Run Testers pick Triumph 24 over Gel-Nimbus 28 at $170

The Run Testers put the Saucony Triumph 24 up against the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 and went with the Saucony. Both are premium cushioned daily trainers at $170 in the US. The Triumph weighs 256g in a men's size 8 with a 10mm drop (the heel-to-toe height difference), the Nimbus 272g with an 8mm drop.

The difference is the foam. Saucony swapped the old PWRRUN PB midsole for its new incrediLUX, which the Run Testers say gives more bounce and a springy feel, and makes the shoe feel lighter and more nimble than the Nimbus. The Gel-Nimbus 28, with FF Blast Plus and pure gel, is described as consistently protective but flat, a shoe that "doesn't really feel that lively at all under foot" in their words. They still rate it for heel strikers who want reliability on every foot strike.

Neither shoe gets a pass for speed. The Run Testers say neither is a shoe for progression runs or anything faster than easy pace, with the Triumph the one they would reach for on marathon long runs. This is the second time in a week the Nimbus 28 has come second in one of their head to heads, after the earlier comparison with the Novablast 6.

Fit versus foam at Doctors of Running

Separately, three physical therapists at Doctors of Running ranked five non-plated trainers (no carbon plate) on fit, then argued about whether fit or ride wins. The Saucony Endorphin Azura took the top fit spot for two of the three, credited with a wider toe box, good volume and a padded tongue. It still dropped to fifth overall for Nathan because its late-stage rocker clashes with his lateral ankle instability.

Shoes climbed on ride alone. The Puma Deviate Pure Nitro rose to second for Matt despite upper complaints because it breaks in well, and the Diadora Corsa stayed first for Nathan because the midsole feel sits in what he calls the sweet spot for daily training. They also called the Saucony Valkyrie Elite 2 one of the most aggressive shoes on the market and a top 5K and 10K racer, though one tester says it irritates his Achilles every time he uses it.

What it actually means. This is one channel's verdict on two trainers and three testers' personal rankings on five more, not a consensus. The common thread is that fit narrows the shortlist and the midsole picks the winner.