Triumph 22 Running Shoe (Women)

Dearest Gentle Saucony, if you want to compete with Hoka, why not leave the Triumph alone and introduce a totally new shoe that competes in the Hoka category? The 22 is an evolutionarily different shoe. Except in name, it’s NOT the Triumph. Why, Saucony, why? Dearest Gentle Reader, this is a long review: My size 7.5 feet are average width on the narrow side with a very high arch. Someone else mentioned ‘duck feet.’ Spot on: I look like I have bubbly duck feet in the 22! This might NOT matter when you’re out for a run (or an aggressive, fast-paced walk) but since I also depend Triumphs for everyday shoes (due to a knee and hip issue), looking like a duck in a dress is not how I prefer to roll. My experience with Triumphs over the years: Madly in love with the 18, though sizing was half size too big. The 19 was not comfortable; returned. Loved the 20, though not the colors; still have my 20s. I also have the RFG version that was released at the same time as the 21; these work for me as everyday shoes but seem to have less volume in the forefoot compared to the 20. Back to the 22: They are too wide and have too much volume in the forefoot, so much so that the fabric doubles over. It folds in half! If I crank down on the laces, there is less doubling over (not gone just less) but the bottom lace (nearest the toes) becomes a vertical gather point and there is still too much volume. That said, even with the excessive width and volume, my heel does stay in place. That’s a positive. I thought I liked the extra cushioning at first but after a couple of intense wears, my knee hurts and my legs ache. Perhaps if you’re standing all day on hard floors the cushioning of the 22 makes sense? In comparison, the 18, the 20, and the RFG did not/have not caused any issues with knee, hip, or legs. If you’re looking for more width and volume and cushioning when compared to previous Triumphs, then the 22 might work for you. They don’t for me. I wish I could return them but I’ve put some miles on them. Also, because the fabric stains insanely fast (seriously, the light blue was stained after first and second wear and I usually buy lighter colored Triumphs), I have had to wash them twice after less than a month of use.

After experiencing plantar fasciitis three times a few years ago, I had to purchase a pair of tennis shoes that had the best support and thicker souls. I also have to put orthopedic inserts in my tennis shoes. Running Wild in Ft. Lauderdale suggested the Saucony Triumph 22, and I have not bought any other brand since. I have been wearing the Saucony shoe for the past three years. I just ordered Saucony Triumph 23. I absolutely LOVE these shoes. The shoes are pricey, but, my feet are very thankful. So worth the price!!

A well proportioned, comfortable shoe. I felt the fit was good (true to size, wide enough toe-box, comfortable mid-sole support), I wear size 5.5 and often feel shoes don't scale down well. These shoes have plump cushioning that delivers the comfort promised. I love wearing these following a tough long run/race when my feet have felt beaten up.