I was excited to try the Saucony Triumph 20. I’ve liked the Triumph since the Saucony Triumph ISO in 2015. Wow, time flies.
Since then, the entire running industry has changed, and indeed the Saucony brand. We all know carbon-plated shoes are now a “thing” and not going away. Saucony has released what feels like a dozen “fast” shoes that include nylon or carbon plates. Everything is faster and lighter; of course, ISO is just a distant memory. But it feels like Saucony has several shoes that basically do the same thing: The Ride, Freedom, Triumph, and Shift…are all fairly similar. It continues to be amazing to me that Saucony keeps them all around.
For some reason, the Saucony Triumph keeps plugging along. Fine by me, it’s been one of my favorite shoes for years, and I always seem to have a Triumph in my rotation.
Saucony Triumph Quick Stats:
Weight: 9.7 oz
Price: $160
Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm
Saucony Triumph 20 Introduction:
The Saucony Triumph 20 features a couple of big updates, including:
- PWRRUN+ foam cushioning that is softer and lighter
- Updated geometry: This makes the Triumph feel more cushioned, and it has a slight rocker feel.
- Vegan: The Saucony Triumph 20 is now vegan and uses recycled materials.
Saucony Triumph 20 Fit:
Not that colors and looks matter, but the Saucony Triumph 20 comes in several different fun colors. I decided on orange because why not. I love when my shoes look like creamsicles. It reminds me of summer, because this weather does not.
The Saucony Triumph 20 uses a brand-new mesh that wraps around your foot, giving you plenty of support and comfort. It feels comfortable and breathes well. I appreciate the heal counter also keeps you locked in. Previous heel counters from Saucony were not the greatest, so it’s nice to find that one that keeps your foot secure.
I’m a stronger believer that the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet; for the most part, the Saucony Triumph 20 does just that. You don’t have to worry about it sliding around or hot spots. The only thing to keep in mind is most Saucony shoes are shallow, so if your foot has a lot of volume, it might not feel comfortable.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I wear a size 10.5 in the Saucony Triumph 20. Previous versions have fit short, but this one holds more true to size.
Saucony Triumph 20 Ride:
The Saucony Triumph 20 features Saucony’s PWRRUN PLUS foam. It’s not new and has been around since the Triumph 17. It helps makes the Triumph a soft and smooth ride.
This year the Triumph 20 has more bounce. It’s fairly similar to previous versions. It has a lot of cushion, but you feel the rocker and a push forward. With this rocker, you have to wonder if Saucony is encouraging everyone to use shoes like that. Will they eventually keep more rockered shoes like the Endorphin Speed 3 or Endorphin Shift instead? I hope not; the Saucony Triumph 20 has been around for 20 years.
The higher heel-to-toe drop is one of the bigger changes this year in the Saucony Triumph 20 ride. If you have Achilles issues or need a higher heel-to-toe drop, you might appreciate the extra couple of mm drop,
Durability and Traction: I’ve used the Saucony Triumph 20 for several years now, and I haven’t come across a version that isn’t durable. Sometimes I question if I should retire them, but they still feel fine, and I log more miles. I think I get the most miles out of the Triumph than any shoe I own.
The durable rubber allows you to have a grip in inclement weather or sandy conditions. I’ve used them on roads and sandy trails with no issues with sliding.
I figured the Saucony Triumph 20 would fit into a daily trainer in which I could pick up the pace. That’s precisely what happened, and I feel I can pick up the pace with no issues, but they also have a lot of cushion, so my body doesn’t feel bad when I want to use them for an easy run.
Saucony Triumph 20 Conclusion:
If you’ve used the Triumph in the past, you will likely appreciate the Saucony Triumph 20 now too. The update is good, but it’s not a massive update that the shoe feels significantly different. If you are looking for a high-cushioned trainer to pick up the pace, it’s a good option. I don’t have any big complaints about the Triumph; I hope Saucony keeps it around. It’s a basic, high-cushion trainer that you can pick up the pace if you want.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Saucony Triumph 20, New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL:PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Saucony Triumph 20?
What is your favorite daily trainer?