Nike Structure Plus Review: Stability Training Shoe for Triathletes
What to Look For in a Stability Running Shoe for Triathlon
If you overpronate or land heavily on your heels after a long bike leg, a stability running shoe can protect your knees, hips and feet during training and on race day. The Nike Structure Plus is Nike’s most ambitious stability shoe yet — for the first time combining ZoomX and ReactX foam in a structured, supportive chassis. It brings the plush cushioning of Nike’s race range into an everyday training shoe for runners who need guided support.
Key Features to Consider
- ZoomX + ReactX Dual Foam — ZoomX on top delivers energetic cushioning typically reserved for Nike’s racing shoes, while the ReactX carrier below provides the firm, stable platform needed for overpronation control.
- Medial Post Support — A firm wedge on the inner midsole reduces excess inward roll, helping triathletes maintain better running form as fatigue builds in the later miles of a race.
- 42mm Heel Stack — Maximum cushioning at the heel absorbs impact for mid- to rear-foot strikers, protecting the joints during high-mileage triathlon training blocks.
- 10mm Drop — A moderate heel-to-toe drop suits runners who land mid- to rear-foot, balancing natural gait with the support structure without forcing an unnatural running position.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Nike Structure Plus
The Nike Structure Plus is the most cushioned and responsive stability training shoe Nike has ever produced. At £164.99, it’s a premium investment — but if you’ve struggled with knee or hip discomfort on the triathlon run leg, the support and comfort are genuinely impressive. Available from Nike.com/gb and specialist running retailers.
Best Value: Nike Structure 26
The Nike Structure 26 delivers proven, reliable stability at a more accessible price point. It uses React foam throughout with a medial post for motion control, and has served triathletes well as a durable daily trainer through long training blocks.
Best Alternative: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
If you’d prefer a non-Nike option, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is the most trusted stability trainer in triathlon. Its GuideRails technology supports your body’s natural motion path rather than rigidly correcting it, and the DNA LOFT v3 foam provides plush, long-lasting cushioning for heavy training weeks. Available from specialist running shops and Brooks.com.
Buying Tips
- Have your gait analysed at a specialist running shop before committing to a stability shoe — not all triathletes need one.
- The Structure Plus runs slightly narrow — if you have wider feet, try the Brooks Adrenaline which comes in multiple width options.
- Don’t use a stability shoe on race day unless you’ve trained in it throughout the build — the slightly heavier build is better suited to training than racing.
Care and Maintenance
Inspect the medial post area of the outsole regularly for uneven wear — this is the first area to go on stability shoes. Rotating between two pairs of shoes extends the foam’s life significantly. The Structure Plus should deliver 400–500 miles of quality training before needing replacement.
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support The Triathlete.
