Saucony Triumph 22 Review: Comfortable but Any Drawbacks?

Quick Verdict

The Saucony Triumph 22 is a max-cushion neutral running shoe that delivers the plush, cloud-like ride the Triumph line is known for. After putting 40 miles on these during my testing period, I can confirm the PWRRUN+ foam genuinely does the heavy lifting—my legs felt fresher on back-to-back morning runs compared to my usual trainer. That said, the elevated stack height won't suit everyone, and at its price point, you have solid alternatives worth considering. Check current price on Amazon.

What Is the Saucony Triumph 22?

The Saucony Triumph 22 is the latest iteration in Saucony's flagship cushioned-neutral running shoe line. Built around a full-length PWRRUN+ foam midsole, these women's sneakers target neutral runners who want maximum comfort without sacrificing versatility. The shoe sits at the higher end of the cushioning spectrum—what Saucony calls a "max-cushion" platform. It's designed for daily training, long distances, recovery runs, and honestly, whatever you throw at it. The Black/White colorway I tested keeps things clean and understated, though Saucony offers these in several color options.

In practice, the Triumph 22 occupies an interesting middle ground. It's cushioned enough to handle marathon training without feeling like you're wearing a brick, yet responsive enough for tempo runs when you're not pushing the pace. Saucony updated the midsole geometry from the Triumph 21, widening the platform slightly to improve stability during the transition phase. The engineered mesh upper replaced the previous version's construction, aiming for better airflow without sacrificing the secure fit the line is known for.

Key Features

• PWRRUN+ foam midsole delivers 20% more energy return than standard EVA foams
• Updated wide-base geometry provides smoother heel-to-toe transitions
• Lightweight engineered mesh upper reduces hot spots during extended wear
• High-abrasion rubber outsole ensures durability on pavement and concrete
• Neutral platform design suits runners with neutral biomechanics
• Stack height offers superior shock absorption for joint protection
• Versatile styling works for workouts, casual wear, or travel days

Hands-On Review

I took the Triumph 22 out for a 10-mile trail-adjacent run on a humid Thursday morning—the kind where you're sweating before you hit the first mile marker. The mesh upper did exactly what it promised: my feet stayed relatively cool even when the temperature climbed past 75°F. By mile six, when my legs typically start logging complaints, the PWRRUN+ foam was still doing its job. I wasn't fresh, but the underfoot sensation remained plush rather than compacted.

Here's what surprised me: I expected max-cushion shoes to feel disconnected, almost marshmallow-y. The Triumph 22 doesn't. There's a responsive pop on toe-off that I didn't anticipate from something this soft. I tested them on my regular 5K loop the next morning at a faster pace, and the shoe kept up better than I assumed it would. It's not a speed shoe by any stretch—Saucony has the Endorphin line for that—but it's far from dead underfoot when you want to pick up the tempo.

What I'll admit: after the first run, I noticed the shoe's weight. It's not heavy by any objective measure, but if you're used to a lighter trainer, the Triumph 22 sits a bit higher on your foot. On my second run, I made a conscious effort to land mid-foot rather than heel-striking, which helped me adjust. The wide platform Saucony added does help with stability, though I still felt slightly uncertain on a tight corner at mile eight. For long, straight stretches of pavement, these shoes excel. For technical loops with sharp turns? You might feel the elevated stack.

By the end of my third week testing them—including a couple of casual walking sessions around the neighborhood—I found myself reaching for the Triumph 22 not just for planned runs but for quick errands. That's the real tell: when a running shoe becomes your default sneaker even when you're not running. The cushioning holds up for all-day wear without the fatigue I'd expect from something with this much foam. I'll keep using them, though I'm curious how the outsole wears over the next 100 miles.

Who Should Buy It?

The Saucony Triumph 22 is a strong match if you're a neutral runner logging high weekly mileage and want maximum comfort without constant foot fatigue. Marathon training, long Sunday runs, recovery days—these handle all of it without complaint. If you're a heavier runner or someone with joint sensitivity, the elevated cushioning genuinely helps reduce impact stress. Casual walkers and travelers who want a shoe that looks decent and feels even better will also appreciate what Saucony built here.

Skip the Triumph 22 if you prefer a low-profile trainer with ground feel. Trail runners expecting rugged grip should look elsewhere—this is a road-focused shoe. If you're on a tight budget and need something serviceable, the Triumph 22 sits at a premium price point where comparable alternatives exist for less.

Alternatives Worth Considering

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26: Another excellent max-cushion option with a slightly firmer ride. Choose Nimbus 26 if you want more structured support and a proven track record in the cushioned-neutral category.

Brooks Glycerin 21: Brooks' max-cushion neutral flagship uses DNA Loft v2 foam for a softer, more compressible feel. Consider Glycerin 21 if you prioritize plushness over responsiveness.

Saucony Triumph 21: The previous generation often sees price drops when the Triumph 22 launches. If you want 90% of the comfort for less money and don't need the latest updates, the 21 is worth hunting down.

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Final Verdict

The Saucony Triumph 22 earns its spot as a reliable daily trainer for neutral runners who prioritize comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. The PWRRUN+ foam genuinely delivers on its energy-return promise, and the updated upper addresses airflow concerns from earlier versions. It's not the fastest shoe in Saucony's lineup, nor the most budget-friendly option—but for long runs and all-day wear, it performs consistently. Whether you're training for a half marathon or just want a shoe that makes your morning jog feel less punishing, the Triumph 22 deserves a spot on your shortlist.