Triumph 23

Yes, for most runners the Triumph 23 fits true to size, so order your usual UK size. The toe box has a touch of room for your toes to splay on longer runs, and midfoot and heel lockdown are secure. If you have wide feet or plan to use it mainly for long runs when feet swell, going up half a size is a reasonable option. Narrow-footed runners should get a clean lockdown at their normal size.

It is an excellent marathon training shoe, though not a race-day one. The deep cushioning protects your legs through the high-mileage weeks of a marathon block, especially on long runs and recovery days. It is heavy and lacks snap, so most runners pair it with a lighter, faster shoe for tempo sessions and the race itself. As a comfort-first mileage shoe to build your training on, it is one of the more dependable options out there.

Yes, it suits beginners well. The soft, protective cushioning is forgiving on new runners' legs and joints, and the neutral, planted ride is easy to run in at slow paces. It is a premium shoe at £170, so it is a bigger investment than an entry-level trainer, but the comfort and durability make it a shoe you can grow into. Just note it will not correct overpronation, so if you need stability, look at a dedicated support shoe.

Both are premium max-cushion neutral trainers built for comfortable daily miles. The Nike Vomero 18 offers a similarly plush, protective ride and is a natural rival. The choice often comes down to fit and feel: try both if you can. The Triumph 23 leans soft and planted with a traditional 10mm drop, which suits runners who want maximum padding on easy and long runs. Fit is personal, so the more comfortable of the two on your foot is the right pick.

Durability is a strength. As a premium daily trainer, the Triumph 23 is built to absorb high weekly mileage, and the outsole and cushioning hold up well over the long term. Most runners should expect a full, dependable lifespan from it as an everyday mileage shoe. Rotating it with a second pair for faster sessions will extend its life further and let the foam recover between runs, which is good practice for any high-stack trainer.