Saucony Triumph 19 vs ASICS Novablast 2: Which Cushioned Trainer Fits Your Running?

Introduction

On paper, the Saucony Triumph 19 and the ASICS Novablast 2 both look like heavily cushioned daily trainers. In many ways, they are. But the way the cushioning works, and the way each shoe feels on the run, is very different, and each earns its place for a distinct type of runner.

The Triumph 19 is built for comfort and reliability over many, many miles. The Novablast 2 is the more versatile of the pair, happy on easy days but genuinely capable when you pick up the pace. Here is how they compare.

Quick Comparison: Specs and Price

The ASICS Novablast 2 costs £130 or $130, weighs 271 g (9.6 oz) for men in a size 8, and has an 8 mm drop. The Saucony Triumph 19 costs £145 or $150, weighs 286 g (10.1 oz) for men in a size 8, and shares the same 8 mm drop.

Fit and Upper

Both shoes fit true to size. The Triumph 19 is really comfortable, generous in the forefoot and midfoot, with lots of cushioning around the collar. It caused no issues from day one.

The Novablast 2 is a slightly narrower shoe, and it appears longer than most others when placed side by side, almost half a size to a size bigger. Stick to your true size anyway: going down a size makes the narrower midfoot and forefoot feel more restrictive. The Novablast 2 upper is far better than the original Novablast, which was rigid and could bunch up in the forefoot, but the Triumph 19’s plush, unrestrictive upper is still the more comfortable of the two, partly because of that wider fit.

Cushioning and Ride Feel

The Triumph 19 uses Saucony’s PWRRUN+ foam, which balances softness with a light, springy feel. It is quite soft but not too soft, and it deadens impact well. After a long run, from 10K up to marathon training, your legs feel fresh and protected. There is also a noticeable amount of foam in the forefoot, which midfoot and forefoot strikers will appreciate.

The Novablast 2 uses FF Blast foam, a material ASICS also uses in its faster shoes. It has a lot more versatility: it works well for cushioned, easy runs, but it is also conducive to running faster, with plenty of bounce. The Triumph 19 can handle slightly faster long efforts, but as soon as you start training at quicker paces it loses the versatility you would want from a tempo or race shoe.

Stability and Handling

The Triumph 19 has a wide base and a stable, firm platform that keeps your feet planted, which makes it a good option for heavier runners. It feels sturdy and confident underfoot.

The original Novablast had stability problems from a high but narrow foam stack, especially when turning corners at speed. ASICS addressed this in the Novablast 2 by widening the midsole, and it feels a lot more stable as a result. Even so, it is still not as stable as the Triumph 19.

Durability and Grip

The Triumph 19 has a lot of outsole rubber, one of the most rubbered-up road shoes around. After around 50 km there is no sign of wear, and the rubber grips really well, with no issues on wet roads.

The Novablast 2 also has a decent amount of rubber, but it is more sparing and mainly situated around the outside of the shoe, leaving large sections of FF Blast foam exposed. After about 100 km there is no visible wear yet, but the exposed foam may wear faster over longer distances.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want a reliable cruiser for long daily mileage or high-volume training over multiple days, the Triumph 19 is the pick. It protects your legs, feels comfortable from the first wear, and offers excellent durability and grip. It is less suited to faster training or racing.

If you want one pair to do everything, the Novablast 2 is the more versatile choice. It cushions easy runs well, and its FF Blast foam adds genuine pace when you want it, all the way up to race day. Just note that it is not quite as stable as the Triumph 19, so stability-focused runners should factor that in.

Conclusion

The Saucony Triumph 19 is the dependable, plush option that keeps legs fresh over big mileage, while the ASICS Novablast 2 is the fun, bouncier all-rounder that can handle everything from slow training miles to race pace. Choose based on what your running actually demands.