Nike Structure 26   Review

The Nike Structure Plus and Nike Structure 26 share the same support-shoe DNA, but the Plus feels like a Structure on steroids in almost every way except outright support features. The Structure Plus sits higher and delivers more cushioning, using a top layer of ZoomX over its support platform to create a softer, more premium, more protective ride. The Structure 26, by contrast, uses a full ReactX midsole and stays lower to the ground, which gives it a classic support-trainer feel with a steadier, traditional sense of guidance. Even though both are in a similar weight range, the Structure 26 feels more grounded and support-focused, while the Structure Plus is the better fit if you want a more cushioned and balanced take on the category.

The Nike Pegasus 41 and Nike Structure 26 are contemporary iterations of two of the swoosh's most long-running shoe series. Both have undergone numerous updates over the decades without changing their respective identities: the Pegasus a daily workhorse, and the Structure a dedicated stability trainer. Neither is built for speed, but rather for reliably plodding through miles upon miles. For runners with a neutral stride, looking for a no-fuss trainer that can endure the daily grind, the Pegasus 41 is a solid option. For runners whose form breaks down easily or who have known pronation issues, the Structure 26 is a safe choice.

The ASICS GEL-KAYANO 32 and Nike Structure 26 are both stability shoes that use built-up sidewalls to keep runners' feet from under- or over-pronating. The GEL-KAYANO 32 has several extra features specifically targeting over-pronation, including a cut out in the bottom of the shoe meant to shift the weight of the shoe outward, and a pod of bouncier foam on the medial side designed to spring the foot back into neutral position faster. For the small percentage of runners who under-pronate, the Structure 26 would be a better choice, while over-pronators will get more support from the GEL-KAYANO 32. 

The Nike Structure 26 and HOKA Arahi 8 are both stability trainers that use sidewalls on both sides of the shoe to support either over- or under-pronators. Neither is particularly fast or bouncy, but while the Structure 26 focuses on stability above all else, the Arahi 8 makes some concessions for comfort, with softer cushioning, including in the guide rails. 

The Nike Structure 26 and ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 are two classic stability shoes that are among their respective brands' oldest series. The GEL-KAYANO 31 has more stability-focused design elements, including a harder block of foam in the midfoot for arch support, and a softer pod of foam on the lateral side, designed to spring over-pronators back into a more neutral position; the Structure 26, meanwhile, mostly relies on guide rails on both sides of the shoe to stabilize the foot. The ASICS shoe is heavier and higher stacked than the Nike shoe, with much worse energy return.

The Saucony Hurricane 25 and Nike Structure 26 are both stability trainers that rely on a classic combination of a wide outsole and guide rails along the footbed to correct over- or under-pronation. But the Hurricane 25 has several more modern innovations designed to correct over-pronation, including a dual-density arrangement of foam under the heel with a higher concentration of denser foam on the medial side to prevent inward rotation. A cutout on the lateral side of the Hurricane 25 acts as a corrective measure for over-pronation, but also makes the ride much more fluid. With its softer cushioning, the Saucony shoe feels like a modern trainer that provides support for over-pronators, while the Structure 26 feels like a classic stability shoe.

The ASICS GT-1000 15 and Nike Structure 26 are both support shoes from their respective brands, but they have a few important distinctions. The ASICS is the much lighter and slightly taller of the two, feeling more nimble on foot. The Nike shoe uses traditional guide rails to achieve its support, and though it offers more protection underfoot, in the big picture, it's still only mediocre. With both delivering comparable stability overall, it largely comes down to whether you're willing to pay a premium for the Nike shoe's extra cushioning.

The Nike Structure 26 and On Cloudrunner 2 are stability trainers that target slightly different but overlapping areas of the foot. The primary stability features in the Cloudrunner 2 are focused on the heel, including a stiff heel clip, and mild sidewalls in the rearfoot. The Structure 26 also has a (more pronounced) lateral sidewall close to the heel, but the support on the medial side extends further into the midfoot than the Cloudrunner 2. The Cloudrunner 2 is somewhat lighter and better cushioned, but has much worse energy return than the Structure 26.