New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 vs Saucony Triumph 20: Two Cushioned Trainers, Two Very Different Jobs

Introduction

Some comparisons are close because the two shoes are nearly identical. This one is close for a different reason: the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 and the Saucony Triumph 20 are both excellent, but they are built for different jobs. One is a dedicated max-cushion cruiser, the other a genuinely versatile cushioned daily trainer. Knowing which type of runner you are makes this decision surprisingly easy.

Quick specs first. The Fresh Foam More v4 costs £140 / $149.99, weighs 298 grams (10.5 oz) for men in a US size 8, and has a 4mm drop. The Triumph 20 costs £155 / $160, weighs 264 grams (9.3 oz) in the same size, and sits at a 10mm drop. Both fit true to size for our testers with no notable fit issues in either shoe.

New Balance Fresh Foam More v4

The More v4 is a max-cushion shoe designed for plush, comfortable miles, and it leans fully into that identity. The biggest update over the More v3 is additional Fresh Foam X midsole foam, making the shoe higher and wider than its predecessor, a change aimed at improving stability as well as comfort.

New Balance also reworked the outsole with new cushion zones along the length of the shoe plus Flex Zones for a more natural feel, and kept a rocker profile for smooth transitions. The modified engineered mesh upper is plush but breathable, a generous layer of rubber protects the midsole and adds grip, and a reflective logo helps with visibility at night.

On the run, the midsole is nicely balanced: it is not too soft, so you never feel like you are sinking in, and the rocker tips you forward in a way that masks the low 4mm drop. Despite the size and heft, the shoe largely disappears on the foot. It is not a shoe for picking up the pace, and it is not very versatile, but as a pure easy-day cruiser it is hard to fault. One honest caveat: the sheer volume of shoe may feel polarizing. Some runners will find it too much underfoot, so it rewards runners who genuinely want maximum cushioning.

Saucony Triumph 20

The Triumph line has long been a favourite for runners who want high cushioning for easy sessions, long runs, and daily training. The Triumph 20 brings a modified PWRRUN+ midsole foam for a lighter, softer ride, plus a new geometry with an increased rocker and smoother transition. There are also updates to the lacing system and upper material, a PWRRUN+ sockliner for comfort, and a heel counter for better stability.

Our testers found it delivers exactly what the line promises. It grips well, never feels harsh, yet is not overly squishy, and it remains reasonably stable for a big cushion shoe. Crucially, it retains a more traditional feel: it is not bulky, and it veers firmly toward being a cushioned daily trainer rather than a single-purpose cruiser.

That versatility is its real strength. You can go faster in this shoe than most cushioned competitors, it handles tempo work competently, and it is a strong candidate for a first marathon, giving protective cushioning that lasts the distance without slowing you down at a general pace. For runners who want one shoe to cover everything from slow easy runs to a half marathon finish line, it fits that brief very well.

Which Should You Buy?

If you are a keen runner with a shoe rotation looking for a pure easy-day shoe, the More v4 does that job better. It is designed for one purpose and delivers it brilliantly, standing among the best in the max-cushion category. If you want one versatile cushioned shoe that can handle a bit of everything, the Triumph 20 is the stronger overall pick.

There is also a practical angle. For a runner covering everything from 5K to a half marathon at a comfortable, non-speed-focused pace who wants just one pair, the Triumph 20 is the safer recommendation. The More v4 is more polarizing because of its size, while the Triumph 20 is the shoe more likely to suit almost everyone who tries it.

Conclusion

Both are excellent shoes, but they sit in different categories. The Fresh Foam More v4 is one of the best pure max-cushion cruisers for easy miles. The Triumph 20 is the more versatile cushioned daily trainer, and for most runners buying a single shoe, it is the superior all-round choice.