While this isn’t a site dedicated to running shoe reviews, I’m fully aware that I need to complete at least one to be accepted by the running community. And there’s nothing I crave more than seeking the approval of complete strangers — that’s why I started a blog! But I get it, doing a running shoe review is a rite of passage to join the industry of running “content creators.” How else will my readers — with different genes, body types, mechanics, and preferences — feel confident that I’m certified in giving my personal, subjective opinions on a shoe? Without further ado, here is my Saucony Triumph 20 review
Saucony Triumph 20 Review
Weight: 9.7 oz., 275 g (US M9), 8.6 oz., 244 g (US W7.5)
Stack Height: 37 mm/27 mm (10 mm drop)
Price: $160
Spoiler alert: The Saucony Triumph 20 is the only shoe to ever receive the highly coveted endorsement of The Size 15 Runner. Then again, this is the first shoe review I’ve done. It has the distinguished honor of serving as the subject of my first review because it’s the first shoe I ran 400 miles in, and I greatly enjoyed every mile.
Many shoes can last up to 500 miles, but I’ve never felt compelled to stick with a shoe for that long. Call it impatience or ignorance, but I usually retire my shoes around the 300-mile mark. Simply put, by 300 miles, the novelty of the shoe has worn off, along with some of the outsole. But not with the Triumph 20 — it’s the rare shoe that actually lives up to its name in every sense of the word.
A triumph over the years
My first foray into the Triumph series was with the Triumph 17 back in 2019; it’s safe to say I was hooked. The Triumph 17 was the most comfortable and efficient shoe I had tried at the time. Sure, it was a little on the heavy side, but nothing too extreme for a plush daily trainer. It was my first true long-run shoe and helped me prepare for my first marathon.
However, the next two updates of the shoe — the Triumph 18 and 19 — were a bit disappointing, to say the least. The 18 gained a full ounce in weight and let’s just say, it was quite noticeable, weighing heavily on my mind in addition to my feet. It didn’t take long for me to take the pair off the pavement and onto the gym floor for non-running workouts.
While the 19 shed some weight, it just didn’t have the same soft and bouncy underfoot feel I experienced with the 17. They felt rather firm and unforgiving, two cardinal sins according to my shoe religion.
A triumphant return
And then in 2022, the Triumph 20 landed with a new midsole compound, more cushioning, and even lighter weight. While the shoe arrived with little fanfare (I consider it the most underrated shoe of last year), I loved it so much I named it (in my head) as Shoe of the Year for 2022. Too bad I didn’t have this blog a year ago – I could have honored it with an imaginary award. Saucony would’ve been thrilled, I’m sure. Receiving The Size 15 Runner endorsement is, in fact, something to write home about, because it’s never been achieved until this review.
Midsole
Although the 19 had the same-named foam, PWRRUN+ was modified to be softer and lighter in the Triumph 20. When I heard that the 20 would be getting a thick slab of the new lighter, softer foam, I knew I would be getting a pair of these thick daily trainers (37mm heel/27mm forefoot).
The updates didn’t stop with the improved foam. Saucony says the 20 has a “newly updated geometry, providing more cushion and a smooth, rocker feel.” I say, “Rock on!” The rocker has me rocking out to the greatest hits from the rock band Triumph as I’m rocking the pavement. Too much?
Weight
Anytime a max cushion daily trainer stays below 10 ounces (for a size 9) it’s a…triumph. There’s nothing worse than feeling bogged down by a heavy shoe. We’re already carrying the intense weight of our training expectations on our shoulders. Well, the 20 dropped half an ounce to 9.7 oz, and with it, dropped other shoes in its category on its way to becoming my favorite daily trainer.
Upper
And what’s the cherry on top? The upper, of course! A good upper can do wonders for the feet. Fortunately, Saucony didn’t rest on its laurels…or on the top of the shoe. While the 20 has a completely new, extremely comfortable upper and lacing design, crafting a flawless upper is certainly nothing new for Saucony.
Outsole
The outsole has plenty of rubber coverage to last you well into 500 miles or more. While it’s abundant, the rubber doesn’t give you a “blocky” feeling like other shoes in the max cushion category that will go unnamed. No need to worry about traction — the grip is solid in all conditions.
Ride
If you can’t tell by now, I love the ride of this shoe. It’s so bouncy, soft without being mushy, and stable without being firm. Despite being close to 10 oz, it’s rather easy to pick up the pace when desired. Just don’t expect it to be your tempo shoe.
Price
In the current era of overpriced shoes, I’m always going to want the price of a shoe to stay consistent. Unfortunately, Saucony did raise the price $10 from the 19, to $160, but you can currently get the shoe for around $100 through Saucony’s sale. And with the Triumph 21 releasing soon this year, it’s a no-brainer to buy the shoe at a reduced price. The only update to the Triumph 21 is a new upper. Frankly, I’d stick with the 20.
Your word is “triumph”
So, how does the Triumph 20 live up to its name? Merriam Webster defines “triumph” in four ways:
- to feel or express joy
- an instance of defeating an enemy or opponent
- a successful result brought about by hard work
- to achieve victory
Here’s how would I use “Triumph” in a sentence to capture the essence of the word:
I am thrilled to put in long hours of training in the Saucony Triumph 20, my go-to daily trainer and a shoe that outshines similar ones in its category. Months of training in the shoe prepared me to earn a marathon PR in March of this year — quite the successful result and a nice win for myself!
A triumphant review?
How’d I do in my first running shoe review? I promise this wasn’t just lip service. The proof is in putting the shoe in my logo. That’s right, I love running in the shoe so much, I modeled The Size 15 Runner logo after it. The blue shoes you see at the top of this site are based upon the Saucony Triumph 20. Imitation is either the sincerest form of flattery or I’m just sincerely unoriginal.
*Note: I purchased the Saucony Triumph 20 with my own money. Saucony is not aware of this review and therefore had no input or influence on what I wrote.
