Which shoe is more cushioned?

Both offer high cushioning, but they feel different. The Novablast's FF BLAST PLUS foam is bouncy and energetic—it cushions through energy return. The Triumph's PWRRUN PB is softer and more traditionally plush—it cushions through absorption. The Triumph may feel "more cushioned" in a traditional sense; the Novablast feels equally protective but livelier.

Which is better for long runs?

The Triumph is typically better for traditional long runs due to its softer feel and stable platform. However, runners who enjoy the Novablast's bouncy ride often prefer it for long runs because the energy return helps maintain form late in runs. It's a personality preference more than performance difference.

Can I do speed work in these shoes?

The Novablast handles speed work significantly better. Its lighter weight and bouncy response make tempo efforts and pickups comfortable. The Triumph's softer foam and heavier weight make it less suitable for faster running—it's designed for comfortable easy miles, not speed.

Which is more stable?

The Triumph is more stable. Its denser platform and wider base provide a more grounded feel. The Novablast's bouncy foam can feel unstable to some runners, especially those with slower cadence or less experience. If stability concerns you, the Triumph is the safer choice.

Which shoe is better for beginners?

The Triumph is generally better for beginners because it's more stable and forgiving. The Novablast's bouncy feel, while fun, can mask form issues and feel unstable for new runners still developing their stride. The Triumph's traditional cushioning lets beginners focus on building running fitness without adapting to unusual shoe characteristics.

Compare the ASICS Novablast 4 and Saucony Triumph 22, two cushioned daily trainers with different personalities. Find which suits your running style.

The ASICS Novablast and Saucony Triumph both offer high cushioning but with completely different personalities. The Novablast bounces; the Triumph sinks. Understanding their approaches helps you choose the right cushioning style.

Quick Verdict

Choose the ASICS Novablast 4 if you want bouncy, energetic cushioning that makes easy runs feel fun. It's lighter, cheaper, and more versatile for varied paces.

Choose the Saucony Triumph 22 if you prefer traditional soft cushioning that absorbs impact smoothly. It's more stable and delivers the plush ride that cushioning seekers expect.

ASICS Novablast 4 Overview

The Novablast has become famous for its fun, bouncy ride. The fourth version continues this tradition with FF BLAST PLUS foam that makes running feel playful without sacrificing protection.

Key Features:

FF BLAST PLUS foam midsole
8mm heel-to-toe drop
9.3 oz (men's) / 8.1 oz (women's)
41mm heel / 33mm forefoot stack height
Trampoline-like platform

Best For:

Runners who enjoy bouncy, fun rides
Daily training with pace variation
Those who want cushioning without weight
Runners seeking value in cushioned shoes

Pros:

Bouncy and fun
Light for cushion level
Great for daily training
Excellent value at MSRP: $140

Cons:

Less stable for some runners
Polarizing feel
Not for everyone

Saucony Triumph 22 Overview

The Triumph is Saucony's premium cushioned trainer, featuring PWRRUN PB foam for a soft, plush ride. It's designed for runners who want traditional cushioned comfort.

Key Features:

PWRRUN PB foam midsole
10mm heel-to-toe drop
10.4 oz (men's) / 9.0 oz (women's)
39mm heel / 29mm forefoot stack height
Premium upper construction

Best For:

Runners seeking traditional plush cushioning
Long runs and easy miles
Those who prefer stable platforms
Premium comfort enthusiasts

Pros:

Plush PWRRUN PB cushioning
Stable platform
Great for long runs
Premium construction

Cons:

Heavy for a daily trainer
Less versatile for speed
Higher price at MSRP: $160

Head-to-Head Comparison

Cushioning

Both shoes offer high cushioning but with opposite approaches. The Novablast's FF BLAST PLUS foam is engineered for bounce—it compresses under impact and springs back with energy. Running feels dynamic and lively.

The Triumph's PWRRUN PB foam is engineered for softness—it absorbs impact smoothly and provides consistent cushioning. Running feels comfortable and protected.

Neither is objectively better—they serve different preferences in the "cushioning" category.

Winner: Tie — Different styles of excellent cushioning.

Weight

The Novablast weighs 9.3 oz for men and 8.1 oz for women. The Triumph comes in at 10.4 oz for men and 9.0 oz for women. That's over an ounce difference—significant in cushioned shoes.

The Novablast's lighter weight makes it more versatile for varied paces. The Triumph's extra weight is the price of its denser, more stable foam.

Winner: ASICS Novablast — Over an ounce lighter matters.

Durability

The Triumph's denser PWRRUN PB foam typically holds up better over high mileage. Expect 400-450 miles before significant degradation.

The Novablast's bouncier foam tends to lose its liveliness around 300-350 miles. The shoe remains cushioned but less energetic.

Winner: Saucony Triumph — More durable foam formulation.

Responsiveness

The Novablast is clearly more responsive. Its bouncy foam returns energy with each step, making easy runs feel more dynamic. You can comfortably pick up pace for tempo efforts.

The Triumph prioritizes soft absorption over energy return. It's designed for consistent comfort, not responsiveness.

Winner: ASICS Novablast — Significantly more bounce and energy return.

Price/Value

The Novablast costs MSRP: $140; the Triumph costs MSRP: $160. That MSRP: $20 difference is significant—the Novablast offers similar or better cushioning at the lower price.

The Triumph's premium is for its softer foam and more stable ride. Whether that's worth MSRP: $20 depends on your priorities.

Winner: ASICS Novablast — Better value for most runners.

Fit

Both shoes offer standard and wide widths. The Triumph has a more accommodating, traditionally-shaped fit. The Novablast fits more precisely and may feel slightly narrow.

The Triumph's fit is more forgiving for various foot shapes.

Winner: Saucony Triumph — More accommodating fit.

Comparison Table

Feature	ASICS Novablast 4	Saucony Triumph 22
Price	MSRP: $140	MSRP: $160
Weight (men's)	9.3 oz	10.4 oz
Weight (women's)	8.1 oz	9.0 oz
Heel-to-toe drop	8mm	10mm
Stack height (heel)	41mm	39mm
Stack height (forefoot)	33mm	29mm
Cushion level	High	High
Cushion type	FF BLAST PLUS	PWRRUN PB
Best for	Bouncy training	Plush comfort
Durability	Moderate	High
Width options	Standard, Wide	Standard, Wide

Choose the ASICS Novablast If...

You enjoy bouncy, energetic cushioning
Lighter weight is important even in cushioned shoes
You want to vary pace within training runs
Value matters and MSRP: $140 is better than MSRP: $160
You find traditional cushioned shoes boring
You want a cushioned shoe that still feels fast

Choose the Saucony Triumph If...

Traditional soft cushioning appeals to you
You prefer a more stable, grounded platform
Your runs focus on easy, comfortable miles
You want the most premium PWRRUN PB foam feel
Durability over high mileage matters
You prefer a more accommodating fit

Final Verdict

The ASICS Novablast and Saucony Triumph demonstrate how different "high cushioning" can feel. The Novablast is energetic and playful; the Triumph is soft and comfortable. Both protect your legs—they just do it with completely different personalities.

The Novablast is the better choice for most runners because it combines cushioning with versatility. Its bouncy ride makes easy runs enjoyable while remaining light enough for tempo efforts. At MSRP: $140, it offers excellent value for cushioning seekers.

The Triumph is the better choice for runners who specifically want traditional soft cushioning. Its PWRRUN PB foam delivers the plush, sink-in feel that maximum-comfort seekers expect. If the Novablast's bounce sounds unappealing, the Triumph's stability and softness will suit you better.

Try both if possible—they feel completely different despite both being "cushioned" shoes. Your preference will be clear within a few steps.

Looking for more detailed information? Check out our individual reviews: ASICS Novablast 4 Review and Saucony Triumph 22 Review.

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ASICS Novablast vs Saucony Triumph: Which Running Shoe Is Right for You?

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