The Saucony Triumph 23 may not turn heads with flashy colors or wild designs, but don’t be fooled—this shoe means business. We logged a solid chunk of miles in them, and they consistently over-delivered. Plush, dependable, and noticeably more agile than its predecessors, it’s the kind of daily trainer that makes you forget your feet ever hurt. And no, this isn’t just marketing fluff—the upgrades are legit.
Lighter and smoother than ever
You don’t even have to run in them to feel the difference—just picking them up tells you Saucony cut some serious weight. Over an ounce lighter than before, the Triumph 23 sheds that clunky, heavy feel a lot of max-cushion shoes carry. You’ll feel it the second you start logging those daily miles.
And the ride? Way smoother. Transitions feel effortless, and there’s just enough bounce to keep things interesting without tipping into squishy territory. Credit the PWRRUN PB midsole for that perfect mix of soft landings and lively takeoffs. It’s not overly dramatic, but it quietly gets the job done in a way you’ll appreciate by mile five.
Built for comfort and distance
This shoe gets long-distance runners. The generous 10mm drop (37mm heel, 27mm forefoot) gives you cushion where it counts, especially for heel strikers. The wide platform adds a layer of stability that’s hard to find in shoes this soft. If you’re logging big weekly mileage or just prefer a little more underfoot, the Triumph 23 feels like a godsend.
While it’s clearly geared for easy days and recovery runs, it doesn’t fall apart when you pick up the pace. No, it won’t replace your tempo shoe, but it handles those mid-run surges with surprising grace. It’s got more range than you’d expect from something this plush.
Upper construction and fit
The upper brings structure and comfort in equal measure. The engineered mesh wraps the foot snugly without feeling restrictive, and the tongue and collar are padded just enough to feel luxurious without overdoing it. Once you’re laced up and moving, you might forget you even have them on.
That said, ventilation takes a bit of a backseat. On warmer days, the dense mesh might run a little hot. And if your feet are on the wider side, the standard toebox could feel a bit tight—thankfully, Saucony offers a wide version that solves that issue.
Outsole and durability
Saucony made some smart tweaks to the outsole, trimming down excess rubber and adding flex grooves that help the shoe move more naturally through toe-off. It feels smoother underfoot and less stiff overall.
There is a tradeoff here, though: more exposed foam means you might see wear a bit earlier than in previous versions. But unless you’re especially tough on your shoes, the outsole will easily handle the grind of daily road miles. The grip stays solid, even on wet pavement.
Final thoughts
The Saucony Triumph 23 doesn’t need bells and whistles to impress. It’s soft, stable, and just responsive enough to keep things fun. Whether you’re racking up long runs or just want something forgiving for everyday training, this shoe quietly makes a strong case for a permanent spot in your rotation. It nails the comfort-performance balance in a way few max-cushion trainers do.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally plush and responsive cushioning | Slightly snug toe box for wide-footed runners |
| Noticeably lighter than previous versions | Upper lacks breathability on hot days |
| Smooth and energetic ride | Exposed foam may reduce durability slightly |
| Stable platform ideal for heel strikers | Not designed for speed or tempo workouts |
| Excellent comfort for long and recovery runs |
Nike Pegasus 41
