Nike Zoom Structure Triax: Women's Running Shoe Review

When I decided to start running last year, I knew that the first order of business was to buy a good pair of women's running shoes. All too often, beginning runners think they can run in any old shoe. They do fine for awhile but injury is almost certain to occur. Running is a high impact sport that places a great deal of stress on your body and especially your knees, and real running shoes are mandatory.

Nike running shoes were high on my list of shoes to look for, because I've owned other Nike athletic shoes and have always liked their fit and durability. I researched women's running shoes online to see what was available and learn about features. This is a good place to start, but to actually buy running shoes (especially the first time) you need to visit a specialty running store.

Unlike a big sporting goods store or major retailer, the employees at a running store are trained to provide the best fit. They will know exactly what type of shoe you need for the way you run, either by watching you jog up and down in the store or ideally, on a treadmill.

At my running store I tried the Nike Zoom Structure Triax women's running shoe, as well as shoes by New Balance, Brooks, Saucony and Asic. I ran on the store's treadmill in each shoe while the sales clerk watched on the monitor. I really worked up a sweat in that running store, but felt confident I'd walk out with the right running shoes.

After more than an hour I finally narrowed down my choices to the Nike Structure Triax and the New Balance 768 women's running shoes. I liked each for different reasons, and was having a hard time making a decision.

I kept trying them on and running briefly in each pair, and I also tried one on each foot. I'm sure I was the salesperson's worst nightmare, but I really wanted to get the best running shoe. In the end, I bought both pairs of women's running shoes with plans to alternative them each time I ran. At $95 each, I was now totally committed to being a runner!

The Nike Zoom Structure Triax is a high-performance stability shoe designed to provide superior cushioning and help guide your feet naturally as you run. This lightweight, flexible women's running shoe features the Nike Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot. The Structure Triax also has an inner footbridge for added ankle and arch support.

All the technical jargon aside, the true test for me in evaluating the Nike Structure Triax shoes was how they felt and performed when I ran. As a beginning runner, my experience is likely different than someone who's been running for years. Yet, I loved how this running shoe felt and more importantly, how my feet felt after my workout. The Nike Structure Triax running shoe is slim and doesn't feel heavy on my foot.

I also like that these running shoes feature mesh throughout for breathability, rather than the traditional all leather styles. Mesh seems to be a standard feature of many athletic shoes now. In terms of looks it takes some getting used to, but it really helps to keep your feet cool.

I have logged about 200 miles in my Nike Structure Triax running shoes so far, and am quite pleased overall. They fit like a dream, feel great on my feet and give me the stability and arch support I need. I am still slow as a turtle despite wearing a great pair of women's running shoes, but I can't really blame my new Nike shoes for this. Besides, this gives me a goal, and motivates me to run more often!