Saucony Triumph 20 Vs 21: Key Differences And Fit Guide

Both deliver plush miles; Triumph 20 is lighter, Triumph 21 locks down better.

Training for a half last fall, I rotated both the Saucony Triumph 20 and Triumph 21 on back‑to‑back easy days. In this saucony triumph 20 vs 21 breakdown, both shine, but in different ways. The Triumph 20 feels a touch lighter and breezier. The Triumph 21 adds a more secure upper and snug midfoot hold. I’ve tested both across long runs, recovery jogs, and travel days. Here’s what actually matters so you can choose the right pair.

Is Saucony Triumph 20 Good?

Yes. The Triumph 20 is a great max‑cushion daily trainer for easy to steady miles. It suits runners who want soft, springy comfort with a smooth rocker feel. It is light for the stack, stable for a neutral shoe, and kind on legs during high‑volume weeks. If you like room in the toe box, this one works.

I put more than 150 miles on my pair. One Sunday, I ran 12 relaxed miles and my legs felt fresh the next day. On a warm summer commute, I walked downtown in them after a run. The airy mesh kept my feet cool. In the saucony triumph 20 vs 21 debate, the 20 wins on breezy comfort and weight.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• PWRRUN+ midsole for soft, resilient cushioning
• High stack with smooth rocker for easy transitions
• Engineered mesh upper that breathes well
• XT-900 rubber outsole for grip and long wear
• Approx. 10 mm drop with a stable, wide platform

What I Like

• Light feel for a max-cushion shoe
• Plush ride that saves legs on back‑to‑back days
• Roomy toe box that lets feet splay
• Breathable upper that runs cool in summer
• Great outsole grip on wet paths
• Versatile for walks, travel, and easy runs

What Could Be Better

• Heel hold can feel loose for narrow heels
• Not lively enough for true speed work
• Price at launch was high (though deals are common now)

My Recommendation

If you want a soft, airy daily trainer for easy and long runs, pick the Triumph 20. It is a strong value in the saucony triumph 20 vs 21 matchup, especially on sale.

Best For	Why
Easy and recovery miles	Soft PWRRUN+ cushions impact and keeps legs fresh
Hot-weather running	Airy mesh upper breathes well
All-day comfort	Plush feel and roomy forefoot

Is Saucony Triumph 21 Good?

It depends on your fit needs. The Triumph 21 keeps the same plush PWRRUN+ ride but upgrades the upper and lacing. If you want a snugger midfoot and more secure heel hold, this is the better choice. Runners with narrow feet will likely prefer it in the saucony triumph 20 vs 21 choice.

I ran a humid 10K progression in the Triumph 21 and the lockdown stayed dialed. On a windy bridge run, the shoe felt planted on sharp turns. It runs a touch warmer than the 20, but the fit is improved. If you prize security over airflow, the 21 will win your vote.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• PWRRUN+ midsole with the same cushioned geometry
• Updated flat‑knit upper for a sleeker look and feel
• Redesigned lacing/eye‑stay for better lockdown
• Plusher tongue and collar for comfort
• Durable XT-900 outsole with reliable traction

What I Like

• More secure midfoot and heel hold
• Same smooth, forgiving ride as the 20
• Comfortable padding around the ankle
• Confident cornering on turns
• Looks clean enough for casual wear

What Could Be Better

• Runs a bit warmer than the Triumph 20
• Slightly heavier feel in hand and on foot
• Full retail price can sting compared to discounted 20

My Recommendation

Choose the Triumph 21 if you want the Triumph ride plus upgraded lockdown. It suits narrow or average feet best in the saucony triumph 20 vs 21 decision.

Best For	Why
Narrow/average feet	Improved lacing and heel grip
Urban routes with sharp turns	Stable lock‑in inspires confidence
Run-commute and casual	Clean upper and plush collar

saucony triumph 20 vs 21: Side-by-Side Test

I ran these shoes on the same loops, days apart, to compare feel, fit, and value. Here is how the saucony triumph 20 vs 21 stack up in the real world.

Cushioning & Ride Feel: Which Is Softer and Smoother?

Both use PWRRUN+. The difference is nuance, not foam.

Feature	Triumph 20	Triumph 21
Midsole compound	PWRRUN+	PWRRUN+
Ride character	Soft, slightly springy, very smooth	Soft, smooth, a hair more planted
Best paces	Easy to steady	Easy to steady
Leg feel after long run	Fresh	Fresh

Rating: Triumph 20 – 9/10 | Triumph 21 – 9/10

“Tie. Same plush PWRRUN+ ride; the 21 feels a touch more planted.”

Fit & Upper Comfort: Which Feels Better On Foot?

Upper changes define the saucony triumph 20 vs 21 difference.

Feature	Triumph 20	Triumph 21
Upper	Engineered mesh, airy	Flat‑knit, sleeker
Lockdown	Good, can feel loose in heel	Excellent, improved midfoot hold
Toe box	Roomy	Moderate room, more secure
Warmth	Cools well	Runs warmer

Rating: Triumph 20 – 8.7/10 | Triumph 21 – 9.2/10

“Triumph 21 wins for lockdown; Triumph 20 wins for airflow.”

Stability & Support: Which Feels More Confident?

Both are neutral, but platform and hold matter.

Feature	Triumph 20	Triumph 21
Platform width	Wide and stable	Wide and stable
Heel hold	Good for most	Better, snugger
Cornering	Confident	More confident
Long-run form	Holds up	Holds up

Rating: Triumph 20 – 8.5/10 | Triumph 21 – 9.0/10

“Triumph 21 edges it thanks to improved heel and midfoot security.”

Weight & Agility: Which Feels Lighter?

On foot, the 20 feels a touch lighter.

Feature	Triumph 20	Triumph 21
Perceived weight	Lighter feel	Slightly heavier feel
Turnover	Easier at steady pace	Similar, a touch slower
Uphill feel	Less clunky	Fine, more planted
Pickups	Okay for strides	Okay for strides

Rating: Triumph 20 – 9.2/10 | Triumph 21 – 8.8/10

“Triumph 20 wins. It feels a bit lighter and breezier.”

Durability & Outsole: Which Lasts Longer?

Both use robust rubber and resist wear well.

Feature	Triumph 20	Triumph 21
Outsole rubber	XT‑900	XT‑900
Wet grip	Strong	Strong
Expected mileage	400–500+ miles	400–500+ miles
Midsole resilience	Holds bounce	Holds bounce

Rating: Triumph 20 – 9.0/10 | Triumph 21 – 9.0/10

“Draw. The rubber and foam feel equally durable.”

Breathability & Temperature Control: Which Runs Cooler?

Upper material drives heat management.

Feature	Triumph 20	Triumph 21
Ventilation	High	Moderate
Warm-weather comfort	Excellent	Good
Tongue padding	Moderate	Plusher
Winter use	Can feel cool	Cozy, warmer

Rating: Triumph 20 – 9.0/10 | Triumph 21 – 8.5/10

“Triumph 20 wins for airflow; the 21 is warmer but cozier.”

Value for Money: Which Is the Smarter Buy?

Street prices sway the saucony triumph 20 vs 21 decision.

Aspect	Triumph 20	Triumph 21
Typical price	Often discounted	Closer to retail
What you get	Plush ride, airy upper	Plush ride, better lockdown
Cost per mile	Lower	Moderate
Availability	Varies by size/color	Broader size runs

Rating: Triumph 20 – 9.5/10 | Triumph 21 – 8.8/10

“Triumph 20 wins value, thanks to frequent deals and equal durability.”

Lacing & Lockdown: Which Holds the Foot Better?

The 21’s update changes the feel on fast corners.

Feature	Triumph 20	Triumph 21
Lacing system	Standard eyelets	Redesigned eye‑stay, improved wrap
Midfoot security	Good	Very good
Heel slip	Possible for narrow heels	Rare
Race‑pace turns	Okay	More confident

Rating: Triumph 20 – 8.6/10 | Triumph 21 – 9.3/10

“Triumph 21 wins for fit security and heel hold.”

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Triumph 20 is the airy, lighter‑feeling option with the same plush ride. It shines for warm days, easy miles, and value hunters. In the saucony triumph 20 vs 21 match, it wins on price and breathability.

Triumph 21 keeps the cushion but upgrades lockdown. It suits narrow or average feet, sharp turns, and runners who want a secure hold. If fit is your pain point, choose the 21.

FAQs Of saucony triumph 20 vs 21

What is the main difference in saucony triumph 20 vs 21?

The ride is the same plush PWRRUN+. The difference is the upper. Triumph 20 is airier. Triumph 21 has better lockdown with a redesigned lacing system.

Which is better for hot weather in the saucony triumph 20 vs 21 debate?

Triumph 20. Its engineered mesh breathes more. The 21’s flat‑knit runs warmer.

Is the Triumph 21 heavier than the Triumph 20?

Slightly, on foot. The 21 feels a touch more planted. The weight difference is small.

For long runs, which should I choose: saucony triumph 20 vs 21?

Both are great. Pick the 20 if you want airy comfort. Pick the 21 if you want a snugger hold late in the run.

Which offers better value right now in saucony triumph 20 vs 21?

Usually the Triumph 20. Discounts are common and the ride matches the 21.