GET TO KNOW THE NIKE STRUCTURE PLUS

Published: 05/02/2026 | Written by: Ben Felton

It’s 2026, and carbon running shoes are all the rage. For those tough sessions and race day full sends, there’s no better option if you’re looking to achieve a new personal best. Given the rise in popularity of carbon running shoes amongst recreational runners, some fall into the trap of using them a little too much. We all want that speedy shoe feeling,g but for easy-paced or recovery runs, they are certainly not ideal given they often lack stability and rigidity because of the carbon plate. That’s where some runners could benefit from building a shoe rotation of 2 or 3 shoes, and one you may want to consider is a stability shoe.

Quite the opposite of a carbon shoe, they offer maximum support that’s ideal for more everyday miles. One stability shoe that I’ve recently been trying is the Nike Structure Plus. Unlike many other stability shoes, which can be a little stiff and dare I say it, boring, the Structure Plus combines foot support with maximal cushioning in a much more exciting shoe.

Here, Nike have used a midsole made from two foams: a stable foam and a bouncy foam (React X Carrier+ ZoomX Core), which offers a soft and protective ride without compromising on stability. This combination is rarely seen in maximum cushioning shoes, as their high stack height can usually compromise this sense of security. The last thing you want is to feel like you’re running in a pair of moon boots where your ankles are fearing for their lives when facing uneven pavement or a change of direction.

Now, some runners will require more support than others, given we all have different styles, foot strikes and paces; hence why it is so important to try running shoes on for yourself. If you’re unsure about what running shoes would suit you best, a gait analysis can be really helpful, as this will be able to give you a much clearer understanding of how your body moves and how your feet land when hitting the pavement. I would therefore suggest this shoe to people looking for a nice combination of max cushioning without that wobbly feeling when going round corners, which the shoes’ ‘mid foot support system provides. This added support helps limit the foot rolling inwards, known as overpronation, which can increase injury risk and is something a shoe like this can help manage.

As a sub-elite athlete and running content creator, I personally run 6-7 days a week and currently reach for the Structure Plus on days when my legs are a little tired, say from a long run or interval workout the day before. The shoes’ strength is offering an enjoyable run even when you’re a little sore from the previous day of training. As someone who typically wears neutral running shoes, I’ve found adding a stable option 2-3 days a week with the Nike Structure Plus to be beneficial in improving my recovery as I can reduce the strain on ankles and knees. On a day before a more intense training run where I still wanted to jog for 30-60 minutes, it’s been great, but also given the shoes’ more cushioned feeling, they can handle the longer runs in my marathon training without any problems. I personally only use it on runs that are focused more on easy running, as there are better options for faster running in the Nike lineup, such as the Nike Zoomfly 6.

In terms of comparisons, the Nike Structure Plus feels most similar to the soft cushioning of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, but with the stability of the ASICS Kayano. Other stability options to consider include the Puma Forever Run, which offers a similar package at a slightly more affordable price point. Otherwise, you’ve got the lower-stack-height sibling, the regular Nike Structure. And if you prefer the three stripes over the swoosh, the new Adidas Supernova Glide falls into a similar bracket and is definitely a contender.

To conclude, Nike have done a great job of producing a fun, bouncy running sensation here in a stable package that has been a real rarity in the space, given the two characteristics don’t usually complement each other. If you’re looking for a new running shoe that offers a supportive, comfortable and protective feel, the Nike Structure Plus could be a winner. Save those carbon running shoes for race day and choose a more stable option for days when your body needs a little more support.