Nike Structure Plus: Complete Review & Comparison Guide

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In-depth review of the Nike Structure Plus. See how it compares to similar stability shoes, specs, pros, cons, and where to buy this enhanced stability trainer.

Bob BodilyBob Bodily
4 min readShoes
Nike Structure Plus: Complete Review & Comparison Guide

Nike Structure Plus: Complete Review & Comparison Guide

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Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.


Overview

The Nike Structure Plus enhances the stability trainer formula with ReactX foam and additional cushioning. While the standard Structure 26 provides reliable overpronation support, the Plus version adds more midsole material for runners who need stability features without sacrificing comfort.

This is the premium option in Nike's stability lineup—more cushioning than the Structure 26, with the same effective medial support system. For overpronators who find traditional stability shoes too firm or lacking in cushioning, the Structure Plus offers a more comfortable alternative.

Key Specifications

Spec Value
Category Daily Trainer
Cushion Level Moderate
Heel-to-Toe Drop 10mm
Weight (Men's/Women's) 10.5oz / 9.0oz
Stack Height 38mm heel / 28mm forefoot
Pronation Support Stability
Width Options Standard, Wide
MSRP MSRP: $160
Surface Road

What It's Known For

The Structure Plus addresses a common complaint about stability shoes: they often sacrifice cushioning for support. By adding ReactX foam and increasing stack height, Nike created a stability trainer that feels as comfortable as many neutral options while still providing effective pronation control.

The medial support system guides the foot through the gait cycle without feeling intrusive. The ReactX foam provides modern cushioning that's softer and more responsive than traditional stability shoe materials. Together, they create a shoe that supports overpronators while remaining comfortable for daily training.

Why Runners Love It

Pros

  • Good Stability: The medial support system provides effective overpronation control without feeling heavy-handed.

  • More Cushion Than Structure 26: The ReactX foam and higher stack deliver noticeably more cushioning than the standard Structure, improving comfort on longer runs.

  • Comfortable for Daily Training: The Structure Plus can handle daily miles comfortably, not just prescribed runs for stability.

  • Helpful for Knee and Ankle Issues: Runners dealing with knee pain or ankle instability often find relief in the combination of stability features and cushioning.

What Some Runners Don't Like

Cons

  • Heavier Than Neutral Options: At 10.5oz, the Structure Plus carries more weight than comparable neutral trainers due to stability components.

  • Less Flexible: Stability features make the shoe less flexible than neutral alternatives, which may feel restrictive to some runners.

  • Not for Neutral Runners: If you don't need stability, the Structure Plus's design adds unnecessary weight and restriction.

Who Should Consider This Shoe

The Nike Structure Plus is ideal for:

  • Overpronators who want more cushioning than traditional stability shoes
  • Runners logging 20-60 miles per week who need daily stability support
  • Those transitioning to stability shoes who want comfort during the adjustment
  • Runners with knee or ankle issues that benefit from pronation control

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere

Consider other options if you:

  • Have neutral gait and don't need stability
  • Prefer lightweight, flexible shoes
  • Want maximum responsiveness
  • Need maximum cushioning (look at cushioned stability options)

How It Compares: Cross-Brand Comparison

Shoe Cushion Drop Weight (M) Price Best For
Nike Structure Plus Moderate 10mm 10.5oz MSRP: $160 Enhanced stability training
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Moderate 12mm 10.2oz MSRP: $140 GuideRails stability
ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 High 10mm 10.9oz MSRP: $160 Premium stability
Saucony Guide 18 Moderate 8mm 9.7oz MSRP: $145 Lightweight stability
HOKA Arahi 7 High 5mm 9.6oz MSRP: $145 Cushioned stability

The Structure Plus offers similar stability to competitors with ReactX cushioning. The ASICS Gel-Kayano 31 provides more cushioning at similar price. The Saucony Guide 18 is lighter for runners who want stability without extra weight.

Nike Lineup: Same-Brand Comparison

Shoe Cushion Drop Weight (M) Price Best For
Nike Structure Plus Moderate 10mm 10.5oz MSRP: $160 Enhanced stability training
Nike Structure 26 Moderate 10mm 10.2oz MSRP: $140 Daily stability training
Nike Pegasus 41 Moderate 10mm 9.7oz MSRP: $140 Neutral daily training
Nike Vomero 18 High 10mm 10.6oz MSRP: $160 Cushioned neutral

Within Nike's lineup, the Structure Plus is the premium stability option with more cushioning than the standard Structure 26. For runners who don't need stability, the Pegasus 41 offers similar versatility in a neutral design.

Final Verdict

The Nike Structure Plus succeeds in making stability shoes more comfortable. The combination of ReactX foam and effective pronation control creates a shoe that overpronators can wear daily without feeling punished by firm, unsupportive cushioning.

For runners who need stability but have been disappointed by traditional stability shoes' comfort, the Structure Plus offers a compelling alternative. The extra cushioning comes at some weight cost, but the tradeoff is worthwhile for all-day comfort.

If you know you need stability and want the most comfortable version, the Structure Plus delivers. If budget is a concern, the standard Structure 26 provides the same support at lower price.


As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.

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