If you’re a fan of Saucony’s Triumph line, you’re in for a treat. The latest release, the Saucony Triumph 23, brings back the comfort and balance that made the series popular while introducing new improvements to elevate your running experience. In this post, we’ll dive into the key updates and features of the Triumph 23 to help you decide if it’s the right shoe for your training needs.
Key Specifications of the Saucony Triumph 23:
- Weight: Men’s 9.2 oz (263 g); Women’s 8.4 oz (239 g)
- Ride: Balanced
- Cushioning: Soft
- Stack Height: 37mm / 27mm
- Drop: 10mm
- Midsole: Softer, lighter, and more responsive PWRRUN PB foam
- Outsole: Strategically placed rubber with reduced midfoot coverage and added mini lugs
- Upper: Dense mesh, moderately padded gusseted tongue, updated heel counter
- Category: Neutral daily trainer
- Purpose: Long runs, recovery runs, moderate-paced runs, daily training
The Evolution of the Saucony Triumph Series
Over the years, Saucony has built a strong reputation with its Triumph series, known for offering a plush cushioning experience and a versatile ride. Runners across various levels have enjoyed models like the Triumph 20 and 21, which were celebrated for their balanced foam that provided just the right amount of softness and firmness.
However, the Triumph 22 received mixed reviews. Its design became bulkier, and many runners felt it lacked the breathability and responsiveness of its predecessors. The PWRRUN+ foam, designed for bounce, ended up feeling a bit too firm for some. As a result, the 22 was seen as a misstep, departing from what made the Triumph line a fan favorite.
Listening to the feedback, Saucony has reworked the design for the Triumph 23, returning to the qualities that made the line a success, all while addressing previous concerns.
Saucony Triumph 22 vs. Triumph 23: A Quick Comparison
- Weight and Ride: The Triumph 23 is 1.32 oz lighter than the Triumph 22, making it feel snappier and more agile. Despite the weight reduction, the shoe still retains the same stack height for consistent cushioning.
- Midsole: The Triumph 23 uses the same PWRRUN PB foam but has been re-engineered for a better balance of softness and responsiveness.
- Outsole: With less midfoot rubber, the Triumph 23 is lighter and more flexible, improving toe-offs and overall ride smoothness. However, this change may slightly reduce durability for heavier runners.
- Upper: The upper has been redesigned with a denser engineered mesh for better foot hold, though breathability could be improved for warmer runs.
- Fit: The Triumph 23 provides a snugger fit, especially in the forefoot, making it a great choice for narrow to medium-width feet.
- Versatility: The Triumph 23 is a more versatile shoe than its predecessor, offering a livelier ride that can adapt to a wider range of running styles, from recovery runs to moderate-paced efforts.
Detailed Breakdown of the Saucony Triumph 23
Upper and Fit
The Triumph 23’s upper features a reworked engineered mesh that provides a snug, secure fit without feeling too tight. While it doesn’t offer as much stretch as some other models, it strikes a good balance between structure and comfort. However, for those running in hot weather, you might notice that the upper doesn’t breathe as well as you’d expect, making it feel a bit warm during intense runs.
The heel and tongue padding has been toned down compared to the Triumph 22. This creates a more balanced feel, with the heel collar offering support without being overbearing. The tapered tongue enhances flexibility, providing a snug and lightweight feel that suits most runners.
Midsole
The Triumph 23’s PWRRUN PB foam remains a standout feature but has been tweaked for better softness and energy return. The updated blend makes the ride feel springier and more responsive, while still delivering ample cushioning for longer runs. The shoe also introduces a slight flare in the rearfoot for improved stability and a more predictable ride.
Unlike many shoes with highly rockered midsoles, the Triumph 23 maintains a more traditional underfoot feel, which many runners will appreciate.
Outsole
The outsole design has been refined to reduce weight without sacrificing performance. Saucony cut down on rubber coverage in the midfoot to make the shoe more flexible, which improves overall agility and responsiveness. Mini lugs have been added to the forefoot to enhance grip, particularly during toe-offs. This new configuration helps with traction and contributes to the shoe’s bouncy yet controlled ride.
While the reduced rubber coverage improves flexibility and reduces weight, some runners may find that it affects the shoe’s stability, particularly on uneven surfaces. Durability might also be slightly compromised, but for most everyday training runs, the trade-off is worth it.
How the Saucony Triumph 23 Compares to the Competition
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 vs. Saucony Triumph 23
The Asics Nimbus 27 offers a firmer ride with a more stable, traditional feel. It’s known for its durability and consistent comfort on long runs, though some runners may prefer the livelier, more responsive ride of the Triumph 23.
Brooks Glycerin 22 vs. Saucony Triumph 23
The Brooks Glycerin 22 is similar in terms of cushioning but provides a more structured feel with smoother transitions from heel to toe. Its versatility across various distances is commendable, though it might not have the same energy and bounce that the Triumph 23 offers with its PWRRUN PB foam.
Hoka Clifton 10 vs. Saucony Triumph 23
While the Hoka Clifton 10 is lighter and more nimble, it doesn’t provide the same level of cushioning or bounce that the Triumph 23 offers. The Clifton is great for those seeking comfort and versatility, but the Triumph 23’s plushness and energy return make it stand out in comparison.
Pros and Cons of the Saucony Triumph 23
Pros:
- Lightweight and versatile, suitable for a variety of runs
- Soft, bouncy midsole for a premium, comfortable feel
- Stable platform that supports various paces and distances
- Secure fit that works well for narrow to medium feet
Cons:
- The upper is a bit dense, leading to reduced breathability
- Durability may be affected due to reduced rubber coverage in the outsole
- Lacks the responsiveness needed for high-speed workouts or fast paces
Final Verdict
The Saucony Triumph 23 is a welcome return to form for the Triumph series. With a more versatile, energetic ride and improved comfort, it’s a great option for runners looking for a reliable daily trainer that can handle long runs, recovery runs, and everything in between. While it may not be the best choice for speed work, its plush cushioning and lighter, more flexible build make it a top contender for your training rotation.
