Saucony Triumph 23 Review
The Saucony Triumph 23 is a well-cushioned, neutral everyday running shoe. Its soft heel strike and smooth transition are designed to provide a plush ride on easy miles. Compared to the previous version, it is considerably lighter and feels less bulky.
The Triumph 23 has more of a traditional running shoe design. In recent years, many shoes have moved towards lower heel-to-forefoot drops, higher stack heights, and rocker-shaped midsoles. These encourage a midfoot landing, quicker cadence, and a more upright posture. In contrast, the Triumph 23 has a higher heel-to-forefoot drop and no rocker. If you tend to land heel first, or if you prefer a shoe that doesn’t interfere with your natural gait, this model is worth considering as a daily trainer.
The stack height is 37 mm in the heel and 27 mm in the forefoot, giving a 10 mm drop. On paper, this makes the Triumph 23 more suited to heel strikers. However, because the PWRRUN PB midsole foam is so soft in the heel, it doesn’t feel like a full 10 mm. The flexible midfoot also helps the shoe move naturally, and I found it easy to land midfoot even at slower paces. This gave the Triumph 23 a surprisingly natural feel.
Standing in the shoe, the soft heel cushioning is immediately noticeable as the foot sinks into it. Towards the forefoot, the midsole firms up, adding some bounce and recoil. This gives the shoe a lively feel without making it overly springy or encouraging faster paces. I could cruise along comfortably, feeling protected but still connected to the ground—something that isn’t always the case with high-stack shoes.
One element that stood out early on was the flared midsole. It widens at the base on both the medial and lateral sides, with the medial flare being particularly noticeable at first. After a few runs this sensation disappeared, and after 100 easy miles I no longer notice it. The wider forefoot also improves stability and enhances push-off, making it feel stronger.
As expected in a daily trainer, the heel cup, collar, and tongue are well padded. The heel counter is plastic, adding support, while the Achilles tab curves away to reduce irritation. Like many high-stack shoes, the foot sits slightly recessed into the midsole, which improves stability. The upper has a knitted feel with minimal stretch, allowing for a secure lockdown. It feels soft and breathable without letting too much air rush through.
The fit is on the narrow, low-volume side, but Saucony offers the Triumph 23 in wide widths for both men and women, making it a good option for broader or higher-volume feet. There is also an extra eyelet at the top for a runner’s knot or butterfly lacing if you want to fine-tune the heel fit.
On the run, the Triumph 23 feels smooth, light, and far from bulky. At 263 g for a men’s UK8 and 239g for a women’s UK6, it strikes an impressive balance between cushioning and weight. Although designed for easy days, I also found them comfortable at steady paces. At faster efforts such as intervals or repetitions, the cushioning feels too soft, reminding you that this is an easy-run shoe rather than a performance trainer.
In terms of sizing, Saucony runs similar in length to Brooks, Topo, 361, and Altra. If you normally wear Hoka, New Balance, Karhu, La Sportiva, or Inov-8, we recommend going up half a UK size (e.g., a UK11 in Saucony is similar in length to a UK11.5 in Hoka).
Summary
The Saucony Triumph 23 is lighter, less bulky, and more natural-feeling than its predecessor. It’s designed for easy runs, recovery runs, and long runs, while still offering enough comfort for slightly quicker efforts.
Other Considerations
New Balance 1080v14: The New Balance 1080v14 is a softer feeling shoe with a curved or rocker shaped midsole. It has less feels for the floor than the Triumph 23 and in comparison the ride feels more like you are riding the shoe than landing heel first which is the type of runner the Triumph is aimed at. The 1080v14 is available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-1080v14-review/
Brooks Glycerin 22: The Brooks Glycerin 22 is a very similar shoe to the Saucony Triumph 23 in that it is made with a more traditional heel to forefoot drop, snug fit and toe box shape with the heel striker in mind. The ride is different. There is more compression and softness to the heel of the Triumph and more feel under the forefoot. The stack height also feels lower in the Triumph 23. The Glycerin 22 is available in two widths men’s and women’s and in a GTS version for runners who require some pronation support. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-glycerin-22-review/
Hoka Bondi 9: Hoka shoes are designed to do some of the work for the runner. The curved shape to the midsole keeps the foot moving when it touches the floor which helps to maintain a quick cadence and a more upright posture. This feels very different to the ride of the Triumph 23 which is less controlling. The Triumph is lighter, and you are less aware of the stack height. The Bondi 9 is available in two width women’s and two width men’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-bondi-9-review/
Altra FWD VIA : Altra’s have a broad rounded toe box designed to allow the feet to spread and function inside the shoes. The is a real contrast to the snug low volume fit that the Triumph 23 has. The Altra FWD Via’s 4mm heel to forefoot drop also promotes more of a midfoot landing. The midsole cushioning is firmer to promote foot function which gives the FWD VIA very different feel and ride to the Triumph 23. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-fwd-via-review/
361 Meraki 6: The two layers of foam in the midsole of the Meraki 6 gives these running shoes an initial soft landing but at the same time a responsive feel. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-meraki-6-review-361-degrees/
Karhu Mestari 1.5: The Karhu Fulcrum coupled with a curved/rocker shape midsole gives the Karhu Mestari 1.5 propulsion while also promoting a good posture by reducing over striding and helping to maintain a quicker cadence. The ride is firmer at the initial impact than the Triumph 23 but has a similar firm responsive feel at toe off. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-mestari-run-1-5-review/
Topo Phantom 4: The Topo Phantom 4 has a broad rounded toe box to promote foot function. The midsole is soft and bouncy. The cushioning isn’t as soft as the Triumph 23 in the heel and not a firm and responsive in the forefoot. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-phantom-4-review/
Altra Torin 8: A broad rounded toe box and zero drop. The Torin 8 is the real deal Altra shoe. Designed to allow foot function, promote a more midfoot landing and stimulate good posture it is the opposite to the high heeled Triumph 23 which promotes more a heel first landing due to the 10mm heel to forefoot drop. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-torin-8-review/
Inov-8 RoadFly: Like the Altra Torin 8 the Inov-8 RoadFly is designed to work with the body and allow the feet to function. The midsole is soft and very flexible with a 6mm heel to forefoot drop. The toe box is rounded to give the feet the room to spread on impact and the RoadFly is available in a wide and standard width. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-roadfly-review/
Comments are closed here.