Saucony Triumph 23 Review: Max Cushion With 100% PWRRUN PB

Triumph 23: the premium daily trainer that loves to run fast.

The Triumph has been Saucony's high-end max-cushioned shoe for more than 20 years. This 23rd version marks a real technical leap: the premium PWRRUN PB foam (a lively PEBA) now makes up the entire midsole, whereas previous versions used it in only part of it. You get a daily trainer that combines max-cushion comfort with a level of responsiveness that's rare in this category.

Let's look in detail at whether the Triumph 23 deserves a place in your lineup if you're a demanding runner who wants to run in comfort without giving up performance.

Saucony Triumph 23 specs

Triumph 23: full-length PWRRUN PB changes everything

Three things make the Triumph 23 a benchmark premium daily trainer:

• PWRRUN PB across the whole midsole: this is the headline change. Saucony finally uses its premium PEBA foam (the same as in the Endorphin Pro 5) throughout the Triumph's midsole. You get exceptional energy return for a daily trainer, whereas versions 21 and 22 limited the PEBA to a top layer.
• 38 mm max stack height + 6 mm drop: the ideal balance between generous cushioning and stability. You don't get the marshmallow feel of a Bondi, but you get 90% of the comfort with 30% more responsiveness.
• Refined SpeedRoll geometry: Saucony applies its rocker technology to the Triumph. On long runs, the rocker naturally guides you forward and saves energy as the kilometers add up.

RunMorph tip: the Triumph 23 is the daily trainer I recommend to intermediate and experienced runners who want comfort without losing responsiveness. If you're after maximum comfort (with no concern for liveliness), look instead at the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 or the Hoka Clifton 10. If you want the maximum pop of a super trainer, look at the Asics Superblast 3.

Who is the Saucony Triumph 23 for?

Verdict: the Triumph 23 is one of the best current choices for intermediate and experienced runners looking for a lively premium daily trainer. For complete beginners, the 6 mm drop may take some getting used to; look instead at the Nike Pegasus 42 with its 10 mm drop.

Under the hood: the technical details

Full-length PWRRUN PB: the big step up

PWRRUN PB is Saucony's premium PEBA foam, used in all its super shoes (Endorphin Pro 5, Endorphin Elite). On previous Triumphs, this foam was only a top layer. On the Triumph 23, Saucony uses it throughout the midsole. The result: noticeable energy return on every stride, while keeping the durability of a daily trainer (700 to 900 km).

SpeedRoll geometry: Saucony's rocker

Saucony popularized its SpeedRoll geometry with the Endorphin line. The Triumph 23 inherits this technology: a pronounced rocker that guides your stride forward. At easy pace, the rocker stays in the background. At tempo pace and faster, you feel that propulsive effect pushing you to string strides together with less effort.

A more open engineered mesh upper

The upper has been reworked for better breathability. The engineered mesh is more open than on the V22, which reduces heat on long summer runs. Lateral lockdown stays precise thanks to a system of structured bands. The fit is true to size with a comfortable volume, roomier than the Endorphins.

PWRTRAC outsole: grip and durability

The PWRTRAC rubber delivers excellent grip on dry asphalt and stays decent on wet surfaces. The outsole layout puts rubber in the main wear zones (lateral heel, forefoot), which ensures above-average durability for the segment.

What French reviewers say

Wanarun points out that the Triumph 23 marks a real technical leap with its full-length PWRRUN PB, putting the model in the top 3 premium daily trainers on the market. The review particularly praises the balance between comfort and responsiveness.

Lepape-Info highlights the quality of the energy return and the model's versatility, usable from easy runs to long runs at a sustained pace. The verdict is clear: for a runner looking for a premium daily shoe, it's one of the best options right now.

Running Lab confirms the model's place among the top PEBA daily trainers, noting that the Triumph 23 now competes head-on with the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 and the Brooks Glycerin 23 in the premium segment.

Our take as RunMorph coaches. The consensus is unequivocal: Saucony has pulled off bringing PEBA to the masses in its daily trainer. The Triumph 23 redefines what to expect from a premium daily shoe in 2026.

Quick comparison

Triumph 23 vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 28. The Gel-Nimbus 28 is more protective and more focused on pure comfort. The Triumph 23 is livelier thanks to PWRRUN PB. Verdict: Gel-Nimbus for maximum comfort, Triumph 23 for lively comfort.

Triumph 23 vs Hoka Clifton 10. The Clifton is more affordable (€160) and more mellow. The Triumph 23 is snappier thanks to its full-length PEBA. Verdict: Clifton for reliable versatility, Triumph 23 for the demanding runner after energy return.

Triumph 23 vs Asics Superblast 3. The Superblast is an accessible race-inspired super trainer (€200). The Triumph 23 is a classic premium daily trainer. Verdict: Superblast for faster sessions, Triumph 23 for comfortable mileage.

Fitting the Triumph 23 into your training strategy

The Triumph 23 shines as a demanding runner's main shoe. Here's our plan:

• As your only shoe: if you run 30 to 60 km a week and want one pair that does it all, the Triumph 23 can cover 80% of your runs (easy runs, long runs, moderate tempo).
• As your training workhorse: in a 2-pair rotation, the Triumph 23 handles your weekly volume and comfortable long runs. Keep a snappier shoe like the Superblast 3 or the Hoka Mach 7 for faster sessions.
• For a marathon run for fun: the Triumph 23 is ideal for finishing a marathon with legs that still feel fresh. Not for setting a record (grab an Endorphin Pro 5), but for crossing the line in comfort.

RunMorph Coach's verdict

As a coach, the Triumph 23 is one of the daily trainers I recommend most in 2026. For intermediate and experienced runners who want comfort without giving up responsiveness, it's probably the best choice in the premium segment right now.

The major upgrade (full-length PWRRUN PB) marks a real step up in quality. Saucony shows that premium PEBA can be brought to the masses outside of super shoes, which changes the game in the high-end daily trainer segment.

The only real drawback: the 6 mm drop may surprise runners coming from a traditional 10-12 mm shoe. For pronounced heel strikers or complete beginners, allow 1 to 2 weeks to adapt.

RunMorph score: 9.0 / 10. At €180, it's a reasonable investment for a full-length PEBA daily trainer. Buy it if you want a lively premium daily shoe. Look elsewhere if you prioritize pure comfort (Gel-Nimbus 28, Clifton 10) or pure performance (carbon super shoes).

Key takeaways for your training

• Premium PEBA daily trainer: the V23's headline change is PWRRUN PB throughout the midsole.
• 38 mm stack + 6 mm drop: the ideal balance between cushioning and responsiveness.
• SpeedRoll geometry: a pronounced rocker that saves energy on long runs.
• 280 g in size 42: average for the premium daily segment.
• More open upper: engineered mesh reworked for breathability.
• 700 to 900 km durability: excellent for a PEBA shoe.
• Versatile: easy runs, long runs, moderate tempo, marathons run for fun.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Saucony Triumph 23 good for beginners?

With caution. The 6 mm drop is unusually low for a beginner coming from traditional shoes. To get started, pick a Nike Pegasus 42 or a Hoka Clifton 10 instead, then move up to the Triumph 23 after a few months of running.

How durable is the Triumph 23?

Expect 700 to 900 km. That's excellent for a shoe using PWRRUN PB (PEBA), a foam that's often less durable. The PWRTRAC rubber also contributes to this longevity.

Does the Triumph 23 run large or small?

The fit is true to size with a comfortable volume, roomier than the Endorphins. If you're unsure, go with your usual size. For a marathon, when your feet will swell, consider going up half a size.

What's the difference between the Triumph 23 and the Triumph 22?

The major change is the switch from partial PWRRUN PB to full-length PWRRUN PB. You get significantly more energy return on every stride. The upper has also been reworked for better breathability, and the SpeedRoll geometry has been refined.

Is the Triumph 23 suitable for the marathon?

Yes, especially for a marathon run for fun or a moderate time goal. Its generous cushioning combined with full-length PEBA lets you go the distance with less muscle fatigue than a classic daily trainer. For an ambitious time goal, pick an Endorphin Pro 5 instead.