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Structure Plus: Renegade Reviews

For a long time, the stability shoe category was one that we were taught only suited runners who overpronate. However, stability shoes can have a place in anyone's rotation for easy days—they give our feet a little more support to stay in a functional movement pattern. Nike's Structure Plus is the newest offering in the Structure family (their stability line), with the addition of ZoomX foam for a softer, more responsive ride.

Shop Men's Structure Plus
Shop Women's Structure Plus

Chloe and Steven from our LA shop have been running in the Structure Plus for a few weeks, so we asked them to give us their takes on it. 

What do you love about Structure Plus?

Chloe: I ran in stability shoes for the first 15 years of my running career. Now, I’m spoiled by cushioned neutral shoes and it was nice to finally have an option for a stability shoe with a bit more cushioning for the longer runs. My legs feel fresher running for longer distances in them as opposed to the regular Structure. As with other Nike cushioned options the foam is responsive and bouncy. Though due to the firmness of the stability features, I’d compare the feel more to the Vomero 18 vs the Vomero plus.

Steven: I love the ZoomX cushion around the heel. It gives it a nice soft landing pad for folks who might be landing a bit harder or closer to the heel. The ReactX foam that surrounds it prevents the cushioning from being too squishy though. It’s a versatile shoe because of this combination. I used it for a track session to see how it would perform with faster paces and I was surprised in a good way. Though it’s a more clunky shoe, the Structure Plus still had some good bounce and responsiveness to it. The following day I ran a little over 6 miles at a faster pace and had a similar sensation as track, where it felt like the shoe definitely had that responsiveness. I can see how it would be a really solid shoe for a moderate paced long run. 

Any downsides? 

Chloe: Since Nikes run more narrow, the midfoot support system can be a bit noticeable if you have wider feet. I also wouldn’t call them fast shoes, which is why they’re good for recovery/slower long runs. They’re also heavy compared to a neutral shoe, are probably lighter than your average stability shoe.
Steven: I would say the downside of the shoe is the clunkiness. It’s a stability shoe through and through so you won’t be getting a huge bounce from it. 

Where in your rotation are you placing this shoe? (Daily trainer, recovery, gym, walk, long run, race?)

Chloe: Long run/recovery.
Steven: I can see this fitting in my shoe rotation as a daily trainer and for long runs. Especially for someone who wants that overall support and security. It’s flat overall so you don’t have that unbalanced feeling.

Who would you recommend this shoe to?
Chloe: I’d recommend these to stability shoe runners who want to try something fun, with a little less ground feel, who are comfortable trying a higher stack. Or neutral shoe runners who want a little more support for the long runs. 
Steven: At the $170 price point, I think it’s a great introductory shoe that can sort of do it all. You’re not breaking the bank and you’ve got something that will help you get through long runs and support you on recovery runs. So I’d recommend it for someone who’s getting into running and training for their first race. I’d also recommend it for seasoned runners who are looking for a good stability shoe that doesn’t have that typical stiffness of a structured shoe. I’ll probably be using it on my long runs. 
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