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Saucony Triumph 19 Shoe Review

August 13, 2021

The softest Saucony is ready to tackle major mileage

With a high stack of PWRRUN+ foam, the Triumph 19 is plush, yet responsive

Likes

  • Comfortable cushioning
  • Clean, sleek style
  • Great energy return

Dislikes

  • Laces started to pill
  • Slightly heavy
  • Could be softer

What's New

The Saucony Triumph is a classic. Combining amazing underfoot protection, comfort, and responsiveness, it is a daily training shoe that runners come back to again and again. For the 19th edition, Saucony refined the shoe's fit and feel, and fans of the previous Triumph models should be pleased with this update. The mesh upper of the Triumph 19 has been engineered to be more breathable and provide improved support and guidance with a FORMFIT contoured footbed. The shoe is also slightly lighter at 10.7 oz for a men's size 9, compared to 11.0 oz for the same size in the previous version.

The Bottom Line

Comfortable cushioning that won't slow you down is the name of the game with the Saucony Triumph 19. The shoe features a full-length PWRRUN+ foam midsole which may surprise runners with its responsiveness. Yes, it provides the soft step-in feel you would expect, but it is not overly clunky, and it has a good amount of energy return for a daily trainer. With the slimmed-down theme of this most recent update, the midsole gets a sleeker look, and the upper is streamlined to reduce bulk and increase breathability without losing the plush and comfortable fit that the shoe is known for.

While the shoe's premium, comfort-focused design may make it a bit too bulky and heavy for some, the Triumph 19 is sure to please many different types of runners with its reliability, versatility, and that "wow" feeling that starts from first step-in and continues throughout your runs.

Shoe Performance

Shoe Softnessi

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Returni

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protectioni

LowHigh

Flexibilityi

RigidElastic

Upper Supporti

StructuredAdaptable

Specifications & Fit

How It Fits

Toe BoxMedium
Midfoot VolumeMedium
Heel WidthMedium
Arch HeightMedium to High

Shoe Specs

WeightMen's: 10.7 oz (size 9), Women's: 8.9 oz (size 8)
Stack Height38 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot)
TerrainRoad
StabilityNeutral
SizingTrue to Size

Our In-Depth Look

Shoe Softnessi

Caroline: "The Triumph 19 has an immediate soft step-in with just a hint of firmness underfoot. Overall, there is sufficient cushioning to comfortably support me on my daily runs."

Ben: "The Saucony Triumph could be softer. I used the shoe for shorter runs, but it wasn't so comfortable that I wanted to wear it for a day of walking around town."

Saucony running shoe review medial view

Ride/Energy Returni

Caroline: "The PWRRUN+ midsole offers a subtle balance between cushioning and responsiveness. It's not a shoe with a very springy ride, nor is it a heavily padded shoe that weighs you down. The energy return is solid for a daily trainer. When I wanted to pick up the pace, it was responsive enough to allow me to do so without hindering my performance."

Ben: "The Triumph is a good workout shoe. I did 1000-metre repeats on the track and did not notice any issues. Even at slower paces, my stride felt springier than in other models."

Saucony running shoe review lateral view

Underfoot Protectioni

Caroline: "While I was running, there was a tiny bit of ground feel in the forefoot, but the Triumph had adequate cushioning to absorb most of the impact of the road."

Ben: "The Triumph does a good job of absorbing much of the shock from hitting the ground. I was able to run 16 kileomtres on pavement without any sore knees or legs afterward."

Saucony running shoe review outsole

Flexibilityi

Caroline: "There is some flex in the forefoot for a smooth, comfortable ride. I would have liked the shoe to be just a bit lighter, though."

Ben: "The heels are not very flexible, but the flexibility noticeably increases toward the forefoot and toe area. I am able to run with the full range of motion for my feet without finding them to be too stiff or too flexible. There is just the right amount of flexibility, in my opinion."

Saucony running shoe review lateral view

Upper Supporti

Caroline: "The new FORMFIT mono-mesh upper was breathable, but it did feel a bit roomier for me. Perhaps it's the stretchy bungee laces, or because I have narrow feet, but I didn't have that snug, wraparound feel that I prefer. The upper felt roomy all-around, and I just couldn't get a secure lockdown on my run."

Ben: "The upper wraps around the heel for a very close fit, and I felt that I had enough support there. I found that the upper felt narrow in the toe box. It could be a bit uncomfortable for those with wider feet."

Saucony running shoe review lateral view toe box

Women's Saucony Triumph Running Shoes

The Triumph is Saucony's premium level neutral everyday running shoe. The Saucony Triumph features copious amounts of comfortable cushioning along with an excellent fit and plush upper. This is a great shoe for larger framed runners.

Men's Saucony Triumph Running Shoes

The Triumph is Saucony's premium level neutral everyday running shoe. The Saucony Triumph features copious amounts of comfortable cushioning along with an excellent fit and plush upper. This is a great shoe for larger framed runners.

Individual Thoughts

Caroline8.5/10

The Saucony Triumph 19 is a reliable and neutral everyday trainer that offers comfortable cushioning and support to rack up the kilometres. I liked the immediately soft step-in feel of the PWRRUN+ midsole that was inviting to wear. There was a bit of flex in the forefoot for a smooth, responsive ride, and it wasn't too firm underfoot (which, as a midfoot striker, I always appreciate). I also enjoyed the Triumph 19's sleek style, the well-designed reflective elements, and the durable outsole that will ensure you get more mileage out of this shoe. While on the run, I just would have preferred if it was a bit lighter. In terms of the fit, the upper felt roomy for my narrow feet, and I like having a more locked-down, structured hold. Unfortunately, the bungee laces did not help with securing the fit, and they started pilling. However, those with wider feet may appreciate the roomier upper, and this shoe would likely be more suitable for them. Overall, the Saucony Triumph 19 is a soft daily trainer that gets the job done and delivers on both comfort and performance.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable
Ben8/10

For the racer seeking to triumph in a local 5K or the casual runner seeking a good trainer, the Saucony Triumph is a responsive, cushioned option. The energy return level enabled me to have a quick stride on both the track and the road. With the cushioning, I found that my legs felt great after every run. Although I found the upper to be a bit narrow, I still think the Triumph is a good choice for the road or track.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable