Saucony Triumph ISO 4 Shoe Review

Saucony Triumph ISO 4

Recently, I integrated the Saucony Triumph ISO 4 into my rotation.  The Saucony Triumph ISO 4 is one of the few shoes I seem to try each updated model.  In summary, I personally liked the original Triumph ISO the best.  As the shoe is updated more, I’ve found other Saucony shoes that I like better included the Saucony Freedom and even the cheaper Saucony Ride 10.

Saucony Triumph ISO 4 Fit:

The of the Saucony Triumph ISO 4 is different than the Triumph 3 and actually reminds me a lot more of both the original Triumph ISO and the Triumph ISO 2.  The Saucony Triumph ISO 4 is actually a little longer than the 3, but still narrow.  Throughout the years, I’ve worn anywhere from a 9.5-10.5 wide in the Triumph.  This year, I find the 10 wide to be the best fit and most true to size for me.

The Saucony Triumph ISO 4 uses an isofit upper which allows for an adaptive fit system. With the Isofit technology, you are able to get cinch the shoe tighter. The tongue is attached as well. Together with the lacing system and engineered mesh upper, the Saucony Triumph ISO 4 allows for a comfortable running experience.

I found an interesting issue, I haven’t had before with the Triumph that the midfoot is much more snug.  Typically, I liked the Triumph ISO because it is a wider shoe model.  While there is sufficient room in the Saucony Triumph ISO 4, I did find the updated model to be much narrower (even the wide) in the midfoot region.

Finally, if you have never run in Saucony shoes, the heel counter is much lower than other models.  I’ve never had an issue “running or slipping out of the shoe,” and don’t know anyone who has, but it is something to be aware of!  We have many people that come into work that don’t like the shoe because of the low heel.  It’s also a hard shoe to put orthotics and inserts into.

Saucony Triumph ISO 4 Ride:

The Saucony Triumph ISO 4 has gone through a few significant changes. Now the Saucony Triumph ISO 4 features a full-length everun midsole and everun topsole.  Previous models included about half EVA and half Everun.

Now, it’s full Everun.

Why does this matter?  It makes the Saucony Triumph ISO 4 much firmer than previous models.  It’s has become much more responsive, but still cushioned shoe.  In fact, it’s much more similar to the Saucony Freedom. There is a high level of energy return and it makes the shoe feel like a maximum cushioned neutral shoe.

Changing to an entire bottom of Everun means the shoe’s dynamic drastically changes.  If you have run in the Saucony  Freedom, it will feel much more similar.  The Saucony Triumph ISO 4 feels much less soft and much firmer than the previous Triumph models.

Saucony Triumph ISO 4 Summary:

• I do like the Saucony Triumph ISO 4.  I’ve put just over 100 miles and not had an issue.  While the midfoot is tighter than previous models, it’s not uncomfortable.
• The Saucony Triumph ISO 4 itself does feel drastically different, both in fit as well as ride.  It’s definitely not a model of shoe I would buy blindly online.
• Sadly, with the integration of the full bottom of Everrun in the Saucony Triumph ISO 4, the retail price of the Saucony Triumph ISO 4 has gone up to $160.
• Personally, I’ll continue running in Saucony Triumph ISO 4, and I think it’s one of the better versions Saucony has made in the last two years.  The original Saucony Triumph ISO was still my favorite. I feel cushioned throughout the entire gait cycle.

Keep in mind, these are all personal preferences.  Saucony is not paying me to review their shoes.  What works for me, might not work for you.  All of our feet are different. 

Current Rotation:

Daily Runs: Saucony Triumph ISO 4, Brooks Glycerin 15 and Hoka Clifton 4
Workouts: Altra Escalante, Nike Zoom Fly
Races: Saucony Type A and Saucony Endorphin

Questions for you:
What is your favorite running shoe?
Is there a model, you’ve run through several models? Have you run in the Saucony Triumph ISO 4?