Nike Structure Triax 17 General Info

The Nike Structure 17+ (10.4 ounces, men’s size 9) is a quality choice whether you are a pronator or not. The Structure 17 can be used in almost all applications—from workouts, to recovery runs, to races.

Nike Structure Triax 17 First Impressions

Almost every runner has their go-to, favorite shoe model—or at least a trusted brand. The Nike Structure 17+ was not at all that type of shoe for me. Being my first ever pair of Nike running shoes, I was excited yet skeptical to test out the 17th iteration of an industry mainstay. So consider this a clean-slate review from someone with no prior experience in the Structure series.

The first thing I noticed when slipping the Structure 17 on was the rigid heel counter and the way that it housed the back of my foot. My heels felt comfortably secured and locked in. I was generally pleased with the overall fit of the shoe after walking around my house several times.

Growing up a soccer player, I always felt that Nike soccer shoes ran about a half size small, and I found this true with the Structure 17 as well.

Nike Structure Triax 17 Sole Unit

Once I got a chance to take the Structure 17 for their first run, I returned home disappointed. I was disappointed after the second, third and fourth run, too. The shoe’s ride felt smooth for my mid-foot strike, yet awkwardly rigid on the roads at times (despite the Nike Zoom Air mid-foot cushioning), resulting in a flat feeling for my legs.

It wasn’t until I had logged over 50 miles in the Structure 17s that I began to consider throwing them into my weekly rotation. Some shoes are great out of the box, while some require some break-in or adjustment time. The latter was the case here, which should not be a deterrent from considering the Structure 17s.

Pronators will appreciate Nike’s medial Dynamic Support wedge. After about 70 miles, I notice no significant depreciation in the shoe’s rubber or Phylon foam. I should also mention that the shoe is Nike+ ready.

Nike Structure Triax 17 Upper

The Structure 17s employ simple yet effective designs to create one of the most comfortable shoe uppers I’ve ever worn, which is why I think some runners will enjoy them as an everyday trainer. I mentioned the form-fitting heel counter above, and the breathable, seamless mesh upper is nice.

However, what I like most about the fit after logging several medium length runs is the integration of Flywire bundles with the lacing eyelets on the medial side of the shoe. As I cinched up the shoe’s laces, I could feel just how snug the middle of my foot was.

If I had one very minor complaint about the Structure 17’s upper, it’s that the laces are too easily over-tightened.

Nike Structure Triax 17 Overall Impression

Having not worn a pair of Nike Structure 17s before, my impression is based solely on my experience in other stability running shoes. From what I can tell, there were no earth-shattering updates to the 17 from the 16, which is not surprising for a shoe that has been developed for nearly two decades.

The shoe is designed to battle mild to medium pronation, but I envision the Structure 17s accommodating just about every single type of runner in some capacity (Galen Rupp is currently training in the Structure 17). Not ideal on uneven running surfaces, the Structure 17 is perfectly suited for any length run on the roads or gravel bike paths.

We thank the nice people at Nike for sending us a pair of Structure Triax 17 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.