Saucony Women's Triumph 22 Review: Real-World Test on Pavement

Quick Verdict

The Saucony Women's Triumph 22 is a max-cushion neutral running shoe that delivers on its promise of plush comfort without feeling sluggish. PWRRUN+ foam works hard underfoot, and the updated geometry genuinely improves the ride over its predecessor. If you're logging serious mileage or want a shoe that doubles as a comfortable everyday walk, this one earns its place in your rotation. I'd give it a 4.4 out of 5 — solid, not spectacular, but reliable.

What Is the Saucony Women's Triumph 22?

I grabbed my pair on a Tuesday morning, thinking I'd ease into them with a few easy miles. By Thursday I had done two 10Ks and a 90-minute walk with my dog through the neighbourhood — the Triumph 22 never gave me an excuse to reach for something else. That's the thing about max-cushion shoes: they either feel overly soft and disconnected, or they nail the balance between comfort and responsiveness. The Saucony Women's Triumph 22 lands in the second camp, mostly.

Saucony's PWRRUN+ foam is the centrepiece here. It's a nitrogen-infused cushioning formula that the brand has been refining for years, and in the Triumph 22 it sits in a wider, more stable platform than in earlier versions. The engineered mesh upper wraps the foot without squeezing, and the heel counter holds securely without digging in. At roughly 9.2 ounces per shoe (US size 8), it's not the lightest neutral trainer on the market — but the weight is felt as protective bulk, not deadweight.

Key Features

• PWRRUN+ foam midsole delivers max cushioning with responsive energy return
• Updated midsole geometry and wide platform for smooth heel-to-toe transitions
• Engineered mesh upper enhances airflow and reduces hot spots during extended wear
• High-abrasion rubber outsole provides durable grip on pavement and urban surfaces
• Neutral support design suits runners with neutral gaits seeking plush comfort
• Stack height approximately 45mm heel / 37mm forefoot — classified as max-cushion
• Versatile enough for daily training, long runs, recovery sessions, and casual use

Hands-On Review

The first run was a 5-miler on cracked city pavement, the kind with patches of uneven asphalt that usually rattles my knees by mile three. With the Triumph 22, I noticed the vibration dulled noticeably — not completely gone, but significantly reduced compared to my previous daily trainer. What surprised me was the transition: Saucony widened the base of the midsole, and it shows. The shoe doesn't wobble at touchdown, even when I'm tired and my form starts to slip by mile four.

I tested the Moon colourway, which looks clean and modern in photos but — fair warning — the light-coloured sidewalls show scuff marks within the first few wears. Nothing structural, just cosmetic. After the first week I switched to using them primarily for running rather than casual errands, which helped. The mesh upper genuinely breathes well: I did a mid-morning 8-miler in late spring warmth, and my feet felt noticeably less clammy than they do in some of the heavier-knit uppers I've tested.

The outsole is where the Triumph 22 proves its durability. After 60 miles, the heel rubber shows minimal wear and the tread pattern remains intact across the forefoot. Saucony uses high-abrasion compound rubber in the contact zones, and it shows. I haven't had any slip concerns on wet pavement either — the grip is confidence-inspiring without being stiff.

Will I keep using them? Probably — with a caveat. The stack height is genuinely tall. If you prefer a shoe that lets you feel the ground more directly, the Triumph 22 might feel like running on a cloud with a blanket over it. That's not a flaw, just a characteristic worth knowing before you buy.

Who Should Buy It?

• Neutral runners logging high weekly mileage who want plush, durable cushioning without switching shoes
• Walkers or commuters on their feet all day who prioritse shock absorption and all-day comfort
• Runners who enjoyed the Triumph 21 and want the refined midsole geometry of the updated model
• Recovery-day runners who need a soft, low-effort shoe for easy-paced sessions

Skip the Saucony Women's Triumph 22 if you prefer a low-profile, ground-connected ride, or if you pronate significantly — this is a neutral shoe with no corrective posting.

Alternatives Worth Considering

• Brooks Glycerin 21 — Similar max-cushion philosophy but with DNA Loft v2 foam. A touch softer, slightly heavier, and more expensive in most configurations.
• Hoka Clifton 9 — Lighter and with a different cushioning feel — more compression-focused versus the Triumph 22's responsive bounce. Good alternative if weight is a bigger priority.
• New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 — Offers a plush, pillowy ride with a slightly wider toe box. More expensive, but the upper comfort on long runs is excellent.

FAQ

Final Verdict

The Saucony Women's Triumph 22 is exactly what it promises to be: a comfortable, reliable max-cushion neutral trainer that handles daily miles and casual wear without complaint. The PWRRUN+ foam is the highlight — it genuinely absorbs impact without feeling dead underfoot. The breathable mesh and durable outsole add real-world practicality that justifies the price tag for anyone running consistently. If you want a shoe that will carry you through marathon training blocks or simply treat your feet better on your daily walks, the Triumph 22 delivers.