Nike has redesigned the Structure 26, a go-to choice for runners who seek stability and cushioning for long runs, routine training miles or a comfortable everyday shoe.
The redesign builds on a three-decade legacy of trusted Structure innovation. The new silhouette combines Nike’s most refined stability features with a soft, smooth and responsive cushioning platform. The Structure 26 is the cornerstone of Nike’s supportive cushioning category of road running footwear. By listening to elite athletes and everyday runners, Nike created an ideal fusion of stability innovation and performance comfort designed to solve the challenges runners face.
“Evolving the Structure 25 to its newest iteration took balancing consistency with runner-right improvements,” said Ashley Campbell, Expert Product Line Manager, Nike Running. “Based on consumer insights as well as data from the NSRL, we saw an opportunity to improve the heel-to-toe transition of the shoe and the step-in feel to deliver support that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Additionally, we aimed to blend performance with style to give runners a shoe they could look and feel good in.”
Support System
At the heart of the Structure 26 is Nike’s innovative midfoot support system, which wraps the medial arch and lateral heel to provide enhanced stability throughout thestride.
This system pairs with a midsole stability solution new to the Structure franchise. The Structure 26 features a full ReactX foam midsole that helps deliver the stability runners need. It also maintains a more comfortable, fluid running experience — all without the use of firmer materials or rigid medial structures traditional to stability footwear.
This approach helps runners who may invert or evert more than others by creating a stable platform with smooth transitions, from impact to push-off.
“I’m doing most of my running in the Structure 26, and the main reason is because it keeps everything — my ankles, my knees and my whole body — moving in the right direction for optimal runs,” says Nike athlete Cole Hocker, who won Olympic gold in the 1,500-meter run last summer in Paris. “My favorite quality about the Structure 26 is how comfortable it is without being too soft. It has a perfect blend of comfort and support to keep me durable throughout my training.”
New Mesh Upper
The Structure 26 also debuts a new mesh upper that works alongside a redesigned zonal outsole to create optimal comfort and performance for runners of all abilities and intensities.
The upper features increased collar and tongue padding. This creates a premium fit that flexes and moves with your foot while maintaining critical support. High-abrasion rubber in the heel ensures exceptional traction and durability in high-impact zones. Blown rubber in the forefoot provides consistent softness and ground feel.
“The Structure 26 delivers the perfect combination of support and comfort, providing the right balance of cushioning, stability and responsiveness to make me feel light on my feet while supporting my stride,” says Nike athlete Sinclaire Johnson, the 2022 U.S. champion in the 1,500-meter run. “My favorite quality about the Structure 26 is the way it hugs my midfoot to provide stability while also giving my toes room to breathe. It allows me to move naturally through my gait while giving a touch of support through my midstance. I also love how it gives just the right amount of cushion to keep me fresh while providing great energy return with each step.”
This level of performance and comfort is the product of groundbreaking running-stability research involving both elite and everyday athletes in the Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL). Nike engineers have proven that the geometric design of the Structure 26 provides stability similar to traditional stability silhouettes without compromising soft cushioning or smooth transitions.
“When it comes to the evolution of our Structure franchise, a lot of research in the NSRL is around how we can provide stability for runners in a new way,” says Emily Farina, Senior Principal Researcher in the NSRL. “The Structure 26 strikes an innovative balance, providing great cushioning that lessens the impact on your body while offering biomechanical stability at the foot and ankle for runners who want that extra support — all without rigid or bulky materials that can be common in stability footwear.”
All About the Cush
The new silhouette anchors Nike’s Structure franchise, one of three distinct categories comprising the brand’s simplified road running footwear lineup. It is based on trusted icons and dedicated to what runners love most: cushioning.
The Structure franchise reflects a new era of supportive cushioning for a stable ride. Vomero delivers maximum cushioning for ultimate comfort. Pegasus provides responsive cushioning for all-day energy return.
This lineup of complementary running silhouettes provides athletes with their preferred type of cushioning. It also makes it easier for runners to determine what footwear offers the right mix of benefits, technology and price point. This provides a more inviting and accessible experience — especially for first-time runners or those adding a new shoe to their rotation.
The Nike Structure 26 is available at nike.com and select retail partners, and launches July 24 throughout North America.
