Saucony Triumph 22 GTX Review

Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Saucony Triumph 22 GTX has some real oomph for a supportive, cushioned, and comfortable running shoe. I am an occasional Saucony shoe wearer, but I would not say they have been part of my daily runners over the past couple of years. That said, I jumped at the opportunity to test these out. The Saucony Triumph 22 GTX certainly looks and feels the part. They are very comfortable right out of the box, and I can’t wait to put in some serious miles.

Technical Specifications

• Best for: Daily Run/Workout/Casual Movement
• Weight: 10.6 oz (300g) for a size US(M)9
• Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm (37 mm heel, 27 mm toe)
• Upper: Gore-Tex Invisible Fit waterproof technology with added reflectivity
• Midsole: PWRRUN PB foam for plush cushioning and responsive energy return
• Outsole: Rubber compound strategically placed for grip and durability
• Sustainability: This style is vegan and contains recycled materials

Uppers

GTX: The Good and Possibly a Little Bad

The fantastic part is that the shoe is literally waterproof! This is mainly due to the Gore-Tex Invisible Fit technology built into the upper. The Gore-Tex aspect provides excellent waterproof qualities. I have not experienced wet feet during my shorter to mid-range runs in the snow and light slush. Running in the rain is rare here in Denver (we are considered high desert with less than 15 inches of rain per year), so I can’t speak to that yet.

The “Invisible Fit” rounds out that fancy description, allowing for breathability to help foot heat and sweat escape. This is a relatively new feature and a game-changer. It’s something I want to monitor as I continue wearing these.

To close the loop on the pros and cons of GTX, here is a slight downside. One thing that can slightly affect or change your run is that water can still enter around the cuff. Wet socks from heavy rain or fluffy snow over time can seep into the shoes. I wouldn’t call it a major drawback, as it’s somewhat expected. So far, in my runs, I have not had any issues whatsoever.

The collar is thicker and quite soft. The design properly supports the ankles with ample cushioning to prevent rubbing or hot spots. All good on that front for me! I tend to clip my ankles with the sides of my soles, so these might help prevent that to some extent.

Outsoles

The rubber compound is strategically placed for grip and durability. As you can see, it’s pretty much the same material from heel to toe and should provide hundreds of miles of pavement pounding. My only concern is that the ridges could trap the occasional pebble, as I tend to run on dirt and gravel paths at times. I’m about 80-90 miles in, and to date, I’m not seeing any visible wear yet.

Midsole

Aside from the upper’s GTX qualities and striking look, the midsole takes center stage. The color blast and carvings make them look speedy. It does seem like a rather high stack, but I quickly forget about it when running. The feel is natural, smooth, and quite comfortable.

The midsole is constructed with the highly responsive PWRRUN PB cushioning. It provides both stability and the cozy comfort level you expect from a cushioned midsole.

Let’s Run With These Saucony Triumph GTX 22

First of all, in years past, Saucony shoes were quite narrow for my foot, but these Triumphs have a fairly wide midfoot that targets a broader audience with its balanced platform. My feet have flattened over the years, so this is a welcome change.

Second, these are thick-soled, plush, maximum-cushioning running shoes. I’ve seen bigger and thicker models, but Saucony has certainly ventured into this space with gusto. They almost felt like putting on a comfy pair of slippers the first time out. However, if you’re serious about running fast, more cushioning is not always better. There’s definitely a personal preference factor. That said, these Triumphs conformed to my feet after a few runs, eliminating that initial spongy feeling. After some time and mileage, they now feel like second nature, and I’ve been crushing the miles for the past few months.

My regular running foot strike is in the front to midfoot range, with an efficient rotation of about 85-90 strides per minute per side. Despite their volume, these Triumphs are nimble and lightweight, helping me maintain a solid pace throughout my runs.

I will emphasize that these are some really comfortable shoes. If you are in a race mindset or don’t need or want all that cushioning, you may have other options. However, if you want the support and comfort to go the distance, the Saucony Triumph 22 GTX is a solid option. I have several marathon-plus distance runs/races on the books, and my training needs to proceed without injury. I have a lot of faith that these will be my go-to training shoes and could even see action in my races. The variable will be the weather as summer approaches—I don’t want to trap heat, sweat, and moisture as temperatures rise.

The upper is designed to be breathable. I’ve been wearing them through some rather cold winter months but can appreciate the breathability aspect as spring is right around the corner. Most of all, I’ve enjoyed the springy, fresh feel with every stride. It has allowed me to push my pace and start ramping up my mileage, even though it’s early in the season.

Fit of the Saucony Triumph 22 GTX

I’d say these fit true to size. Generally, I have sized up recently to ensure enough room for my flattening feet. A running buddy who owns a local shoe store mentioned that some have said they run slightly small, but not significantly so. The slightly wider midfoot is a great feature, making them more appealing to runners who need a bit more space. You can always tighten the laces, and I have been able to dial in my fit perfectly without experiencing slippage or excessive tightness.

Final Thoughts On The Saucony Triumph 22 GTX

To sum it up, I think this is a great shoe for a wide variety of runners and will meet the needs of many. Saying they are comfortable is an understatement. The support is excellent, allowing me to run longer distances without issue. I kind of forget they’re there—which is a good thing. Overall, you get great value for your money. The support is solid, and the GTX features are ideal for colder, rainy, or snowy conditions. Saucony is a quality brand that resonates with many runners, and I like what I’ve got here. In conclusion, try them on for yourself, and you will quickly understand why I enjoy the fit and comfort. For all the good details or to purchase, please visit saucony.com or amazon.com.