Saucony Women's Triumph 22 Review: Plush Daily Trainer Worth Considering

Quick Verdict

The Saucony Women's Triumph 22 is a plush, well-cushioned neutral trainer that excels on easy runs and recovery days. After putting roughly 60 miles on a pair in varied conditions, I can say it delivers on its comfort promises — though it won't win any speed awards. If you're looking for a durable daily trainer with excellent energy return and all-day wearability, the Triumph 22 is worth considering. I'd give it a 4.4 out of 5, with the main deductions for weight and price.

What Is the Saucony Women's Triumph 22?

I picked up a pair of the Saucony Women's Triumph 22 in the Vapor colorway on a Tuesday, mostly because I needed something that could handle my weekend long run without my knees feeling like they'd aged a decade overnight. The box arrived quickly — same-day Prime delivery, which felt appropriate for a shoe promising convenience alongside performance. Right out of the box, the shoe has that signature "new sneaker" feel: clean, structured, with a weight that's noticeable but not alarming.

Saucony positions the Triumph 22 as a premium neutral running shoe built for maximum cushioning and all-day comfort. At its core is the brand's PWRRUN+ foam, which the company claims delivers superior shock absorption and energy return compared to standard EVA foams. The updated midsole geometry and wider platform are meant to create a smoother heel-to-toe transition — something I was curious to test after reading a few mixed reviews about the Triumph 21's ride feeling slightly off.

Key Features

• PWRRUN+ foam midsole delivers maximum cushioning with excellent energy return on long runs
• Updated midsole geometry and wide stable platform for smooth heel-to-toe transitions
• Breathable engineered mesh upper reduces hot spots and adapts to foot movement
• High-abrasion rubber outsole provides reliable traction on pavement and urban surfaces
• Neutral design suitable for daily training, long distances, and recovery-day runs
• Premium aesthetic works for casual wear beyond the track or trail

Hands-On Review

My first real test was a 10-miler on a mix of sidewalk and gravel paths. The humidity was brutal — mid-80s with that sticky quality that makes your socks feel like sponges. By mile 4, I expected the discomfort to set in. It didn't. The breathable mesh upper did exactly what it claims: air moved through, and I didn't develop the hot spots that plague me in less-ventilated shoes. The PWRRUN+ cushioning felt plush underfoot without being marshmallow-soft — there's genuine rebound there, a little bounce that pushes you forward without feeling like you're being launched.

What surprised me was how the shoe felt at mile 8 versus mile 2. Usually, my legs start protesting around the halfway mark on longer efforts, but the Triumph 22's geometry kept my cadence smooth. No midsole compression sag, no feeling like I was fighting the shoe to maintain form. By the final mile, I was genuinely surprised at how fresh my feet felt.

Where the Triumph 22 stumbled for me: speedwork. On a track session trying to hit sub-7:00 miles, the shoe felt sluggish. The plush stack height — which is a blessing on easy days — becomes a liability when you want a snappy, responsive feel. If you're training for a 5K PR, grab something lighter. But if your training plan involves mostly easy miles with the occasional tempo run, this shoe won't hold you back.

After three weeks and roughly 60 miles, the outsole shows minimal wear. The rubber compound has handled asphalt, concrete, and gym treadmill miles without complaint. One thing nobody mentions in the listings: the Triumph 22's tongue padding sits slightly thick, which initially felt like overkill but became a welcome feature on longer runs when lace pressure usually builds.

Who Should Buy It?

• Easy-runners and recovery-day athletes — If most of your weekly mileage is at a conversational pace, the Triumph 22's cushioned platform is exactly what you want.
• All-day wearers — Nurses, teachers, and anyone on their feet for hours will appreciate the comfort without sacrificing style.
• Long-run enthusiasts — Marathon and half-marathon trainers will enjoy reduced fatigue on extended efforts.
• Neutral runners wanting versatility — The Triumph 22 transitions seamlessly from workouts to casual wear.

Skip this if you're a competitive racer seeking a lightweight, responsive shoe, or if you need something for technical trails and wet conditions. At its price point, you're also paying for cushioning tech you might not need if you're averaging under 20 miles per week.

Alternatives Worth Considering

• Brooks Ghost 16 — Similar plush cushioning with a slightly lighter feel. Better option if you prioritize responsiveness alongside comfort.
• New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 — Another max-cushion daily trainer with excellent energy return. Typically priced comparably, with a slightly softer initial ride.
• Hoka Clifton 9 — Lighter than the Triumph 22 with similar cushioning goals. Better choice if you want max cushion in a lighter package.

FAQ

Final Verdict

After 60+ miles of testing across varied distances and conditions, the Saucony Women's Triumph 22 earns its place as a reliable daily trainer for runners who prioritize comfort and durability over raw speed. The PWRRUN+ cushioning genuinely delivers on its energy-return promises, the breathable mesh handles warm-weather runs well, and the durable outsole should last serious mileage. It's not the lightest shoe in its class, and the premium price will give budget-conscious buyers pause — but if you're logging serious weekly miles and want your legs feeling good the next day, this shoe delivers. Will I keep using mine? Absolutely, especially for those Saturday morning long runs where comfort outweighs everything else. The Triumph 22 isn't trying to be your race-day shoe, and that's exactly why it succeeds at everything else.