The Nike Structure line has long been associated with firm, traditional stability shoes—often to a fault. With the Structure Plus, Nike is clearly trying to elevate the experience and modernize the lineup. And in many ways, it succeeds.
Upper and Fit of the Nike Structure Plus
The upper of the Nike Structure Plus is very traditional, almost surprisingly so. I was actually surprised to see that the tongue is not gusseted. The laces are fairly simple, but they work really well and do their job without any fuss.
The upper itself is an engineered mesh with a few different layers. It’s comfortable and very well padded, especially around the ankle collar. The heel counter is really stout and gives a strong sense of security at the back of the shoe. Lockdown overall is very good, even without a gusseted tongue.
The shoe fits true to size, and I was genuinely pleased with the overall comfort this upper delivers. No chafing, no pressure points, and no issues at all during my runs. It feels like a classic, reliable Nike upper—done properly.
What works for me
Pretty much everything. The comfort level is high, the padding is generous without feeling sloppy, and the lockdown is solid. It’s a very reassuring upper that disappears on foot once you start running.
What doesn’t work for me
There are only minor points here. A gusseted tongue would have been a nice addition, and the tongue itself could benefit from being a bit thinner. A slightly lighter, more breathable upper material could also help, because while it’s perfectly fine in winter, I can easily see this shoe running quite hot in summer conditions.
Midsole and Ride of the Nike Structure Plus
The midsole setup is where the Structure Plus really separates itself from previous versions. It uses a rim of ReactX foam combined with a core of ZoomX. The ReactX rim plays a key role in stability, especially on the medial side, acting as a midfoot support system. The ZoomX core, on the other hand, brings softness, cushioning, and bounce underfoot.
This combination makes the shoe feel very stable without being overly harsh. The ZoomX adds a layer of enjoyment that has been completely missing from the Structure lineup until now.
What works for me
One pleasant surprise was the drop. With 42 mm in the heel and 32 mm in the forefoot, the shoe sits at a 10 mm drop. Given that most of the shoes I currently run in are between 4 and 8 mm (with an average around 5–6 mm), I expected this to feel awkward. But it didn’t. The transition felt natural enough, and I adapted very quickly.
The addition of ZoomX is a game changer. Compared to the Structure 26 which, to me, felt like a brick: very firm and frankly unpleasant and this is a completely different experience. The ZoomX core adds bounce, softness, and fun. It transforms the ride.
I was also surprised by how versatile the shoe felt. I took it on a 12 km tempo run at around 4:00 min/km pace, and the Structure Plus performed well. It’s not just a slow, plodding stability trainer anymore.
What doesn’t work for me
The added support itself is the main downside for me personally. The ReactX-based midfoot support system isn’t something my body loves. I can feel that my knees aren’t working in the same way, and although I do pronate, I don’t pronate enough to really need this level of structured support.
That said, this is not a flaw of the shoe, it’s simply a matter of biomechanics and personal needs.
Outsole and Durability of the Nike Structure Plus
Durability looks excellent. The outsole is fantastic, offering a lot of grip and confidence. I tested the shoe in icy and slippery conditions, and it performed really well. Based on this, I expect the Structure Plus to be a very durable shoe over high mileage.
Final Thoughts
The Nike Structure Plus is, in many ways, a brilliant evolution of the Structure lineup. It finally adds something that was missing: real cushioning and an enjoyable ride. Thanks to the ZoomX core, this is no longer a dull, overly firm stability shoe.
The big question is value. At around 180 euros, you can find other shoes that are inherently stable, wider platforms, less intrusive support systems, and foams that aren’t too soft, while still offering excellent cushion and bounce. Those options may feel more natural for many runners.
But if you like Nike shoes, or if you’re specifically looking for a more premium, modern take on the Structure concept, this could absolutely be for you. For the first time, I can genuinely recommend a shoe from the Nike Structure lineup.
