Saucony Triumph 23 Review
By Matthew Klein
Saucony Triumph 23Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.2 oz, 263 g (men's size 9), 8.4 oz, 239 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot
Drop: 10 mm
Shoe Purpose: Premium Neutral Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Responsive Midsole, Lightweight, Well Cushioned, Secure Fit, Mild Heel Stability
Cons: Slightly Narrow Toe Box, Lower Durability Than Previous
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Saucony Triumph 23 is a premium cushioned daily training shoe for those who want a softer and responsive ride. A full-length midsole of PWRRUN PB provides both soft and responsive cushioning for daily, longer and some uptempo runs. A slightly snug upper provides good security for those with normal to narrow feet. New geometry makes for mild heel guidance that along with a soft, responsive and light midsole creates one of the more unique Triumphs to date. Those wanting a balance between versions 20/21 and 22 will find it in version 23.
SIMILAR SHOES: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14, Mizuno Wave Sky 8
PAST MODEL: Saucony Triumph 22
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Saucony Triumph 23 fits me mostly true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The upper is a 3D engineered mesh that fits normal in width and slightly lower in volume. The material is plush and comfortable against bare skin, except for the inner aspect of the toe guard, so socks are recommended. The toe guard also prominent in general and those sensitive to them may need to go a half size up. I did not have this issue but did notice pressure on the tops of my toes. The toe box is slightly tapered but opens into a normal width but lower volume forefoot. The upper material does stretch with mild accommodation for foot swelling, but may not work for those with wider feet. The midfoot fits normally in width but feels slightly snug due to a strongly gusseted and moderately thick tongue. This helps lock the foot into the shoe and I did not have to lace lock or tighten the laces. The heel fits slightly snug due to a larger amount of padding around the heel collar. There is a stiff but rounded heel counter that did bother my Haglund deformity a little, so those with heel sensitivities should still approach with caution.
The security is good thanks to the lower volume fit, gusseted tongue, Saucony logo overlays and the stiffer but padded counter. This holds the foot well even with turning and side-to-side motion my foot was held well. This shoe is still meant for running and I would not use it for lateral movements, but the upper is great for those with normal width and narrow feet wanting a secure fit.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Mildly
How Flexible is the Shoe: No
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: Yes
Recommended for Sockless: Somewhat
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Saucony Triumph 23 is a premium daily training shoe with a full-length PWRRUN PB midsole. Unlike version 22, the PWRRUN PB midsole feels cushioned, bouncy and responsive. It isn't quite Endorphin Pro level as the midsole is much softer, but there is some responsiveness. The weight feels much lower as it is one of the lighter Triumphs so far. Combined with the bouncy midsole, the Triumph feels like a good balance between the soft cushioning of version 22 and the bounce of versions 20 and 21. There is a 10mm heel drop which feels closer to 8mm thanks to the midsole compression. The heel features a decent centered heel bevel that initially feels slightly clunky (as someone who lands at lateral heel) but this does break in. This transitions into slightly stiff midfoot thanks to the wider width and continues on to a slightly snappy forefoot. While there is no plate, the flexibility of this shoe is on the lower end. There is still a little bend to the forefoot, so those with mild toe mobility issues will be fine but those wanting a totally stiff forefoot will not find it stiff enough.
Purpose-wise, the Triumph 23 will shine best as a daily training shoe for easy and mild uptempo miles. The responsive midsole makes transitioning to faster paces feel easy but it does max out at marathon pace. I have done easy runs, a long run and a fartlek (interval) workout in these, and it has done well for a training shoe in all of them. The slight medial flare at the heel made the shoe feel just stable enough for me to use for a long run and kept my legs feeling fresh even after. This returns the Triumph series somewhat to the form of the Triumph 20 and 21, which were more responsive and lighter.
However, the drawback to this is that the durability is lower. I have 30 miles on my pair and am already starting to wear through the exposed PWRRUN PB in the outsole and may be about ready to tear off the posterolateral XT-900 rubber piece (as I usually do when the outsole is not full length). I expect the Triumph 23 to last an average number of miles due to the large amounts of exposed midsole, compared to the longer-lasting prior versions. If you are light on your feet, land farther or farther back you should be fine but I am still seeing early outsole wear. The outsole lugs do provide decent traction on road/track and mildly on smooth trails. I would not use this as a trail shoe given the taller stack height and softer midsole, but on smooth, well-groomed trails it will be fine. The personality of the Triumph 23 has gone lighter and more responsive but it maintains plenty of premium cushioning to still do best as a soft and bouncy training shoe for daily and longer miles.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Saucony Triumph 23 is a neutral shoe with some guidance elements. There are no traditional methods of stability, but a wider midfoot, deep bucket (sidewalls) that the foot sits in, medial flare at the heel and a forefoot flare add subtle guidance. Like most Saucony shoes, there is plenty of sole flare in the heel and forefoot. The heel features far more medial sole flare than lateral, which creates a lateral bias in the rearfoot. This works great for someone like me with medial stability issues but may be problematic for those with lateral stability needs. The midfoot is wider, which provides mild centeredness. The forefoot features a large amount of sole in both directions, which combined with the rocker and stiffness keep the foot moving forward. These are offset a little by the responsive, softer midsole. However, those with mild guidance needs in the rearfoot may find this shoe may take them longer than other neutral shoes.
Thoughts as a DPT: A Little Flare Changes Things....
By Matthew Klein
The Saucony Triumph 23 has a soft midsole. While it is bouncy, there is a ton that compresses underfoot. This is typically not the set up for a shoe that has any form of stability (unless you have a dual midsole set up). In the case of the Triumph 23, this should not be a stable shoe. However, the combination of a wider sole, sidewalls (bucket) and some asymmetrical flare change that. Sole flare refers to a part of the midsole that extends out beyond where the foot sits. This can be an extension to the side (medial or lateral) or posterior. Medial and lateral sole flare increase the width and surface contact of the shoe. They also provide resistance to motion in that direction as there is more material that way.
While most shoes have medial and lateral flare that are fairly even, having flare on only one side will direct motion away from it. This is most often done on the lateral side, which can be extremely troublesome for those who need medial stability or guidance. On the other hand, it can be great for those with lateral stability needs without using more significant stability mechanisms like a post. The same goes for flare only on the medial side. Those with medial stability needs will do well with more medial than lateral flare as it will guide them more laterally.
How stable a shoe feels is defined by the combination of all the factors (or lack therefore) that contribute to stability/guidance. In the case of the Triumph 23, the wider shape, sidewalls (bucket) and medial heel flare all provide some central and mild lateral guidance. The softer midsole material makes this not a full on guidance shoe, but all the factors combined still make for some mild guidance of the foot to the lateral side at the rear. This little bit of medial more than lateral flare changes the balance, enough that people like myself with mild stability needs are able to get away with longer mileage in the Triumph 23. It is not a stability shoe but has just enough to not make it completely neutral.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The Triumph 23 is a massive update. The weight has dropped quite a bit, the midsole is now responsive (not just mushy) and the fit has been streamlined from the wider previous fit. I have enjoyed this version much more than the previous one, as I tend to prefer lighter, faster shoes. However, I still have a few suggestions. The first is on the outsole design. I know that many companies are strategically placing outsole patches to save weight but it does compromise durability. I would encourage at least a thin piece of XT-900 rubber to maintain continuity of the material, so people like me don't rip it off. My second suggestion is to think about a bit more room in the upper. The Triumph 23 is one of the more snug premium trainers. This is fine for those who want a performance (snug) fit and there is a wide version, but the more performance fit may be better suited in the Ride 18. This will also further differentiate the models besides the PWRRUN PB. Right now, they are both on the faster, more performance end of their respective categories. This isn't a bad thing and I am really enjoying this version.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Saucony Triumph 23 is for those who want a soft and responsive premium cushioned shoe. The PWRRUN PB midsole will work for those who want a softer trainer with a little extra bounce that makes it easy to keep form on longer runs and has some versatility to pick up the pace. The upper will work for those who have normal to narrow width feet or who want a little lower volume but solid security. Those with mild medial heel stability needs may find that the Triumph 23 provides them, although those with greater needs will need to look at the Hurricane series. Those who tear up the outsole may struggle with this shoe, given the amount of exposed material on the bottom. This makes the price increase a bit more challenging as Saucony announces greater cost secondary to tariffs. Having a superfoam midsole that feels closer to that of super shoes does make the cost more worth it, compared to the previous mushy last version. It is still soft enough to be used as a walking and standing shoe, yet also has the responsiveness/bounce to make it a premium running shoe. Most premium neutral trainers are known to be more cushioned and not as quick. The Triumph 23 turns that stereotype on its head with its design, taking the spot as the lightest in this category and certainly the most unique compared to others. How consumers respond to that will be interesting.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+ (Slightly snug, soft, lower volume performance fit. Upper does stretch but is also quite secure)
Performance: A- (Softer, cushioned, lighter and responsive sole makes this a shoe that keeps the legs going on long runs and can turn over to uptempo paces)
Stability: A- [Mild Medial Heel Guidance] (Medial heel sole flare and wider sole provide mild heel guidance but softer sole make it more neutral overall)
Value: B+ (True superfoam feel somewhat offsets slight price increase and average durability)
Personal: A- (This shoe goes back to what I loved about versions 20 and 21 while being lighter and even more responsive)
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORSaucony Triumph 23Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
NB's lightweight performance trainer.
Saucony's lightweight performance trainer.
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