Saucony Triumph 21 vs Triumph 22: Which One Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation?

Introduction

Saucony’s Triumph line has long been the brand’s answer for runners who want a well-cushioned daily trainer that still feels like a proper running shoe. The Triumph 21 refined a formula that worked, while the Triumph 22 takes the line in a noticeably different direction with a new midsole foam and a wider platform. Both shoes carry the same £170 / $160 price tag, but they are not the same shoe on the run, and the differences matter more than you might expect.

How We Compare These Shoes

This comparison focuses on the things that actually shape day-to-day running: fit and sizing consistency, how the midsole foam feels at different paces, stability, weight, and overall versatility. The Triumph 21 weighs 280g (9.9 oz) for men in a size 8 with a 10mm drop, while the Triumph 22 comes in noticeably heavier at 306g (10.8 oz) in the same size, with the same 10mm drop.

Saucony Triumph 21: The Versatile Cushion Shoe

The Triumph 21 keeps the PWRRUN+ cushioning in the midsole and sock liner, a foam that manages to feel soft while still providing a good level of energy return. Its updates over the previous version were largely confined to the upper, with revamped flat knit material for improved fit and breathability, plus a modified lacing system for better lockdown.

There is a generous layer of outsole rubber to protect the foam and deliver solid grip across varied road conditions, along with a heel lock design to hold the foot in place and a pull tab at the rear for easier on and off.

On the run, this is the shoe’s real strength: versatility. It works as a comfortable everyday cushioned trainer, but it also has enough resilience to pick up the pace when needed. For newer runners or anyone looking for a single shoe that can do a bit of everything, the Triumph 21 handles that role well, with a smooth rolling feel that helps move you forward.

Saucony Triumph 22: A New Direction for the Line

The Triumph 22 gets the biggest update this line has seen in years: a new PWRRUN PB midsole, a PEBA-based foam replacing the PWRRUN+ found in earlier Triumphs. It is the same foam used in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and Speed 4, and it aims to improve cushioning, energy return, and responsiveness.

Saucony also updated the upper to be plusher and more comfortable than its predecessor, and widened the base across the full length of the shoe to improve stability. The outsole keeps a generous layer of rubber for grip and midsole protection.

The result is a very different shoe. The new geometry and wider platform create a softer, more max-cushioned, easy-day feel. In testing, the Triumph 22 works well at slow paces, but the added weight and size mean it loses the versatility that made earlier Triumphs popular. Some testers found the PWRRUN PB foam felt flat and dead rather than bouncy, likely related to where the foot lands in the midsole and how much the foam compresses. As a heel striker, the softer squishier ride reads as comfort; for midfoot runners, the transition feels less fluid than before.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes fit true to size, and Saucony remains one of the most consistent brands for sizing. Testers stayed with their usual size in both versions and reported comfortable, well-padded uppers with few surprises. The Triumph 22’s upper is plusher, but neither shoe demanded a sizing change.

Which One Should You Buy?

The verdict here leans clearly toward the Triumph 21. It offers more resilience, faster turnover, and a nimbler feel without giving up much comfort, and it is now widely available at a significant discount as Saucony has reduced the price in sales. For a high-cadence runner who prefers a lighter, easier shoe to turn over, the Triumph 21 is the straightforward pick.

The Triumph 22 makes sense if you specifically want a very soft, very comfortable easy-day shoe, and it fills a max-cushion niche Saucony previously did not cover. But if that soft, protective daily trainer is what you are after, it also now competes directly with shoes like the New Balance More v4. If you are choosing between these two versions, the Triumph 21 remains the safer and more versatile buy.

Conclusion

The Triumph 21 and Triumph 22 share a name and a price, but they are built for different runners. The Triumph 21 is the versatile cushioned daily trainer that can handle easy miles and quicker sessions alike, and with reduced pricing it is excellent value. The Triumph 22 is a softer, heavier, stability-focused easy-day shoe that will suit runners who prioritize plush comfort above all else. For most runners looking for one shoe to do it all, the Triumph 21 is the pick.