Saucony Tempus Vs Triumph 21: a Comprehensive Review
As you ponder your next running shoe purchase, you're likely weighing the pros and cons of the Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21. Both shoes promise high-performance features, but they cater to different runner needs. You might be drawn to the Tempus' sleek design and responsive feel, or perhaps the Triumph 21's bold style and cushioned ride is more your speed. But which one is right for you? With so many factors to weigh, from cushioning and support to weight and performance, examining the details is crucial – and that's exactly what we're about to do.
Key Takeaways
- The Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 differ in design and aesthetics, with the Tempus featuring a more minimalist approach and the Triumph 21 boasting a bolder stance.
- The Tempus provides a more responsive, springy feel underfoot, while the Triumph 21 offers a softer, more cushioned ride.
- The Tempus has a more substantial heel counter and pronounced ankle wrapping for added support and stability, whereas the Triumph 21 has a more relaxed fit.
- The Tempus weighs 10.3 oz, making it ideal for racing, while the Triumph 21 weighs 10.9 oz, providing a more substantial, stable ride.
Design and Aesthetic Comparison
When comparing the design and aesthetic of the Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21, you'll notice that both shoes feature a sleek, modern silhouette, but distinct differences in materials and color schemes set them apart.
The Tempus boasts a more minimalist approach, with a breathable mesh upper and subtle branding, while the Triumph 21 takes a bolder stance with its chunky heel clip and vibrant color schemes.
Material choices also vary, as the Tempus incorporates a lightweight, seamless mesh, whereas the Triumph 21 features a more substantial, premium material.
These differences in design and aesthetic ultimately cater to individual preferences, allowing you to choose the shoe that best suits your personal style and running goals.
Cushioning and Ride Experience
You'll experience a notable difference in cushioning and ride experience between the Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21, with the Tempus delivering a more responsive, springy feel underfoot and the Triumph 21 providing a softer, more cushioned ride.
This is due to the differing midsole materials and designs. The Tempus features a more substantial **PWRRUN PB** midsole, which provides excellent impact absorption and a snappy heel-to-toe shift.
In contrast, the Triumph 21's PWRRUN+ midsole is softer and more forgiving, making it ideal for runners who need extra cushioning. As you run, you'll notice the Tempus feels more dynamic, while the Triumph 21 feels more comfortable.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to your personal preference for cushioning and ride experience.
Support and Stability Features
Building on the differences in cushioning and ride experience, the Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 also exhibit distinct approaches to support and stability features, catering to runners with varying needs and preferences.
You'll notice the Tempus features a more substantial heel counter, providing a snug, secure fit that helps reduce excessive heel rotation.
In contrast, the Triumph 21 has a more relaxed heel counter, allowing for a greater range of motion.
Additionally, the Tempus boasts a more pronounced ankle wrapping, which helps to stabilize the foot during toe-off.
Meanwhile, the Triumph 21's ankle wrapping is less aggressive, providing a more natural, unobstructed stride.
These differences in support and stability features will greatly impact your running experience, so it's crucial to weigh your individual needs and preferences when choosing between these two models.
Weight and Performance Benefits
With the Saucony Tempus weighing in at approximately 10.3 oz (292g) and the Triumph 21 at about 10.9 oz (310g), runners can expect distinct performance benefits from each model's unique weight profile.
You'll experience a race-ready feel with the Tempus, thanks to its lightweight design that allows for a more agile and responsive ride.
This makes it an excellent choice for speed workouts and shorter distances.
On the other hand, the Triumph 21's slightly heavier build provides a more substantial, stable ride that's ideal for every day training and longer distances.
While both shoes offer impressive performance, the weight difference will ultimately influence your running experience, so it's crucial to weigh your training goals and preferences when deciding between these two models.
Upper Material and Breathability
Moving beyond the weight and performance benefits, the upper material and breathability of both shoes play a significant role in your overall running experience.
You'll notice that the Saucony Tempus features a more substantial and supportive upper, with seamless construction that reduces irritation and hotspots.
In contrast, the Triumph 21 boasts a lighter, more breathable upper with larger mesh panels that allow for maximum airflow. This means you'll stay cooler and drier during your runs.
While both shoes prioritize comfort, the Tempus is geared towards runners who need a little more support, whereas the Triumph 21 is ideal for those who crave a more minimalist, freeing feel.
Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and running style.
Outsole Durability and Traction
The Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 outsoles are designed to provide reliable durability and traction, thanks to their strategically placed rubber compounds and tread patterns.
As you put these shoes to the test, you'll notice that the wear patterns on both models are evenly distributed, indicating a well-balanced design.
The tread depth on the Tempus is slightly deeper, measuring around 3.5mm, compared to the Triumph 21's 3.2mm. This subtle difference may give the Tempus a slight edge on wet or slippery surfaces.
However, both shoes demonstrate excellent grip and traction, making them suitable for a variety of running conditions.
Fit and Sizing Differences
Both the Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 boast a comfortable, snug fit, but they differ in certain key aspects, particularly in the heel and toe box dimensions.
You'll notice the Tempus has a slightly narrower heel, which may cause some runners to experience heel slippage if they've wider heels.
On the other hand, the Triumph 21 has a more generous toe box dimension, providing extra room for toe spread and comfort.
If you have wider feet or prefer a roomier fit, the Triumph 21 might be the better choice.
However, if you prioritize a secure heel fit, the Tempus is worth considering.
Ultimately, making a trial run is crucial to try on both shoes to determine which fit works best for your foot shape and running style.
Value and Price Comparison
When comparing the value and price of the Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21, it's essential to weigh the specific features and technologies each shoe offers in relation to its respective price point.
As you consider your budget constraints, you'll find that the Saucony Tempus is generally priced lower than the Triumph 21.
However, the Triumph 21 offers premium options like a more substantial and responsive midsole, which may justify the higher cost for serious runners.
If you're looking for a more affordable option with similar features, the Tempus might be the better choice.
But if you're willing to invest in a high-performance shoe with advanced technology, the Triumph 21's premium features might be worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Wear Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 for Hiking?
When tackling rugged hiking trails, you'll want a shoe that can handle trail running. While both Saucony models are suitable, the Tempus's more aggressive tread and secure fit make it a better choice for technical hiking trails.
Are Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 Suitable for Runners With Flat Feet?
You'll want to weigh the arch support and foot pronation features when deciding if Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 are suitable for your flat feet.
Can I Machine Wash the Upper Material of Both Shoes?
When washing the upper material, you'll want to check the care label first, then proceed with delicate handling to avoid damaging the shoes; machine washing is not recommended, as it may void the warranty.
Do Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 Have Reflective Materials for Night Running?
When you hit the roads at night, you'll appreciate shoes with reflective materials for enhanced night visibility and run safety. Both Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 incorporate reflective accents to increase your visibility, giving you the freedom to run safely in low-light conditions.
Are Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21 Available in Wide Width Options?
You'll find that both shoes cater to varying width preferences, offering wide width options to accommodate different foot shapes and sizing differences, ensuring a comfortable, unrestricted fit that lets you run freely.
Conclusion
You've weighed the pros and cons of the Saucony Tempus and Triumph 21, and now it's time to make a decision.
If you prioritize a responsive, springy ride and a sleek design, the Tempus is the better choice.
However, if you prefer a softer, more cushioned ride with a bolder aesthetic, the Triumph 21 is the way to go.
Ultimately, your individual needs and preferences will dictate which shoe best fits your running style and goals.

Mia Smith is the founder of Shoe Storyteller, a blog that celebrates the art and stories behind shoes. With a passion for fashion and a flair for storytelling, Mia brings a unique perspective to the world of footwear.