The Saucony Triumph series has always been known for plush cushioning and a smooth, easygoing ride. Built for neutral runners, it’s the shoe many rely on for daily miles, recovery days, and long, steady efforts. The Triumph has earned its place as Saucony’s comfort flagship, offering a dependable blend of softness and support that makes everyday training feel easier.
With the Saucony Triumph 23, that formula gets a modern overhaul. This update trims away excess weight and introduces a more streamlined, performance-ready build. The standout change is the move to a full PWRRUN PB midsole—lighter, softer, and noticeably more responsive than before. Pair that with improved lockdown and a more refined upper, and the shoe feels refreshed from the moment you step in.
Underfoot, the redesigned outsole keeps only the rubber you actually need, giving the shoe smoother transitions without weighing it down. The result is a daily trainer that feels luxurious without losing efficiency. If you’re a neutral runner looking for long-distance comfort or a soft, reliable option for everyday miles, the Triumph 23 delivers a premium experience that stays comfortable and consistent from start to finish.
Table of Contents
- Quick Specs + Infographic
- Design & Fit
- Cushioning & Midsole Technology
- Ride & Performance
- Breathability & Upper Comfort
- Outsole & Durability
- Pros & Cons
- Who Should Buy the Saucony Triumph 23
- Final Verdict
- Saucony Triumph 23 FAQs
Quick Specs + Infographic
- Weight: 8.4 oz women / 9.2 oz men
- Stack height: 37/27 mm
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
- Midsole: PWRRUN PB
- Category: Premium Neutral Trainer
- Best use: Tempo runs, daily training, long runs, recovery runs
- Price: $170
Design & Fit
The Saucony Triumph 23 arrives with a more refined, performance-focused look that immediately sets it apart from its predecessor. The engineered mesh upper feels lighter and more intentional, offering a blend of breathability and flexibility that adapts well to the foot. It creates a secure hold without feeling restrictive, giving the shoe a more confident, dialed-in fit during runs.
Saucony also reworked the padding around the heel and tongue, trimming it down for a cleaner, more balanced feel. It’s comfortable without being overly cushioned, which helps the shoe shed weight while still delivering the soft step-in experience runners expect from the Triumph line. The overall design feels more streamlined, supporting a smoother and more responsive ride.
In terms of fit, the Triumph 23 stays true to size and provides a reliable, accommodating shape for a wide range of runners. The addition of a wide-width option makes it even more versatile, offering extra room for those who need it without compromising the shoe’s structure. Whether your feet are narrow or on the broader side, the updated fit feels thoughtfully executed and comfortably secure.
Cushioning & Midsole Technology
The Saucony Triumph 23 takes the familiar comfort of the Triumph 22 and elevates it with a more energetic, modern ride. The biggest change comes from the switch to a full PWRRUN PB midsole, which delivers a softer, springier feel without crossing into overly squishy territory. Landings feel cushioned and smooth, while the added responsiveness helps keep your stride lively, especially during longer efforts.
Despite the substantial stack height, the shoe runs lighter than expected. The rocker geometry and beveled heel work together to create an easy, fluid transition from touchdown to toe-off. There’s also a touch of added medial support, offering just enough guidance for runners who may slightly overpronate but still prefer a neutral trainer. The midfoot platform is a bit wider than before, giving the shoe a more stable base without losing the versatility that makes the Triumph line so appealing.
Up front, the forefoot is slightly stiffer, which surprisingly benefits runners who need a more supportive platform for push-off. It helps maintain consistency through the gait cycle and prevents that overly soft, collapsing sensation some max-cushion shoes exhibit. Even the sockliner feels more energetic in this version, rounding out a package that’s clearly been refined from the inside out.
Ride & Performance
The Saucony Triumph 23 remains a plush daily trainer at its core, but the ride has a livelier edge this time around. The softer, more responsive PWRRUN PB midsole pairs with a slightly stiffer forefoot to create a cleaner, more energetic toe-off. It gives you a noticeable boost when you want to pick up the pace, making the shoe feel more versatile than previous versions without losing its comfort-first identity.
Transitions feel especially smooth thanks to the rocker-shaped midsole and well-designed heel bevel. From heel strike through toe-off, the motion is fluid and consistent, helping the shoe perform well across a variety of paces. While it’s not built as a dedicated speed trainer, the Triumph 23 handles moderate uptempo efforts better than expected and offers enough responsiveness to support mid-tempo runs with ease.
Where the Triumph 23 truly shines is in the day-to-day miles. Easy runs, recovery days, treadmill sessions, and relaxed long runs all benefit from the cushioning, stability, and subtle bounce the shoe provides. It handles road surfaces and light gravel confidently, maintaining comfort and flow even as the miles add up. The result is a reliable, well-rounded trainer that feels effortless to run in and remains enjoyable across a wide range of everyday training scenarios.
Breathability & Upper Comfort
The upper of the Saucony Triumph 23 leans more toward performance than pure breathability, offering a secure and structured feel that stands out compared to the Triumph 22. On mild days or indoor runs, it performs well and keeps the foot comfortably supported. During hot, humid conditions, however, airflow is more limited, and the upper can feel a bit warm over longer efforts.
What the shoe lacks in ventilation, it makes up for in fit. The engineered mesh wraps the foot with a thoughtful balance of structure and flexibility, creating a hold that feels confident without being restrictive. It adapts nicely as you run, maintaining stability while allowing natural movement through the stride.
Even with the streamlined design, the padding around the heel and tongue provides enough comfort for longer distances. It avoids the bulkiness of the previous version while still delivering the cushioning needed for daily training. The overall experience feels intentional and supportive, making the Triumph 23 a comfortable companion even if it’s not the coolest upper in peak summer heat.
Outsole & Durability
The Saucony Triumph 23 takes a more streamlined approach to its outsole, trimming away some of the rubber used in the previous version. At first glance, this lighter layout may look less durable, especially compared to the beefier outsole of the Triumph 22. But the design is intentional. Saucony places rubber only where it’s needed most, focusing on high-wear areas and zones that benefit from added traction, particularly through the forefoot.
On the run, the outsole performs confidently across common training surfaces. Roads, treadmills, and light gravel all feel well within its comfort zone, and the reduced rubber helps keep the shoe feeling lighter and more responsive. While it may not match the Triumph 22 in sheer longevity, the rubber that is present holds up well, and the shoe maintains its grip even as the miles stack up.
For most runners, durability shouldn’t be a concern. The Triumph line has a strong track record of high-mileage reliability, and the 23 continues that tradition with a more efficient outsole layout. Unless you’re logging unusually high weekly mileage or consistently running on abrasive terrain, the outsole should deliver dependable performance throughout its lifespan.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick look at where the Saucony Triumph 23 excels and where it may fall short, helping you decide if it fits your daily training needs.
Pros
- Full PWRRUN PB midsole offers softer cushioning and noticeably more responsiveness
- Smooth, efficient transitions thanks to the rocker geometry and beveled heel
- More secure, performance-oriented upper with improved lockdown
- Lighter and sleeker than the Triumph 22
- Stable midfoot platform with a supportive forefoot for balanced toe-offs
- Versatile for easy runs, long miles, and moderate uptempo efforts
- True-to-size fit with wide-width options available
Cons
- Upper can run warm in hot, humid conditions
- Outsole rubber is reduced compared to the Triumph 22
- Not as fast or snappy as dedicated speed trainers like the Endorphin Speed
- Slightly stiffer forefoot may not appeal to runners who prefer a softer feel up front
Who Should Buy the Saucony Triumph 23
Here’s a clear breakdown of who will get the most out of the Saucony Triumph 23, and who might be better off looking elsewhere.
Who Should Buy the Saucony Triumph 23
- Everyday runners who want comfort-first miles: If your priority is plush cushioning with a smooth, forgiving ride across easy runs and long efforts, this shoe delivers.
- Neutral runners: The Triumph 23’s design favors neutral gait patterns, offering balanced support without forcing a corrective ride.
- Runners who mix paces: Its softer PWRRUN PB midsole with a slightly firmer forefoot gives just enough responsiveness for tempo and steady runs.
- Those seeking a lighter daily trainer: Compared to its predecessor, the 23 feels sleeker and less cumbersome without sacrificing comfort.
- People who appreciate refined fit: Improved lockdown and a secure engineered mesh upper make the shoe feel intentional and supportive without being restrictive.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Saucony Triumph 23
- Hot-weather runners who prioritize airflow: Breathability is decent but not exceptional. It may feel warm on hot, humid days.
- Dedicated speed-focused athletes: If most of your runs are high-tempo workouts or you want a race-day racer, something with sharper responsiveness will suit you better.
- Minimalist shoe fans: If you prefer lightweight, barely-there trainers with minimal stack and feel, the Triumph 23’s cushion-forward profile won’t match that preference.
Final Verdict
The Saucony Triumph 23 succeeds in evolving its plush daily trainer identity into something more refined and responsive. With the full PWRRUN PB midsole, it delivers a softer, smoother ride that still feels lively underfoot, making it well-suited for daily miles, longer runs, and moderate tempo efforts. The redesigned upper offers a more secure fit than its predecessor, and the streamlined outsole keeps weight down while maintaining reliable traction.
It isn’t perfect for every runner: breathability isn’t class-leading, and the reduced rubber compared to the Triumph 22 may raise durability questions for extremely high-mileage runners. It also doesn’t offer the structured stability needed by strong overpronators, nor is it as sharp as dedicated speed trainers. But for neutral runners who want a comfortable, versatile daily trainer with thoughtful updates and a balanced ride, the Triumph 23 is a standout choice that feels capable and composed from easy jogs to spirited workouts.
Saucony Triumph 23 FAQs
Here are the most common questions runners ask about the Saucony Triumph 23, along with clear, straightforward answers to help you decide if it’s the right daily trainer for your needs.
Is the Saucony Triumph 23 good for long-distance running?
Yes. The full PWRRUN PB midsole provides soft, resilient cushioning that stays comfortable and consistent over long miles.
Can I use it for tempo or faster runs?
It’s not a speed shoe, but it handles moderate uptempo efforts well thanks to its responsive foam and smoother toe-off.
How does it fit?
The Triumph 23 fits true to size with a performance-leaning but comfortable upper. Wide-width options are also available.
Is the Triumph 23 breathable?
Breathability is adequate for most conditions, though it can run warm during hot, humid weather due to the more structured upper.
Does it work for overpronators?
Mild overpronators may do fine, but it’s primarily designed for neutral runners and doesn’t offer the stability features of structured support shoes.
How durable is the outsole?
The rubber coverage is reduced compared to the Triumph 22, but it’s placed strategically in high-wear zones. Most runners should get reliable mileage unless they run on very abrasive surfaces.
How does it compare to the Triumph 22?
The Triumph 23 is lighter, more responsive, and more performance-oriented. It trades some rubber for improved transitions and introduces PWRRUN PB for a significantly softer, livelier ride.
Is it good for treadmill running?
Yes. The cushioning and smooth rocker transition work well on treadmills, offering comfort and consistency during longer sessions.
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