The Triumph is Saucony’s softest, most cushioned neutral trainer in their lineup. Every second year, it gets a major update where the upper, midsole and outsole get changed. This year’s Triumph has some substantial updates which change its ride character from previous versions.
This comparison will be able to tell you which version is better for you.
Verdict
The Saucony Triumph 22 is a good max-cushioned trainer which is best suited to slow, easy runs. It has a wide base which provides a very stable ride and thick, durable rubber on its outsole. Version 22 has a new PEBA midsole but it feels plusher and slower than previous versions making it less versatile.
The Saucony Triumph 21 is a daily trainer that can log all the miles you want to throw at it. This shoe is designed to take a pounding and make you feel comfortable the whole time, and it hits the mark.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced/plush
Balanced/plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
flexible
medium
Stability
very stable
not particularly stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$159.95
US$159.95
The biggest difference between these two versions of the Triumph is the midsole foam. The foam that the 22 uses is PWRRUN PB which is a PEBA-based foam. This is the same foam that’s found in the Endorphin Pro and Speed but in this version, it’s tweaked to be softer. The 21 uses PWRRUN+ which is a TPU-based foam.
The 22 has a softer ride than the 21. The foam in the midsole is less dense in the 22 so it results in a plusher ride which is more suited to slow runs. The 21’s midsole feels firmer and more responsive so it’s easier to pick up the pace in the 21.
The insole in the 22 is Ortholite. This is a soft, spongy insole which provides a soft step in feel. The insole in the 22 is made of PWRRUN+ which is more springy and returns more energy than the Ortholite one in the 22.
When it comes to stability, the 22 has a wider base which makes it much more stable. It is noticeably wider in the rearfoot, midoot and forefoot so foot strikes feel more planted when you’re running in the 22.
Both trainers have thick, durable outsoles but the 22 has continuous rubber pieces which span the entire length of the outsole. The 21 forefoot consists of separate pieces which come unglued over time. The 22 has the more durable outsole.
Both trainers have comfortable, plush uppers but the 22 has a thicker upper filled with more foam padding. This makes it more comfortable but also warmer so it’s more suited to cool climates than the 21.
The 22 upper is more accommodating which is more suitable for runners with high volume or wide feet. The tongue of the 22 is semi-gusseted while the 21 is fully gusseted.
If you’re looking for a trainer for only slow, easy runs, the Triumph 22 is the better option for you. It has a plusher, softer ride which makes it harder to run fast. If you need extra stability, the 22 is also the better option due to its wider, more stable base.
If you’re looking for a more versatile trainer that can be used for a variety of runs, the Triumph 21 is the better shoe for you. It has a more responsive, energetic ride which makes it easier to run fast. It also weighs less than the 22 so its better for long runs.
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