Nike Air Zoom Structure 18

Nike Structure dumps its dual density midsole set-up for the first time in three years, and moves to a triple density set-up. The Structure retains the dual density arrangement of midsole foam pieces stacked together at a sharp angle, but tosses in a medial post of unfamiliar design. When viewed from the medial (inner) side, it looks like a wall, somewhat resembling a dam with its sluice gates. But like a bookend, this (pink) component extends under the outsole, its base turning inwards at 90 degrees.

The Structure 18 midsole is compression molded. This process gives the foam a tightly packed feel, and a cleaner joining line between white and black colored foams. In Structure 17, colors bled over one another, making the bottom look a bit messy. The Structure 18 looks much better at the foam joint lines, with clear visual demarcation between densities.

The Zoom Structure 18 is much stabler than before, and delivers a great balance between cushioning, motion control and overall stability. If you look at the design, you’ll observe that the pink coloured EVA only extends upto around 80% of the inside midsole wall. So when the foot loads over that area, the foam in contact is the softer (black) density. This prevents the super hard, dam shaped component from poking into your arch.

Structure 18’s forefoot might have softer rubber, but is firmer and stiffer. The midsole foam in between is harder, and the outsole loses a flex groove too. This section has a large Zoom Air bag .

The Structure 18 features a brand new upper design, and in the process debuts a new fabric too. he design is an evolution of the mesh used in shoes such as the Lunarglide, where a single piece of mesh could be tightly knit in one area and perforated in another. Brands have started calling this an engineered mesh, a material mass commercialized by Nike in the footwear industry.