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TEST: Saucony Triumph 23 - The Safe Choice

Triumph is Saucony's flagship in training shoes, rarely disappointing, especially not this 23rd edition.

Triumph might be the most tested shoe at our office. We've been through many models (all previous reviews can be found in our inspiration universe). We've had front-row seats, right next to the driver – Mr. Triumph in this bus. When Saucony presented edition 20 and 21, the shoe's character changed. It became more versatile, a bit more energetic – the shoes were fantastic! But they were no longer what one associated with Triumph's original form. Edition 22 brought Triumph back to its more comfortable expression, and with edition 23, Saucony cements that this is what we should expect from a Triumph : maximum comfort and durability.

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    Specs:

    - Stackheight: 37mm heel, 27mm forefoot.

    - Drop: 10mm

    - Type: Neutral, training

    - Weight: 262g (US 8.5)

    - Midsole: PWRRUN PB

    Saucony Triumph 23 - What were they thinking?

    As described, Saucony has developed Triumph back towards being a comfortable, stable training shoe you can rely on. When you look at their lineup, that's what Triumph is meant to be.

    How did they succeed in this mission? They've used modern techniques, selected modern materials, and generally looked at trend developments. They've done what Saucony does exceptionally well – making very lightweight running shoes . That Triumph is light for its category makes it interesting compared to others.

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      Saucony has continued with a stable expression, and the way to do it in 2025 is by creating these wide platforms on shoes. If you're one of those who have saved some old running shoes – say 10 years old – turning them over and comparing the width under the shoe, you'd be surprised at how much wider today's shoes are. It works well. But more shoe typically means heavier shoes, which has driven brands to innovate in weight reduction of other shoe elements.

      And yes, they succeeded. The midsole material is still PWRRUN PB as in the previous edition – but a lighter version. Saucony has also reduced the amount of outsole material, primarily around the midfoot, trimming weight.

      Saucony Triumph 23 - The Midsole

      As in edition 22, you get a full midsole of PWRRUN PB – but in a lighter version than before. Saucony again did a great job keeping weight low, making Triumph competitive. The new PWRRUN PB formulation is softer than its predecessor, without fully entering the softness category of some New Balance Fresh Foam models. Triumph is more stable, making it comfortable for longer runs – crucial for this shoe type.

      Talking stability, Saucony used a modern approach to ensure it: building the shoe on a broad platform, making it suitable for runners with overpronation issues. Don't expect a wow-factor when running in Triumph – that's in other Saucony shoes. Triumph is the stable and reliable training partner that just keeps going.

      Saucony Triumph 23 - The Upper

      I've always loved Triumph's upper, so I wasn't watching it with the most anticipation. One might fear restructuring – but why fix what isn't broken? And it hasn't changed, I can reveal. But my experience was it had a slightly wider fit than before – especially in the forefoot. Otherwise, the lining has been pampered significantly. Your foot is enveloped in soft materials – from the ankle foam to the laces.

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        Saucony Triumph 23 - Who Should Look at This Shoe?

        I've written many reviews by now – and I love it. I keep looking forward to new shoes and following developments. It’s been great years in that regard. I've often noted, "everyone can enjoy this shoe" – but I must repeat myself again.

        Saucony Triumph 23 will be a shoe you reach for time and again. It has to be – that's the purpose of this type of shoe. In many ways, you could say Triumph 23 is a mix of the last three models. It's for relaxed days – whether long or short runs. It's not a speed shoe, by no means. It's for days between intervals, warming up to and from the track – or for you who wants one reliable running shoe and heads out a few times a week for a 5 km jog. For those runs, there's nothing to fault Saucony Triumph 23.



         

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