The most supportive running shoes by Nike

Known for its ability to innovate, Nike continues to produce top-of-the-line supportive running footwear. The legendary Nike Structure is the most supportive of its running shoes, and its most recent iteration, the Nike Structure 26, uses some of the brand's best technology to build on the success of its predecessors, making it an optimal choice for beginners and competitive athletes alike.

“What we really wanted to do was build on the success of the 25 for the 26, not leave anyone behind, but also push the franchise forwards”, Andrew Bumbalough, Nike product line manager, said.

One of the most frustrating occasions in a runner's routine can occur when injury strikes. Wearing the proper running shoes is one of the ways to help mitigate this frustration. For those runners who excessively overpronate, a stability shoe might be beneficial to you.

At the heart of the Nike Structure 26—which underwent a comprehensive testing process to gauge how it stacks against its competitors—is an innovative midfoot support system that keeps the feet stable and helps mitigate the potential for overpronation. An affliction common to many runners, overpronation becomes an issue when excess motion is not held in check. Upon landing on the outside of the heel, the weight transfers to the inner edge of the foot as the arch collapses. Thus, these runners need a supportive shoe to help slow down the excess movement. Enter the Nike Structure.

“Our goal with the Structure is to not control all-natural motion that happens at the foot but rather guide and slow the rate and range of eversion to help keep excess motion in check”, Ashley Campbell, Nike product line manager, said. “So with the Structure 26, we've obsessed the geometries of the midsole vs using more rigid materials to create a guided system that delivers the right amount of support without sacrificing comfort and a smooth ride”.

On the cushioning front, Nike added a ReactX foam midsole. This midsole creates superior responsiveness and a level of comfort not often seen in stability shoes, which tend to feel more rigid.

“When you're turning out miles and miles, it's just nice to have, like, a little protection underneath your foot”, Bumbalough said. “So when we think of the meaning of support, I think it's really an intersection of cushioning and stability”.

Launched in 1991, Nike's stability running shoes line has been a go-to source for runners seeking support and smooth transitions. The Nike Structure 26 continues that legacy.

The latest version demonstrates Nike’s technological advancement, particularly with the introduction of ReactX cushioning and advanced support features.

"This is a shoe that potentially would help an athlete become more consistent”, Bumbalough said. “It's reliable and predictable. And so it's one less obstacle to getting out the door”.

The journey to the Structure 26 was a long but ultimately rewarding one for runners. Although Nike’s first commercial footwear success came in 1972 with the release of the Nike Cortez, it would take another ten years for the brand to market a shoe—the Nike Equator—explicitly for motion control. In 1991, Nike released its first true stability shoe in the Anodyne. Three years later, the Structure line was born with the launch of the Structure Triax, known for its light weight as well as its stability. Innovation has driven the design of the most recent Structure models, including the Structure 26, with its reliance on wide midfoot geometry for stability.

If you want to complement your running footwear supply, Nike offers a couple of other road running franchises. In the market for the most responsive ride to propel you through your runs? Grab a pair of Nike Pegasus shoes for lightweight energy return. Nike offers the Pegasus 41, Pegasus Plus and Pegasus Premium options to fit your particular needs. If your priority is maximum cushioning, the Nike Vomero line is an optimal choice. The Vomero 18 provides a comfortable ride for everyday runs. Regardless of your selection, you will feel these reliable Nike road running shoes provide excellent cushioning, comfort and support. Still not sure which running shoes are right for you? Check out the Nike Running Shoe Finder.