© Copyright – 2014 – Athletics Illustrated
The Saucony Triumph 22 shoe was wear-tested during the month of August and most of September 2024 on various surfaces.
Wear testing
The men’s size 9.5, blue, was purchased at Frontrunners Footwear in Victoria, BC in August. The shoe was tested during the summer over mostly asphalt and gravel trails, however, a mix of dirt, grass and concrete surfaces was also enjoyed.
The initial wear resembled the Saucony Endorphin series of non-super shoe models. However, the softer landing and wider toe box provided an added relief to mature feet with metatarsal sensitivity. The initial comfort was also similar to the very popular On Cloudmonster.
For performance, after 30 runs, the shoe continues to feel new, soft and neutral.
Stylistically, the blue is pleasing to the eye and by luck just happens to match the blue on blue Marsquest sunglasses.
The bottom tread wears well. The tester while most comfortable in a neutral shoe, does supinate and wear the outside edge of the rubber at the forefoot. The Triumph 22 shows less wear than competing models under similar test environments.
The technical
- For daily running (non-specific session shoe
- Heel-to-toe offset: 10mm (37mm heel / 27mm forefoot)
- Weight: 10.1oz (286g)
- Sustainability: This style contains recycled materials
Saucony names their proprietary foam: “PWRRUN PB.” Whatever it is, it works.
The shoe is noted for its high rebound and cushion landing. While the shoe is intended for everyday running, brisk fartlek sessions as well as long LT threshold runs were undertaken. While the tester (author) runs in minimalist shoes weekly, to activate foot muscles, the protection of a cushioned shoe is also needed for the more arduous outings.
The next day soreness was minimal.
The 22 is preceded by the Triumph 21 and 20. Although not reviewed by Athletics Illustrated Magazine, the 21 was wear-tested. The result was as humourous as it was intriguing.
Upon forgetting to bring shoes to a run, the host of the 16-kilometre, asphalt outing offered up his new Triumph 21 size 11.5. Accustomed to wearing exclusively size 9, there was a risk of toeing a root, curb, or simply, being lazy and not following through on the gate. For the next 80-plus minutes, the Triumph 21 performed like a super shoe but with extra comfort, which led to the review of the 22.
The Saucony Triumph 22 is a redesigned model from the Triumph 21 in that it offers more of a neutral cushioned ride, allowing the athlete to enjoy asphalt runs up to 35kms.
