The Saucony Triumph 24 is a soft, lightweight max-cushion neutral trainer that finally gives the Triumph line a premium ride to match its premium position. After more than 200 miles, my score is 8.9/10. It is best for easy runs, recovery, steady daily mileage, and long runs where comfort matters more than sharp acceleration.
The new incrediLUX midsole is the reason. It is softer and lighter than the PWRRUN PB setup in Triumph 23, yet it still rebounds enough to keep the shoe from feeling sleepy. The published men’s reference weight is 8.8 oz despite a 43 mm heel stack.
That combination is impressive, but it is not magic. The soft heel can feel less stable than a firmer daily trainer, the forefoot does not snap like a plated shoe, and runners who dislike deep compression may find the ride too yielding.
I would buy the Triumph 24 as a mileage shoe that can handle a few steady pickups. I would not buy it as a dedicated tempo trainer or assume that more cushioning automatically reduces injury. The shoe is unusually capable for its category, not exempt from normal trade-offs.

Jump to Section Click to expand
- Quick Verdict
- Ken’s Ranking Rule
- How I Tested
- 200-Mile Test Timeline
- Specs and Verified Facts
- incrediLUX Explained
- Ride Feel
- Performance by Pace
- Long Runs and Marathon Use
- Stability
- Fit and Sizing
- Upper and Lockdown
- Grip and Durability
- Triumph 24 vs 23
- Key Comparisons
- Decision Matrix
- Training Rotation
- Who Should Buy
- Who Should Skip
- Sources and Corrections
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
Saucony Triumph 24 Review: Quick Verdict
Buy the Triumph 24 if you want deep, soft cushioning without the usual max-cushion weight; skip it if you need a firm platform, dedicated stability, or race-day snap. It is one of the strongest premium neutral daily trainers I have tested this year, but it is not the automatic answer for every runner.
| Decision | Ken’s Answer |
|---|---|
| Best for | Easy runs, recovery, daily mileage, steady long runs, comfort-first marathon training |
| Ride | Very soft, highly cushioned, gently rockered, light for its stack |
| Fit | True to size for me in men’s US 10; secure heel, roomy width, lower toe height |
| Main strength | Exceptional cushioning-to-weight ratio with real rebound |
| Main weakness | Softness reduces stability and sharp toe-off for some runners |
| Published specs | 8.8 oz men’s, 7.6 oz women’s, 43/33 mm stack, 10 mm offset |
| Plate | None |
| Ken’s score | 8.9/10 |
In my best cushioned running shoes framework, Triumph 24 ranks near the top for runners who want softness and low mass together. The HOKA Bondi is calmer, the ASICS Nimbus is more structured, and the Nike Vomero feels more traditional.
It also belongs in the conversation for best running shoes, but only within its role. A high score for a max-cushion daily trainer does not make it better than an interval shoe on the track or a stability shoe for a runner who prefers guidance.
Bottom line: The Triumph 24 is soft, protective, surprisingly light, and more energetic than Triumph 23. Its best use is comfortable daily and long-run mileage. Its main risk is that the very soft heel and forefoot can feel unstable or unsnappy to runners who prefer firmness.
Ken’s Ranking Rule for the Saucony Triumph 24
Ken’s ranking rule: a max-cushion trainer earns its score by preserving a natural rhythm after the novelty of softness wears off. I reward cushioning that remains consistent, transitions that do not require extra work, a secure upper, practical grip, and enough stability to keep the tall platform predictable.
I do not award points simply for stack height. More foam can improve comfort, but it can also increase wobble, mute ground information, or slow toe-off. The best max-cushion shoe balances protection with control and does not become a chore after the first hour.
| Ranking Factor | Weight | Triumph 24 | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning quality | 25% | 9.6/10 | Deep, soft incrediLUX with unusually low mass |
| Long-run transition | 20% | 9.0/10 | Rocker and rebound keep the tall shoe moving |
| Daily versatility | 15% | 8.7/10 | Easy through steady works; hard intervals are less convincing |
| Fit and upper | 15% | 9.1/10 | Plush, breathable, secure, and true in length |
| Stability and control | 10% | 7.8/10 | Broad base helps, but very soft foam still moves |
| Grip and durability | 10% | 8.7/10 | XT-900 remains functional after 200+ miles |
| Value | 5% | 8.4/10 | Premium cost, but strong daily and long-run utility |
The weighted result rounds to 8.9. A runner who loves very soft foam may score it higher. A runner with ankle instability, low-volume toes, or a preference for firm ground contact may score it much lower.
My run log documents mileage, surface, conditions, and how the shoe felt. Independent lab values in this review belong to the named source and protocol. My watch cannot prove that one foam improves economy, lowers impact, or prevents fatigue.
How I Tested the Saucony Triumph 24
I logged more than 200 miles in the Triumph 24 over eight weeks across roads, sidewalks, treadmill runs, humid weather, four wet sessions, easy days, recovery runs, and long runs from 16 to 20 miles. The 200+ claim appears in every retained WordPress revision from May 21 through the latest draft.
| Test Parameter | Documented Detail | What I Evaluated |
|---|---|---|
| Total distance | 200+ running miles | Ride consistency, fit, outsole, late-run comfort |
| Test period | Eight weeks | Break-in and changes beyond first impressions |
| Surface mix | About 75% road, 15% sidewalk, 10% treadmill | Grip, noise, platform control, heat |
| Long runs | 16-20 miles | Forefoot cushioning, swelling, rocker, fatigue |
| Weather | 65-92 F, humid, four rain sessions | Breathability, wet lockdown, traction |
| Comparison | Triumph 23, Nimbus, Glycerin, Bondi | Weight feel, softness, stability, transition |
My test pair was men’s US 10, my normal Saucony length. I kept the stock insole and used ordinary running socks. The retained draft describes a neutral heel-to-midfoot strike, but I do not use a self-assigned gait label as evidence that the shoe will work for another runner.
The surface categories overlap with workout categories, so I do not add them together as separate mileage. A rainy 18-mile road run is still one run, not road mileage plus rain mileage plus long-run mileage.
I compared the Triumph 24 with a worn Triumph 23 and rotated the Nimbus during the same long-run block. That comparison is useful for relative feel, but training load, sleep, temperature, and route can still influence how any one run feels.
The prior draft cited an 8 percent ground-contact-time difference from a Garmin as proof of foam improvement. I removed it. Wrist and footpod metrics can describe a run, but a single same-pace comparison cannot isolate the midsole from cadence, fatigue, route, or measurement error.
Runners using Triumph 24 for high-volume easy work should still control effort with my easy-run pace guide and Zone 2 guide. A light max-cushion shoe can make faster running feel comfortable without making it easy.
What Changed from Day 1 to 200+ Miles
The Triumph 24 felt soft immediately and changed less than I expected over 200+ miles. The foam settled slightly, the upper adapted around the forefoot, and the outsole accumulated normal smoothing, but the basic ride remained recognizably soft and springy.
| Checkpoint | What I Noticed | How It Affected the Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| First run | Deep heel compression, secure upper, light feel for the stack | Confirmed a major personality change from Triumph 23 |
| 50 miles | Rocker timing felt more natural; softness remained obvious | Moved the shoe from novelty to dependable easy-day use |
| 100 miles | Light outsole smoothing with no grip loss | Supported a positive durability trend |
| 150 miles | Long-run cushioning still felt consistent | Strengthened the distance recommendation |
| 200+ miles | Upper secure, foam usable, rubber functional | Justifies the test result, not a universal lifespan |
The fit did not loosen enough to create heel slip. The tongue remained centered, and the mesh kept holding the foot over the platform. That matters because a very soft shoe becomes harder to control if the upper allows lateral movement.
The ride did not become firm. Runners hoping that a break-in period will make the Triumph 24 more stable should not count on it. The shoe may become more familiar, but its deep compression is a permanent design characteristic.
At 200+ miles, I still preferred it for easy and long running rather than hard sessions. Familiarity made the rocker easier to time, but it did not create the direct forefoot release I want for short intervals.
This timeline is more defensible than projecting a retirement date. It shows what happened to one pair through a meaningful test and identifies what owners should monitor: heel stability, outsole smoothing, upper hold, and whether the forefoot still feels protective late.
Saucony Triumph 24 Specs and Verified Facts
The Triumph 24 is a neutral, non-plated max-cushion road trainer with incrediLUX A-TPU foam, a published 43 mm heel and 33 mm forefoot, a 10 mm offset, breathable comfort mesh, and XT-900 carbon rubber. There is no plate.
| Specification | Published Detail | Practical Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Premium neutral max-cushion daily trainer | Comfort and mileage rather than formal support |
| Men’s reference weight | 8.8 oz / 250 g, size 9 | Exceptionally light relative to stack |
| Women’s reference weight | 7.6 oz / 216 g, size 8 | Different reference size from men’s |
| Stack | 43 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot | Max-stack geometry with deep foam |
| Offset | 10 mm | Heel-biased geometry despite large forefoot stack |
| Midsole | incrediLUX A-TPU | Very soft, light, and rebounding without a plate |
| Upper | Breathable comfort mesh | Plush fit with secure lockdown |
| Outsole | XT-900 carbon rubber | Strategic road traction and wear protection |
| Widths | Regular and wide in current U.S. listings | Availability depends on size and color |
| Plate | None | Rocker and foam drive transition |
RTINGS measured 8.50 oz in its men’s US 9 sample, 42.3/32.5 mm stack, and a 9.7 mm drop. Those results are close to the published geometry and slightly lighter in that individual pair. I retain brand figures in the main table and label lab figures as measurements.
Saucony says incrediLUX provides 11 percent more cushioning than the predecessor while reducing overall weight by 0.4 oz. That is a manufacturer comparison under its own definition of cushioning. It supports the design direction, but it is not my independent measurement.
The shoe is light for a max-stack trainer, but an absolute category weight claim is difficult to prove across every current model, size, and market. I removed that wording from the title and verdict.

What Is Saucony incrediLUX Foam?
incrediLUX is Saucony’s A-TPU-based cushioning compound designed to produce a soft, lightweight, energy-returning ride in premium daily trainers. In Triumph 24, it replaces the PEBA-based PWRRUN PB used in Triumph 23.
A-TPU means aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane. That material label describes the foam family, not everything about the finished midsole. Bead structure, density, geometry, additives, molding, outsole, and temperature all influence the ride.
Underfoot, incrediLUX compresses more easily than the Triumph 23 setup. My heel settles deeper, and the forefoot feels less dense. The foam then rebounds enough to prevent the transition from feeling flat, especially once the rocker starts moving.
RTINGS measured 81.0 percent heel compression energy return and 84.7 percent at the forefoot under its protocol. Those are strong results for its sample. They do not mean a runner receives that percentage as metabolic savings or runs 80 percent more efficiently.
Doctors of Running independently described incrediLUX as highly compliant with useful bounce and noted that the rocker helps offset compression. That matches my experience: softness is the first sensation, but the shoe does not remain stuck in the foam.
The prior article claimed ATPU inherently outlasts PEBA and resists compression better in every case. Material families do not justify that universal conclusion. My pair remained consistent through 200+ miles; that is the durability evidence I can stand behind.
Cold-weather claims were also removed. One run around 45 F cannot establish a temperature-response curve, and the independent sources used here do not publish a directly comparable cold test for Triumph 24.
Ride Feel: Soft, Light, and Gently Rockered
The Triumph 24 feels like a soft max-cushion shoe at landing and a lighter daily trainer once it begins to roll. That contrast is the model’s defining achievement. The foam compresses deeply, but the mass does not make the transition feel ponderous.
Heel strikers get the most obvious cushioning. The rearfoot bevel and 10 mm offset make initial contact smooth, while the sidewalls and broad base keep the heel from collapsing without any direction. It still moves more than a firmer shoe.
Through midstance, the shoe feels neutral rather than guided. My foot sits inside some midsole wall, and the outsole adds structure, but there is no medial post or support frame. The platform provides inherent stability, not formal stability.
At toe-off, the rocker does more work than the forefoot flex. RTINGS measured a pronounced forefoot rocker and good bending energy return, but also found the soft front less snappy under high force. That distinction matches my run: smooth is not the same as sharp.
The ride is more energetic than Triumph 23. The old model felt denser and more controlled; version 24 compresses farther and returns with a more playful sensation. Runners who equate premium with firm resilience may prefer the older shoe.
At slow pace, the foam can feel almost excessive. At steady pace, the rocker and rebound align better. At hard pace, the soft forefoot and tall heel begin to feel less precise, especially during quick direction changes.
How the Saucony Triumph 24 Performs by Pace
Recovery pace
Recovery running is one of its best uses. The shoe absorbs road harshness, feels light enough not to drag tired legs, and stays comfortable when cadence falls. My recovery-run guide explains why the session still needs controlled effort.
Easy daily pace
Easy pace is the Triumph 24’s center. The upper disappears, the heel feels deeply cushioned, and the rocker keeps the shoe from dwelling too long at the front. This is where the cushioning-to-weight ratio matters most.
Steady aerobic pace
Steady running works better than the depth of foam suggests. The rebound becomes more noticeable, and the shoe carries momentum without a plate. I can use it for moderate progressions, provided the route is not full of tight turns.
Tempo pace
Tempo is possible, not ideal. The light weight helps, but the forefoot does not create a clean lever and the soft heel can feel vague when cadence rises. A dedicated tempo workout deserves a more direct shoe.
Intervals and racing
For short repetitions, I notice the soft front and platform height more than the weight savings. Runners following an interval session will get better control from Endorphin Speed or another performance trainer.
| Pace or Use | Ken’s Grade | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery | A | Soft, light, and comfortable when the legs are tired |
| Easy daily | A+ | The strongest blend of cushion, rebound, and low mass |
| Steady aerobic | A | Rocker and incrediLUX carry momentum well |
| Long easy | A | Deep cushioning remains useful late |
| Tempo | B | Weight helps; soft forefoot and heel reduce precision |
| Intervals | C+ | Not direct or controlled enough for sharp repetitions |
| Marathon racing | B+ | Comfort-first option, not a race-efficiency specialist |
| Walking | B | Comfortable for soft-foam fans, unstable for some |
Long Runs and Marathon Training
The Triumph 24 is at its best over long aerobic mileage, where deep cushioning and low mass reduce the usual max-cushion trade-off. My 16- to 20-mile runs confirmed that the foam remains comfortable after the first hour and the upper accommodates swelling.
The shoe does not become dramatically firmer late. My stride still has to climb out of a soft heel, but the rocker makes that transition manageable. RTINGS also found forefoot cushioning remained relatively consistent through its simulated 40 km protocol.
For marathon training, I would use Triumph 24 for easy long runs, recovery mileage, and steady aerobic sessions. I would use a lighter plated or performance shoe for marathon-pace rehearsals if the goal is time rather than completion comfort.
A first-time half-marathon runner could race in it if the shoe has already worked during long race-pace efforts. My first half-marathon training plan creates those test opportunities before race day.
For higher weekly volume, the shoe can protect the role of the easy day without feeling like a heavy recovery brick. The long-distance shoe guide explains why late-run fit and stability deserve as much attention as initial softness.
I would not turn the cushioning result into a medical or injury-risk promise. A runner can be comfortable in a soft shoe and still exceed current training capacity. Shoe comfort is useful feedback, not a substitute for workload management.
Stability: Broad Geometry, Very Soft Foam
The Triumph 24 is stable enough for many neutral runners, but it is not a stability shoe. Its broad forefoot, outsole coverage, secure upper, rocker, and modest sidewalls help organize the platform. The soft incrediLUX still allows noticeable movement.
RTINGS measured a 121 mm forefoot and 99 mm heel in its men’s US 9 sample. Those widths give the tall stack a useful footprint. The heel-to-stack ratio is still less reassuring than it would be in a lower or firmer shoe.
On straight dry roads, I found it predictable. On tight turns, sloped sidewalks, and tired late-run steps, the softness required more attention. That is not a defect for every runner; it is the cost of the ride character.
Doctors of Running reached a similar conclusion: the wide base and rocker prevent the shoe from feeling as unstable as its softness suggests, but the foam can be difficult for some people during walking or standing because ground-contact time is longer.
Runners who want deep cushioning with formal guidance should compare the Saucony Guide 19 or another support model. Do not select Triumph 24 as treatment for flat feet, knee pain, or an ankle problem.
Heavier runners may value the cushioning, but body mass does not predict fit or stability preference by itself. My running shoes for heavier runners guide focuses on platform behavior and individual comfort.
Saucony Triumph 24 Fit and Sizing
The Triumph 24 fit me true to size in men’s US 10, with secure heel hold, normal midfoot volume, a roomy forefoot width, and less vertical toe room than its width suggests. I had normal running clearance in front without needing to size up.
| Fit Area | My Experience | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Length | True to size in men’s US 10 | Keep normal front clearance for swelling |
| Heel | Secure, padded, no meaningful slip | Very narrow heels may still need a runner’s knot |
| Midfoot | Normal volume and comfortable lace pressure | High insteps should test the gusset and tongue |
| Forefoot width | Roomy without feeling loose | Use wide if the standard sidewall presses |
| Toe height | Adequate for me but visibly shallow | Tall toes and high-volume feet need a try-on |
| Insole | Removable stock insole | Orthotics change volume and platform feel |
Doctors of Running also found true length, normal heel and midfoot width, a slightly wider forefoot, normal volume, and excellent heel hold. RTINGS measured a 94 mm internal forefoot and identified the toe height as the main fit limitation.
The shoe can be wide across the ball and still feel shallow above the toes. Width and volume are different dimensions. Runners with wide, low-volume feet may love the standard last; runners with tall toes may prefer another upper even in wide sizing.
Use the correct width rather than automatically adding half a size. Extra length can move the rocker, allow sliding, and make the soft platform harder to control. My wide-foot shoe guide explains the trade-off.
The prior draft told between-size shoppers to size up. I removed that universal rule. Start with the size that normally provides running clearance, then decide from toe position, volume, and lockdown.
Upper, Lockdown, and Breathability
The comfort-mesh upper is one of the Triumph 24’s strongest components. It feels plush without the dense, hot bulk common in premium trainers, and it holds the foot securely enough to manage the soft platform.
The tongue is padded and fully gusseted in the RTINGS sample. My tongue stayed centered, and the thicker tubular laces distributed pressure well. I did not have heel slip across the 200+ mile test.
The heel counter is structured but not aggressively hard against my Achilles. There is useful space behind the tendon and enough collar padding to prevent movement. That shape is personal, so runners with sensitive heel anatomy should still test it indoors.
Breathability was good through humid runs between 65 and 92 F. The mesh did not feel like a race upper, but it released heat better than I expected from the plush step-in feel. Sock thickness still changes the result.
During four rain sessions, the upper stayed secure when damp. Drying was not instant, and the shoe gained the normal wet-mesh weight. My running in rain guide covers route hazards and drying practice.
I had no blister issue in the test. That does not prove the upper is blister-proof; skin moisture, sock seams, foot shape, and swelling all matter. See my long-run blister guide for practical checks.
Outsole Grip and Durability After 200+ Miles
The XT-900 outsole remained functional after more than 200 miles, with light smoothing in loaded zones and no meaningful loss of normal road grip. That is a strong test result. It is not evidence for one guaranteed retirement mileage.
Rubber covers high-wear heel and forefoot areas while exposed incrediLUX saves weight through other zones. The layout gives the foam some structure without turning the shoe into a stiff slab. Small debris can lodge in channels, but it did not change my run.
Traction was reliable on dry asphalt, sidewalk, treadmill, and ordinary wet pavement. I completed four rain runs without a slip. Painted road markings, metal covers, leaves, ice, and algae still require caution.
This is a road outsole. Smooth packed paths are reasonable, but the shoe has no lugs, rock plate, reinforced toe, or trail upper. The phrase zero off-road grip from the old draft was also too absolute; the correct limitation is lack of trail-specific traction and protection.
The prior article projected a fixed 450-500 mile lifespan and compared it with fixed durability numbers for competitors. I removed those forecasts. Runner mass, landing location, surface texture, rotation, climate, and traction tolerance change retirement timing.
Use my running-shoe replacement guide to monitor cushioning, grip, upper hold, and new symptoms. An outsole can look clean after the ride no longer suits the runner, or look worn while still functioning well.
Saucony Triumph 24 vs Triumph 23
The Triumph 24 is softer, taller, lighter, livelier, and less inherently stable than Triumph 23. The switch from PWRRUN PB to incrediLUX is a genuine personality change, not a cosmetic annual update.
| Feature | Triumph 23 | Triumph 24 | Ken’s Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB, PEBA-based | incrediLUX, A-TPU-based | 24 is softer and more energetic |
| Published stack | 37/27 mm | 43/33 mm | 24 adds six millimeters at heel and forefoot |
| Published men’s weight | Heavier reference | 8.8 oz / 250 g | 24 feels clearly lighter |
| Offset | 10 mm | 10 mm | Basic heel-to-toe ratio remains familiar |
| Stability | Firmer and calmer | Broader but much softer | 23 is easier for runners sensitive to wobble |
| Upper | Comfort-oriented mesh | Breathable comfort mesh | 24 gives me the better blend of plushness and heat control |
| Best use | Controlled daily and long runs | Soft daily, recovery, and long runs | Choose by softness preference |
Upgrade if the Triumph 23 felt too dense, heavy, or ordinary for a premium trainer. The extra stack does not make version 24 slower because the foam and overall mass change at the same time.
Keep or buy the Triumph 23 if you prefer firmer control, want a discounted daily shoe, or dislike deep heel compression. A newer foam is not automatically a better match.
I would not upgrade solely for theoretical durability. My Triumph 24 remained strong through 200+ miles, but a lifespan comparison requires equivalent pairs, surfaces, loading, and retirement criteria.
Saucony Triumph 24 Comparisons
Triumph 24 vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 feels more structured and planted, while Triumph 24 is lighter, softer, and more energetic. Choose Nimbus for a calmer platform and broader size ecosystem; choose Triumph for low mass and deeper rebound.
Triumph 24 vs Brooks Glycerin 23
The Brooks Glycerin 23 offers a more traditional premium daily ride with firmer control. Triumph 24 feels taller, lighter, and softer. Glycerin suits runners who value predictability; Triumph suits runners chasing plushness without bulk.
Triumph 24 vs HOKA Bondi 9
The HOKA Bondi 9 is broad, calm, and rocker-led. Triumph 24 is lighter and more rebounding but less settled at the heel. Bondi is the walking-friendly choice for many; Triumph is the more engaging running shoe.
Triumph 24 vs Nike Vomero 18
The Nike Vomero 18 feels heavier and more layered, with a familiar high-cushion daily transition. Triumph 24 feels simpler, softer, and lighter. Vomero provides more grounded structure; Triumph provides more foam response per ounce.
Triumph 24 vs Saucony Ride 19
The Saucony Ride 19 is the everyday neutral workhorse: firmer, lower-priced, and more controlled. Triumph 24 is the premium soft option. Choose Ride for ordinary versatility; choose Triumph for recovery and long-run comfort.
Triumph 24 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 uses PWRRUN PB, a nylon plate, and SPEEDROLL for faster training. Triumph 24 is softer, more relaxed, and more stable at slow pace. They make a better rotation than a direct either-or comparison.
Triumph 24 vs Saucony Kinvara 16
The Saucony Kinvara 16 is lower, flexible, and ground-connected. Triumph 24 is the opposite: high, soft, and protective. Kinvara favors natural flex and short runs; Triumph favors mileage and cushioning.
Max-Cushion Daily Trainer Decision Matrix
Choose Triumph 24 when soft cushioning, low mass, and long-run comfort lead the decision. Choose another trainer when stability, firmness, width volume, or fast-workout precision matters more.
| Shoe | Choose It When | Trade-Off vs Triumph 24 |
|---|---|---|
| Saucony Triumph 24 | You want soft max cushioning at unusually low weight | Less stable and less sharp than firmer rivals |
| ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 | You want structure and premium comfort | Heavier and less playful |
| Brooks Glycerin 23 | You prefer traditional control and upper security | Less soft and less light |
| HOKA Bondi 9 | You prioritize a calm rocker and walking | Less energetic for running |
| Nike Vomero 18 | You want a layered, familiar high-cushion ride | More mass underfoot |
| Saucony Ride 19 | You want a practical all-purpose neutral trainer | Less premium cushioning |
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 | You need workout and race versatility | Less relaxed and less recovery-focused |
Beginners can use Triumph 24, but softness should not replace fit evaluation. My beginner running shoe guide starts with comfort, clearance, and the intended training job.
Concrete runners may appreciate the cushioning, but surface hardness does not create one required shoe. The concrete running shoe guide covers outsole, comfort, and workload.
On a treadmill, the shoe feels smooth and light, though the soft heel can move more on a narrow belt. My treadmill running shoe guide explains when a lower, more flexible trainer may work better.
Best Training Rotation with Triumph 24
I would use Triumph 24 for recovery, easy mileage, and long aerobic runs, then pair it with a more direct shoe for tempo, intervals, and racing. That rotation lets incrediLUX do the work it handles best.
| Training Job | Primary Shoe | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery | Triumph 24 | Soft cushioning and low mass |
| Easy daily | Triumph 24 or Ride 19 | Choose softness or firmer control |
| Long aerobic | Triumph 24 | Deep cushioning and consistent transition |
| Tempo and intervals | Endorphin Speed 5 | Plate, rocker, and sharper response |
| Race day | A proven performance shoe | Lower weight and better pace-specific geometry |
A simple two-shoe Saucony rotation is Triumph 24 plus Endorphin Speed 5. A three-shoe setup adds Kinvara for treadmill, strides, or lower-stack variety.
One-shoe runners can still use Triumph 24 for strides and occasional progressions. I simply would not choose it because a marketing phrase implies one shoe should handle every pace equally well.
Rotation is optional. Rest and workload matter more than owning multiple pairs. My recovery and rest-day guide helps decide when the answer is not another shoe.
Who Should Buy the Saucony Triumph 24
Buy the Triumph 24 if you want a very soft neutral trainer that remains light enough to feel useful beyond slow recovery pace. It is particularly strong for runners who found Triumph 23 too dense.
- Neutral runners who enjoy deep, compliant cushioning
- High-mileage runners needing an easy and long-run workhorse
- Runners who want max-stack comfort without a heavy shoe
- Heel strikers who like a smooth bevel and 10 mm offset
- Triumph 23 owners seeking a softer and livelier ride
- Half- or marathon trainees prioritizing comfort over race-day efficiency
- Standard and wide-foot runners who have adequate vertical toe room
The shoe can also suit runners who normally avoid max-cushion models because of weight. Its reference mass is closer to many ordinary daily trainers than traditional recovery shoes.
It should earn that role through a short run first. Deep softness is polarizing, and a secure store try-on cannot fully reveal how the heel behaves after ten miles.
Who Should Skip the Saucony Triumph 24
Skip Triumph 24 if you prefer firm ground contact, need formal stability, have very high-volume toes, or want one shoe primarily for fast workouts. Its strengths come directly from a ride character that some runners dislike.
- Runners who feel unstable in deep, soft heels
- Athletes seeking a crisp plate-assisted toe-off
- Walkers or standing workers who dislike prolonged foam compression
- High-volume feet that contact the shallow toe-box ceiling
- Trail runners needing lugs and rock protection
- Runners already happy with the firmer Triumph 23
- Anyone buying cushioning as a treatment for pain or injury
A firmer neutral alternative such as the Brooks Ghost may feel more predictable. A supported alternative belongs in the overpronation shoe guide, but only if guidance improves comfort.
New, persistent, or worsening pain deserves assessment from a qualified clinician. A review can describe fit and ride; it cannot diagnose the reason a runner hurts.
Sources, Evidence, and Corrections
This review separates Ken’s 200+ mile log, Saucony’s published claims, and independent laboratory measurements. That separation makes each answer easier to verify and prevents lab numbers from being presented as personal measurements.
| Evidence | Source | Use in This Review |
|---|---|---|
| incrediLUX, official positioning, claimed cushioning change | Saucony press release | Manufacturer description and U.S. launch details |
| Fit, ride, walking, stability | Doctors of Running | Independent on-foot analysis |
| Weight, stack, width, energy return, long-run protocol | RTINGS | Named lab measurements under Methodology v0.12 |
| Additional multi-tester ride context | Believe in the Run | Independent fit and soft-ride perspective |
| 200+ miles over eight weeks | Ken’s retained test log | Personal ride, fit, surface, and wear observations |
Major corrections include removing absolute best-in-category language, universal ATPU-versus-PEBA durability claims, fixed retirement mileage, partner anecdotes, Garmin causation, injury-protection language, and unsupported cold-weather conclusions.
I also changed the fit guidance. The shoe is roomy in width but lower in toe height, so telling every between-size runner to size up was too blunt. Width, height, length, and heel hold must be evaluated separately.
The resulting verdict is still strongly positive. It is stronger because the praise now rests on a verified design change, a retained 200+ mile log, and current independent measurements rather than exaggerated certainty.
Final Verdict: Is the Saucony Triumph 24 Worth It?
The Saucony Triumph 24 is worth buying for runners who want very soft max cushioning, low weight, and a smooth daily-to-long-run transition. After 200+ miles, I rate it 8.9/10 and consider it the most meaningful Triumph update in several generations.
incrediLUX changes the shoe from a dense premium trainer into a genuine soft max-cushion model. The added stack does not bring the expected weight penalty, and the rocker keeps the deep foam moving at easy and steady pace.
The compromise is stability and precision. The broad base controls much of the motion, but it cannot make very soft foam behave like a firm platform. Tempo is possible; intervals and tight turns reveal the limit.
I would use Triumph 24 for recovery, easy mileage, steady long runs, treadmill work, and comfort-first marathon training. I would pair it with Endorphin Speed for workouts and a proven racer for goal events.
The best buyer is not simply someone who wants more cushion. It is someone who enjoys deep compression and wants that softness without carrying a heavy shoe. For that runner, Triumph 24 is unusually good.
Saucony Triumph 24 Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Saucony Triumph 24 good for daily training?
Yes. It is best for recovery, easy daily mileage, steady aerobic runs, and long runs. Its light weight allows moderate pickups, but the soft forefoot and heel are less precise for hard intervals.
What are the Saucony Triumph 24 weight, stack height, and drop?
Published reference specs are 8.8 oz or 250 g for men’s size 9, 7.6 oz or 216 g for women’s size 8, a 43/33 mm stack, and a 10 mm offset. Independent samples can vary.
Does the Saucony Triumph 24 have a plate?
No. Triumph 24 has no carbon or nylon plate. Its transition comes from incrediLUX foam, a broad platform, and heel and forefoot rocker geometry.
What is incrediLUX foam?
incrediLUX is Saucony’s soft, lightweight A-TPU-based midsole compound. In Triumph 24 it replaces the PEBA-based PWRRUN PB used in Triumph 23 and produces a deeper, livelier ride.
Does the Saucony Triumph 24 run true to size?
It ran true to size for Ken in men’s US 10. The heel was secure, the midfoot volume was normal, and the forefoot was roomy in width but lower in vertical toe space.
Is the Saucony Triumph 24 good for wide feet?
It has a roomy forefoot and current U.S. listings include wide sizing. However, toe height is lower than the width suggests, so high-volume feet should test vertical clearance rather than relying on width alone.
Is the Saucony Triumph 24 a stability shoe?
No. It is a neutral shoe. A broad base, outsole coverage, rocker, upper lockdown, and modest sidewalls provide inherent control, but the very soft foam can still feel unstable to some runners.
What changed from Saucony Triumph 23 to Triumph 24?
Triumph 24 replaces PWRRUN PB with incrediLUX A-TPU, increases published stack from 37/27 to 43/33 mm, lowers weight, and creates a softer, livelier ride. Triumph 23 remains firmer and more stable.
Is the Saucony Triumph 24 good for long runs?
Yes. Long aerobic running is one of its strongest uses. Ken used it for 16- to 20-mile runs, and the cushioning and upper remained comfortable late in those efforts.
Can you run a marathon in the Saucony Triumph 24?
Yes, especially when comfort and familiarity matter more than maximum race efficiency. It is still heavier and less precise than a dedicated plated racer, so test it during long marathon-pace training first.
How durable is the Saucony Triumph 24?
Ken’s pair remained functional after 200+ miles with light outsole smoothing and a consistent ride. There is no universal lifespan because runner mass, landing pattern, surfaces, rotation, and traction needs differ.
Is the Saucony Triumph 24 good for walking?
It can be comfortable for walkers who enjoy very soft foam. People who prefer a firm standing platform or feel unstable during prolonged heel compression may be better served by a firmer shoe.
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