Saucony Triumph 23 – In-Depth Review
- FORDY RUNS
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
The Saucony Triumph 23 is the latest update to one of Saucony's most popular cushioned daily trainers—a shoe built to deliver maximum comfort over long, easy miles. At first glance, the changes from version 22 may seem minimal, but there are some meaningful updates that refine the ride and overall experience. Here's a breakdown of what version 23 brings to the table and how it performs in real-world use.
Right out of the box, the Triumph 23 gives off a premium vibe. The design and colorway (subjective, but this one got a lot of love in the video) are slick, and it looks like a true mile-eater. This is a plush, comfortable shoe that’s designed to help runners cruise through recovery and easy runs with minimal fuss.
Key Stats & Features
Price: £170 RRP
Weight: 289g (UK size 9.5) — reduced from version 22
Drop: 10mm (37mm heel / 27mm forefoot)
Midsole: Updated PWRRUN PB (tuned for softness)
Outsole: XT-900 rubber with reduced coverage
Fit: True to size
Upper: Thick, warm, plush mesh
Saucony has made a notable effort to trim weight without compromising the Triumph's identity as a max-cushion trainer. They’ve achieved this through tweaks to the midsole and by reducing rubber coverage on the outsole, helping the shoe feel a little less bulky than its predecessor.
Ride & Performance
This is not a shoe for excitement, but that’s the whole point—it’s built for comfort, not speed. The Triumph 23 delivers a smooth, stable ride that excels at easy paces (around 9:00/mi or 5:35/km). Thanks to the wide platform, it’s inherently stable without needing any structured support, making it a great option for tired legs or casual cruisers.
The updated PWRRUN PB midsole adds just a touch more softness and forgiveness compared to version 22, but it’s not trying to be an Endorphin series shoe. It’s soft, but not marshmallowy; responsive, but not snappy.
What Works
Weight Reduction: Shedding grams has improved the feel noticeably.
Comfort: Plush, cushioned, and forgiving—ideal for recovery runs and slower efforts.
Stability: Wide platform = no wobbling. Great for tired or injury-prone runners.
Lockdown: Secure and dialed-in lacing and fit.
Versatility in a Rotation: Pairs perfectly with a faster shoe like the Saucony Speed 5.
What Doesn’t
Upper is Too Warm: The thick mesh retains heat, making it less ideal for long runs or summer conditions. Anything over 13 miles might feel like a sauna for your feet.
Price Point: At £170, it’s a hard sell when similar (or arguably equally good) shoes like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 or Brooks Glycerin 22 hover closer to £150—or even less with discounts.
Limited Use Case: Not built for speed or tempo work, so it's a niche addition to your rotation unless you're strictly running easy.
