Updated: June 12th, 2010

Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13
	Full Name: Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13
	Category: Stability
	Weight: 11oz. (310 gr.)
	Suggested Price: 100$
	Recommended For: Moderate over-pronators who require additional cushioning.

Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13 General Info:

Together with the Pegasus and the Vomero, the Zoom Structure Triax -here in its 13th edition – is one of Nike’s most successful running shoes. The secret behind the Structure Triax is that it succeds in providing good support and stability for the moderate over pronator while at the same time being flexible and cushioned enough for a pleasant ride. We compared its features versus last year’s model.

UPDATE december 2010: we have reviewed the Nike Structure Triax+ 14

Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13 Sole Unit:

The Structure Triax+ 13 seems to follow the same design philosphy that Nike adopted on all their major shoes in the Bowerman line: “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”. So, even if the Structure Triax 13 is built on a new sole unit, the differences versus the previous model are minimal.
Like in last year’s edition the main stability feature is a medial post: the insertion of a harder foam compound (clearly visibe as it’s dark grey) in the internal side of the shoe, right below the arch (see picture below). This insertion provides more support right in the area where the foot would tend to over-pronate, while leaving the rest of the sole well cushioned. The medial post in the Structure Triax 13 extends from below the arch down to the middle of the heel.

Nike Structure Triax 13 Medial Post

The second element of stability is givem by the presence of a TPU bridge, or shank, in the same area.
A new feature of the shoe also contributes to the stability and suppot and that is the newly introduced Cuboid Pod, an extra foam pod in the lateral (external) side of the sole units. This cuboid helps guiding the foot during the gait.

The good support offered to moderate over-pronator is no surprise on the Structure Triax. What is peculiar about the Structure Triax is the cushioned ride that this shoe delivers. This is due to two factors: the insertion of the two Air Zoom units, one in the heel and one in the forefoot and the use of the Philon foam for as material for the midsole.

As becoming common for Nike, also the Structure Triax 13 is a gender-specific engineered shoe: the mens and womens versions have different sole units, to better serve their different biomechanics.

Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13 Upper:

The upper of the Triax 13 has only a few changes over the previous version. Improvements to the lining on the collar and the tongue, a heel strap overlay (an overlay that connects the heel of the shoe to the shoelaces, in order to keep the foot in position during the run). The mesh is quite open.

Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13 Opinion:

The Structure Triax+ 13 should be the go-to everyday running shoe for the mild overpronator. Simple, no-thrills design is coupled with exactly the performance that is expected. Good support, good cushioning, good fit and lightness (especially for a support shoe). The gender specific design makes this shoe particularly indicated for women. Runners’ feedback tends to indicate the shoe runs a bit narrow, which can be either a good or a bad thing depending on the individual runner.
The Structure Triax+ 13 is a very decent update to its predecessor and a great shoe for putting a lot of mileage in. Supportive without being heavy and constrictive, feature rich but not overloaded, comes at a very reasonable price tag for its qualities.