Comparison Overview
Both are top contenders in the long run category. The Saucony Triumph 21 edges out as our pick.
How the ASICS Nimbus 27 and Saucony Triumph 21 differ
The ASICS Nimbus 27 and the Saucony Triumph 21 sit in the same long run bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.
Where they actually differ: the Saucony Triumph 21 comes in roughly 1.3 oz lighter (11.3 oz vs 10 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (8mm on the ASICS Nimbus 27, 10mm on the Saucony Triumph 21) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the Saucony Triumph 21 rides on the taller stack (32mm/24mm vs 36mm/26mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; the Saucony Triumph 21 uses a modern super-foam (PEBA or similar), which gives a livelier, more responsive ride than traditional EVA; and the Saucony Triumph 21 is $25 cheaper at MSRP ($175 vs $150).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | ASICS Nimbus 27 | Saucony Triumph 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ASICS | Saucony |
| Model | Nimbus 27 | Triumph 21 |
| Category | long run | long run |
| Weight | 11.3 oz | 10 oz |
| Drop | 8mm | 10mm |
| Price | $175 | $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the ASICS Nimbus 27 or the Saucony Triumph 21?
- The Saucony Triumph 21 is the lighter shoe at 10 oz versus 11.3 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Saucony Triumph 21 is the more affordable option at $150 compared to $175.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The ASICS Nimbus 27 has a 8mm drop and the Saucony Triumph 21 has a 10mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- ASICS Nimbus 27 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Saucony Triumph 21 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.