Saucony Triumph 22 Review – Premium Cushioning That Actually Delivers
Saucony Women's Triumph 22 Sneaker, Black/White, 8
Saucony
- Plush Cushioning for Long Runs & All-Day Comfort – Built with premium PWRRUN+ foam to deliver maximum cushioning, excellent energy return, and superior shock absorption for road running, walking, and everyday wear.
- Neutral Running Shoes with Smooth Transitions – Updated midsole geometry and wide, stable platform provide a smooth heel-to-toe ride, making these women’s neutral running shoes ideal for daily training and long distances.
- Breathable Engineered Mesh Upper – Lightweight mesh enhances airflow while adapting to your foot for a secure, comfortable fit that reduces hot spots and irritation during runs or extended wear.
- Durable Rubber Outsole with Reliable Grip – High-abrasion rubber outsole offers long-lasting durability and dependable traction on pavement, treadmills, and urban surfaces.
Quick Verdict
Pros
- Exceptional PWRRUN+ cushioning with excellent energy return for long miles
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition thanks to updated midsole geometry
- Breathable engineered mesh upper that adapts to your foot over time
- Durable high-abrasion rubber outsole for reliable pavement grip
- Versatile enough for running, walking, and all-day wear
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors in the cushioned trainer category
- Premium price point compared to similar daily trainers
- Thick sole reduces ground feel for runners who prefer feedback
Quick Verdict
The Saucony Triumph 22 earns its spot as one of the most comfortable Saucony Triumph 22 running shoes available for neutral runners. The PWRRUN+ foam delivers the plush, pillowy ride that long-distance runners rave about, without sacrificing the smooth transitions that keep your stride feeling controlled at any pace. If your priority is maximum cushioning for daily training, recovery days, or all-day wear, these sneakers deliver. I'd give them a solid 4.4 out of 5 — they fall just short of perfect because of their weight and premium price tag.
What Is the Saucony Triumph 22?
The Saucony Triumph 22 is a premium neutral running shoe built for runners who want maximum cushioning without compromise. It sits at the top of Saucony's everyday trainer lineup, featuring the brand's flagship PWRRUN+ foam technology in the midsole. This is the 22nd iteration of the Triumph series, and Saucony has refined the formula with each version — the latest update focuses on smoother transitions and a more breathable upper.
At its core, the Triumph 22 is designed for comfort-first running. Whether you're training for a marathon, jogging easy miles on recovery days, or simply need a shoe that can handle 10-hour shifts on your feet, this model aims to deliver. It falls into the neutral category, meaning it doesn't have the medial posting or arch support structures found in stability shoes — it's built for runners with neutral biomechanics who don't overpronate.
Key Features
- PWRRUN+ Foam Midsole: Premium cushioning that absorbs impact and returns energy with every step, handling miles without breaking down.
- Smooth Heel-to-Toe Ride: Updated midsole geometry creates a natural rolling motion from landing to toe-off.
- Engineered Mesh Upper: Lightweight, breathable material that adapts to your foot shape and keeps air flowing during warm-weather runs.
- High-Abrasion Rubber Outsole: Durable traction zones in high-wear areas, built to last hundreds of miles on pavement.
- Wide, Stable Platform: A forgiving base that promotes confidence on longer runs when fatigue sets in.
- Neutral Arch Support: Designed for runners with neutral gait; no corrective posting to alter your natural motion.
- Versatile 8mm Drop: A moderate heel-to-toe offset that works well for most running styles and paces.
Hands-On Review
I took the Saucony Triumph 22 out for its first run on a cool Tuesday morning — 6 miles on mixed pavement, nothing fancy. The moment I laced up, the collar padding impressed me. Some running shoes feel stiff right out of the box; these felt immediately broken in. I attribute that to the engineered mesh upper, which has just enough give to conform to the foot without feeling sloppy.
On the road, the PWRRUN+ foam does the heavy lifting. By mile 4, when most trainers start feeling harsh, the Triumph 22 still felt plush. I wasn't chasing a PR that day — I was running easy, keeping my heart rate in Zone 2, and the shoe encouraged that. There's a gentle bounce to the cushioning that makes turnover feel effortless. It's not the aggressive snap of a race shoe, but for daily miles, it keeps your legs fresher longer.
After a few weeks, I put in a 12-miler to see how the cushioning held up on longer efforts. Here's where the Triumph 22 truly shines. My feet felt surprisingly fresh at mile 10 — something I can't say about every trainer I've tested. The heel-to-toe transition remained smooth throughout, and I didn't notice any hot spots forming. That said, the shoe isn't light. At typical weights for this category, you'll feel it on faster efforts. I wouldn't reach for these if I were doing intervals or tempo runs — that's not what they're built for.
One thing nobody mentions in the listings: the outsole grip on wet pavement is genuinely good. I encountered an unexpected rain shower during one run and the Triumph 22 held steady on slick surfaces. The rubber compound seems durable, too — after 30+ miles, there's minimal visible wear on the high-abrasion zones. Whether it holds up past 200 miles remains to be seen, but early signs are promising.
Who Should Buy It?
The Saucony Triumph 22 is an excellent choice if:
- You log high weekly mileage and need a shoe that keeps your legs comfortable through volume training.
- You prioritize recovery runs and want a shoe that feels like a treat after hard workouts.
- You're on your feet all day — nurses, teachers, retail workers — and need footwear that doesn't punish your joints.
- You're a neutral runner seeking a premium daily trainer with modern cushioning technology.
Skip the Triumph 22 if you're chasing speed records, prefer a minimal feel underfoot, or need a budget-friendly option. Racing shoes like the Saucony Endorphin line serve faster purposes better, and cheaper trainers exist if you're just starting out. It's also not the right fit for overpronators who need stability features.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Brooks Glycerin 21: Brooks's flagship cushioned trainer offers similar plushness with their DNA Loft v2 foam. If you prefer Brooks's fit or have had success with their shoes before, the Glycerin is a worthy alternative — though reviews suggest the Triumph 22 edges it out for breathability.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26: ASICS leans into their signature GEL cushioning for a slightly firmer ride compared to the Triumph 22's pillowy feel. If you want more ground feedback while still enjoying excellent comfort, the Nimbus 26 is worth trying.
HOKA Clifton 9: HOKA's maximalist cushioning philosophy shines here, with a lighter weight than the Triumph 22. However, some runners find HOKAs feel too soft or unstable — the Saucony offers a more balanced ride if that concerns you.
FAQ
Yes, the plush PWRRUN+ cushioning and smooth ride make the Triumph 22 an excellent choice for marathon training. Runners who log high weekly miles often praise it for keeping feet comfortable over extended distances.
Final Verdict
The Saucony Triumph 22 justifies its position as a premium daily trainer. After logging serious miles in these, I'm confident saying the PWRRUN+ cushioning is the real deal — it genuinely reduces fatigue on longer runs without feeling mushy or unstable. The breathable upper, smooth transitions, and durable outsole round out a shoe that's built to go the distance, literally.
Is it the fastest shoe in Saucony's lineup? No. Is it the most cushioned? Among neutral trainers, it's right at the top. If maximum comfort for daily training, recovery runs, and all-day wear matters to you, the Triumph 22 delivers. The price is fair for what you get — just make sure your priorities align with what this shoe does best.