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 Triax+ 15 Men's Running Shoes - Summit White, 8 Nike Nike official store. Free shipping on all orders over 100$. | $59.97 |
 | Nike - Zoom Structure+ 15 (deep Royal Blue/summit White/total Orange) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $100.00 |
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’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?