Triumph ISO 4

The triumph has been my go-to running shoe for several seasons, but I just can't get this version to work for me. My normal size 8 seems sloppy and too big (kind of like I'm running in clown shoes), but sizing down to a 7.5 didn't work out for me either. For some reason the 7.5 feels very rigid and slips off my heels (can't stand that). I have custom orthotics, so the orthotics could definitely be part of the problem, but they've always worked with my other triumphs. Sad to have lost my favorite shoe! Maybe the next version will work for me...

I have run my past 8 marathons in Triumph ISO. Every year I buy the same pair but new version. There is something with this new version that does not work for long runs. After I run, my foot hurts and is extremely sore for days. They are narrow and I think it's the placement of the Saucony symbol. They totally fit different then previous versions. I now have a brand new pair of shoes I cannot train for my marathon in and have to get a new pair. I am very disappointed.

I finally found a running shoe I loved in the Triumph ISO 2’s, but something changed in the 3’a and 4’s and I can no longer wear them for my runs! They actually hurt my feet. I wore an 8.5 in the 2’s (which I purchased a little big for running). When I ordered the 3’s and 4’s I ordered the same size, but my toe was at the end and the top of the shoe pressed down on my toes. I exchanged for a 9.5! The fit was a little better, but it just was not the same. I am so bummed! I will have to look for another shoe when I can no longer find the 2’s online.

This is my third pair of Triumphs and I absolutely loved my first 2 pairs. However, something has changed about them. Though I always order a wide they seem a bit narrow. They are initially ok when I start to run but I have developed some hot spots on my two big toes that start to hurt at about mile 2. The sides of my feet also start to become sore as my feet swell a bit when running. I love Saucony sneakers but will have to investigate another style because these are not worth the pain at the end of my work out.

I tried this shoe in the midst of my marathon training and found several pros and cons. Pros -- the shoe has a great bounce and the foam does a great job of returning the energy you put into it, especially on runs 6+ miles. Cons -- this shoe felt way too small on my foot and I feel did not expand with my feet as they swelled during the run over any distance more than 2 miles. I got hot spots on the soles of my feet as well as on the outer parts of both feet. The pain was a lot greater than I would have ever wished for. I will keep the shoe and transition it into speed work for shorter distances but will not run in it for more than 5 miles as the pain it causes my feet is not worth it.