Saucony Triumph 21

Summary

Average Weight: Men's 278g / Women's 250g
Stack Height: 37/27mm
Offset: 10mm

A great daily road running shoe, offering a soft and responsive landing with every stride. Increase of Bio-based materials for an eco-conscious option.

Men's Saucony Triumph 21
Men's Neutral Road Running Shoes
£170

Women's Saucony Triumph 21
Women's Neutral Road Running Shoes
£170

Pros

For the amount of cushioning provided this is light
Holds your ankles really well and thereby supports your gait
Has an improved fit on the uppers – adapts to different foot types and widths, without your little toes feeling pressured
Lush cushioning whilst maintaining some spring in your stride
A naturally supportive 'neutral' road running shoe
Excellent flexibility for a super smooth transition from landing to toe-off
All the protection you need no matter how many miles / hours you're running for
Ideal for anyone who's had/has a foot injury as it's so cushioned, holds the foot well and has a plush upper
The introduction of bio-based materials in the midsole and increased amount of recycled content in the uppers makes this a sound choice for the eco-conscious.

Cons

Won't suit anyone who's used to a firmer feel underfoot
Not ideal for tempo running or speed sessions as the cushioning is soft. The energy return is there but you pad into the cushioning a bit.

Features

Upper: The upper wraps the foot from heel to midfoot, cradling it in a secure way but without restricting the foot in the width of the shoe. A loop on each side connects the midsole for an extra secure fit, whilst the flat-knit construction ensures there are no seams to create friction or tension. The toe box is nice and deep, so there's less risk of black toenails or blisters on long runs, or in the heat of summer. The tongue and the heel collar feel nicely padded, whilst the upper mesh maintains breathability. 30% of the materials used come from recycled plastic.

Midsole: The PWRRUN+ cushioning is plush! It's also flexible and lighter than standard EVA (the common cushioning material used for years in running shoes). It's also durable, so the shoes don't start out soft and collapse to a firmer feel within the first few months. The perfect flexibility of the midsole ensures that you have a smooth-running stride. Saucony are introducing bio-based materials to their midsole constructions which is a really positive move and shows commitment to lessening their impact on our environment.

Outer sole: Rubber outersole is shaped to give hard-wearing protection where it’s needed and striped away where it’s not, so you’re not carrying any uneccessary weight.

In Testing

Saucony has been my go-to brand for distance running for years. Triumph 20 worked well on my long runs and version 21 feels very similar. The main difference is in the upper – the wrap effect and flat-knit material somehow manage to hold my feet beautifully without the slightest feeling of pressure. This so important when the miles pile up. The mix of plush comfort, yet lightness, and a secure hold is a winning formula.

Verdict

Overall, Triumph 21 is very comfortable to run in and you really couldn't ask for more cushioning. What makes this model stand out for me – in comparison to similar models from other brands – is the complete smoothness of transition from heel to toe. Saucony manage to give a feeling of freedom whilst protecting your feet from extra motion that puts strain on ligaments and wastes effort.

It will work for those looking to protect their muscles and tendons from fatigue brought on by long mileage. Equally it's a lovely shoe for those who simply want comfort and excellent cushioning. It's a sound option for those getting back into running after a break / injury and will also offer extra protection when you've got an injury but (physiotherapist allowing) are still able to do some training and want maximum protection.

It falls into the Neutral Running Shoe category and it is a shoe for those with a neutral gait. However, the heel counter is so well designed, along with the cradle of the uppers and the way the shoe flexes through the stride, that it actually offers natural support. If you flick inwards a bit (rather than full-on over-pronate) this shoe will support you just fine.

Men's Saucony Triumph 21
Men's Neutral Road Running Shoes
£170