The new version of Saucony’s flagship model is all about comfort and softness. Its PWRRUN PB foam midsole provides maximum cushioning, allowing you to glide over hard surfaces. The upper? It’s as soft as a luxury hotel duvet. Additionally, it weighs less than its predecessor yet still provides solid support, even on the longest runs. For runners looking for the most comfortable everyday running shoe, this remains a strong contender for the top spot.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Saucony Triumph 23 is a shoe designed for runners seeking maximum cushioning and comfort with every step. This model performs best on hard surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, and compacted trails. Although it was designed for people with a higher body weight (up to 100 kg), it will also work well for anyone who wants every kilometer to feel as soft as a cloud. The Triumph 23 is a neutral-profile shoe, ideal for runners with natural foot biomechanics who don’t need additional support.
Pros
- very good cushioning,
- ideal for long, lazy runs,
- pleasant and smooth rolling,
- comfortable and plush upper,
- very good stability.
Cons
- less rubber on the outsole may cause it to wear out faster.
What’s New in the Latest Edition
Saucony Running Shoes – Lineup
The Saucony Triumph has been at the top of the training shoe segment for years. It is designed for easy, comfortable everyday running. This model embraces the label of a “max-cushioned shoe” — it’s the most cushioned neutral shoe in Saucony’s entire collection. If you’re looking for maximum softness and protection from hard surfaces, the Triumph is the obvious choice.
It’s also a great alternative to the versatile Ride model — the Triumph offers more cushioning and softness, which runners training for longer distances or those with a higher body weight will especially appreciate.
Want to know more? Check out the Saucony running shoe guide for comparisons, tips, and help finding the right model for you.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | HIGH STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Triumph 22 |  Hurricane 24 | |
| very high cushioning |  Ride 18 |  Guide 18 |  Omni 22 |
Similar to Saucony Triumph 23
The Triumph is the best-cushioned training shoe in Saucony’s collection — a true leader in softness and comfort. However, it’s worth noting that Saucony isn’t the only brand that offers maximum-cushioning shoes. Other brands offer similar models that provide exceptional protection and comfort over long distances.
Below, you will find a few examples of such models that rival the Triumph in terms of cushioning and comfort. For a complete guide to maximum cushioning shoes, check out our guide.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Ultraboost 5X | 38/28 | 10 | 275 | 237 | 180 |
| Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 | 43,5/35,5 | 8 | 305 | 265 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin 22 | 38/28 | 10 | 289 | 257 | 180 |
| Brooks Glycerin Max | 45/39 | 6 | 298 | 270 | 200 |
| Diadora Atomo Star | 40/34 | 6 | 275 | 215 | 190 |
| Hoka Bondi 9 | 43/38 | 5 | 323 | 263 | 180 |
| New Balance 1080 v14 | 36/32 | 6 | 298 | 236 | 190 |
| Nike Vomero Plus | 45/35 | 8 | 281 | 243 | 170 |
| New Balance More v5 | 43/39 | 4 | 313 | 244 | 170 |
| On Cloudmonster 2 | 35/26 | 6 | 295 | 245 | 190 |
| Saucony Triumph 23 | 37/27 | 10 | 263 | 239 | 190 |
Ultimate Plushness – Powered by PWRRUN PB
Like the previous edition, the Saucony Triumph 23 uses PWRRUN PB foam made of PEBA material, which is known for its elasticity and lightness. The manufacturer claims that the new version of this foam is more flexible and slightly lighter. However, the differences are difficult to notice during everyday running.
The midsole remains 37 mm thick under the heel and 27 mm thick under the forefoot. While these figures may not be record-breaking in the world of “max cushioned shoes,” they provide an exceptional level of cushioning. This configuration allows the Triumph 23 to easily handle heavier loads — it is suitable for runners weighing up to 100 kg and provides a soft yet stable stride.
At first glance, the midsole of the Saucony Triumph 23 appears lighter than that of the previous version. This is due not only to subtle changes in shape, but also to the design, which makes the shoe’s silhouette appear lighter.
Despite this, the midsole remains wide in the heel and forefoot areas. This allows the shoe to maintain a good level of stability, which is important for longer runs. As in the previous version, the sides of the midsole are slightly raised to further reduce excessive lateral foot movement and increase stability. While the Triumph 23 is not ideal for people with severe pronation (for whom the Saucony Hurricane would be a better choice), it offers surprisingly good stability for a shoe with such a soft and neutral profile.
Grip That Adapts – Lightweight XT-900 for Road and Gravel
The Saucony Triumph 23’s outsole is made of XT-900 rubber, which is known for its excellent grip and resistance to abrasion. The outsole’s pattern features grooved strips that run along the entire midsole, from heel to toe. While it is not an aggressive outsole for trails (its depth is only 1.2 mm), it provides ample traction for its intended purpose of running on flat, hard surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, and hard gravel.
Compared to its predecessor, the rubber has been distributed more sparingly, especially in the midsole. This reduces the shoe’s weight and improves its flexibility, though these changes are difficult to feel during everyday running. One slight downside is the new outsole’s slightly lower durability. With intensive use, especially for heavier runners or those who often train on rough surfaces, signs of wear may appear more quickly due to the reduced amount of rubber.
Engineered Mesh, Plush Comfort
The Saucony Triumph 23’s upper has been slightly updated for the better. It’s thinner than the previous version, which improves ventilation and breathability while running. In terms of thickness, the latest edition meets standard running shoe thickness. Its technical mesh construction adapts well to the foot for a soft fit. The “softness” sensation extends throughout the entire shoe, with plush padding around the ankle, soft flat laces, and a soft tongue. Fans of plush will be delighted.
In terms of fit, the Saucony Triumph 23 is fairly neutral — a classic, “safe” design that suits most runners. At its widest point, the upper measures 104.3 mm, which is standard for shoes of this width. If your feet are within the average range, the fit should be perfect.
The rear heel counter combines classic design with comfort. Beneath a soft foam layer is a rigid reinforcement that stabilizes the heel and prevents slippage while running. Compared to its predecessor, the rear part of the shoe has a different shape — the heel counter of the Triumph 23 is slightly higher and gently bent outward. This detail can improve comfort in the Achilles tendon area, especially for those who are sensitive there.
Surprisingly Light for a Max-Cushion Shoe
According to the manufacturer, the men’s Saucony Triumph 23 weighs 263 grams, and the women’s version weighs 239 grams. This is a significant weight reduction compared to the previous model. For comparison, the size 12 US Triumphs weigh 319 grams, which is 18 grams less than the previous model.
For a maximum-cushioning shoe, this is an excellent result. The Triumph 23 is one of the 10% lightest maximum-cushioning shoes on the market. Taking a broader view of all training running shoes designed for hard surfaces, the Triumph 23 ranks among the 24% lightest models. Despite its solid construction, soft upper, and thick midsole, the shoe does not weigh down the foot.
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Triumph 23 is one of the most comfortable training shoes in Saucony’s lineup. It combines maximum cushioning with a neutral profile and a surprisingly low weight for a maximum-cushion shoe. PWRRUN PB foam provides a soft, springy ride, and a wide midsole with slightly raised edges offers stability. The breathable upper is well-fitting and finished with great attention to comfort, making it ideal for fans of a soft, snug interior. Despite its substantial appearance, the Triumph 23 is a lightweight, versatile shoe for running on hard surfaces — even for heavier runners.
