Saucony Triumph 23 Review (2025): Premium Cushioning for Effortless Daily Miles

The Saucony Triumph series has long been the brand’s flagship for plush comfort—think first-class cabin for your feet. Designed for neutral runners who crave max cushion without max drama, the Triumph has built a reputation as the go-to shoe for daily miles, recovery runs, and long hauls alike.

Enter the Saucony Triumph 23, and let’s just say: Saucony didn’t just tweak it—they gave it a full-on makeover. This version ditches the bulk and steps into 2025 with a sleek, significantly lighter build, thanks in part to a major upgrade underfoot. The new PWRRUN PB midsole isn’t just softer and more responsive—it practically begs to go the extra mile. Add a better lockdown, performance fit, and a slimmer outsole (because who needs rubber where you’re not landing?), and you’ve got a shoe that feels both luxurious and performance-ready.

If you’re a neutral runner, a long-distance enthusiast, or just someone who wants a daily trainer that feels like running on marshmallows without actually becoming one, the Saucony Triumph 23 is your new best foot friend.

Quick verdict: premium cushioning, refined fit, and smooth-as-butter transitions—because your feet deserve the VIP treatment, even on a Tuesday tempo run.

Contents

• 1. Key Specs at a Glance
• 2. Design and Fit
• 3. Cushioning and Midsole Technology
• 4. Ride and Performance
• 5. Breathability and Upper Comfort
• 6. Outsole and Durability
• 7. Pros and Cons of the Saucony Triumph 23
• 8. Who Should Buy the Saucony Triumph 23?
• Saucony Triumph 23 FAQs

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1. Key Specs at a Glance

• Weight: 8.4 oz for women and 9.2 oz for men
• Stack height: 37 mm
• Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
• Price range: $170
• Category: Premium neutral daily trainer
• Best use: Tempo runs, daily training, long runs, recovery runs

2. Design and Fit

The Saucony Triumph 23 shows up looking sleeker, smarter, and ready to run like it means business. The engineered mesh upper has traded in its old lounge wear vibes for a more performance-oriented design—think breathable, flexible, and much better at hugging your foot without getting clingy. It offers a noticeably improved lockdown over the Triumph 22, so your foot stays put without needing a second pep talk mid-run.

The padding in the heel and tongue has also gone through a minimalist glow-up. It’s been trimmed and refined—not too plush, not too bare, but just right, like Goldilocks finally designing running shoes. This keeps things light and comfy without that marshmallow-stuffed feeling that sometimes made the previous version feel more like a slipper than a sneaker.

Fit-wise, the Triumph 23 stays true to size and even throws in a wide-width option for runners who prefer a little more toe-wiggling real estate. Whether you’ve got narrow ballerina feet or Fred Flintstone paddles, Saucony’s got you covered—comfortably and stylishly.

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3. Cushioning and Midsole Technology

If the Saucony Triumph 22 was your dependable, cloud-like cruiser, the Triumph 23 is its fitter, faster cousin who still knows how to treat your feet right. At the heart of the upgrade is Saucony’s PWRRUN PB midsole—now softer, bouncier, and far more responsive than before. It’s like running on a luxury memory foam mattress… with springs.

Despite its chunky stack, the Triumph 23 feels lighter than its weight on paper—kind of like that friend who swears they’re carrying emotional baggage but somehow still runs a 10K for fun. The plushness underfoot is real, but it stops short of feeling mushy, giving you that sweet spot of soft landings with enough snap to keep your stride lively.

The rocker sole and beveled heel combo help you roll smoothly from heel to toe like you’re gliding into your weekend plans. Bonus: the shoe now has just a hint of medial support, so if you’re a mild overpronator in denial (“I swear I’m neutral!”), the Triumph 23’s got your back—well, foot.

It’s also slightly wider in the midfoot than before, which offers a more stable base, though the Triumph 22 still holds the crown for overall width. Meanwhile, the forefoot has gotten a touch stiffer—a surprisingly good thing if you’ve got forefoot issues, as it offers a more supportive platform for toe-offs that don’t feel like you’re pushing through Play-Doh.

Even the sockliner is feeling more energetic this time around. Yes, the sockliner. It’s like Saucony upgraded everything from sole to soul.

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4. Ride and Performance

The Saucony Triumph 23 might still be a plush daily trainer at heart, but don’t be fooled—it’s had its morning coffee and is ready to move. Thanks to its softer, more responsive PWRRUN PB midsole and a slightly stiffer forefoot, the Triumph 23 delivers a snappier, more aggressive toe-off than its predecessor. It’s like your favorite recliner suddenly developed a sprint button.

The rocker-shaped midsole and well-executed heel bevel work together to keep transitions buttery smooth—from heel strike to toe-off, the whole experience flows like a well-oiled machine (if that machine wore premium cushioning and gave your feet a hug). Whether you’re coasting through easy miles or picking up the pace for a mid-tempo run, this shoe keeps things feeling fluid and effortless.

And while it’s no Endorphin Speed—let’s not get carried away—the Triumph 23 is surprisingly game for speed workouts. Think of it as your laid-back friend who, out of nowhere, crushes a 5K without breaking a sweat.

Where it really shines, though, is in those daily miles: easy runs, recovery jogs, and everything in between. Roads, treadmills, light gravel—this shoe handles them all with poise, comfort, and just enough bounce to make you forget how many miles you’ve logged. It’s not flashy-fast, but it is secretly ambitious—and your feet will thank you for taking it along for the ride.

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5. Breathability and Upper Comfort

The upper of the Saucony Triumph 23 is a bit of a trade-off: it’s more performance-driven and offers much better lockdown than the Triumph 22—but it’s not exactly the breeziest thing you’ll wear this summer. On cooler days or treadmill sessions, it’s perfectly fine. But during hot, humid runs? Let’s just say your feet might throw a mini protest and start demanding popsicles.

That said, what it lacks in max airflow, it makes up for in fit and support. The engineered mesh wraps around your foot like it knows you personally—snug where it should be, forgiving where it counts. It adapts well over the miles, offering a secure hold that doesn’t feel restrictive or overly padded.

Despite being trimmed down, the heel and tongue still deliver enough comfort to keep things cozy on long runs—without feeling like you’ve duct-taped two couch cushions to your ankles. So while your feet may not feel the breeze, they will feel loved. And sometimes, that’s the better deal.

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6. Outsole and Durability

The Saucony Triumph 23 took a minimalist approach to its outsole—because apparently, less can be more (except when it comes to coffee). There’s less rubber here than in the Triumph 22, and it looks thinner too, which might make durability skeptics raise an eyebrow. But before you panic, know this: the rubber is strategically placed in high-wear zones and where your foot actually needs grip—like the forefoot, where it sticks better than your New Year’s resolutions.

Yes, the Triumph 22 may win the longevity contest by a few extra miles thanks to its beefier outsole, but the Triumph 23 is no slouch. Saucony didn’t build a flimsy shoe—they built a smarter one. You get solid traction on roads, treadmills, and even light gravel without feeling like you’re dragging around bricks.

And let’s not forget: the Triumph series has a reputation for going the distance. Unless you’re logging ultramarathon miles every week or dragging your feet like you’re trying to erase the pavement, the Triumph 23 should still deliver plenty of reliable mileage before it even thinks about wearing out. Think of it as a leaner, meaner rubber machine.

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7. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Plush and luxurious cushioning
• Great for long miles and recovery
• A willing shoe for speed workouts
• Premium upper with excellent comfort

Cons:

• Not ideal for serious speedwork
• Slightly bulky for some runners since the Triumph series is one of the largest daily trainers
• Higher price point

8. Who Should Buy the Saucony Triumph 23?

If your running plans involve lots of miles, plenty of cushioning, and absolutely zero tolerance for foot discomfort, the Saucony Triumph 23 should be on your short list (right next to “never run out of snacks”).

This shoe is a dream for high-mileage runners who need consistent comfort across long training weeks. Thanks to its ultra-cushioned PWRRUN PB midsole and smooth rocker ride, it eats up easy and faster, steady miles like a carb-loading champion.

Comfort-seekers—whether you’re nursing tired legs, bad knees, or just don’t like surprises underfoot—will appreciate the plush but responsive feel. And if you’re the kind of runner who measures their effort in grunts and sighs, the Triumph 23 makes everything feel a bit more effortless.

Heavier runners will also find a friend in the Triumph 23. Its stable platform, slightly wider midfoot, and resilient cushioning offer the support and shock absorption needed to go the distance—without feeling like you’ve strapped bricks to your feet.

It’s also an excellent choice for beginners, especially those who need extra protection while building mileage or figuring out what a tempo run actually is. And for experienced runners, it’s the go-to shoe for those daily jogs, recovery miles, or “I’m just out here for the vibes” days.

So whether you’re chasing a PR or just chasing the dog down the street, the Triumph 23 delivers premium comfort with zero judgment.

Saucony Triumph 23 FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Saucony Triumph 23

The Saucony Triumph 23 lives up to its name—and then some. With a complete redesign that actually means something (looking at you, “new colorway” updates), this shoe brings plush comfort, smoother transitions, and surprising versatility to your daily miles. From slow recovery jogs to mid-tempo efforts, it delivers a premium ride that feels light on the foot but heavy on performance.

Thanks to the softer, more responsive PWRRUN PB midsole, improved lockdown fit, and just the right amount of rocker, this Triumph doesn’t just show up for your run—it practically rolls out the red carpet. Whether you’re clocking miles on the road, cruising the treadmill, or pretending light gravel is “trail running,” this shoe has your back.

If you’re a neutral runner looking for luxurious cushion without sacrificing everyday performance, the Triumph 23 is your jam. It’s the shoe equivalent of ordering dessert and still hitting your macros—comfort, performance, and value all wrapped into one satisfying package.

Bottom line: 2025’s Triumph isn’t just a minor update—it’s a glow-up worth running in.

See also:

• Saucony Hurricane 25 Review
• Hoka Arahi 8 Review