Nike Structure Triax+ 15 First Impressions
I am a 6.2″ / 185 pounds runner with extremely flat feet. I have run in the Structure Triax as my main mileage shoe since since version 13. I was extremely pleased when I found out that the sole unit of the Triax 15 remained the same as in the previous two versions as it had worked fantastic for me in the past two years.
The version I bought (yes, no free pair for this one!) is the SHIELD. Shield is Nike’s name for their winter version of their shoes: compared to the standard ones you get water repellent materials, warmer linings and more highly reflective overlays on the uppers. Since it’s 0C degrees here at the moment on my morning runs, it rains almost constantly and it’s pitch black – and it’s not going to get any better until spring – I think the SHIELD upper was a worthy investment (10$ more than the normal version).
Nike Structure Triax+ 15 Sole Unit
The sole unit of the Triax 15 is the same as it was on the 14, which was the same as it was on the 13 (one of the pictures shows the comparison between the outsole of the 13 and 15).
The main stability features are the medial post, the engineered heel and the plastic shank.
Overpronation is avoided starting at the heel: the outside area of the heel is softer, encouraging the foot to push the weight on the outside first, delaying the overpronation (which is the excessive inward roll of the foot during the gait).
Nike Zoom Structure Triax 15 -Decoupled Heel Detail
Once the weight is placed under the arch, the medial post – the grey insert of a harder foam compound stops the arch from collapsing too much.
Nike Zoom Structure Triax 15 - Medial Post Detail
The third element of stability is the plastic shank that is placed right under the arch and keeps the sole stiff in that area, preventing it from twisting unnaturally and avoiding sprinked ankles.
None of these solutions is revolutionary. The Structure Triax has used it for years and they are all pretty much industry standards, but they just plain work well together in the Triax 15.
The forefoot is quite flexible (and still cushioned) thanks to the deeply carved flex grooves. Nike’s BRS-1000 rubber provides good grip even over wet concrete and it’s extremely durable: I have logged way more than 500 km on my Triax 13s and the rubber is mostly all still there as you can see from one of the pictures!
Nike Structure Triax+ 15 Upper Unit
The upper of the Triax 15 is comfortable and stable. A Hard heel counter keeps the heel in position, the midfoot is securely locked and the toebox is roomy without being too large. Flywire (a lighter overlay material) lock the foot in position going from the last two eyelets all the way down to the sole unit and across the heel.
There is a FITSOLE sockliner inside that provides some extra cushioning and has a quite low-shaped arch, ideal for medium to flat arches.
I am running with the SHIELD upper. Shield is the version with water repellent materials, warm lining and highly reflective areas on the upper. This version costs 10$ more than the standard… but at 110$ total price it’s well worth the upgrade – especially if you plan to run during the winter months.
The upper is almost seamless, soft and sock-like. I love that my shoes can get wet while running under the rain but my feet still stay warm after more than one hour in the elements.
Nike Structure Triax+ 15 Opinion
It is difficult for me to write a review of the Triax 15 that doesn’t sound like a love letter. There are many shoes I like to wear (ie the Asics DS Trainer) but when I just want to go for a long run and feel confident my feet won’t kill me later, the Triax is my shoe of choice. Like the Pegasus, it is one of those shoes that is almost impossible to go wrong with.
The only thing that changed in this update is the upper – and the SHIELD version makes it so nice to run in the winter.
I highly reccomend this shoe for runners with flat feet, as its low arch will fit great. If you have medium to high arches, the other two shoes that I would consider would be the Asics GT-2170 (high-mileage, soft and protective) or the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 (for faster but still well protected runs).
price comparison
 | Nike - Zoom Structure+ 15 (pure Platinum/burnt Turquoise/black) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $71.99 |
 | Men's Nike Zoom Structure+ 15 Running Shoe - Grey/lime 9 RoadRunnerSports Free shipping, 60-day perfect fit guarantee: possible to exchange shoes after using them for two months. | $79.95 |
Written by Ruggero Loda
Ruggero launched Running Shoes Guru in 2009. Originally from the Alps of Italy, he now lives in Amsterdam with his much loved little family. He is a passionate runner and triathlete who has worked many years in the sports footwear industry.
I have been with the Triax since series 10 and they have never failed me. I foolishly changed over to the Brooks Ghost 4 but it was a completely wrong shoe for me- make sure you either A) get fit for a shoe or B) stick with what works (preferably after getting fit).
Love these new 15′s- Thanks to Nike for not screwing it up.
Hi Eric – agree with you. I love trying new pair of shoes, but ultimately I reccommend everybody to stick to what works for them! Glad you like the Triax.
I had been looking for a replacement shoe, coming out of the Saucony Guide 3, I tried the Guide 4′s and they were ok, and the 5′s didn’t work due to the re-design. I tried the Brooks Adrenaline 12, but it had too much stability, and caused some knee and shin pain. I tried on 7 different pair/brands of shoes and ran with 3 of 4 of them, with no luck. I ran across this review, and figured I would try them on at the store. I have never worn Nike running shoes before, so I really had no expectations. I tried it on, and it amazingly fit my foot perfectly. It was the one shoe that instantly felt like it might be “the” shoe. I was concerned about the medial post coming back into the heel like the Adrenaline, but the salesman at the shoe store said it was different due to the notches that the Structure has in the post. I ran with them on the treadmill, and they felt great and upon video analyses, they corrected my mild pronation on my right and didn’t over correct my neutral left.
I only have about 20 miles in them, but I absolutely love this shoe. I initially tried them on a 7 mile easy run, and I was concerned about the posting and the possibility of too much stability; but I totally forgot about them after the first mile. The Structures just feel great from the minute I put them on until I take them off. The medial posting, the cushioning, everything about this shoe is perfect for me. I have absolutely nothing but good things to say about this shoe. I really liked the color of the Shield, but living in Phoenix; I didn’t think it would be a wise choice due to the heat, so I went with the regular Structure.
Thank you very much to this web site and the reviewer. I seriously doubt that I would have even tried this shoe without this comprehensive review.
Hi Jeff – thanks a lot for your feedback! I am glad you like the Structure Triax, as I make no mistery of being a great fan of the shoe!
I have been to Phoenix and I understand why you don’t want the Shield upper
I was wearing the Triax 13 which I absolutely loved. I wore while running a marathon and had no pain in my feet until mile 25! I switched to an adidas due to the Triax going fuschia (which I refuse to wear). Now I have the triax 15 and am getting really bad shin splits. Is this due to the remodel?
Hi Erin,
I’m not Ruggero, but I’m part of the RSG team.
It is very difficult to know if your shin splints are coming from the shoe–there are so many factors involved.
It may be that your foot has to readjust to the Nike fit and feel. But you might also just need to do some lower leg strengthening exercises.
Good luck!
Hi, does the 15 have a regular tongue like the 13 or is it sewn up like the 14?
Thanks
Hi Kevin,
I’m not Ruggero, but I’m part of the RSG team.
I can tell you that the 15 has an attached tongue, like in the 14.
Thanks for reading!
Hello,
I’ve got a quick question: I’ve tried these shoes today in a shop and they felt really great.
Now I was checking the Nike website and I’ve noticed that they sell in narrow/wide/extra wide versions.
What does this mean?
Since I’m not sure which one I tried out at the shop, I don’t really know which one should I get.
Also, on Amazon, there’s no mention about these versions.
Thanks for your help!
M.
I would say that 99% you tried the normal width – but of course I can’t be sure.
I’m a SSG in the Army and have a time with picking the right shoes for myself. I have flat feet from hell and after marathons or even 5 miles my feet are destroyed!! Is this a shoe you would highly recommend?
Hi Eddie. I have really flat feet and I have been running in this shoes for 3 years (13, 14 and 15). It works for me, but maybe it won’t for you. The only way is trying!
Also another question. what kind of pain you have after running?
I just purchased these shoes and I am wearing them for the first time today. Because I have EXTREMELY flat feet and an ankle injury I’m receiving Physical Therapy for, my Dr recommended I get shoes with better arch support. However, I’m concerned because the arch inside the shoe is providing constant pressure (almost painful) to the arch of my foot. Is this supposed to happen? I was planning on doing ALOT of walking this weekend and don’t want to end up hurting because of it at the end of the day. Will this break in after a while or should I return them?
Hi Katie – my foot is completely flat and I love the Triax. This said, if a shoe feels painful while walking it’s definitely not a good sign.
You could try the Brooks Adrenaline instead (or the more extreme Beast), or maybe a wider version of the Nike Triax.
YES! you need to be very careful i suggest you change shoes because your foot can get hurt. ive had the lunarglide 3s and they had an arch that was putting to much pressure in my mid foot and two weeks in running with them my foot was hurting so bad that i had to stop running for two weeks!! had problems walking too
Hi,
I have the +13 and they are my favourites. I feel confident when I run off-train since they get a good grip on roots, wet stones etc.
I need a new pair since the old ones are falling apart.. but I am not a heavy runner (60 kg) and only have a light pronation and .. I have normal/high feet (not flat feet).
Should I look for another model? I want the grip to be as good as the +13 model.
Hi guys I’ve been using the 14 for a year now and have also liked them. There’s a new one available now called lunar eclipse 2. Any thoughts?
Hi Rahul – you can find the full review of the Lunar Eclipse 2 here: http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2012/02/nike-lunareclipse-2-running-shoes-review/
My personal opinion after having used the Triax for 3 years and only briefly tried on the Eclipse: the main difference is that the toebox of the Eclipse is sensibly more narrow. Also the arch is more accentuated.
Is there any difference in the fit between the +13 and the +15?
I have been in the Nike Zoom Structure shoes for a while now. This is my 2nd pair of Structure 15′s. And have been in the 14′s & 13′s previously. I have always gotten 6 to 8 months minimum from all of my Nike shoes. For whatever reason, my most recent pair of the Structure 15′s has lost 90% of the tread in only 11 weeks. This is crazy!. I am a petite 105 lb woman who runs only 15 to 20 miles max per week. I have never blown through tread like I have on this pair of shoes. I have contacted Nike , as I truly believe they have been made with sub par rubber. I have contacted Nike & have returned them waiting for results. I am hopeful that they take my information into consideration & can at least partially refund me. This is my very 1st complaint on a post. Ugggh! I am always the one to post positive feedback.
The black soles are not glued properly, they are comfortable but the soles came unglued in 4 weeks
Hi Will – thanks for your feedback. This is not strictly related to Nike or to the Triax, but whenever you bought a pair of shoes and something like this happens it is always worth a shot going to the place where you bought them and tell them about it.
If they recognize it’s a production defect, they might contact the shoe company and help you out.
No guarantees, but it’s worth a shot.
Had 450 plus miles on triax 13 and now have 15 with 200 miles…I have worn many different running shoes from other companies…….Brooks Asics and New Balance……For me the Nike Structure triax fits and performs the best for me especially for runs longer than 15 miles……My body does not tolerant running in lighter shoes for longer distances…
due to injury i am not at all the avid runner i once was. however, i still find time to walk 5-10 miles daily. either way, i can’t begin tell you how pleased i am not only with this shoe but also in having stumbled upon this very informative site. the synopsis/recommendation concerning the nike zoom structure triax+ 15 is, in my opinion, spot on. i’ve only had my new pair for a week but that’s plenty of time for me to submit a 5-star rating concerning comfort level and the accuracy of the editor’s review. also, i found this pair online (mens size 11) with the shield option in place through Finish Line for $69.98. i’m not sure if forum rules allow it but i will attempt to include link:
thanks RSG.
I use dr schol’s inserts (420) for my day to day routines. Can I put them in to running shoes that already have arch support?
Thanks!
I recently began suffering from terrible heel pain. I thought Dr. Schol’s inserts would help. After a week of running 6 miles 5 times a week, I am in worse shape than before. Now the pain radiates from my heel to my calves. I would NOT recommend!
I’m a 5.2″ and 158 pounds girl with flat feet who decided that is time to start doing excercise, and i just ordered those shoes today after doing the test on the nike website about which shoe is the right for your feet, and later i arrived on this review and is great to read that i made the right choice, now i can’t wait ’til they arrive to start running
Hi Guys,
I’m seriously considering making the switch to Nike Structure Triax+ 15 from my current shoe of Asics Gel Kayano 18. I was in the Asics GT 2160 before. In general I was happy with my Asics, but my biggest issue is the quality of the outer sole of the shoe. I’m a fairly heavy runner (195 pounds) and pronate, which the Asics shoes are lately not very well in coping with! I keep using shoe fix glue to “bulid up” the heel, but this cost me a fortune. Can you guys please tell me how you find the quality in the outer sole of the Nike Structure? Much appreciated!
Jaco
Hi Jaco -
I recently made the switch from Kayanos, too, and have no complaints with how they’re holding up. (Disclaimer, I’m 125 lbs.)
A bit firmer than the Kayanos, but a great ride!
Brenda
I’ve been a runner for many years. I have the disadvantage of having flat feet and being very pronable to injuries. I”ve always been picky when it comes to running shoes. In the past I have bought special running shoes from asics at a very high price, with the intention of getting the best shoes that can reduce the risk for injuries, eith little success. However all that has change with these sneakers. I absolutly love them. Recommended to anyone!!!!
After a few pairs of not-right-for-me shoes, I grabbed a pair of Structure 8′s in the back of my cupboard for a training run the other day and they’ve been feeling great.
I usually get a burning sensation in one of the tendons on the back of my knee after 1 or 2 kms, and since I’ve gone back to these OLD shoes, I haven’t felt it at all. Even on longer runs.
It’s obviously time to upgrade, I’m wondering about the difference of the Breathe version. Anyone got the Breathe Structures? Are they lighter?
I have collapsed feet. No arches at all. Even with my orthotics, I feel pain all the time. These things have been amazing. As soon as I slipped these on, I could feel the support. I knew that I’d be doing a lot of walking this summer and this shoe has taken me everywhere. This is my first time buying a motion control or stability shoe and I wish I discovered this sooner. I no longer let my flat feet get the best of me. I just throw these shoes on and BAM! I can go anywhere. These are my Superman shoes.
I have extremely flat feet i have no arch and when i run my feet hurt alot i have never bought running shoes in my life so i dont know much about shoes are these shoes for me?
Did they drop the triax from the name of the shoe? The zappos link now just takes you to the zoom structure+ no mention I triax anywhere.
After not running for 6 years, my local running store recommended these shoes. It’s been a few months and I’m very happy with them. they fit great, are very comfortable, and seem durable. I’m seriously considering getting a 2nd pair of them to save for when these wear out.
I’ve been researching shoes to train for my next marathon and am between these and the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8. I’ve always run in Asics Kayanos until version 18. They no longer provide the stability control and I felt awkward running in them. They were a no go. I have flat feet and over pronate (which I correct slightly with stiff orthotics). Deployed overseas I don’t have the luxury of trying on shoes before purchasing them through an online store. I loved the Kayano 17s but absolutely hated the 18s. Help!
I need a good pair of running shoes. I am a heavier girl in the process of losing the extra weight. I live in Wisconsin so it will be cold very soon. I have basically no arch and always struggle to find a good pair of shoes, running or cross trainers. How can I get the Shield version in a women’s shoe?
do they come with the Nike plus option for the iPod sensor?
yes (sensor not included though)
Hey guys so Ive currently been using the triax 14 and it is great! However, during the Spartan Beast race I did part the shoe year towards my inner mid foot of the shoes. I really like the triax 14 and was thinking of triax 15 but has anyone worn the mizuno wave nexus model? Was thinking of trying out the mizuno wave nexus 6 but I don’t want to regret getting it!
I switched to Nike after a long gap just because it’s not durable as Adidas and puma as per my experience but R&D wise I know Nike is far ahead than both. That’s why thought of switching back to nike and buying a pair for my flat feet. The sales man at Nike and even online reviews suggested me to go for the structure. I was v happy that finally got a shoes made for my feet. I wore it to gym and started running on the triad mill. The Mid feet just above the arch started Paining in 5 minutes and then I loosened the lase and again started running and then my heels Started Paining because of hard heal material used in the shoes. The custioning at the heal if this shoes is v less .The pain kept on increasing while I was running and I finally stopped as I did not want to injure myself. This is really the worst shoes I have ever worn and that too after paying around 150$ in India, the next day I went and exchanged it.
Don’t know how people recomend thi shoes for people having flat feet which has a very high arch just like the lunar glide. Both these shoes have made my feel pain near the arch but lunar glide had good cautioning thus did not have heal problem with it.
I have now switched to Pegasus lets see how it’s turns out will surely write a review on it tomorrow.
Hi,
I have a flat feet and I read your reviews and I decided to buy Nike Triax +15. I couldn’t find it the Nike store. Did they stop making these shoes ? Do they have a replacement for it if they did ?
Thanks !
Is there any other shoe similar to this that you could recommend? Thanks in advance, and thank you for sharing your running shoe knowledge with everyone, great website!
Would the shield version be too warm for hot summer weather? Thanks! I ask because I found a good offer on the shield version…
I purchased the Shield version of this shoe after reading the editor’s review in 2012 and I have not been disappointed. I’ve done over 600kms (including 2 Tough Mudder events) and they are still going strong. I find they offer fantastic stability whilst I am running, irrespective of surface. I only have mild pronation, but the support is brilliant across the arch so I could see how they would help someone where this was a bigger problem. I’ve had them just on 12 months now and winter, summer, rain and sun…they have been a great investment and my feet are rarely sore (in fact I cant recall the last time my feet wore sore after a run). My average run is about 10kms, but even when I go on a 20km run they are still very comfortable. Highly recommend if you can get a pair.
I have fallen arches, custom orthotics, and running in a Pegasus 26. I’ve had ongoing issues with shin splints, and tonight after running a 3k, and walking the other two because of shin pain, I’m looking for a better? Shoe. Any recommendations?