I ran 35 miles in the Nike Structure Plus — here’s my verdict on Nike’s most cushioned stability shoe

We’re living in a max-cushioned era of running shoes, where almost every sneaker that comes out aims to shove more springy foam into its midsole to tower above its rivals.

However, runners who need stability shoes missed out on all the fun for a long time. While everyone else bounced around in super-soft sneakers, runners with stability needs had to keep using firm, slightly dull shoes with lower stacks.

That is now changing, fortunately, with many brands starting to offer shoes that marry springy, soft rides with stability, and the Nike Structure Plus is the latest shoe to join this category.

It’s Nike’s most enjoyable stability sneaker to date and one of the best running shoes you can get if you need extra support, though it does still lack a little of the fun you get from neutral shoes, including Nike’s own Vomero Plus.

Nike Structure Plus review: price and availability

Nike announced the Structure Plus in December 2025, and it will go on sale on 5th February in the U.S. It costs $170 in the U.S. and £155 in the U.K., making it $25/£25 more expensive than the Nike Structure 26, the entry-level stability shoe in the Structure line-up.

Nike Structure Plus review: design and fit

The Nike Structure Plus will launch in six colors, including the purple and green model I tested. It fit me well in my normal running shoe size, the same size I use across the Nike line-up.

It is the most cushioned stability shoe Nike has ever launched, with 42mm of foam at the heel and 32mm at the forefoot for a 10mm drop — that’s 4mm higher than the stack height of the Structure 26.

While it’s not the lightest cushioned shoe I’ve tested, at 11oz in my US men’s size 10, the Structure Plus is not unduly heavy either.

Upper

The Structure Plus uses an engineered mesh upper with overlays to add more structure around the midfoot and toe box, while an internal heel counter adds support at the back of the shoe. It’s a well-padded upper that I found comfortable throughout my runs in the shoe.

Midsole

There are two foams in the midsole of the Structure Plus, with a layer of soft, springy ZoomX stabilized by a layer of firmer ReactX. This dual-density approach is used on many stability shoes these days to create a bouncy and fun ride that is still stable.

The shoe also uses Nike’s midfoot support system to create stability. This consists of hidden sidewalls of foam at the lateral heel and medial midfoot that support your foot on either side to counter pronation while running.

Outsole

There is good rubber coverage on the bottom of the Nike Structure Plus, with a high-abrasion material used at the heel to increase durability, while a softer blown rubber is used on the forefoot to create a more comfortable feel.

I tested the shoe during the British winter and ran in it on wet pavements and frozen dirt tracks, and the grip was reliable throughout.

Nike Structure Plus review: running performance

I used the Nike Structure Plus for a range of training runs during my testing, including several easy runs, a progression run finishing at around 6min/mile pace, and a 12-mile long run.

I’m a neutral runner, but I have tested and enjoyed many of the top stability shoes on the market, and I like this modern type of stable shoe that uses sidewalls of foam and dual-density midsoles to create support without it feeling as overbearing or firm as traditional methods like a medial post.

The Structure Plus is a very comfortable shoe, and even as a neutral runner, I appreciated its added support during long runs on tired legs.

It’s also softer and bouncier than past Structure models I’ve tested, though not quite as springy as shoes with a full ZoomX midsole like the Nike Vomero Plus. The ReactX foam in its midsole dulls the ride a little, though it also adds stability.

From my testing, I’d say the Structure Plus is a shoe best-suited for easy and long runs. It’s a little heavy for faster efforts, and the mix of foams in its midsole doesn’t create a lot of bounce for intervals or tempo runs. It can be used for everything, but if you have a running shoe rotation, I’d pair it with a lighter, faster model.

Should you buy the Nike Structure Plus?

The Nike Structure Plus is a very good option for runners seeking a comfortable, stable shoe with a bit of bounce. I liked it more in testing than the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 and Saucony Hurricane 25, which are both also comfortable stability shoes but less lively than the Structure Plus.

If you want a lighter, more versatile stability shoe, then I was impressed by the Hoka Arahi 8 when I tested it. It's not as soft or cushioned as the Structure Plus, but it has a smoother ride that works better at faster paces.

If you're a neutral runner, then I'd stick with one of the shoes in the Vomero line-up over the Structure, since the Vomero Plus has a full ZoomX midsole and is bouncier and lighter than the Structure Plus.