As a reviewer and a runner, I’ve logged more miles than I can count, and with every stride comes a deeper understanding of a fundamental truth: the ground is unforgiving. Pavement, concrete, asphalt—they don’t care about your joints, your goals, or the long day you had at work. They just take. This is the reality every road runner faces. The constant impact can lead to a cascade of issues, from shin splints and knee pain to more chronic problems like plantar fasciitis. I remember a particularly grueling half-marathon training block where my feet felt bruised after every long run, turning a passion into a chore. The joy was being sapped by the sheer physical toll. This is why the quest for the right running shoe isn’t just about performance; it’s about preservation. It’s about finding a tool that absorbs the harshness of the world so you can continue to do what you love, day after day, without breaking down. The right shoe can be the difference between hitting a new personal best and being sidelined for weeks.
What to Consider Before Buying a Road Running Shoe
A road running shoe is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for mitigating impact, providing support, and enhancing the running experience on hard, artificial surfaces. It’s an essential piece of equipment designed to protect your body and improve your efficiency. The main benefits are shock absorption, which saves your joints from repetitive stress; structured support, which helps guide your foot through a natural gait cycle; and responsive cushioning, which can provide a feeling of energy return, making your runs feel less strenuous and more enjoyable. Without the proper shoe, runners are exposed to a higher risk of injury and discomfort, which can derail training and diminish the mental and physical benefits of running.
The ideal customer for a premium, cushioned daily trainer like the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe is someone who prioritizes comfort on their daily miles. This includes new runners looking for a forgiving shoe to ease them into the sport, long-distance runners training for marathons who need maximum protection, or individuals who spend long hours on their feet and need all-day comfort, as confirmed by users who work on concrete. It’s also an excellent choice for recovery runs when your legs are feeling tired and beat up. However, it might not be the best fit for elite runners seeking a featherlight, minimalist racing flat for speed work or race day. Those individuals might prefer a carbon-plated super shoe. Similarly, trail runners who require aggressive lugs for traction on dirt and mud would need a dedicated trail shoe with different features.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Cushioning & Stack Height: This refers to the amount of foam material between your foot and the ground. A higher stack height, like that found in the Triumph 22, generally means more cushioning and shock absorption, ideal for comfort over long distances. Consider whether you prefer a plush, soft ride or a firmer, more responsive feel that gives you a better sense of the ground.
- Fit & Upper Construction: A shoe’s upper needs to be both supportive and breathable. Look for materials like engineered mesh that allow for airflow while securely holding your foot. Pay close attention to the toe box; a wider toe box allows your toes to splay naturally, which enhances stability, a feature users with wider feet and bunions have praised in this model.
- Support & Stability: Running shoes are typically categorized as neutral or stability. Neutral shoes, like the Triumph 22, are designed for runners with a neutral gait. If you overpronate (your foot rolls excessively inward), you might need a stability shoe with features like a medial post. However, modern neutral shoes often have wide platforms and geometric designs that provide inherent stability for a wide range of runners.
- Outsole & Durability: The outsole is the rubber layer that makes contact with the road. Look for durable rubber in high-wear areas like the heel and forefoot to ensure the shoe lasts for hundreds of miles. The tread pattern should also provide reliable traction on wet and dry pavement.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe stands out in several areas, particularly in its execution of cushioning and fit. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the available colorways here.
While the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, especially those that cater to specific foot needs, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Runners looking for a smooth ride that won’t distract from the fun of the run. The Ghost 16 offers a refined 3D Fit Print to...
- Description|Table of Contents|Author|Excerpts|Quotes
- Hydrate on the Run - The running hydration vest comes with a 500ml soft flask that's 100% free from BPA and PVC. Softly bite to drink directly—hands-free...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Definition of Plush
Upon opening the box, the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe immediately communicates its purpose: supreme comfort. The shoe has a substantial, premium feel without being overly bulky. The visual standout is the generous stack of what we know is Saucony’s new PWRRUN PB foam in the midsole. It looks thick and inviting, promising a soft landing. The engineered mesh upper feels soft and pliable to the touch, with a modern, clean aesthetic. We noticed the construction feels robust yet flexible, with structured overlays that suggest good foot containment without stiffness. Putting the shoe on for the first time, the step-in feel is luxurious. The padded tongue and heel collar create a secure, plush environment for the foot. Compared to its predecessor, the Triumph 21, this version feels slightly softer and bouncier underfoot, a clear evolution towards maximizing the comfort-first philosophy. It’s a shoe that makes you want to immediately head out the door for a run.
What We Like
- Exceptional midsole cushioning provides a soft, bouncy, and protective ride.
- Accommodating fit with a spacious toe box suitable for various foot shapes, including those with orthotics.
- Versatile performance, excelling at everything from daily jogs and long runs to all-day wear on hard surfaces.
- High-quality upper construction that is both breathable and structurally sound.
What We Didn’t Like
- Might be too much shoe for runners who prefer a more grounded, firmer ride.
- Premium price point reflects its high-end features.
Performance Deep Dive: Miles of Cloud-Like Comfort
A shoe can look and feel great when you first put it on, but the real test is out on the road, mile after mile. Does the initial comfort hold up? Does the cushioning bottom out? How does it handle different paces and distances? We put the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe through a rigorous testing protocol, including daily 3-5 mile jogs, a 10-mile long run, and even a full day of wear while running errands on concrete sidewalks. Our conclusion is simple: this shoe is a masterpiece of cushioned running technology, delivering on its promise of supreme comfort in virtually every scenario we threw at it.
The PWRRUN PB Midsole: A Revolution in Softness and Bounce
The heart and soul of the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe is its brand-new, full-length PWRRUN PB midsole. This is a significant upgrade from previous versions, which used a different foam compound. PWRRUN PB is a PEBA-based foam, the same type of “super foam” found in many elite racing shoes, but tuned here for maximum comfort and durability rather than outright speed. The moment we started running, the difference was palpable. The landing is incredibly soft and forgiving, absorbing the harsh impact of asphalt with ease. It felt like every stride was landing on a firm pillow, protecting our joints and muscles from fatigue. This aligns perfectly with feedback from users who found immense relief wearing them all day on concrete or for managing conditions like a bad ankle.
But it’s not just soft; it’s remarkably energetic. This isn’t a mushy, energy-sapping foam. As one user noted, the “midsole energy return” is appreciable. As your foot sinks into the cushion, the foam compresses and then rebounds, providing a gentle but noticeable propulsive bounce into the next stride. This makes the ride feel lively and efficient, not sluggish. On our 10-mile long run, this feature was a game-changer. In the later miles, when form typically starts to break down, the bouncy nature of the midsole helped keep our legs turning over, making the run feel less like a slog and more like a cruise. It’s this unique combination of deep cushioning and lively responsiveness that makes the shoe so special. It’s the kind of performance that has runners who were disappointed by discontinued models from the brand declaring this their new favorite for long runs and training.
An Accommodating Fit for Every Foot
A brilliant midsole is useless if the upper doesn’t fit correctly. Saucony has clearly invested heavily in perfecting the fit and comfort of the Triumph 22’s upper. The engineered mesh material is a masterclass in balance. It’s highly breathable, which we appreciated during warmer runs, preventing any hot spots or excessive sweating. Yet, it has enough structure to hold the foot securely in place. We never felt our foot sliding around inside the shoe, even when taking corners. The lacing system is traditional and effective, allowing for a customized, locked-down fit across the midfoot. We found the laces to be of good quality and length, easily allowing for a runner’s knot if needed, though we didn’t find it necessary due to the excellent heel lock.
The true standout feature of the fit is its accommodating nature. The toe box is generous, providing ample room for toes to splay. This is a critical feature for stability and comfort, especially over long distances when feet naturally swell. Our testing confirmed what several users have reported: this shoe is fantastic for those with high-volume, slightly wide feet, or even those dealing with bunions. We also tested it with a pair of custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis. As one reviewer thankfully discovered, the shoe has enough volume to accommodate the insert without causing any tightness, squishing on top of the foot, or the dreaded heel slippage. This versatility makes the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe an accessible option for a huge range of runners who might struggle with the narrow, restrictive fit of other performance shoes. If you value a secure but unrestrictive fit, you can experience this exceptional comfort for yourself.
The Unsung Hero: A Stable and Durable Foundation
While the plush cushioning gets all the attention, the underlying stability of the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe is what makes it a truly reliable daily trainer. This is not a “stability” shoe in the traditional sense with medial posts, but it is inherently very stable. This is achieved through clever geometry. The base of the shoe, or the “platform,” is quite wide in both the heel and the forefoot. This creates a large, stable surface area for landing and toe-off. You never feel wobbly or precarious, even with the high stack of soft foam.
Flipping the shoe over reveals a thoughtfully designed outsole. It features durable synthetic rubber placed strategically in high-impact zones, ensuring that the shoe can withstand hundreds of miles of pounding the pavement. The pattern provided excellent traction on both dry and damp roads during our tests. The combination of the wide base and the durable outsole gives the ride a secure, predictable feel. This stability is a key reason why it works so well as a recovery day shoe or for runners whose form may get sloppy when they are tired. It gently guides the foot forward without being intrusive or over-corrective. This broad, stable platform is also why it’s a solid choice for walkers and joggers, as one user pointed out, making for a confident and secure ride at any pace.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from real-world users strongly reinforces our own findings. The overwhelming theme is one of supreme comfort and relief. One user, who walks or jogs several miles most days, specifically highlighted the shoe’s accommodating fit for their “high-volume feet” and a bunion, noting that the wide toe box creates a stable ride. Another did extensive research before landing on the Triumph 22 and was thrilled that it perfectly fit her orthotics for plantar fasciitis “with no squishing, tightness on top, or heel slippage.” This is a massive endorsement for those who require custom insoles.
The praise for the cushioning is universal, with words like “bouncy,” “light,” and “lots of cushion” appearing frequently. A runner whose previous favorite training shoe was discontinued found the Triumph 22 to be the best replacement for long runs. Perhaps most powerfully, a user who works on concrete all day and suffers from a bad ankle calls the shoe a source of immense relief, stating they “hardly take them off.” The few negative points we found were rarely about the shoe’s performance. One user was disappointed with the packaging it arrived in, feeling it wasn’t appropriate for a premium shoe, while another felt the sole wasn’t as visually thick as they expected from photos, though they still acknowledged its bounce.
How Does the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe Compare to Alternatives?
The Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe sits in the highly competitive max-cushion daily trainer category. While we believe it’s a class leader, different runners have different needs and budgets. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.
1. Brooks Ghost Max 2 Running Shoes
- THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: Runners and walkers who want maximized cushion, and a maximized protective ride with effortless, smooth heel-toe transitions and...
- PROTECTIVE CUSHIONING: A high stack of nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole foam cushioning delivers soft, smooth comfort for a protective feel with easy...
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 is perhaps the most direct competitor. It also focuses on delivering maximum cushioning and a stable, protective ride. The primary difference lies in the feel of the foam. Brooks’ DNA LOFT v2 foam tends to feel a bit firmer and less bouncy than Saucony’s PWRRUN PB. Runners who prefer a more traditional, stable, and less “energetic” soft feel might prefer the Ghost Max 2. It offers a similarly accommodating fit and is another excellent choice for long distances, recovery runs, and all-day wear. The choice between the two often comes down to a personal preference for foam feel: bouncy and lively (Triumph) versus soft and stable (Ghost Max).
2. Under Armour Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe
- LIGHT SNEAKERS: Kick your performance into high gear with the Under Armour Charged Assert 9 sneakers, featuring a minimalist design with a classic round...
- QUALITY BUILD: Built with a lightweight mesh upper with leather overlays, a textile lining with an EVA sockliner that provides added comfort and cushioning...
The Under Armour Charged Assert 9 occupies a different space entirely, primarily targeting the budget-conscious runner or someone looking for a versatile gym and short-run shoe. While it provides adequate cushioning for casual jogs, its Charged Cushioning midsole is much firmer and less sophisticated than the PWRRUN PB in the Triumph 22. It lacks the deep shock absorption and energy return needed for serious long-distance training. Someone who runs 1-3 miles a few times a week or wants a single shoe for the treadmill and weight room would find the Charged Assert 9 to be a great value. However, for a dedicated road runner prioritizing comfort and joint protection, the Triumph 22 is in a completely different league.
3. adidas Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 Shoe
- Men's stylish, slip-on sneakers
- SNUG FIT: Adjustable laces provide a secure fit
The adidas Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 leans more towards a lifestyle and casual wear shoe than a dedicated performance running shoe. Its main appeal is its slip-on design, sleek aesthetic, and lightweight feel. The Cloudfoam cushioning is comfortable for walking and everyday activities but isn’t engineered for the repetitive impact of road running. It lacks the structure, support, and advanced foam technology of the Triumph 22. A person looking for a comfortable, stylish sneaker for errands, travel, and light walks would be very happy with the Lite Racer. However, for anyone who plans to run regularly, the investment in a purpose-built running shoe like the Triumph 22 is essential for comfort and injury prevention.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Saucony Triumph 22 Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our answer is an emphatic yes. The Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe is a triumph of design and engineering, setting a new standard for what a max-cushion daily trainer can be. It masterfully blends deep, protective cushioning with a lively, energetic bounce that makes running feel joyful and less taxing. The accommodating, comfortable upper is a huge win for a wide variety of foot shapes, and its inherent stability makes it a reliable partner for any run, from a short recovery shuffle to a marathon training long run.
This is the shoe we would recommend without hesitation to any runner whose primary goal is comfort. Whether you’re a beginner building a base, a veteran logging high mileage, or someone who simply wants the most comfortable shoe possible to protect their body from hard pavement, the Triumph 22 delivers. It is a premium shoe with a premium price tag, but the performance, comfort, and protection it offers are well worth the investment. It’s a workhorse that will make your daily miles feel like a luxury.
If you’ve decided the Saucony Triumph 22 Women’s Running Shoe is the right fit for your running journey, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API