Saucony Peregrine Shoe Series

The Saucony Peregrine series has been a mainstay line in the trail shoe market, evolving over the years to meet the needs of many a trail runner. Here’s an overview of its evolution, focusing on design and technology, performance characteristics, and community reception. Enjoy!

Men's Peregrine 13 Shoe

Men's Peregrine 13

Evolution of Design and Technology

Upper Construction: The Saucony Peregrine series has seen significant improvements in its upper design. The Peregrine 12, for example, features a lighter upper compared to its predecessor, providing optimal foot lockdown and protection without the extra bulk. This design offers both durability and breathability, essential for trail running.

Cushioning and Responsiveness: The series has also focused on balancing cushioning with responsiveness. The use of PWRRUN foam in models like the Peregrine 12 adds firmness to the midsole, enhancing stability and protection on the trails. Despite the firmer cushioning, the series still offers good energy return, catering to runners who prefer a more responsive ride.

Traction and Grip: A standout feature of the Peregrine series is its impressive grip. The PWRTRAC outsole, characterized by aggressive, multidirectional lugs, provides excellent traction on various surfaces, from soft ground to hard-packed dirt.

Women's Peregrine 13

Women's Peregrine 13

Performance Characteristics

Stability and Ground Feel: Stability is a crucial aspect of the Peregrine series. The design ensures adequate stability for quick movements and turns required on trails. The moderate stack height and the presence of a rock plate balance protection with ground feel, allowing for more proprioceptive feedback and agility on uneven surfaces.

Weight and Agility: The series, particularly in its recent iterations like the Peregrine 12, has focused on reducing weight to enhance agility. This reduction has made the shoes more suitable for fast-paced trail running.

Versatility and Protection: The Peregrine series is known for its versatility, performing well on various terrains and in different conditions. The combination of a secure fit, effective traction, and protective features like a toe bumper makes these shoes a reliable choice for trail runners.

Women's Peregrine 12 Gore Tex

Women's Peregrine 12 Gore Tex

Community Reception

The community response to the Saucony Peregrine series highlights its dependable fit and performance on various terrains, including technical trails. The Peregrine 13 has been appreciated for its light and airy mesh upper, effective traction, and improved cushioning. However, its slimmer toe box and stiff heel cup have raised concerns for some runners. The Peregrine 12 is noted for its comfortable cushioning and excellent grip, but its narrow fit in the midfoot area and rigid heel counter may not suit everyone. Overall, the series is favored for its lightweight design and effective traction across diverse trail conditions​​​​​​.

Men's Peregrine 11


In summary, the Saucony Peregrine series stands out for its continuous improvement in providing a balance of cushioning, traction, and protection, all while maintaining a lightweight and responsive design. These attributes have made it a favored choice in the trail running community, suitable for a wide range of trail conditions and runner preferences.