Hey everyone. Now that Saucony Triumph 21 was released in July 2023, let’s talk about it and compare it to its previous iteration, the Triumph 21.
In the world of performance footwear, Saucony has long been synonymous with innovation and excellence, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for athletes on the track, trail, or pavement.
The unveiling of each new iteration is not just a release; it’s a celebration eagerly awaited by those looking for a companion in their journey to conquer distances, break personal records, and revel in the sheer joy of running.
Let’s dive right into it…
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Saucony Triumph 21 Release Date + Triumph 21 vs. 20
Again, the Saucony Triumph finally hit the shelves in the summer of 2023 (July).
Keep yourself in the loop by regularly consulting our running shoe release date calendar for the latest updates on upcoming releases.
But before we compare the 21 vs. 22, let me tell you what happens when a brand update their shoes:
Updating a running shoe is a delicate dance between progress and tradition. On the positive side, advancements in technology and design can enhance performance, comfort, and durability, offering runners an improved experience.
Updates may address issues from previous Triumph models, introduce innovative materials, or fine-tune the shoe’s biomechanics.
However, the delicate balance can tip towards disappointment when companies succumb to market pressures or trends, resulting in alterations that deviate from the shoe’s core identity.
Rapid changes, whether in fit, cushioning, or overall feel can alienate loyal users who cherished the original model.
Striking the right balance in updates requires a nuanced understanding of what made the shoe beloved in the first place, ensuring that improvements enhance rather than compromise the runner’s connection with their trusted footwear.
Now, the good news is that when it comes to Saucony, the art of updating shoes is a well-practiced skill. Saucony has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the delicate balance between preserving the essence of a beloved model and incorporating enhancements that elevate the running experience.
Whether it’s a subtle refinement or a groundbreaking innovation, Saucony has navigated the fine line adeptly, ensuring that updates make their shoes either slightly better or, in some cases, leaps and bounds ahead.
This commitment to thoughtful evolution, rather than abrupt revolution, is what sets Saucony apart, providing runners with the assurance that each update is a step forward, enhancing the familiar without losing sight of what made the shoe exceptional in the first place.
Related:
Saucony Triumph 21 vs. 20
I’ve been checking out the Saucony Triumph series, and let me tell you, it’s like strapping clouds to your feet for those long runs. If you’re into feeling like you’re floating above the ground, this max-cushioned, neutral daily trainer is your go-to.
I mean, who wants to feel the hard pavement, right? Not me! But hey, if you’re more of a classic vibes runner, Saucony’s got the Ride 16 for you. It’s a bit firmer and a bit more traditional, but if you’re like me and crave that extra cushion, the Triumph is the answer.
Now, from the Triumph 18/19 to the 20 and now the Triumph 21, I feel Saucony’s playing the upgrade game. The Triumph 21 didn’t get a major overhaul – just a sweet upper update and some little tweaks that I’ll spill the beans on in a bit.
Priced at $160, it’s a tad heavier at 9.9 oz, but hey, considering the cushion, it’s still a win. Stack it up, and you’ve got 37mm in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot – a 10mm drop for those who, like me, want a bit more lift.
Now, let’s dive into the upper, where all the buzz is happening…
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Upper
Diving into the nitty-gritty of the Triumph 21’s upper, Saucony’s made a couple of changes from the 20 that you might not spot at first glance.
On the Triumph 20, they went with an engineered mesh, and now on the Triumph 21, it’s a flat knit. But here’s the behind-the-scenes upgrade – they slipped in an internal engineered mesh liner, fully gusseting the tongue.
Unlike the Triumph 20, where it was only partially gusseted with a strip of fabric, we’re talking two layers of fabric on the Triumph 21.
A Small tweak in the lacing system too – a thinner, more minimal ribbon cable up top, similar to what we saw on the Ride 16. Now, this cable, I didn’t really notice much during my runs. It’s there when you’re tying the laces, but once you hit the pavement, it just kind of fades into the background.
Lockdown’s solid, as per Saucony usual, and I’m good with that. The tongue’s fully gusseted too, but it’s squared off, a bit less padding – just a smidge towards the minimal side.
It feels pretty much like the Ride 16. Saucony seems to be sticking to their themes across their shoe line, and hey, if it works, it works.
The Achilles section at the back got a subtle makeover – more squared off, less V-shaped. Didn’t rock my world, but comparing the two, I caught the change.
The heel counter’s still stiff, no heel lift, and they ditched the elastic pull tab for a string, way easier to grab.
In terms of fit, Triumph 21 nails it – comfy, true to size, that sweet spot. Saucony’s got a knack for their uppers, and the Triumph 21 is no exception.
For the upcoming Hoka Bondi 9, I really wish Hoka takes the same path as Saucony in terms of padding.
Alright, let’s dive into the heart of the matter – the midsole…
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Midsole
They’ve stuck with what works, keeping it consistent with last year’s Triumph. It’s the trusty PWRRUN+, and if you’re not a midsole foam geek, here’s the lowdown on Saucony’s foam game:
They’ve got PWRRUN, a solid EVA-based material featured on the Ride 16, and then there’s PWRRUN+, which is the star of the show in the Triumph 21.
Picture PWRRUN as TPU, and then there’s PWRRUN PB, the lightweight, bouncy PEBAX foam featured in the fancy high-performance models like the Endorphin Speed 3 and Pro 3.
Now, on the Triumph 21, just like its predecessor, you’ve still got that PWRRUN+ insert. Yeah, I find it a bit amusing too because the whole midsole is already PWRRUN+. It’s like PWRRUN+ on top of more PWRRUN+. Did I notice a massive difference? Not really.
The whole experience is consistently cushy. But here’s a tip – if you’re feeling extra plushy vibes and want to level up your other shoes, grab that insert and toss it in. It’s like a mini-cushion upgrade for your shoes.
Now, let’s talk about the midsole geometry…
Rocker Geometry
The Triumph 21 has got this noticeable rocker sensation, and honestly, I find it pretty darn helpful. It’s like you’re not lost in this massive, thick slab of PWRRUN+.
They threw in some contouring too, where your foot nestles a bit lower in the foam. It’s like the shoe saying, “Let’s connect, buddy,” and throws in some extra stability for good measure.
The PWRRUN+ midsole? It’s like a dense max cushion experience. Not exactly a firm ride, but not overly soft either. Sometimes, with shoes this hefty, keeping up the pace can be a challenge, but the Triumph 21 does a decent job of feeling a bit faster.
Now, it’s not a super-speedy racer like the Speed 3 – let’s not get carried away. But, surprisingly, considering the generous midsole, I found myself able to kick it up a notch because the midsole wasn’t overly soft and gave me a solid energy return.
Outsole
Alright, shifting our focus to the outsole, it’s a rubber party, much like last year. The Triumph 21 is like that trusty workhorse, ready to devour miles day in and day out.
Traction? Solid. Grip issues? Nada. It’s refreshing to see shoe brands sticking to the ample rubber coverage for their workhorse models.
Now, compared to the Triumph 19, there’s a bit less rubber action on the Triumph 21, but I reckon it’s a smart balance. They trimmed it down enough to keep the shoe from feeling like a lead weight but didn’t compromise on the quality and longevity of the shoe. A win-win, if you ask me.
Now, let’s chat about the not-so-sunny side…
Cons
If you’re craving something speedier, a bit more thrilling with a carbon plate, or maybe you’re in the market for a lighter, bouncier foam, that’s when you might want to shift your gaze toward the Endorphin Speed 3 or even the Pro 3.
Those bad boys bring a more aggressive midsole game with their plates and the lively PWRRUN PB foam. So, if you’re looking to inject some turbo into your runs, those might be the ones to snag.
So, let’s break it down…
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Wrap-up
The Triumph 21 is essentially an upper makeover compared to its predecessor, the Triumph 20. They tweaked the material, tossed in that small ribbon cable up top, played with the tongue, and threw in that internal liner. Tiny adjustments to the heel counter too.
But truth be told, the Triumph 21 feels like déjà vu. Slipping into the Triumph 20 and the Triumph 21 on each foot, it’s a game of spot-the-difference, and it’s tricky because that trusty midsole remains unchanged.
Speaking of the midsole, I’ve got a soft spot for PWRRUN+. Compared to EVA-based foams, it’s got that extra kick, a touch more durability, and just adds a fun factor underfoot.
The Triumph 21 is a Goldilocks option— not too heavy, definitely not too light. It strikes that balance nicely, especially with the generous rubber on the outsole and the premium materials cradling your feet in this large, well-cushioned shoe.
In the grand scheme, the Saucony Triumph 21 seems like a steady contender. It didn’t flip the script too much, and my gut feeling says they might whip up a fresh design for the next Triumph 22. Can’t wait to see what Saucony’s got up their sleeve for that one.
Now that we’ve talked about the release date of the Saucony Triumph 21 and compared the 20 to the 22, let me know what you think and which one’s your favorite.
