Balancing Stability and a Bouncy Ride! The Technology Behind the Nike Structure Plus

The NIKE STRUCTURE series has long been beloved as a daily trainer renowned for its excellent stability. The Nike Structure 26, which was released last summer, achieves a balance of stability and comfort, earning the support of many runners.

Now, the "Nike Structure" series welcomes a new addition: the Nike Structure Plus. This innovative model successfully combines the stability needed to protect runners from injury with a bouncy ride that makes daily runs more enjoyable. So, what's the technology behind this game-changing shoe?

The "Nike Structure" Series: A Focus on Stability

"Our goal was to bring an unprecedented level of cushioning, fun, and energy to stability shoes. The Structure Plus is the first in the series to combine both ZoomX and ReactX foams. It delivers a softer, more responsive ride than ever before, all while maintaining the support runners count on," says Nike Expert Product Line Manager for Running Footwear, Ashley Campbell.

Let's take a look at Nike's lineup of road running shoes (excluding racing models). The collection is now streamlined into three core series: "Pegasus," "Vomero," and "Structure."

Nike has announced that each series will expand to include "Plus" and "Premium" models alongside the iconic base model. (With the unveiling of the Structure Plus, only the Structure Premium has yet to be released). While all share a common goal of pursuing comfort, each series has a distinct concept: "Pegasus" focuses on Responsive Cushioning, "Vomero" on Maximum Cushioning, and "Structure" on Supportive Cushioning.

This makes the "Nike Structure Plus" an exciting new option for runners who prioritize support and stability.

"Our main focus was on how to deliver superior support without compromising on comfort. For a long time, stability shoes have had a reputation for being heavy, stiff, and not much fun to run in. We wanted to change that perception. Our goal was to create a shoe that reliably provides the stability runners need, without sacrificing excellent cushioning, comfort, or an enjoyable running experience.

Runners who prefer stability shoes probably felt they had limited options, especially with so many neutral shoes on the market. By launching the Structure Plus alongside the Structure 26, we're thrilled to offer more choices for runners seeking that extra stability."

A Series First! Featuring Both ZoomX and ReactX Foams

Both the "Structure Plus" and "Structure 26" are designed to meet the needs of runners looking for stability. While the "Structure 26" focuses on a sense of overall balance, the "Structure Plus" takes it a step further, delivering superior energy return, enhanced softness, and improved cushioning.

"For the first time, we've integrated ZoomX foam into the Structure series. It's a lightweight, highly responsive, and soft foam. We've placed it directly under the foot in the upper section of the midsole.

Beneath the ZoomX foam, we've layered ReactX foam to enhance stability. ReactX, which is also used in the Structure 26, is slightly firmer than ZoomX and provides excellent cushioning.

By combining ZoomX and ReactX foams, we've struck a balance between a bouncy ride and solid stability. This approach is similar to what we did with the Vomero 18."

An Innovative Midfoot Support System

The exceptional stability and support of the "Structure Plus" stem from a technology called the Midfoot Support System. "With a design that wraps up the medial side of the midfoot and the lateral side of the heel, the midsole helps curb excessive pronation—the inward rolling of the heel upon landing. By also slowing the rate of pronation, it reduces stress on the body.

Overpronation is often linked to common running woes like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and IT band syndrome. Opting for a shoe with superior stability is a key step in preventing these issues.

"We've designed it to cradle the foot, providing support exactly where runners need it most—on the medial side of the midfoot and the lateral side of the heel. The structure is similar to the Structure 26, and we've incorporated that same proven technology into the Structure Plus.

To further boost stability, we've widened the base of the sole. It's broader than both the Vomero 18 and the Structure 26, which particularly enhances stability from the midfoot to the heel. The sole's stack height is 32mm in the forefoot and 42mm in the heel. That's 4mm thicker than the Structure 26, meaning more foam underfoot.

On the other hand, while it's 4mm thinner than the Vomero 18, it still has the ideal thickness to deliver ample cushioning and exceptional stability."

The shoe weighs in at around 309 grams (for a men's 28 cm shoe), making it lighter than the "Structure 26."

Nike athlete and American 10,000-meter champion Karissa Schweizer shared her thoughts: "The Structure Plus is lighter and more cushioned than previous shoes, but it still has that same reliable stability and responsiveness, which makes running fun. Stability shoes in the past often felt stiff, like something you had to wear. But this is a shoe you want to run in. It’s light, smooth, and makes every daily run more enjoyable."

The "Structure Plus" is set to deliver exactly what runners who want to stay injury-free and have fun on their runs are looking for.