Saucony Triumph 22 Complete Review

The Saucony Triumph 22, marks a significant overhaul of one of the most respected names in the max-cushioned daily trainer category. This isn't just a minor tweak; Saucony has strategically repositioned this shoe, moving away from the lighter, more versatile feel of its recent predecessors (the 20 and 21) and steering it back towards its roots: ultimate plushness and stability. It's a bold move, swapping the beloved PWRRUN+ foam for a full-length midsole of their PEBA-based superfoam, PWRRUN PB, tuned specifically for comfort over speed.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Best For: Slow/Easy Runs, Recovery Runs, Long Distance Comfort, Heavier Runners.

Key Strengths: Exceptional Plushness and Shock Absorption, Enhanced Inherent Stability, High Durability.

Notable Limitations: Compromised Responsiveness for Speed Work, Poor Breathability (Runs Warm), Slight Weight Increase.

What Makes Saucony Triumph 22 Stand Out?

Honestly, the biggest deal here is the strategic shift. Let me explain. The Triumph 22 scraps the old PWRRUN+ foam and goes all-in with a full-length PWRRUN PB midsole. Now, you hear PWRRUN PB and you think fast—it's the same "superfoam" used in Saucony's Endorphin racing series. But here’s the thing: they’ve tuned it differently. Instead of a sharp, aggressive bounce, it’s been formulated for a "softer, 'fluffier' ride" that’s all about shock absorption and daily mileage comfort.

To handle all that plushness, they also introduced a new Wider Platform Geometry. The base of the shoe is noticeably wider through the heel and midfoot, creating a super stable, planted feel. This isn't your nimble, do-it-all trainer anymore. The Triumph 22 has decisively picked a lane: it's the premium, ultra-comfortable, stable cruiser for protecting your legs. Customers back this up, consistently praising the "incredibly comfortable" ride for long distances.

Real Customer Experiences

When you dig into user feedback, two major themes pop up: unmatched comfort and powerhouse durability. But, this comes at the cost of speed.

• Praise for Comfort: A dominant sentiment is the shoe's luxurious cushioning. Users describe it as the perfect shoe for recovery days and long, slow distances, significantly reducing foot fatigue and protecting their legs.
• Praise for Durability: This shoe is built like a tank. A recurring theme is its robust build, especially the outsole, with many users reporting minimal wear even after hundreds of miles. It's frequently called a reliable "workhorse".
• Criticism of Versatility: The most common complaint is its lack of responsiveness. Many users, expecting a "superfoam" pop, instead found the ride to be "soggy" or "sinking" when trying to pick up the pace, cementing its status as a slow-day-only shoe.

Here’s a quote from one high-mileage runner that says it all:

"by far the most durable shoes I've ever worn"

And another sentiment captures the fit:

"The generous room in the midfoot and toe box is a significant plus for many, particularly those with standard to slightly wider feet".

Design and Build Quality

Let's break down the tech.

• Upper: The upper is a luxurious engineered mesh that feels premium right out of the box. It’s packed with padding, especially in the tongue and collar, and features an Adaptive Lacing System to help lock down the fit. You know what the trade-off is, though? This plushness makes it run warm. Breathability is a commonly cited issue, making it less than ideal for hot weather.
• Midsole: This is the main event. It’s a full-length PWRRUN PB (PEBA-based) midsole, but tuned for softness, not speed. The stack height is a chunky 37mm in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot, giving you that classic 10mm drop. The platform is also significantly wider than the Triumph 21, which adds a ton of inherent stability.
• Outsole: Saucony didn't skimp here. It uses XT-900 carbon rubber for full-coverage ground traction. This stuff is known for its exceptional durability, and most reviews confirm it holds up for hundreds of miles.
• Weight: All this comfort and durability adds up. The men's US 9 comes in around 10.1 oz (286-287 g), with the women's at 8.8 oz (250-255 g). It's a slight increase from its predecessor and contributes to that less-than-agile feel.
• Durability Issues: While the midsole and upper are praised for longevity, there are some conflicting reports on the outsole. One review noted that the outsole "has not only lost grip but also thickness," which could "seriously affect the longevity". This seems to be an outlier, as most praise its toughness, but it's something to watch.

Comfort and Fit

When it comes to comfort, the Triumph 22 is playing for keeps. The step-in feel is exceptionally plush, thanks to that thick padded tongue and collar.

• Sizing Advice: The shoe generally runs true to size in length. However, because the whole platform is wider, some reviewers with narrow feet or who are between sizes noted it can feel a bit long. In those specific cases, you might consider a half-size down.
• Width Profile: Here’s the big change. The midfoot and toe box are noticeably wider and more voluminous than in previous Triumphs. It's highly accommodating for standard to slightly wide feet, and there's a dedicated wide version available, too. The toe box is consistently described as roomy, with plenty of space to splay.
• Break-in Period: Interestingly, some users report the PWRRUN PB foam feels a bit firm right out of the box. It seems to benefit from a short break-in period of about 15 miles, after which it softens up and achieves that optimal plush feel.

As one analysis of user feedback put it, the new fit is a "‘significant plus for many, particularly those with standard to slightly wide feet’".

Style and Versatility

Aesthetically, the Triumph 22 is not shy. It has a "chunky" or "maximalist" appearance, which is pretty much unavoidable given its 37mm stack height and wide base. It’s not going to win any awards for being sleek; its look is functional and comfort-forward, landing it in the "Middle 50%" for style. Colorways are mostly "subdued and standard," though some users wished for more vibrant, neon options.

Its versatility is its weak point. While its all-day comfort makes it a great shoe for walking or standing for long periods, it is not a versatile "do-it-all" trainer. It's firmly a recovery or easy day shoe. Furthermore, that plush, warm upper is a drawback for lifestyle wear in warm weather.

Quality and Durability

The overall sentiment on the Triumph 22's longevity is highly positive. This shoe is a workhorse.

The PWRRUN PB midsole has been shown to maintain its cushioning and feel even after significant mileage, with no degradation noted at 40 or 100 miles. The XT-900 carbon rubber outsole is "extremely tough" and shows minimal wear. One high-mileage runner reported 510 miles with only minor wear, anticipating it could easily exceed 700 miles.

However, it's not without criticism. As mentioned, there are conflicting reports on the outsole's long-term grip and thickness. One reviewer stated:

"[the outsole] has not only lost grip but also thickness," which could "seriously affect the longevity of your shoe".

This is a stark contrast to other reports, suggesting it might be an issue with a specific batch or wear pattern.

Decision Matrix

Here's how the Triumph 22 stacks up in non-running scenarios, based on its design features:

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor

Further Reading

1. The Ultimate Guide to Saucony Running Shoes: Reviews, Tech & Buyer’s Guide.
2. Saucony Running Shoe Technologies Explained: PWRRUN, Speedroll, FORMFIT
3. Saucony Ride 18 Review
4. Saucony Peregrine 14 Review