This offering is for a new pair of men's Saucony Triumph v22 (max cushion) running shoes in a size 10.5 D (US). Note: the "D" sizing indicator represents a men's medium or standard shoe width. As viewed in the pictures, these shoes are mostly black with gray and white accents. Some detailed specifications include the following...

• Pronation type:  Neutral (as discussed below)

• Drop: 10 mm

• Heel stack height: 37 mm

• Forefoot stack height: 27 mm

• Weight (each shoe): 11.0 oz (per digital scale)

• Other notes: Most would probably consider this a max cushion trainer that is best suited for road/paved surfaces. Although, well maintained and relatively flat dirt roads would also be fine (like the many farm roads we run on in Kansas).

This is Saucony's premium (max cushion) offering for the neutral runner. So it's probably best suited for those that do not prefer additional guidance features, especially on the medial side. I say this because Saucony also has their Hurricane model, which is often referred to as the premium stability version of this Triumph model. Now this is not to say the Triumph model is void any modest stability features, because it does have a few.  There is a reinforced heel counter, ample collar padding and a gusseted tongue, all of which contributes to a nice lockdown. The lateral stiffness and relatively thick upper material also provide a sense of guidance and support. Finally, there is the wider platform. There is some midsole flare, especially on the lateral side, but this version (v22) of the Triumph model has a more roomy upper that translates through the midsole and down to a wider outsole. In short, it just feels like a bigger shoe compared to prior versions, and it is slightly heavier, which supports this claim. The sum total of all these observations can be viewed as stability features, but I still put this shoe squarely in the neutral category, especially for those that require guidance or support on the medial side. If you fall into the latter category, then the Saucony Hurricane model may be worth a look.

As alluded to above, this is a max cushion offering. So it's not going to be a fast shoe, but more of a high mileage trainer for those longer/easier recovery runs. I've been running in the Triumph model for years, as well as other max cushion shoes from other brands. There are some really good ones out there and this one ranks right up there at the top. The interesting thing about this version (v22) is that it has undergone some major changes compared to the previous two versions (v20 and v21). The latter had a PWRRUN+ midsole, which is considered a heavier/denser foam relative to Saucony's PWRRUN PB midsole foam on this newer version (v22). In fact, the PWRRUN PB is often referred to as one of Saucony's "Super Foams" and reserved for their racing models, because its a lighter and more responsive foam. However, this is where things get a little weird for me as it relates to these Triumph shoes. The prior two versions of this shoe were actually lighter and I felt like they were slightly more versatile in that I could actually pick up the pace a little easier in them. So I thought (for sure) with the upgrade to PWRRUN PB foam in this newer version (v22) that this high mileage trainer would prove to be even more responsive and lively, capable of more than long recovery runs. I was wrong and I would actually contend this version of the PWRRUN PB foam is not quite the same as that found on high-end Saucony racers. Of course, this max cushion offering will have a lot more of this "Super Foam" relative to Saucony racers, and that may also play a role in the way it feels under foot. The PWRRUN PB midsole in this Triumph is soft, kind of like a pillow that you sink into on the landing, but it does not have the bounce that I would've expected to get you through the gait cycle with some tempo. Now this does not make this version of the Triumph shoe inferior to previous versions, its just different. It's not a versatile shoe, like its predecessor, but its superior as a high mileage/recovery shoe. In my experience, it is so comfortable and smooth at recovery paces for long runs, that its easily one of my favorites for these kinds of efforts. I just feel so protected in these shoes that I do not mind their lack of versatility. In my opinion, they do one thing really well (long recovery runs) and that is just as important when there are other shoes available for different training sessions. One final comment on the versatility options...the Saucony Ride model is often referred to has the little "brother or sister" to the Triumph. It's lighter and does not have quite the stack of a max cushion trainer. So its a bit more versatile and a nice compliment to the Triumph as a trainer that is better suited for shorter runs at a higher tempo.

As for their history, I purchased a small lot of Saucony shoes...some in my size and some not. This is my size, but I have an extra pair that I don't need. I also want to confirm they are new and retail boxed.