Nike Structure Plus review: Premium stability without the stigma

There’s a noticeable disparity in how stability running shoes are perceived by women and men. Many female runners happily use shoes with arch support, appreciating – very rightly so – the benefits not just for running, but also for standing and walking. Men, on the other hand, often look down on support shoes altogether.

Stability trainers are still widely seen as slower, clunkier and less exciting than neutral models, and bravado dictates that the ultimate goal of any running shoe is to make a (male) runner faster. As a result, shoes like the Structure Plus tend to be dismissed before they’re even tried.

I don’t share that sentiment, which is why I was genuinely looking forward to using Nike’s latest take on stability. I received the Structure Plus in mid-December and have been wearing it consistently for nearly two months, both for running and walking. Simply put, I loved it through and through.

Nike’s attempt at order

The Structure Plus sits within Nike’s revamped running shoe lineup, a refresh designed to simplify what has become an increasingly crowded range. The idea is to focus on three core franchises – Pegasus, Vomero and Structure – with each offered in base, Plus and Premium tiers.

I’m not convinced the system has fully reduced confusion just yet (there are still plenty of Nike running shoes on shelves), but it has undeniably brought renewed attention to these core lines. Over the past year or two, Pegasus, Vomero and Structure have all enjoyed a much clearer spotlight.

The base Structure 26 was announced last May, while the Structure Plus was revealed in December 2025 and officially went on sale in January 2026.

Foam maths, explained

The biggest difference between the Structure Plus and the Structure 26 is underfoot. The Plus uses a dual-foam setup combining ZoomX and ReactX, with ZoomX sitting directly underfoot and ReactX forming the thicker carrier layer beneath.

ZoomX is the same foam used in Nike’s Vaporfly and Alphafly racing shoes, prized for its softness and energy return. ReactX, meanwhile, adds structure, durability and stability. Together, they deliver plush step-in comfort without the wobbliness you might associate with full-length ZoomX midsoles.

The Structure Plus is also noticeably taller, with a 42 mm heel stack and 32 mm forefoot stack, resulting in a fairly assertive 10 mm drop. It’s a high-stack shoe that doesn’t feel unstable, which is no small feat.

Underfoot, the ride feels slightly softer at the heel and forefoot, while the midfoot feels firmer. That could be down to the way the arch support integrates into the midsole, creating a subtly reinforced platform through the middle of the shoe. Either way, it works.

Support that stays in its lane

Nike has absolutely nailed the underfoot support here. The arch is present but far from aggressive, offering guidance rather than correction. It’s the kind of support you notice when you need it, but forget about once you settle into your stride.

Running and walking in the Structure Plus both feel comfortable and natural. I found myself reaching for the shoes often, partly because of the stability they offer, but also because of how easy they are to live with day to day.

The engineered mesh upper provides solid midfoot lockdown, although heel support could be better. I’ve always found Nike running trainers to be a little loose around the rear, and the Structure Plus is no exception. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting.

Not just a running shoe

One of the biggest surprises was how good the Structure Plus looks. I’m currently going through a bit of an 80s revival phase (I blame Stranger Things) and my test colourway, the lovely Iron Purple with Off-Noir, Sail and Voltage Green accents, fits that aesthetic perfectly.

And before hardcore runners start sharpening their pitchforks: there’s nothing wrong with appreciating the look of a running shoe. Trainers don’t need to resemble high-visibility clown shoes to perform well. The Structure Plus proves that performance footwear can serve more than one function, ultimately delivering better value for money.

At £164.99, it isn’t cheap, and it’s certainly more expensive than alternatives like Hoka’s Arahi or Puma’s popular ForeverRUN Nitro 2. Still, as a premium Nike stability trainer, it feels fairly priced, especially given how versatile it is.

The bigger picture

Having now tried both the Structure Plus and the Vomero Premium, I can see the logic behind Nike’s new tiered approach. The Structure Plus feels clearly more stable than the Vomero Premium, while also looking less bulky than many high-stack Hoka models, despite similar numbers on paper.

I had a lot of fun testing the Structure Plus. It delivers the right amount of support, looks excellent, and works just as well for walking as it does for running. I’d happily recommend it to anyone who thinks they might benefit from a stability shoe, but doesn’t want to look like a dork wearing one.

The Structure Plus is available now at Nike UK, Nike US, Nike EU and Nike AU for the recommended retail price of £164.99 / $170 / €179.99 / AU$260/