Saucony Triumph 22 Review – The Best Yet or a Step Too Far?

Fit

The Saucony Triumph 22 fits true to size in terms of length and width, with my usual UK9.5 fitting in a very similar manner to my other Saucony shoes. Saucony tends to be one of the most consistent brands in terms of the size of all their different models and I don’t think I’ve changed away from my usual size for as long as I can remember!

Design

PWRRUN PB makes up the midsole cushioning in the latest Triumph. It is the same midsole foam used in the Endorphin line of shoes, but I think it’s important to remember that while we see some foams used in various models, it can feel different and these material names tend to be somewhat ‘umbrella’ terms. For example, think how New Balance’s ‘Fresh Foam’ can vary widely across models.

So, while PWRRUN PB is a ‘light and fast’ foam when used in a deep stack like here, it does take on a different feel.

The shoe retains the same build quality as previous Triumph versions, so feels soft and plush around the foot.

The XT900 rubber provides good coverage of the outsole but, the tread pattern is relatively smooth, so traction is at its best when on dry road surfaces. The spaces within the sole rubber do leave the PWRRUN PB foam exposed in parts and although it doesn’t affect performance, the foam can look a little worse for wear after only a few miles.

Performance

Let me first say that I’ve run in the previous two versions of the Saucony Triumph and enjoyed them both. So I was expecting the same, if not better from the Triumph 22.

The Triumph 21 quickly established itself in my rota of shoes and I covered many miles in two pairs of the 21 in the last 12 months.

Straight from the box the fit of the Triumph 22 was great. I like the soft plush upper and the neat padding around the ankle collar, tongue and Achilles area. The upper mesh on the 22 is different from the previous model, which I thought was one of the best-fitting uppers of the last 12 months from any shoe.

Here, the upper is a closer-knit construction and a little less breathable. I’ll be honest, I’ve never had an issue with the breathability of any shoe, but I know some do have real hang-ups about this, so, if that’s the case with you and you prefer highly breathable uppers, maybe give this update a swerve and pick up the Triumph 21.

The feel of the PWRRUN PB foam is soft and welcoming and has a nice spring-like feel to it on push-off. It does feel a little different to the previous model and at the same time, it feels different to that of the Endorphin Speed and Pro.

Don’t forget, the Endorphin models have plates encased with the foam and here, it’s a single, deep stack of foam.

While the stack height is ‘only’ 37mm, it does feel higher, but there’s always a little variation between brands and exactly where they measure the overall stack of a shoe.

I think the main difference with the feel of the foam used here is down to how a single 37mm thick stack reacts to impact compared to one with a plate within it. I think a scientist might offer a better explanation than I can, but I’d say there has to be a certain limit to the stack of foam and how soft it can be.

Once it gets to a certain thickness the overall feel of the shoe must change otherwise, we’d have infinitely higher stack heights and softer and softer shoes; there has to be a point of diminishing returns.

All this said I found the shoe great. I liked how it felt when running easily (around 7:30 to 8 minutes per mile pace) and how It gave me a little ‘spring’ when I picked up the pace to 7 minutes per mile and quicker.

The Triumph 22 has a broader base than the previous model. The shoe now feels much more stable. I felt the previous model was stable enough for a neutral shoe and I’m a slight over-pronator, so now the Triumph 22 feels like it should offer another control for a wide range of runners.

Perhaps the thinking from Saucony here was that by using a softer midsole, stability may be a concern. I think any problems have been dealt with sufficiently in that respect!

Whilst I do like to consider myself a midfoot striker, many of my recent race photographs would prove otherwise and I certainly do heel strike, particularly once I settle into a pace. So when landing I found the shoe welcoming and able to absorb every stride. I weigh around 70kg, so I suppose relatively light for many users of the shoe, but the cushioning is great.

The response from the PWRRUN PB was also to my liking and I really can’t find anything not to like about the ride of the shoe. It offers a great combination of cushioning and ‘spring’ for an everyday mileage model.

The use of the PWRRUN PB in the Triumph 22 demonstrates the versatility of the material when used in different stacks and combinations.

Comparisons

Sitting neatly in the ‘max-cushion’ category, the Triumph 22 has some immediate and obvious competition.

I’d say the nearest models from other brands when considering this type of shoe would be; the HOKA Bondi, Brooks Glycerin and New Balance 1080.

The HOKA Bondi 8 is perhaps the original max cushion shoe and while it remains a possible contender, the Triumph 22 and its use of a more up-to-date ‘super-foam’ provides the better option. I do think it’s a case of watch this space though with HOKA, the use of PEBA and carbon in the Skyward X shows the brand does have better foams at their disposal, they simply need to trickly down the brand model ladder into the popular Bondi.

New Balance’s 1080v13 is a very soft, max-cushioned neutral shoe. In the New Balance, the soft nature of the cushioning is apparent from the off and it is much softer than the Triumph. The 1080 does lack some of the ‘spring’ of the Triumph so, is perhaps a better choice for those whose main priority is soft, luxurious cushioning over a more responsive ride.

The Glycerin 22 from Brooks uses their Nitrogen-injected foam for responsive and very durable cushioning. The Glycerin feels a little firmer than the Triumph to start with but does soften up a little after around 50 miles and the ‘springy’ feel then starts to come through a little.

Of these comparative models, I’d say it’s the Glycerin that is perhaps the nearest contender. Both offer a responsive feel, with the Saucony being a little softer and the Brooks being more stable. The Glycerin is of course, available in a supportive option with the Glycerin GTS 22.

My Verdict

In summary, the Saucony Triumph 22 is a good update. Yes, it’s a little different, but I feel it still offers the same levels of cushioning and comfort now in a slightly more stable version.

The plus points are its high level of cushioning, a plush fitting upper and its ability to provide its responsive feel mile after mile.

The downside is perhaps the upper, which may be a little too much for some. Yes, it’s a relatively ‘thick’ construction and not the most breathable around, but most won’t have an issue with this. There’s also the possibility that Saucony will address the upper construction with a ‘mid-life-cycle’ refresh before the 23rd version of the Saucony Triumph.