommodating—built on Nike’s MR10 last, which is known for fitting a wide variety of foot shapes.
Fit: True to size with a “comfort-first” approach.
Support: It utilizes structural overlays and an internal midfoot band to lock the foot down, ensuring you don’t slide off the high platform.
Midsole
This is where the magic happens. Nike uses a “bucket seat” style construction.
The Core: A large volume of ZoomX foam sits directly under the foot. This provides that signature squish and energy return.
The Frame: A casing of ReactX foam wraps around the ZoomX. This firmer foam acts as a high sidewall, particularly on the medial (arch) side.
Geometry: The sidewalls are convex on the medial side to resist compression (stopping inward roll) and concave on the lateral side to encourage a smooth landing. It guides you rather than forcing you.
Outsole
The outsole is designed for durability and stability rather than weight savings.
Heel: High-abrasion rubber to handle the impact of heel strikers (common in the stability category).
Forefoot: Softer blown rubber (Lyco Light) to aid in cushioning and traction.
Pattern: A flatter, wide-base profile rather than a lugged waffle, increasing ground contact area for a planted feel.
Who is this shoe for?
The “Bored” Overpronator: If you need stability but hate how clunky your current shoes feel, this is your upgrade.
The Neutral Runner on Recovery Days: Even if you don’t need stability, the high stack and supportive guidance make this excellent for days when your legs are tired and your form breaks down.
Heavier Runners: The ReactX carrier foam combined with the 42mm stack provides substantial protection that won’t bottom out.
Pros ✅
- Bouncy ZoomX energy return
- Smooth, modern guidance system
- Plush, luxurious step-in feel
- Suitable for neutral runners
Cons ❌
- Lacks rocker for speed
- High stack reduces ground feel
Verdict
The Nike Structure Plus is a successful reimagining of a stale category. By leveraging the new lineup strategy, Nike has allowed the “Icon” model to stay safe for traditionalists while letting the “Plus” model take risks with ZoomX energy.
This shoe proves that stability doesn’t have to be a punishment. It sits perfectly in a modern rotation as your supportive daily workhorse. However, it isn’t a do-it-all solution. If you find yourself craving the absolute pinnacle of neutral luxury and plushness for long runs, you might want to look towards the Nike Vomero Premium. Conversely, on days when you need to abandon the “steady” vibe and chase faster tempo splits, the Structure Plus should be swapped out for the propulsive Nike Zoomfly 6.
Ultimately, if you have been waiting for a shoe that supports your ankles without feeling like a brick, the Structure Plus is a must-buy.