ON THE RUN
Joe: A few years ago, Saucony launched a Triumph update with the tagline, “Every Triumph Takes Courage.” And as I’ve put miles on my Saucony Triumph 23’s, I’ve come to realize that it encapsulates what this shoe is all about. It takes courage to show up for yourself day after day—the quiet, unglamorous grind of training, the early alarms, the rainy mornings. The Triumph 23 doesn’t beg for attention or dazzle with flashy flair—it just shows up, mile after mile, doing its job so you can do yours.
My first few runs in the Triumph 23, however, were a mixed bag. It’s undeniably an improvement over the Triumph 22—lighter, softer, and more dialed in—but I can’t say it instantly won me over. That said, this model isn’t trying to be a fireworks display. It’s a workhorse, the kind of shoe you reach for when you need something trusted and consistent. The kind of shoe you need to give you that vote of confidence in your courageous choice to turn the doorknob and head out for another run.
No, it’s not a thrill ride. But it is a reliable companion for easy runs, long runs, and everything in between. And honestly? That counts for a lot.
Keith: Lacing up the Saucony Triumph 23 feels like giving your feet a first-class ticket to plush town. The ride is silky smooth—so much so, it almost feels like you're hovering just above the pavement. The magic comes from the fact that Saucony uses their super responsive PWRRUNpb foam in the Triumph’s beefy midsole. It's insanely lightweight compared to the competition, yet still delivers a surprisingly peppy toe-off that makes every stride feel a little snappier. Not many brands are putting their high tech race ready foam into their high-cushion daily trainers. This was definitely a nice touch when I met up with my speedy group of friends for a 4 mile up tempo blast. Fresh off an ultramarathon (and definitely not fully recovered), I needed more than just a little motivation to keep up with the group’s relentless pace. Normally, I’d call in the cavalry—something like the Endorphin Speed 5—to help me hang on. But this time, my feet were sending a very different message: “No plates, just plush, please.”
Enter the Saucony Triumph 23.
This shoe was exactly what I needed—max cushion without max compromise. Sure, keeping up with the crew wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, but I held my own. By the time we hit our stopping point, I was gasping for air and dripping sweat like a busted pipe… but my feet? Still living their best life. I think these shoes had more fun than I did!
THE FIT
Joe: If comfort had a shape, it might look like the Triumph 23. The fit was spot on for my feet, but my feet are pretty average with regard to width and volume. The engineered mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, wrapping your foot in just the right amount of cushy padding without ever feeling bulky.
Saucony’s reworked heel collar and the new SRS sockliner combine for one of the most comfortable step-in feels I’ve had in a neutral trainer—rivaling even Brooks, which has long been my gold standard in that category. The toebox offers enough room to wiggle without feeling loose, and the whole upper just hugs the foot in a way that feels secure but never constrictive.
Keith: The fit on the Saucony Triumph 23 is really darn good. With a super stretchy, breathable mesh upper, this shoe adapts well to a wide range of foot shapes and sizes. Got orthotics? No problem—it’s got the depth to handle them without a fuss. Unless you’ve got especially narrow feet, chances are this fit is going to feel just right.
THE FEEL
Joe: Underfoot, the Triumph 23 feels like a memory foam mattress crossed with a springboard—soft enough to absorb the miles but structured enough to keep things moving. Things stay consistent with the 10mm heel drop (37mm/27mm), and the updated PWRRUN PB foam delivers a cloud-like ride with just a touch of energy return. While it didn’t wow me with bounce, it also never let me sink or slog. The Saucony Triumph 23 a stable, wide-platform shoe (dare I say, Bondi-eqsue???), and even though it leans into max-cushion territory, it never feels clunky or unwieldy.
The redesigned XT-900 carbon rubber outsole plays a quiet but important role here. It adds durability and improves midfoot flexibility, contributing to smoother transitions and a more natural stride—especially noticeable on longer runs when fatigue starts to creep in.
Keith: Want to feel an incredible fusion of lightweight design and plush cushioning—want to run on pavement but feel like you're landing on a mattress that absorbs impact without slowing you down. You should probably give the Triumph 23 a try. The midsole foam delivers a smooth, responsive ride, while the extended arch wrap provides targeted support, giving your foot a locked-in, stable platform with every step.
Compared to previous versions, this model addresses some key balance issues. The Triumph 21 had incredible cushioning but a narrower base that could leave runners feeling a bit wobbly—my own heel misstep and subsequent stair-slide were proof. The Triumph 23 fixes that with a wider outsole and expanded rubber coverage, boosting grip and stability, so you’re less likely to lose your footing when the terrain gets tricky.
Saucony didn’t stop there—the plush tongue and heel collar add an extra layer of comfort around the foot’s high-contact zones. Even with a reduced overall weight, these areas remain well-padded, preventing irritation on longer runs without sacrificing breathability or fit.
If you’re after a shoe that blends technical performance with next-level comfort, the Triumph 23 is built to keep you smooth, supported, and confident mile after mile.
THE NITTY GRITTY:
Joe: Let’s be clear: this is not your race day shoe. But for recovery days, easy miles, and even long runs? It’s excellent. The Triumph 23 tips the scale slightly lighter than its predecessor and feels a bit more nimble overall—no small feat for a max-cushioned daily trainer.
It holds its own against comparable shoes like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, New Balance 1080v14, and even the Hoka Bondi 9.
Keith: Alright, I’ve sung plenty of praises for the Saucony Triumph 23, but let’s sprinkle in a little reality check — you know, just to keep it real. The PWRRUNpb foam is super comfy and bouncy, but here’s the catch: it’s made of tiny foam beads, which means if you accidentally scrape your midsole on something rough or sharp, you might say goodbye to a small chunk of it. Ouch, right?
And then there’s the paint situation — whatever sauce Saucony is using to color that peba foam doesn’t exactly stick around for the long haul. You’ll probably notice some peeling sooner than you’d like. The good news? These are purely cosmetic issues — your shoe’s performance stays solid mile after mile. I’m still squeezing every last drop of mileage out of mine (looking a little battle-worn but running strong).
So here’s the scoop: the Triumph 23 feels fantastic on your feet, but don’t be shocked if they start looking a bit “vintage” faster than expected. Just a heads-up so you’re not caught off guard!
THE RUNDOWN:
Joe: The Triumph 23 doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It’s a confident, comfortable, and consistent daily trainer that will support runners who show up, day after day, putting in the work. The softer PWRRUN PB foam, SRS sockliner, and improved outsole all contribute to subtle but meaningful upgrades over the Triumph 22.
Would I change anything? Maybe dial in just a bit more bounce or responsiveness for those longer runs (every once in a while it’d give off an unstable step). But that’s nitpicking.
At its core, the Saucony Triumph 23 is a celebration of the daily grind. Of the courage it takes to keep going—not for glory, but for growth. And that’s a triumph worth lacing up for.
Keith: The Triumph 23 is an absolute blast to run in — like levitating over the pavement! Whether you’re gearing up for a long, leisurely run or hitting the pavement every day, this shoe keeps things soft and springy. That thick midsole? Don’t let it fool you — it’s super lightweight and totally bounces back, even when you’re pushing the pace. Fun, comfy, and ready for anything, the Triumph 23 is looking to become your new best running buddy!
