In late 2024, Nike unveiled its retooled running shoe lineup that put the Pegasus, Vomero and Structure nameplates in the spotlight as the models tasked with regaining some of the ground the brand lost to rivals in key segments. The result was an ambitious nine shoe rollout that would feature standard, Plus and Premium versions of the three labels in an aggressive nine shoe roster.
Pegasus was a logical choice to lead the way and the overhaul of the Vomero has proven to be a winning formula, especially in with the Vomero Plus. But the inclusion of the seemingly-invisible Structure line showed that Nike was indeed serious about grabbing hold of the general field of runners after leaning heavily into mega-performance showpieces like the Vaporfly and Alphafly.
Having put eyes (and feet) on all six of the Pegasus and Vomero models, Structure steps to the plate. The Structure 26 showed up last July and was an upgrade over its predecessor, less clunky and predictably stable. For the Structure Plus, the recipe has been tweaked with ZoomX and ReactX crossing paths in a supportive package that is simply meant to be a no-nonsense daily driver.
The Structure Plus could be looked as a fresh slate in Nike’s family of running shoes that now has something for everyone, but the model takes styling cues and some the improvements the Structure 26 gained over its prior model — but pivots in its own direction. The midsole is the first slight detour from the Structure 26, with the Structure Plus riding on a healthy core of familiar ZoomX foam. Meanwhile, ReactX joins the mix as a carrier foam that provides a union of some of Nike’s current foam technology.
The ride is boosted with a 42mm stack at the heel and slides down to 32mm up front and is the most aggressive setup in any Structure since the shoe was launched way back in 1991. Despite feeling somewhat experimental for a shoe bearing the Structure name, the ride is guided, cushioned and versatile enough to take on a long walk and be comfortable. The heel is generously supported and with each step, there is zero guesswork about how the ankle will respond and launch into the next stride.
Meanwhile, a chunky amount of durable rubber provides grippy coverage from toe to midfoot with thoughtful placement in high contact heel areas. The Structure Plus is an exercise in refinement over its previously released sibling and walks a fine line of stability and plush roller. While there is no noticeable stiff heel counter holding things in place at the back, the reassurance of feeling locked in place never fades.
Meanwhile, the upper is draped in engineered mesh that feels locked in, breathable and carried over some styling details from the Structure 26. There are seven colorways in men’s sizes and five for women that make the Structure Plus standout when it’s not exclusively in running duty. The shoe would easily slot in a walking rotation and makes a case for itself with a padded tongue, plush collar and thoughtful accents that added pops of style.
Runners on the hunt for a dedicated stability and support model might find the sum of upgrades in the Structure Plus a bit much, especially the increased stack that comes with the ZoomX/ReactX alliance. On runs beyond six miles, the wider stance of the shoe — and stack — shows its presence, which might prompt a reach for the Structure 26 instead. Still, the complete package of the Structure Plus is proof that Nike is all-in when it comes to diving head first into an essential battle of covering every base in the mainstream shoe war.
available for $170 at nike.com
