Saucony Triumph 22 Review: A Bigger, Softer Cruiser That Changes the Line

Introduction

The Saucony Triumph 22 arrives with a headline change that should have excited longtime fans: the PWRRUN PB foam from shoes like the Endorphin Pro 4 and Endorphin Speed replaces the PWRRUN+ used in the Triumph 21. On paper, that promises better cushioning, energy return, and responsiveness. In practice, this is a very different shoe from the one it replaces, and that shift deserves a careful look before you spend your money.

At £170 or $160, the Triumph 22 weighs 306g (10.8oz) for men in a size 8, with a 10mm drop. Beyond the new midsole, there’s an updated, plusher upper and a noticeably wider base across the full length of the shoe to improve outsole stability.

Fit and Comfort

Fit is straightforward for most runners: the Triumph 22 runs true to your normal Saucony size, and it’s a reasonably roomy shoe, which suits a max-cushion daily trainer. One tester ran the London Marathon in it straight out of the box with no problems, praising the generous padding and forefoot space. The trade-off is that achieving a really locked-down fit took some effort, though that may say more about running 42km in any shoe than about the fit itself.

Ride Feel: Soft but Not Bouncy

This is where opinions diverged sharply. The ride is undeniably soft and protective, with a big, wide wedge of foam at the heel that makes landings feel relaxed and tank-like. But the expected PWRRUN PB bounce largely never showed up. Hitting the midfoot, the shoe can feel surprisingly flat and dense, with little energy returned on toe-off. It invites comparisons to the Nike Invincible or the New Balance 1080v13 rather than a snappy super trainer: sink into the heel, but no real spring back.

There’s also less of a rocker-driven, forward-rolling sensation than in the Triumph 20 and 21, which felt fluid and moved you along. The added width, likely responsible for the weight gain despite the lighter foam, makes the shoe feel stable but ponderous. For heel strikers, the soft heel landing works well; midfoot strikers may find the midsole unresponsive.

Who the Triumph 22 Is For

The Triumph 21 was a versatile cushioned daily trainer that could do a bit of everything, even reasonable paces. The Triumph 22 has moved into the max-stack, heavily cushioned category alongside shoes like the Brooks Glycerin: a dedicated easy-day cruiser and recovery shoe rather than an all-rounder.

If you want one shoe that handles easy runs, quicker sessions, and everything in between, this is no longer it. Saucony’s Ride 17 fills that role within the range, and the Triumph 21 remains available at reduced prices. But if you’re building a rotation and want a pure recovery-day shoe that protects tired legs on short, easy miles, the Triumph 22 does that job comfortably.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The core tension is value. At £170 or $160, you’re paying premium money for a shoe with a single clear use case, in a category full of strong and often cheaper competitors. The previous Triumph models earned their price through versatility; this version asks you to accept a narrower role.

The PWRRUN PB midsole also behaves differently here than in plated, aggressive-rocker shoes where the foam shines. Without that structure, it delivers softness but not the propulsion many expected. Trying to be both maximally soft and responsive, it arguably does neither as well as the Triumph 21 did both.

Buying Advice

If you’re new to the line and shopping purely for a big, soft, comfortable cruiser to slot into a rotation, the Triumph 22 succeeds: it belongs in the same conversation as shoes like the Invincible, Nimbus 26, and 1080v13. It’s especially friendly for heel strikers, which covers most runners.

If you’re a Triumph fan looking for the versatile cushioned daily trainer you’ve bought in past generations, be cautious. Cheaper options exist in both the max-cushion and versatile-trainer categories, and the reduced Triumph 21 may be the smarter buy for the all-round experience this line used to deliver.

Conclusion

The Triumph 22 is a well-built, genuinely cushioned and protective shoe that will please heel strikers and recovery-run devotees. But it abandons much of the versatility that made the Triumph line special, and the new foam hasn’t translated into the bounce its reputation promised. Consider it a good easy-day cruiser, not a Triumph in the traditional sense, and weigh whether that narrower role justifies the price for you.