By Paul Freary
The Saucony Triumph is the brand’s second most established model, with this being the 23rd generation of the shoe (Only the Hurricane 25 has been around longer).
The Triumph 23 continues to be Saucony’s range-topping model in terms of cushioning, and that continues here with the Triumph 23 upping the stakes once again in terms of high-performance cushioning for a plush, responsive ride.
If you click, or buy from, links on this page, we may receive compensation. Learn more
The PWRRUN PB is still present, but once again, Saucony have changed it up a little to add more spring rather than super soft cushioning.
Fit
The fit of the Saucony Triumph 23 is true to size in both length and width compared to other Saucony models and other brands. In both length and width, the fit is consistent. The Triumph 23 is also available in a wide-fit option.
Additional padding in the ankle collar of this update also makes it a neater fit around the rear of the foot, with a flared heel tab that bends away from the Achilles to reduce the chance of any possible irritation. This heel tab does feel a little stiffer, but as it does flare away from the foot, there’s no irritation.
Stats
Saucony | Triumph 23 |
|---|---|
Best for | Daily training shoe capable of high mileage |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Highly cushioned |
Stack Height | 37mm heel |
Drop | 10mm |
Weight | Men 263g (9.2oz) |
Suggested Retal Price | $170 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 8.5/ 10 |
Triumph 23
Shop Now at
Design
PWRRUN PB is still the cushioning material used in the midsole. It provides great cushioning, but in this version, it’s definitely more responsive than the super-soft feel of the Triumph 22.
The SRS sockliner adds an extra degree of step-in comfort to the shoe and contributes a lot to the shoe’s overall feel.
XT-900 carbon rubber covers the outsole, but there’s more open space to reduce the weight. This does enhance flexibility and shouldn’t matter too much in terms of durability.
There’s a new, premium engineered mesh upper for breathability and a luxurious feel. It fits well and the design is very simple, particularly on the lateral side of the shoe, where you’d have difficulty identifying the shoe!
Performance
The Saucony Triumph 23 has seen an internal update here. At first glance, the shoe appears nearly identical to the Triumph 22. Okay, there are cosmetic revisions, but otherwise you’d be forgiven for thinking this is simply an updated colour.
The magic comes from the PWRRUN PB foam. This foam has been the magic ingredient for many of the brand’s recent models, including their competition shoes, the Endorphin Speed and Pro.
For 2025, Saucony have been able to further tweak the makeup of the PWRRUN PB foam, fine-tuning it for racing shoes and training shoes. In the previous version of the Triumph, the cushioning was more to the softer side of things. In the latest version, we have a foam that is still able to absorb that initial impact but has a more energised feel on toe-off.
I’ll be honest, in the Triumph 22 I did feel it had a similar feel, and it’s only when comparing the two models side by side that I noticed the 23 to be more responsive and have a different ‘spring’ on toe-off.
The shoe runs well at any pace. From an easy warm-up jog to steady runs and even tempo efforts, the Triumph 23 feels much more able to handle any pace, and for a daily trainer, it feels quite capable of intervals thanks to the reduced overall weight.
Shoes Similar to Triumph 23
In the highly cushioned sector of the running shoe market, there are several direct competitors to the Saucony Triumph 23. All offer high stacks of cushioning, the difference being the level of responsiveness.
When I say responsiveness, I refer to the amount of ‘spring’ or ‘bounce’ you get from the shoe, especially when you pick up the pace a little.
New Balance 1080v14
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 has, for the last few generations, been a very soft, cushioned model. The ride is super-smooth and very soft. It is perhaps a little softer than the Triumph and has less ‘pop’ on toe-off.
Brooks Glycerin Max
Brooks Glycerin Max is their most cushioned model, with nitrogen-infused foam used and a distinctly different feel in the heel compared to the forefoot.
The heel provides soft cushioning to absorb the initial impact, while the forefoot offers a more noticeably responsive ride. The super-high stack has an aggressive forefoot rocker in order to facilitate the deep stack of cushioning.
The Glycerin Max is perhaps a surprising competitor to the Triumph, but it’s the much higher stack height that sets it apart, so it’s a shoe you certainly have to try before you buy.
ASICS Gel Nimbus 27
The ASICS GEL–Nimbus 27 is a direct competitor to the Triumph 23, and the two models stand out as their respective brands’ range-topping models.
The Nimbus offers great cushioning and a smooth ride, but in recent models seems to have lost a little pop that the Triumph now has, becoming more of an easy-running model.
HOKA Bondi 9
The HOKA Bondi 9 has been transformed in the latest version thanks to the use of super-critical midsole foam. The ride has shifted from a soft, cushioned model to a soft yet responsive feel.
The difference between the two shoes will come from the stack heights, the Bondi being much higher, which, for runners who haven’t previously used HOKA, will feel a little ungainly, so as always, give them a try first.
My Verdict
The Saucony Triumph 23 is a great update to this very popular, range-topping, neutral daily trainer. The reworked midsole has transformed the shoe once again and made it a versatile shoe suitable for a range of paces.
Leave a Reply