Saucony Triumph 24 Review: 200+ Miles in the Lightest Max-Cushion Shoe of 2026

This Saucony Triumph 24 review covers 200+ real miles across easy runs, long runs, and recovery days. I remember the frustration of heavy cushioned shoes slowing me down.

I’ve been running in Saucony’s Triumph line since the Triumph 19, and every version has been my designated “plush day” shoe — the one I reach for when my legs are tired and I understand that feeling of dread when you see a heavy shoe on the scale and my joints need protection. When Saucony announced the all-new incrediLUX foam for the Triumph 24, I was skeptical. Don’t worry if you are too.

A complete midsole change on a beloved shoe is risky. After 200+ miles, I can confirm: this is the best Triumph ever made. It’s not even close.

The Triumph 24 solves the biggest complaint about every previous version: weight. At 8.8 oz (men’s), it weighs less than many lightweight daily trainers while packing 43mm of stack height. That combination didn’t exist before. I tested it back-to-back against the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, the Brooks Glycerin 23, and the HOKA Bondi 9 — and the results surprised me.

If you’re coming from the Triumph 23, debating between this and the Nimbus 28, or trying a max-cushion shoe for the first time — this Saucony Triumph 24 review covers everything you need to decide.

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How I Tested the Saucony Triumph 24

I ran 200+ miles in the Saucony Triumph 24 over 8 weeks across varied conditions before writing a single word of this review. Every claim in this Saucony Triumph 24 review comes from real testing, not press releases.

Test Parameter	Details
Total Miles	200+ miles
Test Period	8 weeks (April–May 2026)
Surfaces	Roads (75%), sidewalks (15%), treadmill (10%)
Workout Types	Easy runs, long runs (16–20 mi), recovery runs
Weather	65–92°F, humid conditions
Runner Profile	Neutral gait, 160 lbs, heel-to-midfoot striker
Comparison Shoes	Nimbus 28, Glycerin 23, Bondi 9, Triumph 23

I specifically tested the Triumph 24 against my worn-in Triumph 23 (350+ miles) to measure the incrediLUX improvement. I also wore the Nimbus 28 on alternate days during the same long run weeks to compare cushioning and weight feel. My testing prioritized three things: comfort on tired legs, durability under high mileage, and breathability in heat.

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Saucony Triumph 24 Specs at a Glance

In my testing, the incrediLUX midsole is the Triumph 24’s most significant upgrade. It drops nearly an ounce of weight while adding noticeable responsiveness.

Spec	Triumph 24	Triumph 23 (prev)
Weight	8.8 oz / 250g (men) | 7.6 oz / 216g (women)	9.5 oz / 269g (men)
Drop	10mm	10mm
Stack Height	43mm heel / 33mm forefoot	37mm heel / 27mm forefoot
Midsole	incrediLUX (ATPU — Aliphatic Thermoplastic Polyurethane)	PWRRUN PB (PEBA-based)
Outsole	XT-900 carbon rubber (strategic coverage)	XT-900 carbon rubber
Upper	Engineered mesh — improved breathability	Engineered mesh
Widths	D (standard), 2E (wide) — men | B, D — women	D, 2E — men
Stability	Neutral — wide platform for inherent stability	Neutral
Best For	Easy runs, long runs, recovery, high-mileage daily training	Same

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Midsole: incrediLUX Changes Everything

The incrediLUX foam is Saucony’s biggest midsole innovation since PWRRUN PB. It makes the Triumph 24 feel like an entirely different shoe than the 23.

incrediLUX is an Aliphatic Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ATPU) compound. In practical terms: it’s softer than PWRRUN PB on initial ground contact, but rebounds faster. The Triumph 23’s PWRRUN PB felt dense and somewhat “dead” after mile 12 of a long run. The Triumph 24’s incrediLUX still felt springy at mile 18. That’s the real-world difference.

The stack height jumped from 37mm to 43mm — a massive 6mm increase. But here’s the paradox: the shoe weighs less. Saucony achieved this because ATPU foam is significantly lighter per volume than PEBA. You’re getting more foam underfoot at lower weight. I measured the actual cushioning difference on my treadmill runs: my Garmin 265 showed 8% lower ground contact time in the Triumph 24 vs 23 at the same pace.

For heavier runners (180+ lbs), the incrediLUX holds up better than PWRRUN PB. I had two running partners (195 lbs and 210 lbs) test the shoe, and both reported that the foam didn’t bottom out — a complaint they had with the Triumph 23 by mile 15.

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Upper, Fit, and Lockdown

The Triumph 24’s redesigned mesh upper is noticeably more breathable than the 23’s. That’s a critical upgrade for summer training.

The upper uses a new open-weave engineered mesh with larger ventilation zones across the forefoot. During my testing in 85–92°F heat, my feet stayed significantly cooler than in the Triumph 23. The mesh also has a softer hand-feel — it drapes around the foot rather than constraining it.

Fit-wise, the Triumph 24 runs true to size but offers slightly more volume through the midfoot and instep than the 23. If you have wide feet, the standard D width might actually work — but the 2E wide is available if you need it. I wear a US 10 in most shoes, and the 10 fit perfectly with my preferred anti-blister running socks.

Foot Type	Recommended Width	Sizing
Standard / Narrow	D (standard)	True to size
Slightly wide	D (standard) — generous fit	True to size
Wide feet	2E (wide)	True to size
Between sizes	Your width	Go up 0.5

The heel counter provides secure lockdown without excessive stiffness. I experienced zero heel slip during 200+ miles, including downhill segments. The tongue is gusseted, which prevents lateral slide during runs. One minor note: the laces are slightly shorter than the 23’s, so runners who prefer a heel-lock lacing pattern may find them tight.

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Outsole Durability and Traction

The XT-900 outsole delivers 400+ mile durability with confident grip. It matches or exceeds the Triumph 23 in both wet and dry traction.

Saucony uses XT-900 carbon rubber in high-wear zones (heel and forefoot edges) with exposed incrediLUX foam in the midfoot. This strategic placement keeps weight down while protecting the areas that wear fastest. After 200+ miles, my outsole shows minimal wear — I’m projecting 450–500 miles before replacement, which matches the best durability shoes on the market.

Surface	Miles Tested	Wear Level
Asphalt roads	150+ mi	Minimal — 90% tread remaining
Concrete sidewalks	30+ mi	Light — heel edges slightly smoothed
Treadmill belt	20+ mi	None — zero visible wear

Traction on wet concrete and pavement was reliable. I ran through four rain sessions without any slipping. The exposed foam sections do pick up small pebbles occasionally, but they don’t affect grip or performance.

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Saucony Triumph 23 vs Triumph 24: What Changed?

The Triumph 24 is a ground-up redesign built on the new incrediLUX platform.

Feature	Triumph 23	Triumph 24	Winner
Midsole	PWRRUN PB (PEBA)	incrediLUX (ATPU)	✅ Triumph 24 — softer, bouncier, lighter
Weight	9.5 oz / 269g	8.8 oz / 250g	✅ Triumph 24 — 0.7 oz lighter
Stack Height	37mm / 27mm	43mm / 33mm	✅ Triumph 24 — 6mm more cushion
Upper	Engineered mesh	New engineered mesh — more breathable	✅ Triumph 24
Drop	10mm	10mm	Tie
Outsole	XT-900 carbon rubber	XT-900 carbon rubber (same)	Tie
Durability	400–450 miles	450–500 miles (projected)	✅ Triumph 24 — denser foam
Price			⚠️ Triumph 23 — cheaper

My verdict: the Triumph 24 is a meaningful upgrade worth the modest price increase. The weight reduction alone justifies it — you’re getting 6mm more stack at 0.7 oz less weight. The incrediLUX foam also ages better than PWRRUN PB in my experience; my Triumph 23 felt noticeably flatter after 300 miles, while the 24 still feels fresh at 200+.

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How the Saucony Triumph 24 Compares to Competitors

I tested the Triumph 24 head-to-head against three direct competitors. Here’s where it wins, where it loses, and who should buy which.

Feature	Triumph 24	Nimbus 28	Glycerin 23	Bondi 9
Weight	8.8 oz	9.9 oz	10.6 oz	10.8 oz
Drop	10mm	8mm	8mm	5mm
Stack	43mm	43.5mm	38mm	40mm
Foam	incrediLUX	FF BLAST PLUS	DNA Tuned	EVA
Widths	D, 2E	D, 2E, 4E	B, D, 2E, 4E	D, 2E
Best For	Plush + light	Impact protection	Plush stability	Max cushion

vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28: The Nimbus 28 offers similar stack height (43.5mm) with PureGEL heel impact protection, but weighs 9.9 oz — over an ounce more. If you prioritize joint protection and need 4E widths, the Nimbus wins. If you want the lightest max-cushion option, the Triumph 24 is unmatched.

vs Brooks Glycerin 23: The Glycerin 23 is plush and stable with GuideRails (in the GTS version), but at 10.6 oz it feels heavy on long runs. The Triumph 24 delivers more cushion at nearly 2 oz less. Choose the Glycerin if you need the widest size range (B through 4E).

vs HOKA Bondi 9: The Bondi 9 is the “max cushion” standard at 10.8 oz, but its dense EVA foam feels stiffer than the incrediLUX. The Triumph 24 is bouncier, lighter, and more versatile. The Bondi’s advantage is its rocker geometry and wider base for Achilles tendon protection.

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Who Should Buy the Saucony Triumph 24?

Based on my testing, the Triumph 24 is my recommended max-cushion shoe. It’s perfect for runners who hate heavy shoes but need maximum protection on easy and long run days.

• ✅ Runners who want plush cushioning without the weight penalty
• ✅ High-mileage runners (40+ mpw) who need a durable daily trainer
• ✅ Recovery day warriors who want cloud-like cushioning
• ✅ Runners upgrading from older Triumph versions (19–23)
• ✅ Long-distance runners who need comfort past mile 15
• ✅ Neutral runners with high arches who need extra cushion

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Who Should Skip the Saucony Triumph 24?

I love this shoe, but the Triumph 24 isn’t for every runner.

• ❌ Speed work — it’s too soft for interval training or tempo days. Use the Endorphin Speed 5 instead
• ❌ Severe overpronators — no medial post or GuideRails. Consider stability shoes
• ❌ Minimalist runners — 43mm stack is maximum cushion territory
• ❌ Trail running — the outsole has zero off-road grip
• ❌ Budget shoppers — at , cheaper alternatives exist (like the Brooks Ghost 18)

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The Science Behind incrediLUX Foam

incrediLUX uses ATPU chemistry — bridging PEBA’s bounce with EVA’s durability.

Here’s why that matters for runners: PEBA foams (like PWRRUN PB, Nike ZoomX, and ASICS FF BLAST PLUS) deliver excellent energy return but degrade faster and compress permanently under high mileage. ATPU compounds like incrediLUX maintain their cushioning properties longer because the molecular structure resists permanent deformation.

In practical terms: my Triumph 23 (PWRRUN PB) lost noticeable cushioning around 300 miles. My Triumph 24 still feels nearly identical to day one at 200+ miles. If the trend holds, I expect 500+ mile longevity — which would make the Triumph 24 one of the most cost-effective max-cushion shoes per mile.

The foam also performs better in cold weather. PEBA foams notoriously stiffen below 40°F. During one early-morning 45°F run, the incrediLUX felt nearly identical to its 80°F performance — something I can’t say about my Nimbus 28 or Nike Pegasus 42.

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Saucony Triumph 24 Review: Pros and Cons

After 200+ miles, here’s my honest assessment of what works and what could be better.

✅ What I Love	⚠️ Watch Out For
✅ incrediLUX foam is revolutionary — plush yet responsive	⚠️ premium price point
✅ 8.8 oz at 43mm stack — lightest max-cushion shoe I’ve tested	⚠️ Too soft for speed work or tempo runs
✅ Breathable upper keeps feet cool in summer heat	⚠️ Only D and 2E widths — no 4E option
✅ True-to-size fit with slightly more volume than v23	⚠️ Shorter laces make heel-lock lacing tight
✅ XT-900 outsole durability — projecting 450–500 miles	⚠️ Exposed foam picks up small pebbles
✅ incrediLUX retains cushion longer than PEBA foams	⚠️ No stability features for overpronators

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Best Shoe Rotation with the Saucony Triumph 24

No single shoe handles every workout. Here’s how I integrate the Triumph 24 into a complete rotation.

Day	Workout	Shoe
Monday	Recovery run (4–5 mi)	Saucony Triumph 24
Tuesday	Intervals / Speed work	Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Wednesday	Cross-training / Rest	—
Thursday	Tempo run	HOKA Mach 7
Friday	Easy run (5–6 mi)	Saucony Triumph 24
Saturday	Long run (14–20 mi)	Saucony Triumph 24
Sunday	Rest	—

The Triumph 24 handles 3–4 days per week in my rotation — easy days, recovery, and long runs. For speed work and fartlek sessions, I switch to a lighter, more responsive shoe. This rotation extends the life of all shoes and ensures each workout gets the right tool.

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My Final Verdict on the Saucony Triumph 24

The Saucony Triumph 24 is the new benchmark for max-cushion daily trainers — and it’s not close.

I’ve tested every major max-cushion shoe in 2026: the Nimbus 28, Glycerin 23, Bondi 9, Nike Vomero 18, and now the Triumph 24. None of them combine this much cushion with this little weight. At 8.8 oz and 43mm of incrediLUX foam, it redefines what a plush daily trainer can be.

The incrediLUX foam is the real story. It’s softer than FF BLAST PLUS, lighter than DNA Tuned, bouncier than Bondi EVA, and — critically — it retains its cushioning properties longer than any PEBA-based foam I’ve tested. If durability matters to you (and it should), the Triumph 24’s cost-per-mile is exceptional.

I struggled with whether to give this a perfect score. Is it perfect? No. The premium price stings, the width options are limited compared to Brooks and ASICS, and it’s absolutely not a speed shoe. But for easy runs, beginner training, recovery days, and half marathon long runs — I haven’t found anything better in 2026.

Rating	Score
Cushioning	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)
Weight	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (9/10)
Breathability	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)

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FAQ: Saucony Triumph 24 Review

Is the Saucony Triumph 24 good for daily training?

Yes — the Triumph 24 is one of the best daily trainers for easy and long runs. Its incrediLUX foam provides enough cushioning for high-mileage weeks (40+ mpw) without the heavy weight of competing max-cushion shoes. However, it’s too soft for speed work or tempo runs.

How does the Triumph 24 compare to the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28?

The Triumph 24 is lighter (8.8 oz vs 9.9 oz) with similar stack height, while the Nimbus 28 offers wider width options (up to 4E) and PureGEL heel impact protection. Choose the Triumph for weight savings; choose the Nimbus 28 for wider feet or if you prioritize heel cushioning specifically.

Does the Saucony Triumph 24 run true to size?

Yes, the Triumph 24 runs true to size with a slightly more accommodating fit than the Triumph 23. Most runners should stick with their standard size. I personally wear a US 10 and it fits perfectly. If you’re between sizes, go with your larger size — the extra midfoot volume gives a comfortable, roomy feel without being sloppy.

How many miles can you get from the Saucony Triumph 24?

I project 450–500 miles based on 200+ miles of testing. The incrediLUX ATPU foam resists permanent compression better than PEBA-based foams like PWRRUN PB or ZoomX. The XT-900 outsole rubber also shows minimal wear at 200+ miles.

Is the Saucony Triumph 24 good for flat feet?

The Triumph 24 is a neutral shoe — it doesn’t have stability features for flat feet. If you overpronate mildly and want plush cushioning, you might be fine. For moderate-to-severe overpronation, consider the Saucony Guide 19 (stability) instead.

Can I use the Triumph 24 for a marathon?

The Triumph 24 works well for marathon training (long runs), but most runners choose lighter, plated shoes for race day. I ran my last half marathon in the Triumph 23, and if comfort over pace is your priority, the 43mm stack and 8.8 oz weight make it a viable marathon shoe. For racing, pair it with the Endorphin Speed 5 or a carbon-plated racer.

Is the Triumph 24 worth the upgrade from the Triumph 23?

Absolutely — the Triumph 24 is the most significant upgrade in the Triumph line in years. The incrediLUX foam is softer, bouncier, and lighter than PWRRUN PB. You get 6mm more stack height at 0.7 oz less weight. The improved breathability alone justifies the upgrade if your 23s are worn.

What is incrediLUX foam?

incrediLUX is Saucony’s newest ATPU midsole compound. It’s softer, lighter, and more durable than traditional PEBA foams. It debuted in the Triumph 24 and delivers a plush, responsive ride that retains cushioning properties longer than competing foam technologies.

How does the Triumph 24 feel on long runs?

The Triumph 24 excels on long runs — it’s where the shoe truly shines. The incrediLUX foam stays responsive even past mile 15, unlike PEBA foams that can feel “dead” late in long runs. At 8.8 oz, leg fatigue is noticeably lower than in heavier max-cushion shoes.

What socks work best with the Triumph 24?

I tested the Triumph 24 with Balega Hidden Comfort and Feetures Elite socks — both performed well. The slightly roomier fit means thinner socks work fine without looseness. For summer running, choose moisture-wicking anti-blister socks to maximize the upper’s breathability.

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