Stability running shoes have long been associated with firmness and restraint. With the new Nike Structure Plus, Nike challenges that perception by introducing ZoomX and ReactX super foams into its stability lineup for the first time. The result is a shoe designed to deliver plush cushioning, energetic responsiveness, and reliable support, offering runners a more enjoyable, less restrictive ride without compromising control.
ZoomX foam is in the heel, and ReactX foam is in the forefoot. This creates a 42-millimeter stack height in the heel and a 32-millimeter stack height in the forefoot. These numbers make it the tallest Structure shoe ever produced.
“We saw an opportunity to bring more cushioning and a more fun, energetic ride to stability shoes. That’s where the ‘Plus’ really comes in,” says Ashley Campbell, expert product line manager at Nike Running Footwear. “With ZoomX foam appearing alongside ReactX for the first time in our Structure line, the Structure Plus delivers a softer, more responsive ride while maintaining the support runners expect.“
The shoe retains the midfoot support system of the Structure 26, which wraps both the medial arch and lateral heel. Nike studied hundreds of elite and everyday runners to develop this system, which provides stability without the need for firmer materials or rigid medial posts.
Nike athlete and U.S. champion in the 10,000-meter run Karissa Schweizer tested the shoe extensively during training.
“The Structure Plus feels more fun because it’s lighter and more cushioned than what I’m used to, yet it still provides that reliable mix of stability and responsiveness,” Schweizer says. “Often, a stable shoe feels serious, like I’m wearing it out of necessity, but this one feels like something I really want to run in. It’s lighter and smoother, and it makes my everyday runs feel more enjoyable.“
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Cooper Teare, a Nike athlete and two-time U.S. champion in the 1,500-meter run, believes that the Structure Plus will work alongside the existing Structure 26 rather than replace it.
“The Structure Plus doesn’t contrast with the Structure 26; it builds on its design with extra foam to prevent pounding the pavement,” says Teare. “The Structure Plus takes the fluidity and stability of the Structure 26 one step further by giving you extra cushioning without sacrificing efficiency.“
The upper uses engineered mesh for breathability and support in targeted zones. Structural overlays secure the foot, and a plush collar and tongue improve fit and containment.
High-abrasion rubber covers the heel for durability where impact occurs most. Blown rubber in the forefoot maintains softness and ground contact feel. Wider netting through the midfoot adds another layer of stability.
Nike drew inspiration from retro running shoes for the design aesthetic. Launch colorways range from classic black and white to sunset tones and lime green.
The Structure Plus joins the Structure 26 in Nike’s stability category, one of three core road running categories. The Vomero handles maximum cushioning, and the Pegasus focuses on responsive cushioning for daily training.
Within the Structure category, the Structure 26 provides a firmer feel and a more traditional stability approach. The Structure Plus provides increased softness, more energy return, and a different underfoot sensation thanks to the super foam.
The shoe will retail for $170 when it launches at running specialty stores on January 8th, 2026.