It has undoubtedly been a difficult task for to create . The two previous editions have been excellent and have pushed the limits of how versatile a training shoe can be. They have been light, bouncy, and very durable. So how do you make the right successor to that?
Saucony has chosen to see if they could make a more classic with the same pop, but with more stability and a feeling that the shoe is one that lasts.
22 has received a major overhaul regarding what's new in the shoe. There's a new upper, new midsole, and new outsole. I have been very excited to see what the new edition could do, as both Triumph 20 and Triumph 21 have been some of my all-time favorites. Therefore, I found it extremely exciting when I found out that Saucony had put their PWRRUN PB foam in the shoes – a foam usually reserved for their fast shoes.
Saucony Triumph 22 – Comfortable where it matters
The upper on the Saucony Triumph 22 is classic for a daily trainer. It's soft and padded to the point where it's comfortable to wear, yet it still feels breathable (I haven't had the chance to test it in really warm conditions, only around 16 degrees Celsius).
There are small reinforcements around the heel to keep the foot in place. Additionally, the rest of the upper is in comfortable mesh. The tongue is semi-stitched, so it doesn't move around while you run, but sits comfortably in the middle.
Saucony Triumph 22 – The big trick
The change that I believe will affect most runners is clearly the foam change in the midsole. PWRRUN PB is on paper a HUGE upgrade, but in practice, it's not as wild as one might hope. Saucony has clearly adjusted something, so the shoe is more tuned towards being a training shoe rather than a racer – and therefore you don't get quite the same bounce as you do in an Endorphin Speed or Pro.
But I think the shoes work really well for what they're intended – being a daily trainer. They are reliable, cushioned, and with good bounce compared to many competitors. If you expect the bounce from an Endorphin Pro, you'll be disappointed, but if you expect a solid and bouncy training shoe, Triumph 22 clearly meets expectations.
Additionally, the shoes have received a wider platform and more foam up along the sides of the foot than before. This contributes to the shoe feeling more stable and solid underfoot. There is no doubt that the shoe has become less versatile and more suited to crushing all the easy runs.
The outsole is classic rubber over much of the sole. It works fine. There's nothing fancy to tell, but there's good coverage without it being too much and weighing down the shoe.
The changes to Saucony Triumph 22 will undoubtedly divide runners. Some will miss the versatility of the previous edition, while others will love that it's so soft and cushioned. If one must avoid looking at the latest model and only review Saucony Triumph 22 for what it is, then in my opinion, it's an excellent daily trainer with plenty of cushioning and good bounce!
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