New Saucony Triumph 23: Everything You Wanted to Know

Here, we’re breaking down the evolution of the whole Triumph lineup and all the key changes in the 2025 release – Saucony Triumph 23. By the end, you’ll know exactly who this shoe is for and whether it’s the right fit for you.

Saucony Triumph 23 Stats:

• Weight: Men’s 9.2 oz (263 g); Women’s 8.4 oz (239 g)
• Ride: Balanced
• Cushioning: Soft
• Stack: 37mm / 27mm
• Drop: 10mm
• Midsole: Softer, lighter, and more energetic PWRRUN PB foam
• Outsole: Enhanced strategic rubber placement with reduced midfoot coverage and added mini lugs
• Upper: A dense mesh upper, moderately padded gusseted tongue, refreshed heel counter
• Category: Neutral daily trainer
• Purpose: Long, easy runs, recovery runs, easy-to-moderate-paced runs, daily training.

About Saucony Triumph Series

The Saucony Triumph lineup has always held a special place among daily trainers for runners of all kinds. Known for their plush cushioning and balanced ride, these shoes are engineered to deliver comfort, durability, and versatility. Over the years, many runners have fallen in love with models the Triumph 20 and 21, which were praised for their Goldilocks-like foam—not too soft, not too firm, and adaptable to any run, whether it’s a slow, easy jog or a longer, faster effort.

However, things took an unexpected turn with the Triumph 22. This model introduced changes that left many fans scratching their heads. The shoe became heavier, bulkier, and less breathable, with a thick upper and excessive padding that made it feel more like a boot than a sleek, responsive trainer. Plus, the PWRRUN+ foam, which was crafted to provide bounce and softness, turned out to be on the firmer side.

All in all, for those who adored the smooth, light ride of previous Triumph running shoes, this felt like a misstep, almost as if Saucony had departed from what made this line so successful.

Saucony seems to have taken all the feedback to heart and rolled out the Triumph 23, returning to what the lineup was originally celebrated for.

Saucony Triumph 22 vs 23: In a Nutshell

Weight and Ride: At 9.3 oz in a US 8.5, the Triumph 23 is a full 1.32 oz lighter than the previous version while maintaining the same stack height. This weight reduction creates a snappier, more nimble ride suited for runs beyond just recovery paces.

Midsole: The PWRRUN PB foam remains but has been adjusted for a better balance between softness and energy return.

Outsole: To achieve lighter weight, Saucony reduced midfoot rubber coverage, which may affect durability for heavy runners. However, the new outsole geometry improves flexibility and offers a smoother transition.

Upper: A denser engineered mesh ensures a secure lockdown without feeling overly bulky. It’s not the most breathable, but it still gets the job done.

Fit: The fit remains true to size. The 23 has slightly less stretch in the forefoot compared to the Triumph 22, making it better suited for runners with narrow to medium-width feet.

Versatility: While the Triumph 22 for good for easy recovery runs with its deeply cushioned yet slower-feeling midsole, the Triumph 23 is a more versatile shoe with its more energetic ride, adapting across a wider range of training modes. 

Choose if you need a daily trainer with a good mix of soft cushioning and a little added pop.

Saucony Triumph 22 vs 23: In Detail

UPPER & FIT

Mesh

The Triumph 23’s upper boasts a revamped engineered mesh. It’s dense and snug, offering great foot hold without feeling restrictive. It’s not the stretchier type of mesh you’d find in other models—instead, it balances structure and comfort with just enough elasticity to avoid any pinching or discomfort.

Breathability might use some improvement here, though. While the upper offers decent airflow, it might feel a bit warm during high-intensity summer runs. That said, for most runners, the comfort and structure of the mesh might outweigh this minor inconvenience.

Padding

The padding around the heel and tongue has been refined. While the Triumph 22 leaned heavily into plush cushioning, the Triumph 23 trims things down for better balance. The heel collar now feels supportive without being overbearing, and the tongue tapers for added flexibility. As a result, you get a snug fit that’s airy and less weighty.

Heel Counter

The heel counter in the Triumph 23 is a star feature. he combination of a separate top portion for Achilles support and a lower rigid area of the heel counter provides a secure yet adaptable fit that accommodates movement.

MIDSOLE

The Triumph 23 retains the PWRRUN PB foam crafted from EVA and PEBA but re-engineers its composition. While the foam itself remains the same composition as the Triumph 22, Saucony refined the blend to make it softer, lighter, and more energy-efficient, addressing concerns about the overly thick and firm ride of the Triumph 22. This results in a midsole that feels springier and less compressive during runs.

The Saucony Triumph 23 also introduces more medial flare in the rearfoot, providing mild guidance and slightly improved overall stability. The stack and drop remain the same, but the new shoe sure delivers a bit more predictable ride. Also, unlike some of today’s highly rockered midsoles, this model offers a more traditional underfoot.

OUTSOLE

First off, Saucony reduced rubber in the midfoot area. This helps shave off weight and improves flexibility, making toe-offs feel smoother. So compared to the Triumph 22, which had more midfoot rubber and felt a bit bulkier that some might want it to be, the Triumph 23 feels lighter and more agile.

Additionally, the outsole now features mini lugs at the forefoot, which improve grip and contribute to a more confident toe-off. Generally, the Triumph 23 boasts slightly refined rubber layout at the forefoot, which not only aids in traction but also works alongside the midsole to deliver that bouncy yet controlled feel.

Keep in mind that while the reduced rubber improves agility and shaves off weight, the shoe might feel slightly less stable for some runners. Not to mention that reduced rubber coverage may slightly compromise durability. Still, for most daily training scenarios, the added flexibility and reduced weight might be a worthwhile tradeoff.

How the Triumph 23 Stacks Up Against Competitors

Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 vs Saucony Triumph 23

The Asics Nimbus 27 offers a slightly firmer ride and a more traditional, stable feel. Its main advantage is its durability and reputation for consistent comfort during long runs, though some runners may find it less responsive or a bit heavier than the Triumph 23.

Brooks Glycerin 22 vs Saucony Triumph 23

Compared to the Triumph 23, the Brooks Glycerin 22 is similarly plush but offers a slightly more structured feel and a focus on smooth heel-to-toe transitions. Its versatility across distances is a highlight, though it may not feel as lively or bouncy as the Triumph 23’s PWRRUN PB foam.

Hoka Clifton 10 vs Saucony Triumph 23

Hoka Cliftons are lighter and more nimble, but may lack the same level of plush, energetic bounce. They’re best for runners who want comfort and versatility in a daily trainer without the maximal feel of the Triumph 23.

Pros and Cons of the Saucony Triumph 23

Pros:

• Lightweight design significantly improves versatility
• Soft, bouncy midsole offers premium comfort
• Broad platform delivers a stable ride at varied paces
• Secure fit that adapts to midfoot and narrow-foot runners

Cons:

• Dense upper reduces breathability
• Outsole durability may decrease due to thinner rubber coverage
• The plush ride lacks the responsiveness needed for speed work or fast paces

Final Thoughts 

The Saucony Triumph 23 delivers on its promise of a plush and enjoyable ride, with improvements that cater to a broader range of runners. By shedding weight and enhancing versatility, it exits the niche of being solely a recovery shoe and reclaims its status as a solid daily trainer.