Best Max Cushion Running Shoes: Saucony Triumph 22 and Two Worthy Alternatives

Introduction

Max cushion shoes have quietly become the most versatile category in running. Once reserved strictly for recovery days, they now handle easy miles, long runs, and even the occasional faster effort. The Saucony Triumph 22 is the latest example of that shift, and it brings some interesting changes to a shoe that has historically evolved slowly rather than dramatically.

This time around, Saucony changed both the shape and the composition of the midsole, moving the PWRRUN PB foam, previously reserved for its racing products, into a max cushion daily package. In this article we break down how the Triumph 22 performs, and compare it with two strong alternatives: the ASICS Nimbus 25 and the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4.

What Makes a Great Max Cushion Shoe

A good max cushion shoe needs to do more than just stack foam under your foot. Geometry matters, weight matters, and the upper can make or break the experience on warm days. The best shoes in this category feel plush without feeling unstable, and comfortable without turning every run into a slog.

With that in mind, here is how the three shoes stack up.

Saucony Triumph 22

The Triumph 22 has been re-engineered from previous versions, with changes to both the midsole shape and the foam itself. The specs are substantial: 37 mm of stack height in the heel, a 10 mm drop, and 27 mm in the forefoot. The headline change is the move to PWRRUN PB, a foam Saucony typically reserves for its racing line, now used in generous amounts both tall and wide across the footprint.

The outsole uses a thin layer of rubber with broad coverage to protect that foam, trimmed where possible to save weight. A channel running through the middle of the outsole helps the shoe roll forward smoothly and gives the foam space to compress and spring back into each stride. On a size 9, our scale read 10.5 oz, just under 300 g, against a claimed 10.1 oz.

On the run, it is soft, squishy, and genuinely stabilizing thanks to the wide footprint and sheer volume of foam. Without a plate, it decompresses more slowly and relaxed than a racing shoe would, which is exactly what gives it that plush, almost mushy sensation. It shines on recovery days after hard workouts and handles everyday runs of 90 minutes or more without complaint. It is less suited to fast workouts, where the weight and relaxed geometry make themselves known.

The upper is the main compromise. The thick textile material is comfortable and roomy, with an accommodating toe box and a toe cap, but it runs hot and absorbs sweat on summer days. Previous versions like the Triumph 20 offered a lighter, more breathable upper at a similar fit. The improved tongue with moderate padding and mesh, and a substantial but unobtrusive heel cup, are welcome touches.

ASICS Nimbus 25

The Nimbus 25 may be the closest competitor to the Triumph 22 in this category. Even though the Nimbus 26 is now the current version, the 25 remains worth seeking out because the changes from 25 to 26 made the shoe slightly firmer and less cushioned. The 25 delivered a relaxed, comfortable max cushion experience.

The knit tongue on the upper is comfortable without acting like a sweat sponge, and the mesh upper breathes noticeably better than what the Triumph 22 offers. Per ounce of cushioning, the scales tip in the Triumph 22’s favor, but both shoes are genuinely comfy. The Nimbus 25 originally retailed at the same $160 as the Triumph 22, but it has been out long enough that it can now be found for as low as $120.

New Balance Fresh Foam More v4

The Fresh Foam More v4 was arguably the standout max cushion shoe of its release year. It is a tall shoe with a comfortable step-in feel, a generous amount of cushioning, and a noticeable bounce that comes straight from the Fresh Foam X midsole.

The front of the shoe has a fairly aggressive rocker, and even with a wide footprint and a lot of shoe underfoot, it carries its volume well. If you want to pick up the pace occasionally in a max cushion shoe, the More v4 is capable of it. The upper is also cooler and more comfortable than the Triumph 22’s. It retailed at $150 and, being an older model, can now be found for as low as $110 through New Balance’s outlet channel.

Buying Advice: Which One Should You Get?

If you specifically want a max cushion shoe, the Triumph 22 at its $160 retail price is a solid pick. Older Triumph versions are often discounted, but they lean more toward the daily trainer side, so they are only the right choice if that is what you are shopping for.

If breathability and value matter more, the Nimbus 25 offers a cooler upper and a lower street price, while the More v4 adds bounce and a rocker for runners who occasionally want to move faster. All three deliver the plush, easy-on-the-feet experience that defines this category, so the decision mostly comes down to how you run and what your budget allows.

Conclusion

The Saucony Triumph 22 successfully brings race-grade foam into a relaxed max cushion package, ideal for recovery days and long slow distance. The ASICS Nimbus 25 counters with a cooler upper and better current pricing, and the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 remains a bounce-rich bargain. Whichever you choose, comfortable miles are the common thread.