Saucony Peregrine 15 - Women's Review

Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
At just under 7.8 ounces per women's size 6.5, the amount of protection that the updated Peregrine offers is up there with some of the more rugged options. Even with this emphasis on structured protection, the Peregrine manages to offer plenty of comfort for serious daily running.
Comfort and Fit
Saucony has really hit its stride with the Peregrine 15, though it lacks the advanced technology of other leading trail shoes. The Peregrine is soft without feeling mushy and provides stable comfort from heel to toe.
The revamped PWRRUN midsole offers greater underfoot comfort than previous versions, making this shoe suitable for more than just a few dirt-packed miles. The engineered mesh upper provides some breathability while maintaining the rugged durability that Peregrine fans expect. The upper feels less plasticy than previous versions, offering upgraded breathability and overall comfort.
The secure heel cup, with ample cushioning around the rear, transforms what could be a stifling fit into a reliable and supportive anchor. The tongue retains a touch of cushioning, enhancing long-haul comfort for runners tackling serious distances. While the Peregrine isn't packed with high-tech foams or plush extras, it remains a true-to-size, dependable trail running shoe with a familiar and well-loved fit.
Stability
Since Saucony hasn't endeavored to make the Peregrine a fancy, ultralight trail shoe, its stability remains notably unchanged.
The thick and comfortable rear side walls offer a lateral buffer, helping to course-correct wayward ankles. While there isn't anything necessarily special about the Peregrine's stability, it is certainly a reliable shoe that will allow most runners to run safely and comfortably. We have always loved how the Peregrine feels like a well-worn road shoe, and this version is no exception, providing a neutral 4 mm drop ride with ample stability.
Traction
The multidirectional chevron-shaped lugs adorning the Peregrine's outsole make it a versatile terrain superstar in the most approachable way possible.
Saucony reconfigured the PWRRUN outsole to be bitier, offering a more well-rounded approach to traction. In the past, the lugs of the Peregrine have worn down when worn on abrasive surfaces such as pavement, but the new design alleviates these issues.
The shape of the Peregrine's outsole reminds runners how to steer and stomp-break thanks to the agility-inspiring heel traction. With 5.6 mm lugs, the Peregrine sits slightly higher than some shoes, which dampens sensitivity, but it still provides adequate trail feedback for most runs. Its balanced level of sensitivity makes it a versatile, user-friendly option for runners who want a comfortable sense of the terrain without being overwhelmed by every trail feature.
Foot Protection
Equipped with a rock plate, a total stack of 30 mm, and a beefy yet flexible toe cap, the Peregrine is ready for the demands that most trails call for.
Though our lead tester said that “the Peregrine isn't very tech-centric,” she conceded that the magic of the Peregrine lies in its balanced approach to protection and comfort. Its protective features pair well with the breathable upper, resulting in a shoe that is perfect for tackling spring trails. The upper isn't the best at repelling moisture, but it effectively keeps out sand and dirt. Saucony offers a GORE-TEX version of this shoe, which, while slightly more expensive, provides the protection that runners navigating wet trails or stormy weather need.
Weight
At 7.78 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the Peregrine is on the lighter side of the spectrum.
While not flat-out lightweight, its protection-to-weight ratio is definitely impressive. The Peregrine isn't a pace-pushing trail racing shoe, but its reliability and comfort make it one that the everyday trail runner will love. It doesn't add weight or bulk in motion, making it an accessible choice for runners who want a versatile and relatively lightweight workhorse.
Should You Buy the Saucony Peregrine 15?
We've long admired how the Saucony Peregrine fits like a classic road running shoe. It is comfortable, familiar, and built to perform. Its popularity isn't just nostalgia, though — it's well-earned. Much like the trusty wheel, why try to reinvent something that already rolls along flawlessly? The Peregrine may not be perfect, but it isn't lacking much. Trail runners who want a familiar-feeling shoe with prime reliability, great comfort, and durability will love the Peregrine 15. This shoe isn't exactly a budget buy, but the way its features come together makes it a strong value. While the Peregrine doesn't have the wow factor of some of the more technology-based trail shoes, its stalwart frame allows it to compete with some of the highest scorers on the market. If you want dependability, comfort, and versatile performance, the Peregrine is on our shortlist of shoes to recommend to you.
What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
Runners who want to prioritize performance on a budget should consider the long-time GearLab favorite, the Hoka Torrent 4. The Torrent is firmer than some, but offers performance similar to the Saucony-made options. The La Sportiva Prodigio Pro offers an amped-up version of the Peregrine's features. Bundled together in a more powerful package, the Prodigio is another reliable and endlessly comfortable option. Runners who want a versatile trail shoe that performs as well as the Peregrine with a slightly lower-to-the-ground feel shouldn't hesitate to try out The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4.