For marathon training, choose Saucony Triumph 23 for lighter, controlled daily miles and Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 for softer, plush easy miles. Both are premium neutral daily trainers built for high-mileage easy and long runs, not for race day.
A neutral daily trainer means an everyday road shoe without added correction for inward foot roll. Triumph 23 favors balance and efficiency when legs tire late in a block. Nimbus 27 favors maximum softness for recovery days and slower aerobic miles.
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Table of Contents
- How does the cushion feel?
- Does weight change long-run fatigue?
- Which fit suits your foot?
- How should marathon runners use them?
How does the cushion feel?
Run Dream Achieve testers describe Triumph 23 as more balanced and controlled, while Nimbus 27 leans softer and more plush for easy and recovery runs in their head-to-head comparison. That split matters for marathon training. Use Triumph 23 for steady daily miles and long runs with purpose.
Save Nimbus 27 for days when comfort and leg freshness matter most. Doctors of Running reports Nimbus 27 adds about 2mm of FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam and pairs it with PureGEL for a highly cushioned but slightly firmer, snappier ride in its Nimbus 27 review. Stack means foam height underfoot. The extra foam raises softness without making the shoe feel slow and wallowy.
Does weight change long-run fatigue?
Yes. Doctors of Running reports Triumph 23 weighs 9.2 oz for men and 8.4 oz for women, with a 37mm heel, 27mm forefoot stack and 10mm drop in its Triumph 23 review. Drop means the height difference between heel and forefoot.
Lower weight helps feet and calves feel fresher after back-to-back training days. Doctors of Running lists Nimbus 27 at 10.7 oz for men and 9.3 oz for women, with 43.5mm heel and 35.5mm forefoot stack for men and an 8mm drop. That is about 1.5 oz more per men's shoe than Triumph 23. The added cushion protects tired legs but asks more effort over 18 to 20 miles.
Which fit suits your foot?
Doctors of Running notes Triumph 23 fits true to size but snug, with a slightly narrow toe box and mild guidance around the inner heel. Doctors of Running notes Nimbus 27 uses a structured jacquard upper with a more open, wider forefoot. Jacquard means a woven fabric with stretch built into the pattern.
- Choose Triumph 23 if you like a held-in midfoot and narrower forefoot.
- Choose Nimbus 27 if you need toe splay room or pressure relief on long easy runs.
- Try both in the afternoon when feet are slightly swollen from daily activity.
How should marathon runners use them?
Treat both as easy-mile and long-run tools. Neither replaces a lighter workout shoe. Triumph 23 suits daily mileage, progression long runs, and runners who dislike sinking too deep into foam.
Nimbus 27 suits recovery runs, very slow aerobic miles, and heavier runners seeking padding. Doctors of Running flags lower durability for Triumph 23 than prior versions and a comfort-first design for Nimbus 27 rather than speed. WearTesters draws the practical line in its Nimbus 27 performance review: use either shoe for easy and long marathon miles plus a lighter, faster shoe for workouts.