saucony excursion or peregrine

6 Key Differences Between Saucony Excursion and Peregrine

If you are looking for some high-quality trail running shoes, Saucony has quite a few models to offer. Almost all of their shoes have been well-received in the past, but the two lines that gained the most popularity are the Saucony Excursion and Saucony Peregrine. 

The first one has a combination of Comfort, quality, and flexibility while the second one is built to stand the test of time. Having clear contrast in features, it’s hard to choose one between the two. That is why I am here to help you with common inquiries regarding them. 

Saucony Excursion vs Peregrine (Key Differences)

But first, let’s take a quick glance to see what both have to offer.

◈ Materials 

Saucony is well-known for its lightweight shoes. So materials for all of their shoes tend to be lighter but strong and sturdy at the same time. Excursion and Peregrine models are no different. 

The excursion models have knitted mesh upper on top. Besides that, all the models have synthetic overlays that help lock the feet in place. As for the outsole, they went with a regular rubber outsole for a lighter feel. The lugs on the outsoles however are made with carbon rubber for better strength and toughness.  

What I personally like about the Excursion models is their midsoles. The brand uses VERSARUN midsole which is an EVA-based cushioning. Plus they have the usual padded collar and tongue, and removable insoles.

Now let’s take a look at the second model which is the Saucony Peregrine. This one has the same mesh upper as the excursion model. But here, it is more padded with a rubberized overlay. 

PWRTRAC outsole is used for superior grip and stability. Additionally, the rubber contents used on this line are top-grade and extremely durable. They have also used PWRRUN midsole on some of the models from the peregrine line. 

I have also written an article on Saucony Regular vs Wide shoes .

As a former owner of a pair of Saucony Excursion TR14 and Saucony Peregrine 11, I would say Excursion had the upper hand in this department. 

The mesh upper on the Excursion models is breathable to some degrees and at the same time strong so your feet are gripped tightly but comfortably. 

The 6mm lugs on the outsole are naturally hard. Before I purchased them a lot of people claimed that the lungs were uncomfortable and dug into your feet. However, I have found them quite helpful for the grip on rocky and hilly areas so I guess it varies according to your preference. 

Now, I wouldn’t exactly call the Peregrine model uncomfortable. They are just a bit more rigid, stiffer, and heavier than the Excursion line. At the same time there are plenty of other elements of comfort you’ll find. They have better arch support, don’t wobble or slip on rough surfaces and the traction is to die for.

Unlike the Excursion line, peregrine models come with wide-toe boxes so there’s more room for your feet to breathe. 

You may also like my article on Saucony Kinvara 12 vs Kinvara 13 .

◈ Durability 

When you are buying a pair of trail-running shoes, you expect them to last for at least a good one or two years at best. And Saucony definitely passes the test of time. 

The brand defines the durability of its shoes as a measure of miles as in how many miles you can run in a pair of their shoes. They have stated that their shoes will last you at least a good 400 miles. So considering you are going 20 miles a week, a pair of Saucony will last you for about 5 months. This is pretty doable in my opinion since most running or trail shoes last about the same. 

However, it’s important to take in some factors as well such as the weather, the condition of the trail you’re running on, etc. I wore my Saucony Excursion pair for over a year and the Peregrine pair for almost 2 years. Since the trail I used to run is fairly well-groomed, the performance was satisfactory for me. But if you are planning on a rocky mountain trail in the summertime, the heated surface is going to wear it down in a matter of a few months. 

The mesh upper on both shoes is sturdy and holds up well. But the Peregrine pair clearly has superior durability. The padded upper plus the strong rock plate in these shoes can withstand anything on the trail.

Here is another article on the key differences between Saucony Jazz and Hornet shoes .

◈ Flexibility 

Saucony Excursion has the upper hand in this section too. They are more cushiony and softer feeling, unlike Peregrine shoes which are one of the sturdiest trail running shoes on the market. Additionally, excursion shoes come without any rock plate which makes these shoes more flexible and bendable at the cost of durability. 

On the other hand, all the Peregrine models come with a rock plate. Add that with a stiffly padded upper with a rubberized overlay and the flexibility goes out the window. Since they were made especially for rougher and harsher trails, they bend very little even when walking on rocks.

You can also go through my article on the differences between Brooks Cascadia and Saucony Peregrine .

Frequently Asked Question 

1. are peregrine shoes waterproof.

Not all but some of the models from the Peregrine line are waterproof such as the Peregrine 13 GTX.

2. Do Saucony peregrine shoes run true to size?

Ans: Yes, but they are very snug on the feet so if you have wider feet going up a size is better. 

Final Words

As you can already guess, there is no clear winner between the two shoes. Both have something unique to offer while having some shortcomings as well. So it depends on what features are more important to you and what you can compromise. I like peregrine for its durability and performance on rougher trails. But if you want more comfort and flexibility, definitely go for Excursion.

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Shoes Fulcrum

Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine: Best Trail Running Shoe?

Are you a passionate trail runner seeking the perfect footwear for your off-road adventures?

Are you all set to begin a thrilling journey across challenging landscapes, magnificent forests, and awe-inspiring scenery?

Then, look no further, as today I will dive into the comparison between two top-notch trail running shoes : the Saucony Excursion and the Peregrine . Because, trail running has always been my passion, and I’ve had the opportunity to test various shoes on different terrains.

I understand the importance of finding a reliable companion that offers a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and durability . When it comes to running on trails, having the appropriate footwear can have a significant impact.

 The right pair will keep your feet protected, provide optimal traction, and enhance your overall running experience. With multiple options available in the market, it’s essential to understand the features that set two popular models the Saucony Excursion and the Peregrine apart.

Moreover, trail running requires reliable footwear that can withstand rugged terrains and provide you with the necessary comfort and support .  

In this article, I will examine the unique features of both shoes , evaluate how they perform when compared, and offer you useful information to help you make a knowledgeable decision.

So, let’s embark on this journey together and discover which shoe is the ultimate trail running companion for you.

Before we began let’s know a little bit about trail running shoes.

Al so, Check Out : Saucony Wide VS Regular: Choose The Right Fit For Your Feet

Table of Contents

What Are Trail Running Shoes?

Unlike traditional road running shoes , trail running shoes are specifically made to withstand the harsh conditions encountered on various terrains.

The three crucial elements that make these shoes a revolutionary choice for trail runners are

1) Traction,

2) Durability and

3) Protection.

1) Traction

Trail running shoes are engineered with robust outsoles that offer superior grip on a variety of surfaces.

The outsole features aggressive lugs or multidirectional treads, strategically placed to provide maximum traction on loose gravel, muddy paths, slippery rocks, and uneven terrain.

 This enhanced grip allows you to maintain stability and control , even when navigating steep ascents, descents, or unpredictable obstacles.

With every step, you’ll feel confident knowing that your shoes will keep you firmly grounded, enabling you to tackle any trail with ease.

2) Durability 

Trail running shoes are designed to endure the challenges of running on non-paved terrains.

The upper portion of the shoe is constructed using durable materials such as reinforced mesh, synthetic overlays, or even protective toe caps .

These elements offer resistance against abrasion from rocks, branches, and other debris you may encounter on the trail. 

Additionally, the midsole of trail running shoes is often fortified with supportive cushioning and resilient materials, ensuring long-lasting comfort and preventing premature wear and tear.

By investing in a pair of durable trail running shoes , you can confidently take on countless miles of rugged terrain without worrying about the shoes giving out.

3) Protection

One of the most important elements of trail running shoes is their capacity to safeguard your feet from possible dangers.

The rugged outsole not only provides traction but also acts as a barrier between your feet and sharp rocks or roots , preventing injuries from punctures or bruising. 

Additionally, many trail running shoes incorporate features like rock plates or shanks in the midsole , offering extra protection against stone bruises or uneven terrain.

The upper of the shoe often includes a gusseted tongue to keep debris out, minimizing discomfort and the risk of blisters.

With every stride, you’ll feel the confidence that comes with knowing your shoes are shielding you from potential harm , allowing you to focus on the exhilarating experience of the trail.

Also, Check Out : Hoka Anacapa VS Kaha: Which Trail Running Shoe Should You Choose?

Major Differences: Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine

To make your decision-making process more enjoyable and interactive, I have created an exciting comparison table that highlights the key differences between Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine.

Fit And Comfort : Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine

When it comes to trail running, having a shoe that offers the perfect fit and exceptional comfort is paramount .

The Saucony Excursion and Peregrine are two popular options that trail runners often consider.

Let’s dive in and find out which shoe reigns supreme in the battle of the perfect fit.

Anatomical Design And Foot-Hugging Capabilities

The Saucony Excursion and Peregrine both excel in providing a supportive and anatomically designed fit. 

Saucony Excursion

The Excursion features a well-crafted upper that contours to the shape of the foot, offering a snug and secure fit.

Its anatomical design allows for natural foot movement while providing stability and support. 

The Excursion’s foot-hugging capabilities ensure that your foot stays in place during challenging trail runs, reducing the risk of discomfort and potential injuries.

Saucony Peregrine

Similarly, the Peregrine incorporates an anatomical design that embraces the contours of the foot.

It boasts a seamless upper construction that minimizes friction and hot spots, providing a comfortable and irritation-free experience. 

The Peregrine’s foot-hugging capabilities create a sense of connection between your foot and the shoe , enhancing overall stability and control on various terrains.

Available Width Options And Lace-Up Systems

Selecting the appropriate width for your foot can have a considerable impact on how well your shoes fit and how comfortable they feel. 

The Saucony Excursion offers various width options , catering to different foot shapes and sizes. 

Additionally, the Excursion incorporates a traditional lace-up system that allows for personalized adjustments, enabling you to fine-tune the fit to your liking.

On the other hand, the Peregrine also offers multiple width options, ensuring that runners can find the ideal fit.

Moreover, it features a dynamic fit system t hat adapts to the movement of your foot, providing a customized and secure fit. 

The Peregrine’s dynamic fit system dynamically adjusts to changes in foot volume and shape during a run , promoting a more comfortable and supportive fit throughout your trail running adventures.

Dynamic Fit System And Adaptive Features

The dynamic fit system in the Peregrine sets it apart from the Saucony Excursion.

This innovative feature enables the shoe to adapt to the natural movement of your foot, providing a dynamic and responsive fit. 

As I discussed above, The Peregrine’s dynamic fit system ensures that the shoe moves with your foot, accommodating changes in volume and shape as you tackle various terrains. This adaptability enhances overall comfort and reduces the risk of blisters and discomfort during longer runs.

While the Excursion lacks a specific dynamic fit system, it may not have the same adaptive features as the Peregrine, but the Excursion still delivers a reliable and comfortable fit for trail runners.

Sizing Options And Customizable Lacing Systems

Sizing options.

Both the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine offer a range of sizing options to accommodate different foot sizes. This ensures that you can find the perfect fit, regardless of your foot dimensions. 

• Excursion’s sizing options allow for precise fitting,  
• while Peregrine’s sizing options cater to a wide range of foot shapes and sizes , ensuring that every runner can find their ideal fit.

Customizable Lacing Systems

In terms of lacing systems, the Excursion incorporates a traditional lace-up system, allowing for personalized adjustments and a secure fit.

The adjustable lacing system allows you to personalize the tightness according to your preferences, guaranteeing the utmost comfort and support throughout your off-road runs.

Similarly, Peregrine offers customizable lacing systems, allowing you to achieve a personalized fit.

Whether you prefer a snug fit for technical terrains or a more relaxed fit for longer distances, Peregrine’s customizable lacing system allows for adjustments to accommodate your specific preferences.

Important Point

Both the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine excel in providing a comfortable and supportive fit for trail runners. 

• The Excursion’s anatomical design , foot-hugging capabilities, available width options, and customizable lacing system ensure a secure and stable fit, promoting confidence on the trails. 
• On the other hand, Peregrine’s dynamic fit system , adaptive features, sizing options, and customizable lacing system offer a more personalized and adaptable fit.

Also, Check Out : Hoka Kawana VS Clifton: Which Running Shoe Is Best For You?

Performance On Different Terrains : Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine

When it comes to trail running, having a shoe that performs well on diverse terrains is essential for a confident and enjoyable running experience.  

Keep on reading to find out how both Saucony shoes perform on different surfaces.

Gravel Paths : Finding Stability And Traction

When running on gravel paths, stability, and traction are paramount. 

The Saucony Excursion is designed to provide excellent stability on uneven surfaces.

Its durable outsole with multidirectional lugs offers reliable traction, ensuring a confident stride on gravel paths.

The Excursion’s grippy rubber compound helps to maintain traction, allowing you to navigate these terrains with ease.

Similarly, the Peregrine boasts impressive performance on gravel paths.

Its aggressive outsole pattern, featuring multidirectional lugs, provides exceptional traction, giving you the confidence to take on various gravel terrains.

The Peregrine’s outsole is designed to grip the ground securely, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of slipping or sliding on gravel surfaces.

Muddy Trails : Conquering The Slippery Challenge

When faced with muddy trails, having a shoe that can handle slippery conditions is crucial.  

The Saucony Excursion features a water-resistant upper that helps to keep your feet dry in muddy environments.

Additionally, the shoe’s drainage capabilities allow water and mud to escape , preventing excessive weight gain and maintaining a comfortable running experience.

The Peregrine takes muddy trails in stride with its impressive waterproofing capabilities .

Its waterproof upper acts as a shield , keeping water and mud at bay and ensuring dry and comfortable feet even in wet conditions.

The Peregrine’s breathability also plays a vital role, allowing moisture to escape , and preventing a clammy and uncomfortable feel during your muddy trail runs.

Rocky Surfaces : Protecting Feet From Impact

Running on rocky surfaces requires a shoe that provides ample protection against impact. 

The Saucony Excursion is equipped with features that cushion your feet and absorb shock .

Its supportive midsole and cushioning technology help to mitigate the impact of rocky terrain, reducing discomfort and potential injuries.

Similarly, the Peregrine offers reliable protection on rocky surfaces.

Its responsive cushioning system delivers a comfortable and cushioned ride, minimizing the impact of uneven and rocky terrains.

The Peregrine’s midsole provides adequate support, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable and protected throughout your runs on rocky surfaces.

Loose Soil : Maintaining Stability And Traction

Loose soil can present a challenge due to its unpredictable and shifting nature. 

The Saucony Excursion performs admirably on loose soil, providing stability and traction .

The shoe’s lugged outsole effectively grips loose soil, allowing you to maintain control and stability even in challenging conditions.

The Excursion’s stability features, such as its supportive midsole and secure fit, further enhance its performance on loose soil.

The Peregrine is also well-suited for running on loose soil.

Its outsole design, featuring multidirectional lugs, excels at gripping loose soil, providing the traction needed for confident running.

The shoe’s stability features, including its dynamic fit system and secure upper construction , contribute to a stable and comfortable experience on loose soil.

Steep Slopes : Conquering Uphill And Downhill Challenges

Running on steep slopes demands a shoe that offers reliable grip and stability. 

The Saucony Excursion rises to the occasion, providing a secure foothold on steep slopes.

Its outsole design, featuring multidirectional lugs and a durable rubber compound, ensures excellent traction, allowing you to navigate uphill and downhill sections with confidence.

The Peregrine also excels on steep slopes, thanks to its aggressive outsole pattern and multidirectional lugs.

These features work in harmony to deliver exceptional grip, allowing you to tackle uphill and downhill challenges with ease .

The shoe’s secure fit and stability features further enhance your control and stability on steep slopes.

Technical Trails : Agility And Responsiveness

Technical trails require a shoe that offers agility and responsiveness to navigate tricky obstacles. 

The Saucony Excursion’s lightweight design and responsive midsole make it a capable companion on technical trails.

Its low-profile construction allows for quick and nimble movements, while its cushioning provides a comfortable and responsive feel on uneven terrain.

The Peregrine shines on technical trails, offering agility and responsiveness.

Its lightweight and flexible construction allows for swift and precise movements, enabling you to navigate technical sections with confidence.

The Peregrine’s responsive cushioning and secure fit contribute to a heightened level of control and agility on challenging trail obstacles.

From the above discussion, both the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine demonstrate impressive performance on a variety of terrains.  

• The Excursion excels on gravel paths, muddy trails, and rocky surfaces, offering stability, water resistance, and drainage capabilities. 
• On the other hand, the Peregrine performs exceptionally well on loose soil, steep slopes, and technical trails, showcasing its traction, waterproofing, and breathability features. 

I would advise Consider your specific needs and the terrain you plan to tackle when choosing between these two outstanding trail running shoes.

Also, Check Out : Hoka Gaviota VS Clifton: Which Is Best For Road Running?

Support And Stability : Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine

In this comparison, I will explore the support and stability features of each shoe, including arch support, impact absorption, reinforced heel and ankle support for the Excursion ,

midfoot and torsional support, toe protection, and stability features for the Peregrine.  

Let’s dive into the details and find out which shoe offers the ideal support and stability for your trail running adventures.

Arch Support And Impact Absorption

The Saucony Excursion prioritizes arch support and impact absorpti on to ensure a comfortable and stable running experience.

Its supportive midsole is designed to pr ovide excellent arch support, cradling your foot and reducing stress on the arches.

This feature is particularly beneficial for runners with high arches or those who require additional support during their runs. 

The Excursion’s midsole also incorporates cushioning technology that effectively absorbs impact, reducing the strain on your joints and providing a smoother ride on uneven terrains.

Similarly, the Peregrine offers reliable support and impact absorption through its midfoot and torsional support features .

The s hoe’s midfoot shank provides stability and prevents excessive twisting of the foot, ensuring a secure and supported stride. 

Additionally, the Peregrine’s midsole cushioning delivers impact absorption, reducing the strain on your feet and legs during intense trail runs . The combination of midfoot support and impact absorption enhances the overall stability and comfort of the Peregrine.

Reinforced Heel And Ankle Support

The Saucony Excursion goes the extra mile in providing reinforced heel and ankle suppor t. The shoe features a supportive heel counter that helps stabilize the rearfoot, preventing excessive movement and promoting proper alignment. 

This reinforced support is particularly beneficial when running on uneven and challenging terrains, offering a secure and locked-in feel for your foot.

Additionally, the Excursion’s padded collar and tongue provide cushioning and support around the ankle, further enhancing stability and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury.

On the other hand, the Peregrine focuses on stability through toe protection and additional stability features.

The shoe’s reinforced toe bumper safeguards your toes from potential impacts and obstacles on the trails, providing an added layer of protection. 

Furthermore, the Peregrine incorporates stability features throughout its design, such as a secure lacing system and a well-structured uppe r, ensuring a supportive fit that minimizes foot movement and enhances stability.

• The Excursion excels in arch support and impact absorption, ensuring a comfortable and stable ride. Its reinforced heel and ankle support add an extra layer of security, promoting proper alignment and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury. 
• On the other hand, the Peregrine prioritizes midfoot and torsional support, along with the protection and stability features, providing stability and protection on challenging terrains.

Also, Check Out : NoBull Vs Nano Shoes | Which Is The Ultimate Fitness Shoe?

Durability And Longevity : Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine

Let’s see how both shoes perform in this category.

Upper Materials: Building For Toughness

The upper materials used in a trail running shoe play a crucial role in determining its durability and longevity . 

The Saucony Excursion is constructed with high-quality materials designed to withstand the elements.

Its upper is crafted from durable synthetic overlays and breathable mesh , providing a balance between protection and ventilation.

These materials are built to withstand abrasion and resist tearing, ensuring long-lasting performance on the trails.

Similarly, the Peregrine boasts durable construction with a focus on trail endurance.

It’s upper utilizes rugged synthetic overlays and mesh , providing a combination of durability and breathability.

These materials are engineered to resist wear and tear , allowing the shoe to withstand the demands of challenging terrains over an extended period.

Overall Construction : Building For The Long Haul

In addition to specific components, the overall construction of a trail running shoe contributes to its durability and longevity. 

The S aucony Excursion is built with attention to detail, focusing on reinforcing areas that endure the most stress.

The shoe features sturdy stitching, reinforced overlays, and a well-constructed upper , ensuring long-lasting performance even in the most challenging trail conditions.

The Excursion’s durability is further enhanced by its solid midsole and well-cushioned insole , which maintain their supportive properties over time.

Similarly, the Peregrine is crafted with durability in mind.

Its construction incorporates sturdy stitching and reinforced overlays in areas prone to wear, such as the toe box and heel counter .

These reinforcements provide added protection and longevity to the shoe.

The Peregrine’s overall structure is designed to withstand the demands of trail running, allowing it to endure over extended periods while maintaining its performance.

Important Point  

• The Excursion’s synthetic overlays, breathable mesh, and durable outsole contribute to its longevity, ensuring it can withstand the demands of trail running. 
• The Peregrine’s rugged upper materials , durable outsole, and reinforced construction also offer excellent durability and longevity on the trails.

Breathability And Moisture-Wicking Properties : Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine

Both shoes have breathability and moisture-wicking properties.  

Upper Materials And Ventilation

The Saucony Excursion incorporates breathable upper materials to enhance airflow and prevent heat buildup.

Its combination of synthetic overlays and breathable mesh allows air to circulate within the shoe , promoting ventilation and preventing your feet from feeling overly hot and sweaty. 

The mesh panels in the Excursion’s upper actively wick away moisture, keeping your feet cool and dry even during intense trail runs.

This breathability feature is especially beneficial for longer runs and hot weather conditions , ensuring a comfortable running experience.

Similarly, the Peregrine is equipped with a breathable upper designed to enhance airflow and maintain a cool environment for your feet.

The shoe’s combination of synthetic overlays and mesh materials allows air to flow through, preventing heat from getting trapped inside the shoe.

 The Peregrine’s upper also features strategically placed ventilation holes or panels that further enhance breathability and facilitate moisture evaporation.

This ventilation system helps keep your feet dry and comfortable, even during challenging trail runs.

Moisture-Wicking Technology

The Saucony Excursion incorporates moisture-wicking technology to actively manage sweat and keep your feet dry throughout your run.

The inside of the shoe is created to remove moisture from your skin , helping it to absorb the sweat and stop it from gathering inside the shoe .

This special feature helps keep your feet drier and more comfortable, and it lowers the chances of getting painful spots, feeling uncomfortable, and having bad smells caused by too much sweat .

The Peregrine also features effective moisture-wicking properties that actively combat sweat and moisture buildup.

The interior of the shoe is designed to absorb perspiration from your feet, transferring it to the outer sections of the shoe where it can dry up.

This helps keep your feet feeling fresh and dry. By wicking away sweat, the Peregrine keeps your feet dry and comfortable, minimizing the risk of discomfort and blisters.

Important Point 

• The Excursion’s breathable upper materials and moisture-wicking technology actively work together to provide ventilation and prevent sweat buildup. 
• The Peregrine’s well-ventilated design and moisture-wicking features also contribute to a dry and comfortable running experience.

Weight : Uncovering The Difference In Lightness And Agility

The weight of your footwear plays a vital role in trail running, as it has a significant impact on your performance and overall satisfaction while engaging in the activity.

Lighter shoes offer enhanced agility and a more effortless stride, allowing you to navigate the trails with greater ease.

In this comparison, I will explore the weight of the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine, highlighting their differences and how they may affect your trail running endeavors.

Saucony Excursion : Striking the Balance

The Saucony Excursion is designed to strike a balance between durability and weight .

Although it may not be the most lightweight trail running shoe available, it provides a manageable weight that ensures a pleasant and agile running experience. 

On average, the Saucony Excursion weighs around 10.5 ounces (298 grams), depending on the shoe size and specific model. This weight provides a stable and supportive platform without sacrificing too much in terms of agility.

The Excursion’s weight is attributed to its construction and cushioning.

The shoe features a robust outsole and midsole that provide excellent durability and impact protection. The added cushioning offers a comfortable underfoot feel, making it suitable for longer runs and more challenging terrains.

While the Saucony Excursion is not the lightest option, it strikes a balance between durability, cushioning, and weight to ensure a reliable and comfortable trail running experience.

Peregrine : Embracing Lightweight Agility

In contrast to the Excursion, the Peregrine embraces a lighter weight to enhance agility and speed on the trails.

On average, the Peregrine weighs between 9.0 and 10.3 ounces (255 to 292 grams). The weight may vary based on the shoe size and particular model of the Peregrine. 

The Peregrine achieves its lightweight design through careful material selection and a focus on streamlined construction .

The shoe’s upper utilizes lightweight materials that provide a balance between durability and weight reduction. 

The midsole is designed to offer responsive cushioning without excessive bulk , contributing to the overall lightness of the shoe.

In my experience, The Peregrine is a good option for runners who want a lighter shoe, as it allows for a more nimble and speedy experience when running on trails.

Choosing The Right Weight For Your Needs

•  If you prioritize durability and a more cushioned feel, the slightly heavier weight of the Saucony Excursion may be a suitable choice. 
• Alternatively, if you appreciate flexibility, quickness, and a sleeker sensation, the reduced weight of the Peregrine might be more attractive. 

However, it’s essential to remember that weight alone should not be the only decisive element when selecting a trail running shoe. Other aspects such as fit, comfort, terrain-specific requirements, and personal running goals should also be taken into consideration.

Common Misconceptions : Debunking Myths About Trail Running Shoes

When it comes to shoes specifically designed for running on trails, many people have misconceptions that can often cause confusion and spread incorrect information. 

In this section, I will address and debunk some common myths associated with trail running shoes, specifically focusing on the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine models . 

Myth 1 : Trail Running Shoes Are Just Like Regular Running Shoes

One popular misunderstanding is that trail running shoes are identical to ordinary running shoes. While both types of shoes are designed for running, trail running shoes are specifically engineered to withstand the challenges of off-road terrains.  

The Saucony Excursion and Peregrine are prime examples of trail running shoes that feature specialized components and design elements to provide the necessary traction, stability, and protection required on the trails.

They incorporate durable outsoles with aggressive tread patterns , protective toe caps, and rugged upper materials to ensure optimal performance on uneven surfaces.

Myth 2 : Trail Running Shoes Are Heavy And Bulky

Another misconception is that trail running shoes are heavy and bulky, which can deter runners looking for a lightweight and agile experience. However, modern trail running shoes, including the Excursion and Peregrine, are designed with a focus on lightweight construction without compromising durability and support. 

These shoes utilize innovative materials and design techniques to reduce weight while maintaining essential features such as impact absorption, stability, and protection.

The Saucony Excursion and Peregrine strike a balance between durability and weight, providing a comfortable and responsive running experience without unnecessary bulk.

Myth 3 : Cushioning Is Not Important In Trail Running Shoes

Some people believe that cushioning is not essential in trail running shoes because the uneven terrain provides enough natural cushioning.

However, this is a misconception that can lead to discomfort and potential injuries. Cushioning plays a crucial role in absorbing impact forces, reducing strain on joints, and enhancing overall comfort during trail runs . 

Both the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine feature cushioned midsoles that provide excellent shock absorption, helping to alleviate fatigue and protect your feet on longer runs or challenging surfaces.

The level of cushioning can vary between models , allowing runners to choose the option that suits their preferences and needs.

Myth 4 : All Trail Running Shoes Offer The Same Level Of Traction

Traction is a vital aspect of trail running shoes, but not all shoes provide the same level of grip and traction on different terrains. It is a misconception to assume that all trail running shoes, including the Excursion and Peregrine, offer identical traction capabilities.

While both models are designed for off-road running, they have different outsole patterns and rubber compounds optimized for specific trail conditions. 

The Saucony Excursion and Peregrine incorporate aggressive and multidirectional tread patterns, along with durable rubber compounds, to deliver superior traction on various surfaces such as gravel, mud, and rocks.

The specific design elements of the outsole contribute to the shoes’ ability to grip and navigate different terrains effectively.

Myth 5 : All Trail Running Shoes Are Waterproof

It is important to clarify that not all trail running shoes, including the Excursion and Peregrine, are fully waterproof.

While these shoes might provide a certain degree of protection against water, they aren’t specifically built to ensure your feet stay entirely dry when it’s wet outside.

Water resistance varies depending on the materials used in the upper construction and the presence of additional waterproofing technologies. 

The Saucony Excursion and Peregrine prioritize breathability and moisture management to ensure your feet stay comfortable and dry by allowing sweat and moisture to escape.

However, if you frequently encounter wet conditions or require full waterproofing, I would advise you to consider additional waterproof accessories or alternative shoe options.

Pros And Cons : Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine

Both shoes have the following Pros and Cons.

Conclusion  

After a detailed discussion on Saucony Excursion VS Peregrine , I hope you will have a clear picture of both trail running shoes. Moreover, both the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine offer remarkable features and performance for trail running enthusiasts. 

The Excursion excels in durability, support, and impact absorption, making it a reliable companion on rugged terrains. On the other hand, the Peregrine shines with its lightweight and agile design, excellent traction, and customizable fit . 

While the Excursion may be slightly heavier, the Peregrine may lack cushioning and durability. Ultimately, the choice between these two shoes depends on your own preferences, terrain conditions, and specific running needs. 

Whichever shoe you select, both the Excursion and Peregrine are capable companions that will elevate your trail running experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the saucony excursion and peregrine suitable for beginners in trail running .

Yes, both the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine are suitable for beginners. They offer the necessary support, traction, and durability required for trail running, helping beginners navigate various terrains with confidence.

Do the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine come in different width options?

Yes, both the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine offer multiple width options to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes. This allows for a more comfortable and customized fit.

Are the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine suitable for wet or rainy conditions?

While the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine offer some level of water resistance, they are not fully waterproof. They prioritize breathability and moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry and comfortable, but additional waterproofing measures may be required for prolonged exposure to wet conditions.

Can I use orthotic inserts with the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine?

Yes, both the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine are generally compatible with orthotic inserts. The removable insoles allow for customization and the use of orthotics if needed, enhancing comfort and support for those with specific foot conditions.

How do I clean and maintain the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine?

Typically, gently brushing off dirt and debris and allowing them to air dry is sufficient. Avoid machine washing and excessive exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources to prolong the lifespan of the shoes.

Can I use the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine for road running?

While the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine are primarily designed for trail running, they can be used for occasional road running. However, their outsole design and traction may not provide the same level of performance and durability on paved surfaces compared to specialized road running shoes.

Are the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine true to size?

Generally, the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine are true to size. However, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s size chart and consider individual foot characteristics to ensure the best fit. Trying them on or consulting with a footwear specialist can also help determine the ideal size for you.

Can I use the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine for long-distance trail running?

Yes, both the Saucony Excursion and Peregrine are suitable for long-distance trail running. Their cushioning, support, and durability make them capable of providing comfort and protection during extended runs on challenging terrains.

About Author :

Hammad Qadir is a passionate fashion blogger with a passion for shoes, spanning over seven years. As the driving force behind “ShoesFulcrum.com” he offers unparalleled insights into iconic brands like Crocs, Hey Dude, and Birkenstock. With a collection of a hundred pairs, his expertise extends to industry giants like Nike and Adidas. Through insightful reviews and recommendations, Hammad guides readers to their perfect pair. Hammad’s knack for differentiating between brands and guiding readers makes him a trusted authority. Active on Quora, Reddit, Medium, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, he fosters engagement and shares exclusive content. Read more. ..

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5 Best Saucony Trail Running Shoes in 2024

Whether running at your local park or competing for your first ultra, trail running offers an awesome break from the monotony of the flat, paved roads.

Of course, when you’re planning to conquer rugged paths and technical terrain, you need to have a dependable trail running shoe that provides grippy traction and protection against sharp rocks. One of the most reliable brands out there that we don’t hesitate to recommend is Saucony.

We listed here our highly-rated Saucony trail running shoes, each of which we have given comprehensive reviews. We based our verdict and review on the meticulous lab analysis and in-field wear tests we performed. 

How we test trail running shoes

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To make our fantastic selections, we’ve put in many hours poring over Saucony’s impressive lineup of trail running shoes. Together with our team of wear-testers and shoe lab technicians, we‘ve tested and analyzed 30+ models on this list. Our entire approach involves:

• Investing our own money to buy all the Saucony trail running shoes to ensure we’re 100% transparent and unbiased.
• Performing mechanical tests inside the RunRepeat lab, which includes cutting the shoes into pieces and analyzing over 30 parameters, from flexibility, outsole traction, and durability, to the softness of the midsole and waterproofing, etc.
• Wear-testing each model in various trail running conditions logging at least 30-40 miles.

Best Saucony trail running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

We navigated trail routes with finesse and confidence in the Peregrine 14. Its light and agile build makes us quickly adapt to any environment while its deep lugs deliver unwavering traction in the woods. Though backed up by lab analysis, it’s our own experience that cements Peregrine 14’s status as the best Saucony trail shoe.

Its solid grip encourages us to challenge ourselves with tougher terrains, knowing its 4.7-mm lugs can handle slippery slopes effortlessly. We feel secure knowing the reliable outsole would protect us from any slips. Plus, its lug arrangement is cleverly spaced to shed underfoot debris. 

Peregrine 14 feels light and airy on foot, almost like we can fly. At 9.4 oz (266g), it’s significantly lighter than the average Saucony trail shoe (9.9 oz/281g). 

Its grounded and fluid nature enhances agility as the shoe gives much ground feedback for quicker adaptation. Our caliper reveals a minimal 2.2 mm drop, much lower than the 7.9 mm average. We’re free to move as the shoe barely resists us, confirmed by an average result in our flex test. 

Unfortunately, its focus on versatility means it isn’t the most explosive trail shoe. We recommend checking speedier options for races.

• Natural running feel
• Superb value at just $140
• Flexible and comfortable
• Heel security
• Plusher tongue
• Cushioned insole
• Highly versatile
• Limited energy return
• Somewhat firm

Best Saucony trail running shoes for race

Saucony Endorphin Edge is always race-ready with its fast and light nature, delightful cushion, and secured ride. It gives the speed and confidence every runner needs, making it our ultimate trail racer among Saucony shoes.

This off-road racer doesn’t drag us down with its feathery 9.5 oz (269g). It’s as light as the average road running shoe and has the benefits of a trail shoe. It’s hard to slow down with this pair because of its snappy carbon plate and rocker structure. Our flex test in the lab confirms the pop of energy we experience, as it’s 76.9% more resilient than average. Every step down launches back with greater energy return.

Endorphin Edge excels in any race distance with its pillow-like cushion that prevents our feet from strain. Our durometer validates that its velvet foam is 27.7% softer than the average trail shoe.

The outsole can withstand any terrain with its 3.4-mm lugs that bite through puddles and loose dirt. We can easily maneuver without any slips because of its grip and without any lateral wobbles because of its wide enough base.

The heel fit may feel loose to some runners, causing heel slippage. We recommend checking other options for a more snug fit in this area.

• Fast as hell
• Comfort written all over it
• Super smooth ride
• Protection can't be more awesome
• Breathable under warm temps
• Toe box is ready for ultras
• Carbon plate is not harsh
• Grippy on wet, loose, and soft trails
• Also great for the roads
• Unstable at slow paces

Saucony trail running shoes with the best foot protection

Endorphin Trail crushes any terrain with its thick, dense midsole, super aggressive lug design, and sock-like upper. It's built like a tank, providing armor and zero ground feel like no other. No doubt, it delivers the best foot protection among the Saucony trail lineup.

Its skyscraper stack rises 36.3/31.1 mm vs. the 31.8/24.2 mm average, making it one of the tallest trail shoes we’ve tested. That’s a lot of material to protect the feet from sharp rocks. It's lined with mesh on the edges to ensure the midsole doesn’t get damaged. Being the first trail shoe to have the renowned PWRRUN PB midsole, it attacks the trails with vigor and energy.

Its robust, full-length rubber outsole serves as an added shield. Our durometer measurement of 87.5 HC shows it’s harder than the 85.1 HC average. This reassures us that it's more resistant to wear and tear. We can confidently take on rocky terrains and even soft mud because of its deep 4.5 mm lugs that increase traction.

Its bootie upper hugs our feet in place and gives much-needed lockdown to prevent smaller rocks from getting in our shoes.

The downside of all the added protection is the added weight. At 11.0 oz (312g), it’s extremely heavy vs. the 10.4 oz (296g) average.

• Amazing grip
• Sock-like fit
• True to size
• Peppy midsole
• Rock protection
• Not breathable
• Poor draining

Best Saucony ultra trail running shoes

In our off-road adventures with Saucony’s trail line-up, we discovered that Xodus Ultra 2 suits its name. As our top ultra shoe, it made brutal miles feel like a walk in the park. No arguing between trail and feet, with ground-muting cushion and an added stability boost. Our lab also confirms it’s a comfy place to be in all day with its breezy upper and flexible build.

The cut-in-half XU2 reveals a dual-foam setup that is an above-average 34.1/26.8 mm for long miles. The bulk of the midsole consists of a balanced 27.5 HA foam, which feels propulsive. Meanwhile, the second foam lies in the heel. Our durometer shows a firmer 29.5 HA for stability and protection. The insole is 7.2 mm thick for extra comfort.

Other than the firm foam, its 4.6-mm lugs underfoot contribute to our surefooted strides. Even the midfoot sidewalls guide us without being too intrusive. We couldn’t deny the shoe’s remarkable stability, especially in faster paces.

Though it weighs the same as the average trail shoe, its adaptive nature and breathable upper add a feeling of lightness. In our bend test, it emerged 10.5% more bendable than average. While on our breathability test, it earned an impressive 4/5.

We highly encourage wearing reflective elements when running in the dark because XU2 has none.

• Snug, secure fit
• Highly breathable
• Enhanced lacing from v1
• Responsive midsole
• Upgraded durability
• Solid, stable feel
• Long-run-ready cushioning
• Bootie upper might feel odd to some
• Slightly heavy for its size
• Firm cushioning

Best lightweight Saucony trail running shoes

After multiple wear tests and intensive lab tests, we endorse the Endorphin Rift as the best lightweight shoe among Saucony’s trail lineup. It’s everything speed-oriented—snappy, responsive, feathery, and agile—with a robust and grippy outsole to boost our confidence on diverse terrains.

The Endorphin Rift's lightweight design, akin to road-running shoes, is evident in its weight of just 9.0 oz (255g), compared to the 10.4 oz (294g) average trail shoe. Surprisingly, despite minimalists sacrificing cushioning, it retains a generous amount of light and bouncy PWRRUN PB cushioning, delivering leg-saving support with its 33.0/25.1 mm stack. Our durometer readings confirm it to be 26.2% softer than average.

Additionally, Saucony's Speedroll technology and rocker geometry promote responsive toe-offs, enhancing the overall running experience.Moving laterally and bending our feet feels relatively easy as the midsole doesn’t resist our natural movements. Our lab tests reaffirm its fluid ride by showing a torsional rigidity of 3/5 and a result that’s 9.9% more bendable than average.

To ensure our surefootedness and stability, Endorphin Rift heightens its traction through 4.5 mm deep, sticky, and multi-directional lugs. On top of this, the PWRTRAC compound exhibits mind-blowing resistance against our Dremel by showing 77.8% less damage than average.However, while the deep lugs are a plus in muddy conditions, we believe less depth would have resulted in less bulk and a more responsive ride.

• Fantastic PWRRUN PB midsole technology
• Ideal for summer runs due to its breathable upper
• Capable of handling muddy terrain with ease
• Upper and outsole showcase incredible durability
• Sufficiently cushioned for ultra-marathons
• Exceptional cushion-to-weight ratio
• Sock-like upper provides a fantastic fit
• Excellent heel lockdown
• Handles faster paces effortlessly
• Tongue design needs enhancement for ultras
• Lugs could be slightly shorter
• Price point is probably too high for some budgets

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• Saucony Peregrine 12 Review

Saucony Peregrine 12 Price: $129.95 at Running Warehouse Weight: 9.7 oz, 275 g (men's size 9), 8.3 oz, 235 g  (women's size 8) Stack Height: 26.5 mm, 22.5 mm Drop: 4 mm Classification: Neutral Trail Trainer

RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY Megan: These shoes are an excellent option for trail runners of all experience levels. Except for the lugs on the outsole and the forefoot rock plate, they aren’t drastically different from the typical daily trainer in terms of stability and weight. Compared to other trail shoes (Hoka Speedgoat 4 = 9.2oz (W), Altra Lone Peak 6 = 8.7oz (W), Nike Pegasus Trail 3 = 9.3oz (W)), the Peregrines a relatively light option making it easier to navigate more technical trails including avoiding rocks, branches, roots, etc. With the forefoot rock plate, this shoe is a solid option regardless of the terrain. Living in the Northeast, and testing these shoes in the winter season is an important note to address. The PWRRUN EVA foam is at a disadvantage in these colder conditions, causing the foam to be stiffer than it would be in warmer spring/summer weather. In turn, this effects the responsiveness and flexibility of the shoe. Andrea: I was really excited to receive the Peregrine 12 for testing. I did a lot of trail running a few years ago as I transitioned from cycling to running, and the Peregrine was my favorite for Connecticut’s technical trails and on snow. My only gripe about older versions of the Peregrine was how stiff the outsole was; if I did any running on pavement, I would get hot spots at my lateral forefoot. The updated 12 is lighter and has a more flexible outsole, which made me very curious to see if its performance on firmer ground had improved while still maintaining its excellent grip.

FIT Megan: The Peregrine 12s fit true-to-size in terms of length and width (I’m a size 6.5 regular width). The heel cup is firm allowing for added stability in the rearfoot which is useful when navigating technical trails. One downside of the heel cup for me is that it came up higher on the heel, leading to rubbing and blisters on the back of my heels. Luckily this didn’t irritate the actual Achilles tendon, however is something to keep in mind for runners with chronic Achilles’ tendinitis. The shoe also offers a firm toe bumper, providing protection from kicking rocks, branches, ice, etc. There’s also a toe gaiter attachment, providing the option to add a gaiter for more protection of the foot/ankle.  The shoe offers a comfortable and secure lockdown throughout the foot which can be attributed to a couple different factors. First, there is an added sock liner in the shoe which essentially hugs and contours to the foot increasing comfort. Second, the lacing system provides lockdown throughout the midfoot. The lacing lockdown provides the security needed for sharp turns and quick steps on the trails/snow. Combine that with the sock liner and you get the perfect combination of security AND comfort.  The upper is a lightweight mesh with pliable overlays to protect from trail elements. While the mesh is thin, breathable, moisture-wicking, the feet tend to get pretty cold in winter weather. The sock liner serves as an additional layer throughout the midfoot, however leaves the forefoot cold in wintry conditions requiring thicker/warmer socks when wearing these. Again, I tested these during a cold, Northeast winter. In the warmer spring/summer months, these will likely be a great option because of the breathability factor. Andrea: The Saucony Peregrine 12 fits true to size in my usual women’s 9.5. The fit is similar to any non-Endorphin Saucony shoe (I go ½ size up in the Endorphin line). I find that the fit of the Peregrine is most similar to the Kinvara. The width of the forefoot is moderate; there is enough room to move my toes, but this is definitely not a “foot-shaped” shoe like Altra or Topo. The Peregrine feels slightly wider in the forefoot as compared to the Kinvara. The new upper is mesh and stabilizes the foot without being constrictive. It is very breathable and drains well when running in rain or through puddles. There is a firm external heel counter that wraps around the calcaneus on both sides and a lightly padded internal heel counter. I did experience some heel irritation during one run in which I wore thicker wool socks, but had no irritation when wearing normal thickness running socks. The gusseted tongue is lightly padded and stays in place. The flat laces lock the foot down securely. The PWRRUN+ sockliner adds some cushion and comfort. The Peregrine has always been a stiff shoe due to the rockplate and I found older versions of the Peregrine to be too stiff for any pavement running. The 12 feels slightly more flexible than previous versions and I was able to run about 3 miles on pavement in them before getting hot spots at my lateral forefoot.

PERFORMANCE Megan: The Saucony Peregrine provides a smooth and comfortable ride on all surface types tested, making it a solid option for runs consisting of trails, both roads and trails, and snow/icy conditions. The shoe has some responsiveness and bounce (albeit limited), but the lightweight feature of the shoe makes up for this. In a trail shoe, a primary focus is on stability and protection of the foot against various terrain. The Peregrine 12s have a rock plate which adds protection, but may serve to limit some of the responsiveness/bounce. If I had to choose between responsiveness or element-protection, I would choose protection for a trail shoe. The new lightweight design of the 12s makes up for the decreased responsiveness of the midsole, making it easier to navigate trails and clearing obstacles (rocks, branches, roots, etc.). The forefoot has a toe spring which helps to propel you forward onto your toes. The forefoot also offers a new rock plate, providing necessary protection when landing on rocks, branches, ice, etc.     As mentioned earlier, the EVA component of the midsole foam results in increased stiffness during colder conditions which also decreases the responsiveness of the shoe. The midsole has a relatively low stack height, which allows for some ground feel while running. Despite not keeping the feet warm on cold winter days, the upper is a redeeming quality of the Peregrines when it comes to performance. The upper is durable and contours to the foot allowing for free motion of the midfoot and forefoot. However, the lockdown of the upper and sock-liner adds enough security required for making sharp turns, lateral movements, quick steps – all motions required for a successful trail run.      The PWRTRAC outsole of the Peregrine 12s was updated with a new multi-directional lug pattern which increases efficiency of clearing debris from the bottom of the shoe. When running through piles of snow after a recent snowstorm, the shoes quickly lost any packed snow/slush from the bottom, making it easier to push off step after step. In conjunction to the ease of debris clearing, the PWRTRAC outsole provides excellent grip and traction on all surface types. Andrea: The Peregrine 12 has the best traction out of any trail shoe I’ve worn. It gives me complete confidence when running on snowy or muddy trails. I was even able to run on a packed down, icy dirt trail with confidence and with minimal loss of traction. The 5mm lugs really bite into the ground and allow me to plant my foot and push off with confidence, without changing my stride. The PWRTRAC outsole sheds mud and snow very well; it has never gotten bogged down, even after 4 miles on a muddy dirt road. The 4mm drop makes the shoe more nimble and helps me maintain my preferred midfoot landing pattern, which also improves stability on loose surfaces. I find that shoes with drop >8mm tend to result in some heel contact for me, which can cause slippage on loose trails. I had no problem picking up the pace in these shoes off-road, but they feel a little flat on pavement due to the stiff outsole. Previous versions of the Peregrine felt a little too heavy for racing, but the 12 is light enough that it would excel for races on very technical terrain. The cutouts in the mid and forefoot as well as the decoupled heel contribute to improved outsole flexibility. The improved flexibility of the 12 also results in slightly improved ground feel, a feature that was lacking in previous Peregrines. The shoe is best suited to technical or loose terrain and would not be my first choice for firm trails or roads. While the PWRRUN+ sockliner provides some cushioning, it is not enough to make this a shoe of choice for hard surfaces.

STABILITY Megan: Being a trail shoe, stability is an important factor when it comes to efficiency, protection, and comfort. The Peregrine 12 provides adequate stability thanks to a few main factors. First, the lockdown of the midfoot provides the necessary stability for quick movements and turns required on trails. Second, the multidirectional lugs provide added stability and traction on a variety of surface types. Third, while the outsole narrows at the midfoot, it still provides enough width to support the midfoot, specifically the medial arch. Fourth, the dense PWRRUN foam adds firmness to the midsole resulting in more stability. Due to the stiffness of the foam, it does place some additional stress on the lower leg due to decreased surface compliance. The stiffness of the foam is less responsive than a typical neutral trainer which is necessary in this shoe for comfort and protection on the trails. The toe spring in the mid/forefoot helps account for this firmness of the foam, providing a forward propulsion and rocker for push-off. Andrea: The Peregrine 12 is a neutral shoe with mild non-traditional stability features. The external heel counter is very firm and does a great job of stabilizing the heel without causing irritation. The wider midfoot provides some stability through mid-stance and may provide mild resistance to inversion sprains. The mild toe spring promotes push off without feeling aggressive. The redesigned, slipper-like upper helps lock the foot down and promotes stability on uneven terrain or when making sharp turns.

THOUGHTS AS A DPT / FOOTWEAR SCIENCE What is “ground feel” and why is it important?, By Megan Flynn Ground feel refers to the ability for the foot to feel and detect the surface underneath it which aids in proprioceptive awareness (the body’s ability to orient itself through space or movement). We use proprioception with every movement and the more feedback, the better the quality of movement. A majority of this feedback comes from pressure receptors which are mostly located in the feet. In less than a split second, these pressure receptors relay information back to the spinal cord via an afferent neural pathway. The spinal cord then sends a message via an efferent neural pathway back to the muscles, tendons, and joints of the foot and ankle with instructions on how to respond to the sensory information. With all of this happening faster than the blink of an eye, it is clear how important the feedback of ground feel is when running on either roads or trails. The level of cushioning in a shoe increases or decreases ground-feel. In maximally cushioned, high-stack shoes the ground feel is decreased due to the high amount of foam in the midsole. The cushioning essentially acts as a barrier, blocking the proprioceptive system’s effectiveness, and therefore the body’s awareness of position in space. Conversely, in minimalist shoes with less foam and cushion the foot has an increased ability to feel the ground beneath it and respond appropriately. For trail running, a balance is needed because without enough cushioning the feet aren’t protected from the elements encountered including roots, rocks, and uneven terrain. In trail shoes ground-feel and proprioception are arguably more important than in road shoes due to the need for agility and quick responses to different surfaces and terrain. Having more ground-feel allows for more sensory feedback, thus resulting in muscles, tendons, and joints working together to provide awareness and quick adaptations on uneven surfaces. Increased awareness and feedback can help to improve quality of movement and avoid injuries such as ankle sprains when running on uneven trails. One of the best features (in my opinion) of the Saucony Peregrine 12s, relates to the ground feel.  They have a relatively low stack height (26.5mm heel/22.5mm toe) when compared to other common trail shoes. For example: Hoka Speedgoat 4 (32mm heel/28mm toe), Altra Lone Peak 6 (26mm heel/26mm toe), Nike Pegasus Trail 3 (36mm heel/26mm toe), Hoka Challenger ATR 6 (37mm heel/32mm toe). The low stack height of the Peregrine 12s provide an advantage over most trail shoes because they allow for more proprioceptive feedback and ground feel thus resulting in more stability and injury-prevention on the trails. Despite the lower stack height, the Peregrines don’t sacrifice protection due to the added rock plate, toe bumper, and outsole lugs. Overall, the ground-feel of the Peregrines combined with adequate protection on the trails make them an outstanding choice when hitting the trails.

RECOMMENDATIONS Megan: The Peregrine 12s are a lightweight, secure trail shoe serving as a great option for runners of all levels. One recommendation for future models – which could result in an even lighter shoe – is to lower the heel cup to avoid irritation at the heel/Achilles. As mentioned earlier, the heel cup rubs higher on the back of the heel leading to blisters and could be a potential irritator to the Achilles tendon. Andrea: The Peregrine 12 is the best version of the Peregrine I have tried. I would be hard pressed to think of another trail shoe that performs better on loose terrain, particularly snow and mud, as compared to the Peregrine. I think that the overall performance of the shoe could be improved if Saucony could make the outsole even more flexible while maintaining the lug pattern, which is what provides such excellent grip. It does appear that Saucony made the forefoot slightly wider than previous versions and I would encourage them to maintain this feature, which allows for slight toe splay and improved forefoot stability.

WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR Megan: The Saucony Peregrine 12 is a good option for runners of all levels from new to experienced trail runners. The lightweight quality makes them a potential option for trail racing, providing the comfort, traction, and stability required for quick movements on the trails. With a midsole consisting of EVA foam, these will likely perform better in warmer temperatures (>40deg) and will increase the responsiveness of the shoe. I’m looking forward to testing these out more in warmer temperatures where the EVA foam won’t be as stiff and the breathability of the upper can be taken advantage of. With the new and improved outsole, rock plate, lower weight, and sock liner, I would consider these one of the more versatile trail shoes on the market. Andrea: The Saucony Peregrine 12 is for runners looking for a trail shoe that performs exceptionally well on technical, loose terrain. It is my #1 choice for snowy runs due to its unrivaled traction. It is for runners who do not require traditional stability features and prefer a lower drop shoe. If you enjoy the fit and ride of the Kinvara on the road, you will probably like the Peregrine for the trails.

GRADING Megan Fit: B+ ( The fit is true-to-size in terms of length and width. The irritation caused from the high heel cup was enough to decrease points for me in this category.) Performance: B+ ( The EVA foam in the cold weather resulted in lost points in this category. The increased stiffness of the foam led to decreased responsiveness and bounce) Stability: A- ( Between the midfoot lockdown, sock-liner, and lacing system, these shoes provide adequate stability for all surface types that I was able to test them on) DPT/Footwear Science: A ( The relatively high ground feel of the Peregrines when compared to other trail shoes, puts this shoe above most when it comes to sensory feedback and injury prevention on the trails.) Personal: A- ( The biggest negative for me was the high heel cup irritating and causing blisters. The traction, comfort, and stability of the shoe make up for this minor irritation) Overall: A- (The Peregrine 12s have become a go-to option for me during the winter months when running in snowy and icy conditions. They’re a great option for tough terrain/conditions while not adding too much weight relative to a typical trainer. The traction provided by the lugs and the grip of the PWRTRAC outsole provide stability on all surfaces.) ) Andrea Fit: A (wider forefoot allows for slight toe splay, slipper-like upper provides excellent lock down, secure heel counter)           Performance:  A- (the best on snowy or muddy terrain due to excellent traction. A- due to outsole being too firm for much pavement running) Stability: B- (not a stability shoe, for runners who can tolerate 4mm drop and do not require traditional stability features) DPT/Footwear Science: B (improved ground feel as compared to previous versions, but lacking compared to other low drop trail shoes) Personal: A- (the best shoe for loose terrain, A- due to stiff outsole limiting pavement running) Overall:  B+/A- (my #1 choice for technical trail running, could be improved with more flexible outsole)   

SHOP | SUPPORT DOR * Saucony Peregrine 12 Price: $129.95 at Running Warehouse * Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much! Check out Gear We Love New Balance Rebel v2 : One of the most fun trainers of 2021 so far Asics Metaspeed Sky : Chief Editor Matt Klein can't stop racing in it, even on trails (not advised) Feetures Socks : Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt: The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor : Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup Trigger Point Foam Roller : Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow Theragun Massager : This small version is great on the go for working tired legs Ciele Hat : Our team's favorite running hat of choice!

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Saucony Peregrine 12: Trail Running for the People

What You Need To Know

• Weighs 9.7 oz. (274 g.) for a US M10 / 8.5 oz. (240 g.) for a US W8.5
• Most of Saucony’s changes are in the revamped upper
• The 5mm PWRTRAC lugs are as grippy as ever
• Available now for $130

TAYLOR: Trail running gear has been around long enough that we have been starting to designate some marquis pieces. Think of brands like Montrail and shoes like the Cascadia — straight-up classics!

It is really in the following generation where the sport took off and so did the equipment to go with it. Somewhere in that space and time, Saucony launched the Peregrine line. It has been one of the most recommended and sought-after trail shoes because it gives you what you think you want and need when you step into the trail world. Great grip, foot protection, and a secure fit are all key characteristics.

With an ever-evolving scene, the Peregrine has maintained a lot of what it’s known for and, I would dare to say, that the 12 has been its most significant update yet. The Peregrine, which once was ahead of the game, is now trying to get back to that spot with a “simplification.” Saucony has slimmed this thing down and built it up all at the same time, and I’m here for it.

MATT: On the trail running scene, there are not many shoes that have the longevity from model to model as the Saucony Peregrine. On par with consistent favorites like the Hoka Speedgoat and the Altra Lone Peak , the Peregrine has now reached 12 installments. To last that long, you have to be doing something right, and historically the Peregrine has fit the mold as a solid and steady all-arounder that gets the job done and is modestly priced.

I enjoyed the Peregrine 11 and was excited to check out the improvements rolled out with this latest edition. Saucony looked to balance that fine line of providing continuous improvement without disrupting the things that work and keeping people choosing the Peregrine.

ALEX: The Saucony Peregrine is a classic. The improvements over the years keep this one on the top of the list as a go-to option for the trail runner looking to log long miles on varied terrain. I’ve logged miles in earlier versions and especially love the Peregrine ICE, so I was super pumped to get into these. The two major updates that I noticed in the Peregrine 12 were: 1) the significant drop in weight — over an ounce lighter than the 11 and 2) the completely redone breathable, stretchy upper.

ROBBE:  As classic as this shoe is, this is actually the first time I’ve ever stepped into a pair of the Peregrine. It’s one of those shoes that’s up there with the Brooks Caldera in terms of legacy and ease-of-use, in that it usually accommodates anyone trying to get some extra traction on trails. And I always appreciate a light trail shoe, so I was excited to see what this version was all about. Let’s go.

TAYLOR: The big (or not so big) story of the Peregrine 12 is that this iteration is more than an ounce lighter than the last model. It didn’t lose any stack, underfoot protection, or grip. How is that possible?! At 10.4 ounces for a men’s 10.5, this is making its way toward the “lightweight” category where it has always belonged. The shoe has always looked light and fast. Now, it is.

So, how did this magic trim work? It’s just a simpler shoe in a lot of ways. It utilizes a softer, lighter, more forgiving mesh upper for starters, and many of the overlays were left out. I do not think the trade for welded overlays will hurt the Peregrine’s durability too much. The mesh hugs nicely from the toe to heel and has that “next-to-skin” comfort. It’s a slim and sleek design with not much fluff. And let’s face it, the Gold/Vizi Red colorway is a bombshell. Gimme’ more of that!

One aspect I have wanted more of from the Peregrine in the past was more lockdown. There has always seemed to be a slip here or there, but this one has incredible lockdown throughout the foot. It definitely has a slim profile. It also just feels like it is shaped a little better. A firm heel cup, padded hell, and higher “elf heel” need to have some credit too. More on all of this later.

Underfoot, a few things are working in the runner’s favor. Now, I haven’t run in the Peregrine since the 10, and the midsole name hasn’t changed. I am convinced that Saucony has tooled it to give PWRRUN a lot more character. It is still medium density and has the same stack (26.5mm to 22.5 mm / 4mm drop). There’s a little bit of rebounded cush, a little bit of responsiveness, and a little bit of protection — which is also thanks to a thin forefoot rock plate. The Peregrine 12 has some of everything but not a lot in either department. Another piece of this equation is that a PWRRUN+ sock liner is added to give a little extra cushion for each step. I felt this big time compared to past iterations! The combo of the sock liner and midsole immediately gives this shoe more range of terrain and distance. It’s not my first choice for a long day in the mountains, but it can certainly handle a couple of hours on most any terrain with ease.

Grip has always been a staple with this shoe. I mean, it is named after a falcon. The PWRTRAC outsole did get an update with a new lug pattern. There is no compromise in grip, though. The 5mm chevron lugs are multidirectional, and the rubber compound is outstanding on a wide range of surfaces. The lugs shed dirt, mud, and snow relatively easily this time around.

A couple of other minor features are a gaiter attachment. I could see myself using these in chossy terrain with a gaiter thrown on. Also, a lace “garage” strap runs over the top of the midfoot and holds laces securely on every run.

Overall, the Peregrine is a pretty solid mix that would fit somewhere between a Brooks Catamount and Merrell MTL Skyfire.

MATT: In discussing improvements, let’s start with a couple of the biggest, which go hand in hand — the upper construction and the weight. The Saucony Peregrine 12 drops over an ounce from the 11, which wasn’t a super heavy shoe to begin with. My size 10 came in a tad under 10 oz., and they feel light and nimble on foot.

The upper is where repeat customers will notice the most significant change. It’s stripped down to a much more minimal construction with redesigned pliable overlays to lend support where necessary. There is also a sock-liner insert that provides a comfortable and secure fit. The sock-liner contains PWRRUN+ cushioning to provide added comfort.

The shoe feels faster than previous versions. I’m not sure if that is from the weight trimming, the PWRRUN+ liner, or the addition of the newly redesigned rock plate, but it’s likely the synergy of all of the above. While testing in the cold of winter, I actually think the redesigned upper will function well in warm temps. It seems to breathe really well and shed moisture.

The PWRRUN Midsole and PWRTRAC outsole are carryovers from the Peregrine 11, so not much has changed here. However, the 5mm lugs are arranged differently with the newest version, focusing on more efficient shedding of debris.

I have found the PWRTRAC outsole to be very effective all-around. It is grippy across various terrain and, combined with the 5mm lugs, provides a secure plant in the ground. I also booted a few rocks and roots on my last run, and the added protection in the toe area is solid and kept me from absorbing any damage.

The overall ride feels smooth, turnover feels fast, and you feel secure going fast regardless of trail conditions.

ALEX: I was pretty distracted by “The Bad,” but before I get into that, I will take some time on the redeeming qualities of the shoe.

First, the shoe looks great. The new colorways are vibrant and fresh, reminiscent of a box of tropical Mike and Ikes. As previously stated, it is also very light. A women’s 8.5 weighs just over 8.5 oz.

The upper is lightweight and highly breathable — these are going to keep your feet cool and drain well in the summer months. For winter runs, your feet are going to be cold. With any luck, the shipping and distribution issues will persist, and you won’t have to make that choice. The upper is also armed with well-placed overlays, including a welded toe bumper that is super protective from roots and rocks. The rock plate and dense PWRRUN midsole will offer ample protection, and the lower stack height means you still get some ground feel.

The aggressive PWRTRAC outsole is equipped with 5mm lugs that are well oriented for great traction and grip in pretty much any conditions and terrain. I am also a fan of the minimal tongue and secure lacing system.

ROBBE:  What I really appreciate about this shoe is that it seems like it’ll just work for a majority of runners, especially those new to the trail. Like, if someone asks me, “which trail shoe should I get?” I’d probably just tell them to get this. There certainly isn’t anything super special about it unless you count the 10-ounce weight in a package capable of handling most surfaces. Now that I think about it, I guess that is kind of special.

It’s hard to say exactly how I ran since my experience in the shoe was a 12-mile technical trail run in 12-degree weather. As anyone knows, EVA firms up real good in those temps, so the ride itself felt pretty firm. But in average temps, PWRRUN provides a pretty nice overall ride, standard in what you’d find in an everyday daily trainer. I actually enjoyed the somewhat narrow feel of this shoe and liked how it performed on the trails. The 5 mm lugs give it some teeth, and the light weight makes it nimble when picking around rocks and roots.

The traction on the Peregrine 12 was pretty solid. I felt secure on the surfaces I encountered, ranging from roots to wet rocks to rocky trails. It’s funny because I’ve tried shoes like the Saucony Canyon TR in the past with PWRTRAC, and it absolutely blows, so much so that I still think the Canyon TR is one of the worst trail shoes ever made aside from the total recall of the Endorphin Trail.

This shoe will be a lot more fun in the summertime as the midsole will soften up, and your toes will feel great in the airy mesh upper.

TAYLOR: I’ve mentioned it already, but this shoe is slim and trim. Though security is top-notch, comfort doesn’t exactly follow suit. I have a reasonably average foot width, and most shoe shapes don’t bother me. I fell prey to the Peregrine yet again. The midfoot is just too slim. I do not feel it after initially slipping them on, but after 30-45 minutes, I can feel that forefoot constriction. It’s important to know that I have a flared joint (aka bunion) on one foot. However, both feet felt the tightness. I would say that this time around, it was not as severe because of the more minimal overlays. It is a bummer, though, because I want to put more time into this shoe. I’m just not sure it is worth paying for it over the next day or so. The crunchy forefoot reminded me of shoes like the Nike Wildhorse or the VJ Spark .

Another discomfort comes from the opposite side of the shoe. A really firm heel cup serves well in the security department but comes up short in comfort too. It rubs consistently on my heel. Over an hour run, it’s not a huge deal. When I went further, it became a much more noticeable discomfort.

MATT: I’ve had the pleasure of testing the new Peregrine in some downright freezing conditions here in Maryland the past few weeks. I bring this up because it exposes a few flaws in the shoe that may not be an issue in warmer weather.

First off, the PWRRUN midsole really hardens up in these cold temps, making the ride pretty harsh. The ground feel was tough to judge fairly with the midsole feeling very brick-like. I think the review would be more positive if tested in the spring.

The new upper is quite thin, which I like and think will pay dividends in the summer months, but if you wear these in cold temps, you may want to ensure you pair with a thicker/warmer pair of socks.

One last thing is that after just a few runs, I noticed some staining of the upper material in the thin sections. It seemed that the combination of black socks and the light orange material caused some color to “bleed.” I have seen this before with brand new socks, but that was not the case here, so just something to be aware of.

ALEX (THE BAD): So you know the athletes on your Strava feed who consistently post those 9.99 or 19.99 or whatever.99 mile runs? Like just shuffle out the extra .01 miles, amirite?! (Lookin’ at you, Ben Johnson). Well, let it be known that the Saucony Peregrine 12 turned me into one of those runners because my Achilles demanded that when I got within eyesight of my front door, the run had to end.

The changes to the upper made this one feel way too small. The midfoot wrap felt too snug and made the shoe feel very narrow. I also noticed that my toes found the front of the narrow toe box even on a minor descent.

ALEX (THE WORST): The rigid heel cup and collar curved in at just the right amount and angle to put pressure on my Achilles and make it quite angry. That thing typically gets really fat (aka swollen and overused) in the late summer and fall months and retreats to hibernation in the winter. Waking it up before spring is never good.

ROBBE:  Apparently, Alex’s Achilles saw her shadow, which means spring is around the corner. Good for us, not for her Achilles. I didn’t have any issues with the Achilles, nor did I really have any problem with the fit. I mean, honestly, I didn’t really hate anything about this shoe, but I also didn’t love anything about it. Now again, I was running in 12-degree cold — I mean, our damn cold brew was freezing right after we poured it when we tried to trailgate post-run.

I would definitely save these for the warmer months, there’s just not enough there to keep your feet warm, and the PWRRUN just turns into a brick in those super cold temps.

Saucony Peregrine 12 Conclusion

TAYLOR: Just like Thor losing power to his hammer momentarily, this shoe has fallen short of living up to its name for a short while. The new Peregrine 12 can rightfully take its name back as it very much does mimic its namesake bird of prey. This shoe is light, fast, and nimble — which does come with a price in this case. This year’s update also makes the package a lot more versatile by slimming in some areas and adding some comfort and performance measures.

I would definitely grab for this shoe on shorter (2 hours or under) runs on a wide variety of terrain. Whether you want to tag a peak or roll along on some muddy singletrack, the Peregrine 12 could be a solid option for a lot of people (with slimmish feet).

MATT: I think Saucony did a really good job of applying improvements to a classic model without disrupting the things that have made the Peregrine popular in the first place. The new upper is a winner in my book, and when combined with the tried and true PWRUN midsole and PWRTRAC outsole, you have a really solid all-around trail shoe.

I would be mindful of the impact that cold temps will have on the quality of the ride, but if you live in a warmer climate or can rotate these in during milder temperatures, that would be my recommendation.

The Peregrine is a really solid choice for someone starting out on trails or that person who doesn’t want to break the bank but still wants a trustworthy and reliable shoe that they can trust on singletrack, fire roads, gravel, and anything between.

ALEX: Even though my fellow Peregrine 12 reviewers had no issues with sizing, you might want to go for a test run in them before you commit to your standard size. I can’t say I would have had the same experience if I had sized up, although, given my affinity for roomy, wide, foot-shaped shoes, this isn’t going to turn into a go-to for me. My grumpy Achilles tendon and metatarsalgia-prone feet made me put that in writing.

ROBBE:  Well, it’s been one of those reviews with differing opinions. And while I don’t love this shoe, I think this is a great shoe for someone looking to get into trail running who doesn’t want to break the bank. Or somebody who wants a shoe that you can take out for 3-6 miles in the warmer months and have some fun in. The Capri Sun colorways help as well. Get juiced, y’all.

You can pick up the Saucony Peregrine 12 for $130 on January 25 at Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) by using the shop link below.

Want to learn more about how our review process works? Check out this guide .

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Is there anywhere to get an equivalent to the PWRRUN+ sock liner/insole?

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Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Saucony ride 15 tr multi tester review with 9 comparisons.

Article by Mike Postaksi, Renee Krusemark, Adam Glueck, Jeff Valliere, John Tribbia, Jeff Beck with Sam Winebaum

Saucony Ride 15 TR ($140, $160 GTX)

Introduction

Very high stack to weight ratio Mike P/Sam/Adam/Jeff V/John/Jeff B

Solid traction on light trails, loose sand, gravel Mike P/Renee/Adam/Jeff V/John/Jeff B

PWRRUN slab is pleasantly soft, yet not mushy Mike P/Sam/Renee/Adam/Jeff V/John

Excellent on the road if the outsole is noticed up front, reminding of front outsole pop  and response of Ride 13 (road): Sam/Adam/Jeff B

Road to trail versatility within a single run:  Adam/Jeff V/John/Jeff B

A bit narrow in the toebox for a trail shoe Mike P/Adam/Jeff B/Jeff V

High stack & soft foam makes them a bit unstable on “real” trails Mike P/Jeff V/John

Unstable in steeper terrain, especially downhills Mike P/Renee/Jeff V/John

Highish price for pure trail use given its capabilities, but door to trail usage increases value/versatility  Mike P

Outsole up front is quite stiff and not as well segmented as it could be for road uses Sam

Official Weight: men's 9.2 oz  / 261 g (US9)  /  women's 8.5 oz / 241 g (US8)

  Samples: men’s 9.12 oz / 258g (US8.5), 9.6 oz / 272 g (US10), women’s 8.36 oz / 237 g (US8)

Stack Height: 35 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot, 8mm drop 

Available now. $140, $160 GTX

[Saucony’s all-encompassing 2022 trail lineup]

Mike P:   I received the Ride 15 TR out of the blue from Saucony. It was not on my radar at all, and I didn’t know anything about them. Glancing at the spec sheet - nothing really jumped off the page. With the shoe being a modified “TRail” version of an established road shoe, I was expecting something of a generic trail shoe for the masses.

Out of the box - first impression is that the toe box is quite narrow, especially for a trail shoe. I received a size 10 - same as I have in the Xodus Ultra. The Ride TR is quite narrow in comparison, with a touch less width across the forefoot, but tapering more sharply towards the toes. I have at least 1 full thumbs width up front, but due to the narrowness, I’m glad I received a 10 rather than a 9.5. In fact, on my first run, I discovered that I had to reduce lace tension up front in order to reduce uncomfortable pressure.

[I’ve loosened the strap here to show that the midfoot lace strap is functional]

Aside from the narrowness up front, it’s a well fitting upper - quite secure through the midfoot with good heel hold. I like the lace strap that is routed through the upper material - it’s effective at dialing in midfoot security. The additional room in front of the toes was not a bother as the Ride TR is not meant for technical trails where unexpectedly kicking obstacles could be an issue. The tongue is well padded, high enough, and doesn’t slide around. Saucony again uses a clever design by using a thicker piece of material for the front pull tab - directly below the area where the lace knot sits. 

[No lace knot pressure - they sit nicely on top of those logo’ed tabs at the top of the tongue]

As far as fit, I found it similar to the other 2022 Saucony trail shoes. The forefoot and toebox is not as lengthy or wide as the Xodus Ultra or Endorphin Edge, but I still found it roomy. For sizing, I typically wear a women’s size 8 in all Saucony shoes, but my true-to-size is between a 7.5 and an 8. Runners between half sizes who prefer a roomier fit might need the half size longer. The security is good for a road-to-trail shoe. The fit is not as secure as a technical trail shoe, but it’s a fair balance for what the shoe is meant for, which is light trail. 

Sam: Purposeful a bit busy and conservative in visual design the intent seems to be to call out the more trail oriented features of the Ride 15 TR to contrast it with its road sibling.

We see dual supportive external webbing straps tied into the lacing at the 2nd eyelet as well as stout longitudinal overlay. They are effective.

We have a quite firm and thicker toe black bumper around the front debris mesh. 

The foot is very well locked down but the non stretch mesh leads to a somewhat low feeling toe box due to the dense non stretch mesh and toe bumper more than actual height. OK by me for trail use and fine on road but contributing somewhat to the overall front stiffness of the shoe along with outsole. We have a gaiter ring up front . For sure I will be running them in winter on snow so that is handy.

Finally the contrasting red outsole and speckled and grid patterned midsole (same stack height as its road sibling at 35/27 for sure gives a trail vibe even though as far as I can tell the PWRRUN foam in both is identical.

The fit is true to size and the foot hold trails solid and needed given the high stack, softish foam and relatively narrow on the ground platform. Making no compromises on the upper was a smart move if for trail use and in comparison to the Ride 15 road this upper is clearly more substantial and secure but not quite as comfortable.

Adam:  I’ve been running extensively in the Endorphin Edge, so was hoping this shoe would be a good training companion with more road to trail versatility.  The upper isn’t incredibly stretchy, and it felt a bit narrow when I first put it on. 

I didn’t notice this at all while running, and despite being a thicker upper than shoes like the Endorphin Edge, it feels significantly lighter and more breathable than a shoe like the Nike Pegasus 37.  Like Mike, I also reduced the lace tension, and found a comfortable and controlled fit.  When combined with the soft but still controlled PWRRUN foam, I found the step-in feel impressively comfy, planted, and smooth.  For a trail shoe, it has a lot of the smooth energy return of a road shoe, but with workable grip for dry trails.

John : I was pretty excited to receive the Ride 15 TR because I’ve always had interest in the road models and this looks like a great crossover shoe. The upper is soft, supple and seemingly durable. In addition, I find that the Ride 15 TR fit is true to size on my average to slightly narrow foot, with enough room in the toe box for some end-of-day or late run swelling or for those with more slender feet who like a little toe splay. The foothold is secure, both in the heel and midfoot. It feels light on my foot and the midsole feels firm yet padded. I like the midsole feel in that it is firm enough to feel controlled but offers softness to be accommodating. 

Jeff B: I missed out the latest Ride road model, but enjoyed the previous few models and was pleasantly surprised putting the 15TR on. For being a trail variant of a road shoe, I was definitely impressed by how solid the foothold is, and how robust the toe bumper is. 

Unfortunately as a toebox snob they are a little tight in both directions, especially the expanded toe bumper section over my big toe, but that tight hold definitely gives a feel of security - far greater than your standard road-to-trail shoes give. Lengthwise they do fit true-to-size, though wider footed runners may want to look at going a half-size up to get a little more wiggle room for the toes.

While the upper is a touch busy as Sam notes, I really like the colorway, look and style.  Fit is true to size and consistent with all other Sauconys I have worn, with a secure heel, well locked midfoot and a well held toe box.  

The ceiling height in the toe box is a bit on the low side and the shape of the forefoot feels a bit tapered.  On my usual daily runs of an hour or two, I found the toe box to be ideal for my somewhat narrow, low volume foot.  

Just prior to writing this review however, I was out for a 4.5 hour hike/run on a 77 degree day with my wife and by the end of the day, my feet were feeling a little pinched.  I was a bit surprised by this given my initial impressions of having ample room in the forefoot.  While the Ride 15 TR is intended for door to trail and for sure not the steep and technical terrain that I frequent, I still had to take them there.  Foothold is adequate for slower to moderate paces on technical terrain, be it rock hopping, steep downhills, sidehilling, etc…..  I never felt as though my foot would break loose and affect stability or control, though if I try to push at all, I was mostly limited by the midsole and outsole.

Mike P: Initially I didn’t think too much about the midsole, being standard PWRRUN. But it is noted in the spec that it is a softer variety - which is clearly felt. It’s not as bouncy as their more advanced PWWRUN PB as in the Endorphin Edge and as a core in the Xodus Ultra, but it gives a nice cushy feeling without feeling mushy. 

[Wouldn’t be my pick for long stretches on this type of terrain, but they’re manageable as long as you’re careful]

Re-checking the spec sheet, I noticed that the 35/27mm stack was quite generous given the shoe’s relatively low weight (9.6 oz - US 10). In fact, I couldn’t find a similarly stacked shoe in my quiver at such a low weight. The only close comp is Saucony’s own Endorphin Edge at 36/30 (9.2 oz - US 9.5). But that shoe is in quite a different class.

In addition to the generous PWRRUN stack, the Ride TR uses Saucony’s PWWRUN+ TPU insole to add even more cush to the equation. With such a big midsole stack, the TPU insole may not be entirely necessary, but in terms of sheer comfort - it’s a good match. Perhaps some stability is sacrificed, but swapping in a standard non-TPU insole may help if that’s an issue. Either way, there’s plenty of foam underfoot to keep your feet comfortable for long outings. 

[TPU insole, same as found in Peregrine 12 and Xodus Ultra]

As Sam mentions in some of the comps below - the midsole depth is especially felt at the forefoot. As a midfoot/forefoot striker myself, I get no sense of bottoming out on forefoot landings. It feels like there’s quite a bit of cushion to spare, so they’ll likely maintain good cushion up front even as the foam compresses with greater usage.

Renee: Like Mike, I was not expecting the PWRRUN midsole to provide anything special. On my first run, the midsole felt much softer than I expected, and depending on the terrain, the bounce is fun. On rolling gravel roads, the softness is appreciated, although I did find the shoe slower than I would expect from the weight and drop. On trail, the bounce and high stack is fun for moderate declines, but a bit sketchy on steep downhills while dodging roots. The stack and midsole give all-day comfort and work well for anything from easy, short miles to 20+ milers.  

Sam: The trend with all Saucony road and trail shoes in 2022, with the possible exception of the technical trails Peregrine 12, has been towards softer and lighter midsoles. As the others have said,  we have a remarkably light (and substantial) road or trail weight of 9.12 oz / 258g in my US8.5 sample and a 35/27 stack height here given the upper and the lugged outsole .

The PWRRUN foam is indeed light and well cushioned with the shoe sufficiently stable for its intended varied uses.  My early test run was mostly on road with a smattering of easy trails through forests and I would say this is the ideal terrain for the midsole and shoe, along with gravel and sandy roads and paths.  There is plenty of cushion, solid support focused at the upper, and a lively rebound and flow although it is a bit firm and stiff up front due to the outsole design more than the foam above.

Adam:  I was not expecting much from Saucony’s PWRRUN foam.  I love the PWRRUN PB foam in the Endorphin Pro, Speed, and Edge, yet have found plain PWRRUN in shoes like the Kinvara 12 to be dull and firm.  The softer variety used here impressed me though.  It doesn’t have the same energetic rebound, as the Endorphin Edge, but gives a smooth, cushioned, yet efficient response that suits my trail running gate.  I’ve been testing this shoe on a mix of paved bike paths, gravel fire roads, and light trail in California, and the support of the upper combined with the density of the midsole provides a cushioned yet not sloppy response.  This is not a racing midsole, but it’s remarkably light and versatile as a road to trail shoe.

John : There isn’t much for me to add on top of the others’ comments above. I similarly have few complaints for comfort and security while running in cruisy terrain. Sam captures my sentiment. 

This is not a shoe for technical running, even though the lightweight responsive feel calls me to that kind of terrain. I feel like the stack height and stability are not best for precise footing, but rather best for the rolling dirt roads or gravel trails and paths. Moreover, the density of PWRRUN foam is downright comfortable underfoot when cruising from road to trail. Like Adam mentions above, nothing is sloppy about the response and it has a really smooth transition. 

Jeff B: As the resident heavy runner in this review I’d say the midsole is adequately soft - though my barometer is a little broken right now coming right off the Saucony Triumph 20 ( RTR Review ) and it’s new blend of all TPU PWRRUN+ (I didn’t give it a 10/10 score because I thought it was “pretty good”). While I rarely turn down a little extra squish, this blend of PWRRUN is plenty good for dirt trails or even some roads on the way to trails. 

While there is more than enough soft cushion and protection here for full days or 100 milers, I think the narrowness of the upper will rule out that option for many.  While the midsole is excellent for its intended purpose, I will note that it is a little too soft to offer much support or predictability in technical terrain, or at least trying to move fast in technical terrain.  Due to the high stack and softness, I find them to be a bit tippy and unstable when things get rough, to the point where I have to back off the pace and be very deliberate.

Mike P: The PWRTRAC outsole covers all of the main wear areas. They didn’t go full coverage - in order to save weight, and also to maintain a bit of flexibility with so much midsole foam. With 3.5mm standard, chevron-shaped lugs, the outsole does the job that it’s intended to do. Traction is very good on path-type terrain, light trails, loose sand, crushed gravel, and moderate loose gravel. 

Boise’s lower foothills the trails are mostly dry singletrack, often with sandy sections and also sections of loose, varied gravel. The grades and technicality of most of the trails would lend themselves to road shoe usage, were it not for the loose surface. I always wear trail shoes, as the flatter outsoles of road shoes tend to slide a bit on those dry, sandy, gravely surfaces. The Ride 15 TR, and especially its outsole, is the perfect match for this type of terrain. I get just that bit of traction I need, plus the benefit of a lighter, non-overbuilt road-type shoe.  

Renee: The PWRTRAC outsole on all of Saucony’s trail shoes works great for me especially so as  the lugs are spaced enough to avoid trapping gravel or mud. The lugs aren’t deep enough for off-trail traction, but they offer a fair balance for the road-to-trail usage. Because the midsole is soft and somewhat bouncy, the lug depth doesn’t offer the best traction on steep downhill with debris. Not a big deal though as this is not a technical trail shoe. 

Sam: I did find that on road the outsole provided some firm response in the mix, reminding me in some ways of the similar response of the road Saucony Ride 13 but not of the Ride 15 with its more minimal outsole over now softer foam. 

That said, I also found the outsole and this is somewhat rare for me with softer shoes and even trail shoes was a bit firm upfront (and to pressing the rubber is very firm indeed) and not as segmented as I would prefer despite the shoe’s relatively long flex for such a big stack shoe enabled by its deeper lateral flex groove. 

I think including slightly softer front rubber or smaller size and more lugs (as in the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 a close competitor) might improve the pavement ride as after all this is a door to trail type shoe. These changes might also help with agility on trickier trails.

Come winter on snow I think this outsole will be near ideal and with the available GTX version a snow and sloppy conditions near ideal road and firmer snow trails shoe. 

Adam:  For the intended purpose of this shoe, I think that the upper is spot on.  The segmentation in the sole gives it the flexibility to run beautifully on the road, but there’s enough grip that in the sandy, dry California soil, it provides superior grip to a road shoe. The rubber is noticeably firm, which should provide good durability, but the grip on both road and trail is less than the endorphin edge.  This is one of my favorite outsole implementations for a road to trail shoe.

Jeff B: Saucony’s chevron lugs are as dependable as they are predictable, and that’s not a bad thing. The outsole is a little more segmented than the other two Saucony trail shoes I’ve reviewed this year (Endorphin Edge and Xodus Ultra) though I agree with Sam - a little more segmenting wouldn’t hurt. The traction is good on dry trails, and I was hoping to get some weather here in Denver and try them in wet stuff but still waiting on a storm to come through. As much as I’d appreciate just a little more depth to the lugs for greater traction, I think that’d diminish it’s road-to-trail versatility some, and it’s not like Saucony doesn’t already have a few shoes that fit that niche anyway.

Jeff V:   As others have said, the outsole is very good for its intended purpose.  If you compare to all trail shoes, traction is on the lower end, but if you look at the Ride 15 as a road shoe with a trail outsole, then it is very effective for door to trail, dirt roads, buffed out trails, etc….  The lugs, while not deep, are effectively shaped and have a sticky enough rubber compound for dry conditions.  Grip on rocky slab is moderate and I would say trying to move quickly on steep, loose terrain, off trail is not recommended.

Mike P: The Ride TR’s ride really shines when in its element: flat to moderate grades, loose, sandy, gravelly terrain but terrain that is not too rocky or cambered. I tend to disagree with Renee here - for me, the ride felt quicker than I expected. I logged some pretty quick and efficient times on a bunch of my “easy” test runs. I found the generous and soft PWRRUN, plus the 8mm drop, really led to some quick and smooth turnover without worrying about any harshness underfoot. 

[Exactly the terrain the TR excels in - light paths/trails where you need just a bit of traction]

The low weight is very noticeable in comparison to other similarly cushioned (high stack) trail shoes. Pretty much all trail shoes north of 30mm in the heel are clocking in around the mid 10 oz - 11 oz range for my US 9.5-10 size. The Ride 15 TR is a svelte 9.6 oz for a big 35/27mm stack. There’s really nothing out there right now with that type of weight/stack ratio outside of carbon plated racers (Tecton X, Endo Edge). 

All that being said, the ride really works in the terrain described above, but beyond that - something has to give. I also noticed instability in steeper terrain as well as moderate/uneven terrain. I had a few unexpected ankle rolls when not being careful and stepping on rocks. The soft, high stack just can’t stand up to technical or uneven surfaces. You can get by if you’re careful, but that’s really not what the shoe is meant for.

The paved road ride is responsive and fast if a bit firm and stiff at ground contact due to the big rubber outsole. Yes, you will feel it is a trail shoe at that point but you might as I did appreciate the quick fast response unlike the softer almost mushy in comparison response of the road Ride. 

As such I see it as a great ride for longer tempo runs on varied surfaces: gravel, dirt, snow, pavement, even some mud along the way. As a “pure” trail runner it can be a great ride for smoother Western machine built single tracks.  

Adam:  This shoe is clearly targeted for the door to trail side, and I feel that it would be weak in technical singletrack, steep ascents and descents, and unstable terrain.  However, the California terrain I’ve been testing this shoe on has been perfect for it. 

John : The Ride 15 TR transition from heel-to-toe is very smooth and I found the rebound to feel lively on lift-off at moderate cadences. No doubt, this shoe is built for the mellow to moderate paces and would excel at long distance cruises through mostly smooth terrain. To my surprise, and adding on to Adam’s observation about stability, I found the ride to be quite stable on downhill, which allowed me to take a few aggressive stretches of downhill.

Jeff B: I’m with Mike here - it’s a fantastic road-to-trail runner for pretty mild trails. The forefoot hold might encourage me to get a little more technical than my latest two trail shoes (the buffed out trail cruisers Altra Olympus 5 and Topo Ultraventure 3) but ultimately that’s not this shoe’s forte. I didn’t find it nearly as fun as my colleagues, but between my extra size and logging so many Triumph 20 miles of late, I think that’s more a reflection of me than them.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Sam: My first thought in concluding, what a great value! $140 for a shoe that unless you want a speed oriented or super plush road shoe or a technical trails shoe handles everything in between well.  And in the GTX version it should be a near ideal option for winter’s messy roads of all kinds. 

The weight to cushion ratio given the big outsole and rugged upper are excellent. The new PWRRUN foam is soft enough and energetic despite not being supercritical and the outsole will grip just about anything. 

My only real qualm is the front outsole design and its effect on firm terrain ride. In comparison to competitors such as Fuji Lite 2 and Pegasus Trail 4, the front outsole is firmer and stiffer affecting the feel of the forefoot despite the big stack and plentiful soft cushion.  To start, it could use some more very front toe off flex which, while it might cause more mud to gather, less spacing between lugs and more “small windows” to the midsole as say the Pegasus Trail 4 have could help soften and flex the outsole without losing stability. Currently it mimics other Saucony outsole designs and here, with the big stack and big outsole a more door to trail specific design might improve the front feel and the shoe’s agility.  

Sam's Score: 9.18 / 10

Ride 9.2 Fit 9.2 Value 9.4 Style: 9 Traction: 9 Rock Protection: 9.2

Mike P: It’s been said plenty enough already, but Saucony Trail 2022 has been on fire. Each of the shoes in its lineup serves a distinct purpose, and serves it well. 

The Ride 15 TR slots in on the easier side of the “trail” spectrum, but let’s be honest - most of us including myself aren’t training up in the mountains each and every run. There’s plenty of easy mileage to be had, and the Ride 15 TR is well positioned to eat up those miles. I urge you to take a look at your trail quiver, and also think realistically about where you log the most miles. You may be like me, hitting the trails a lot of days with a bit more shoe than you actually need. WIth the off season coming up, followed by base-building early in 2023, I’m looking forward to logging plenty of miles in the Ride 15 TR. 

Mike P’s Score:  9.3 / 10

Scoring Context - road to trail, paths, light trails usage

Ride: 10 - Smooth, fast, and efficient - love it for my easy trails mileage

Fit: 8 - Would prefer a bit less taper up front, but it’s a 10 if you have a narrower foot

Value: 9 - Limited trails range, but if you stick to what it’s designed for - great value

Style: 10 - Love the look, especially the paint splattered midsole, great for casual use too

Traction: 10 - Perfect for door to trail, light trails usage

Rock Protection: 10 - 35/27mm eats up light trails, gravel, small rocks

Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊

Renee’s score: 9.25/10 (-.25 terrain specific usage, .-50 runs a bit slow for its light weight/stack ratio)

Adam’s Score:  9.4 / 10 

Scoring Context- Bay Area, light singletrack, bike paths (mix of paved and unpaved), gravel fire roads

Fit: 9 - Definitely on the narrower side, with a less stretchy upper material, but no blister issues, super comfortable when running, and good support considering the stack height

Value: 9 - For a trail shoe or road shoe alone, I think this shoe is ok value, but given that it’s well enough tuned, it’s could cover almost all my runs, and is great for the days where I’m running out the door from home or doing a mix of both.  

Style: 9- Although I love Saucony’s crazy colorways, this is simple and understated, yet quite handsome.  I’d still love pink or campfire orange, but it’s a good looking shoe

Traction: 10 - Perfect for door to trail, well optimized for both pavement and light trail. I can’t comment on wet traction since I have not had any wet test conditions so far.

Rock Protection: 10 - 35/27mm for light trails and gravel, it handles the type of rocks you’d take it on.  

John’s Score: 9.1 /10

Ride: 9 (super comfortable shoe responsive ride)

Fit: 10 (comfortable out of the box for my slightly narrow foot)

Value: 9 (great shoe for the casual trail runner needing multi-purpose use)

Traction: 8 (does well on dry, mellow terrain)

Rock Protection: 9 

Jeff B: One of the best road-to-trail versatility shoes that used to mean borderline minimal - though with so many trail shoes getting so much more cushioned it left me just a bit underwhelmed underfoot. Without a rock plate or that much underfoot the rock protection felt pretty minimal for me - but this isn’t the shoe meant for extremely technical terrain anyway. My biggest gripe is the cramped toebox, especially since Saucony got the toebox very right with several of their other trail shoes this year. I’m especially impressed with the upper, and how well it holds the foot considering it’s road shoe origins.

Jeff B’s Score: 7.9/10

Ride: 8 Fit: 7 Value: 10 Style: 10 Traction: 8 Rock Protection: 7

9 Comparisons

Index to all RTR reviews: HERE

Saucony Ride 15 ( RTR Review )

Sam: The midsole foams feel the same and the stack heights are identical or close to at 

the same 35/27. I felt the Ride 15 road lacked some front response with its now softer foam and quite minimal outsole, the TR has plenty on trail and road but the outsole feels stiff and a bit hard in the mix on pavement whereas the regular is all smooth softness. That said the TR is a far better trail shoe that is also very capable on road.  

The uppers feel like the same last but are made of very different materials. The TR is a moderately pliable dense debris mesh with 2 webbing straps per side running through stout overlays whereas the Ride’s single webbing strap essentially runs through the very soft very pliable mesh upper to the midsole. The “extras” of additional rubber and stouter upper in the TR add about 0.7 oz / 20g to its weight.  

Between upper and outsole designs and despite the same stack heights they clearly well designed for their respective “terrains” although the TR’s very solid road capabilities to go with trail and its weight in my US8.5 of barely over 9 oz for a high stacked road to trail shoe make it a better value for me.

Saucony Tempus ( RTR Review )

Adam:  I’m also a big fan of the Tempus, but wish it had the Ride TR’s Outsole, totally echo what Mike is saying.  Before I received the Ride TR I was running the tempus on much of the same terrain.  I prefer the Tempus’s upper, but the outsole is not sufficient for trails.  Hopefully Saucony will make a Tempus TR soon to try.  

Saucony Peregrine 12 ( RTR Review )

[You can see from the outsole  profile how the Peregrine is much more streamlined and full in coverage and more protective for technical uses]

Renee: I agree with Mike. For technical terrain, a better ground feel, and better security, the Peregrine 12 is the better shoe. I’ve run the Peregrine 12 for 20 milers and found the midsole and comfort fine, but on rolling and more mellow terrain, the Ride 15 TR works better in terms of comfort because of the stack height, drop, and softer midsole. I wore a women’s size 8 in both. The weight is the same. 

John : Peregrine 12 is more stable, firmer and the upper has a better and lower profile upper that has great foothold and security.  The Peregrine’s traction profile is more aggressive while the Ride 15 TR performs well on crossover terrain such as road and groomed paths. Peregrine 12 is a stiffer shoe with a bit more rock protection and is somewhat runnable on the roads, but not as enjoyable as the Ride 15 TR.

Saucony Xodus Ultra ( RTR Review )

[It was hard to get a good pic, but the Ride 15 TR tapers much more towards the front]

Renee: I found the forefoot and toebox roomy in both shoes, but the Xodus Ultra has an ultra fit, allowing for swelling. The fit is still secure. The Xodus Ultra is probably too much shoe for me for short distances, and the Ride TR will be more comfortable on rolling terrain or moderate trail. The Xodus weighs about 0.50oz / 14g  more in my women’s size 8. 

Similar outsole segmentation, but Xodus Ultra (bottom) has more coverage + woven rock plate

Saucony Endorphin Edge ( RTR Review )

Adam:  The Endoprhin Edge is my favorite fast trail shoe at the moment, but over longer distances, the firmness of the plate can come through more than the plateless Ride TR.  The PEBA based foam of the edge has significantly more rebound, but less damping.  It’s more propulsive than the Ride TR, but also a less smooth ride.  The upper on the Ride TR feels more stable but less breathable.  The Endorphin Edge’s outsole is a softer and has grippier rubber that’s better for trail, but I would worry about it’s long term durability on road.  For racing, I’d pick the Endorphin Edge anytime, but for everyday training, or for a mix or road and trail I’d take the Ride TR.  

Nike Pegasus Trail 4 ( RTR Review )

Sam:   A very, very close comparison. Lower stack and higher drop at 30-32 mm heel (measured) / 20.5 mm forefoot (spec. 8.5mm-9.5 mm drop) the Peg 4 goes the same places the Ride TR does but with more agility/quicker feel (on both road and trail) and a thinner if softer more rebounding midsole. 

With 27mm at the forefoot in the Ride the forefoot cushion difference is felt but..as its foam is softer and more resilient in feel, and its outsole better segmented things get close 

The Ride is actually lighter by a few tenths of an ounce even with its higher stack height. 

Uppers are similar in fit and volume up to the forefoot with the Nike hold overall yet more secure than the Ride with a softer less rigid feel. At the toe box the Nike is broader, stretchier and has no toe bumper while the Ride is more precisely fitting with denser debris mesh and a stout toe bumper, the Nike having none.  

The Ride 15 is stiffer up front with a less polished and not as quick feeling outsole pattern.  Overall I prefer the Nike with the Ride pulling ahead as runs get longer due to its deeper cushion and especially upfront 

Renee: I agree with Sam. Both the Peg Trail 4 and Ride TR are road-to-trail shoes with similar purposes. The Ride TR offers more comfort underfoot for longer distances, and the Peg Trail 4, despite the higher drop, runs more securely and faster on uneven or single track trails. The outsole of the Peg Trail 4 looks more like that of a road shoe, and gravel and mud can become trapped between the lugs, unlike the Ride TR’s outsoe . I wore a 7.5 in the Peg Trail 4 because I use it for short distances as compared to a size 8 in the Ride TR; otherwise, I suggest the same size. 

Nike ZoomX Zegama Trail ( RTR Review )

Sam: Heavier by 1 ounce / 28g, higher stacked at 37/33 and with a lower 4mm drop,  the Zegama Trail is also for me a door to trail shoe. It too has a firmer outsole but doesn’t pretend to provide big long flex relying on a far front flex point (something the Ride lacks and that I like) with rear of that a rigid lightly rockered platform. More stable and more cushioned and a bit firmer, it is also more sharply reactive due to its firmer than Nike race shoe ZoomX. It is a longer distances, more protective option for the same terrain the Ride TR goes: moderate trails, dirt roads, and some pavement. Its upper is more complex with equally excellent rear hold and a broader if lower toe box.  But for its weight, it would be an easy pick for me over the Ride TR.

Mike P (9.5): For me there’s a big difference in overall feel - the Zegama feels big and clunky on foot compared to the Ride 15 TR. Impenetrable underfoot, also a bit back weighted, I find them somewhat hard to maneuver in moderate+ terrain. That being said, the Zegama does have way more trail range than the Ride (although of course limited by its wet grip). Zegama is similarly high stacked, but noticeably nearly 1.5 oz heavier in my size. This is clearly a case where the Zegama works very well on easy to moderate trails, but do you really need all that shoe in comparison to the much lighter and more streamlined Ride TR?

Renee: The Zegama is a heavier shoe, with more stack and cushion as compared to the Ride TR. The Ride TR still provides a good amount of comfort and cushion for distance runs. The midsole of the Ride TR is softer and more bouncy despite the Zegama having ZoomX (a much less responsive ZoomX than Nike road shoes). The Zegama is probably a better trail option because it offers a more stable ride (avoid wet terrain though!), but I agree with Mike. Why choose a heavier shoe if you don’t really need it? The Zegama was a bit narrow in the forefoot for me because of the notch to allow for flex. 

Topo Ultraventure 3 ( RTR Review )

Mike P (10.0): I reviewed the Ultraventure 3 just prior to receiving the Ride TR. It’s a great shoe, super comfortable, smooth riding for mid-long runs in easy-light terrain. I thought I would end up racking up most of my easy trail mileage in them, but I actually prefer the Ride TR for the easier end of the spectrum. The Ride TR is just lighter, narrower, and feels less bulky. The Ultraventure 3 is for sure more versatile though. Despite its mellow outsole, foothold is great, and I found they worked very well up to moderate+ terrain. On the lighter end of the trails spectrum, the UV3 can handle it all, but at the very light end, the Ride TR works better. Both are great shoes.

Jeff B: Completely agree with Mike, except for the preference. The Topo is incredibly comfortable and smooth, and absolutely fantastic in relatively smooth terrain. There’s considerably more bulk compared to the Saucony, but I’m happy to take that hit for the extra room up front and extra squish underneath. I found the Topo foothold considerably less confidence inspiring than the Ride, but the other elements have me leaning Topo the whole way.

Hoka Challenger ATR ( RTR Review )

Mike P (9.5): Hoka door to trail option but also designed for moderate trails, with its wider platform, the Challenger is a bit more versatile in terms of terrain. Some find them comfortable enough to use on semi-technical terrain. The Challenger is somewhat high-stacked, although not quite as high as the Ride TR. Challenger utilizes Hoka’s rockered ride- you really have to hit the rear/middle of the shoe and roll with it. The Ride TR feels smoother to me though, and I prefer it for my easy trail mileage.

Renee: I agree with Mike. The rockered ride of the Challenger (I have version 5) contrasts with the more traditional ride of the Ride TR. On single track, the Ride TR offers a better outsole and ride. The fit of the Challenger, because of the rocker, felt narrow for me, which was a problem on even rolling gravel roads. While the platform is wide, the fit was narrow. 

Brooks Divide 3 ( RTR Review )

Mike P (9.5): A slightly different take on a trail “trainer”. The Brooks Loft V1 foam is firmer, denser, and you get less of it. The ride is also firm, but more stable up to moderate to light technical terrain. It’s ok on the road, but the Ride TR is smoother. Traction is comparable between the two, but again, the Divide has a wider platform, so for sure is more trail-oriented. Divide is more spacious in the forefoot which is preferable for me. Divide is also an amazing value at $100. For easier terrain, I’d go with the Ride TR for comfort, but anything moderate+ I’d go with the Divide.  

Renee: The Divide 3 is a great value at $100, but it does feel like a $100 shoe compared to the Ride TR. The fit of the Ride TR is more polished. The forefoot of the Divide was a bit sloppy on my feet. The Ride TR offers more comfort underfoot for distances. The drop of the Divide is more trail-oriented. I wore a women’s size 8 in both. 

ASICS Fuji Lite 2 ( RTR Review )

Renee: The Fuji Lite 2 is a lighter shoe and is  better for short, faster efforts. The lugs are smaller, but offer good grip on light terrain. For road use and all-day comfort, the Ride TR works better. In terms of a fun factor on trail, the Fuji Lite 2 is a better pick. Neither shoe offers a technical-trail fit or ride, but both can handle a variety of other terrain. I wore a women’s size 8 in both. 

Mike P (9.5): I liked the Fuji Lite 2 initially, but after not too long, the midsole compressed quite a bit - especially under the ball of the foot. The Asics foam is softer and lighter, and for me, felt like it was bottoming out at times. I raced a 30K on slickrock in Moab in them and got some blisters on both arches due to upper insecurity. I wouldn’t attempt to race the Ride TR on slickrock, but the Saucony upper is more refined in both fit and materials. Both shoes are oriented towards light terrain. I’ll take the Ride 15 TR any over the Fuji Lite 2. 

John: I agree with Renee that the Fuji Lite 2 is great for shorter, faster efforts. Both are solid choices for road-to-trail use and you won’t do wrong by choosing either on a given day. I prefer the Fuji Lite because my foot is positioned in a lower center of gravity and it has better ground feel. 

The Saucony Ride 15 TR is available now including at our partners here:

SAUCONY HERE

RUNNING WAREHOUSE HERE

AMAZON   HERE

Tester Profiles

Mike Postaski currently focuses on long mountainous ultras - anywhere from 50K up to his favorite - 100M. 5'10", 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker - he typically averages 70 mpw (mostly on trails), ramping up to nearly 100 mpw during race buildups. A recent 2:39 road marathoner, his easy running pace ranges from 7:30 - 9:00/mi. In 2022 Mike won both the Standhope 100M and IMTUF 100M trail ultras within a 7 week period - both extremely rugged Idaho mountain races. Mike's shoe preferences lean towards firmer, dense cushioning, and shoes with narrower profiles. He prefers extra forefoot space, especially for long ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe boxes.

Renee is a former U. S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.

Adam Glueck is an endurance athlete (cross country and AT skiing, running, mountain and gravel biking) who formerly competed at the NCAA’s in Cross Country Skiing while studying at Dartmouth College.  He can run a 4:43 mile, 16:20 5k, 1:23 half, and grew up running in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  He’s currently working as an engineer in the Bay Area and exploring trails from Santa Cruz to Tahoe. You can Adam on Strava here: https://www.strava.com/athletes/9267222

Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is 65 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. 2022 will be Sam’s 50th year of running. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he is lucky, training 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.

S amples were provided at no charge for review purposes. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links  in this article . These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'

Europe only: use RTR code  RTR5ALL  for  5%   off  all products, even sale products 

4 comments:

Great review, thank you! Any idea if Saucony will release a 2E? After your review, I know the standard fit won't work for me. The Xodus Ultra is a perfect fit for me and that's sizing up .5

This is a very informative review, thank you. I’m finding that the combination of road to trail and medium to high stack works very well for me e.g. Atreyu Base Trail, ATR, etc. Regarding the Ride 15 TR toebox width, could you provide comparisons to other popular shoes like the Speedgoat 4/5, Salomon, etc? While these other shoes may lean heavily towards trail and technical trail, I think it could help the reader in deciding whether the Ride 15 TR might work. I have slightly wide feet in that Topos fit me best, but I have run extensively in Speedgoat 3-5s (100K-100 miles with few foot issues), Atreyu Base Trails (worked great on an 18 mile trail run earlier), and Salomon (funny enough did a 50 miler in the Sense Pro 4s though for a few hours my feet felt like they were being squeezed until I loosened them and changed into thin socks) and they fit and work well enough.

Andy, not sure about 2E - haven't heard anything yet. Fit-wise compared to the Xodus Ultra: there's definitely less volume over the top, but the width across the forefoot is probably about the same. The Ride TR also does taper a bit. So it probably comes down to your specific foot shape and feel in the end. Anon- I'd say the Ride TR toebox is a less extreme version of the new Speedgoat 5. Shape is somewhat similar, but SG5 is slightly narrower, slightly pointier, and also less height/volume. After adjusting some tension in the Ride TR, I find them quite comfortable, whereas I can't run the SG5 unless I leave the forefoot lacing with zero tension. I actually just got back from Mt. Rainier and did some running and hiking in the Sense Pro 4 (GTX). The toebox is actually quite similar to the Ride TR. I think the SP4 is a bit shallower though and does press down on the top of the foot. Keep in mind that I can get away with a bit less tension and a bit more comfort with the Ride TR given the fact that I'm not taking them out on any moderate/technical trails. I really do like them and have run them several times already after completing the review. I've got some perfect road-trail routes where I can alternate between climbing up and down gulches and linking them up with some residential street running. They're just perfect for that.

How is this for an overpronator? I use Guides and Peregrines for reference . Looking for a road to trail shoe / single shoe I can bring while traveling for roads and trails, so maybe something that leans road shoe but still has an outsole that can handle some trail. I was also looking at the ASICS GT-2000 11 TR if you know anything about that shoe?

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The Saucony trail running shoe range explained

We break down and the explain saucony's comprehensive trail running shoe range..

Saucony's trail running shoe range is extensive and includes models for terrains of all types. Here, we're taking a look at that comprehensive Saucony range, and checking out the technologies behind them.

The Saucony brand has been around for over a century. And for a long time it's been one of the big names in running. Its range of trail running shoes builds on decades of experience, resulting in superb options for runners of all types and levels.

Saucony Peregrine 13, Peregrine 13 ST and Peregrine 13 GTX

Weight: 260g (men's)/ 230g (women's) Drop: 4mm Lug depth: 5mm (13 and GTX, 6.5mm ST) Support: Neutral

This shoe is named after the fastest animal on Earth for a reason. Lightweight and yet fantastically comfortable, the Saucony Peregrine 13 is for blistering speedy trail runs.

Shaving even more weight off the already lightweight Peregrine 12, the Peregrine 13 helps deliver more speed than ever before in the range. Weighing just 260g for men and 230g for women (across an average size curve), this model is one of the lightest shoes in the pack.

This updated version of the classic Peregrine trail shoe has a redesigned lug pattern with deep 5mm lugs. And the Peregrine 13 ST (soft terrain) shoe provides the most aggressive grip of all the Saucony trail shoes at 6.5mm. It also features an in-built gaiter for added protection against debris. In short, there should be no amount of rugged terrain you can’t tackle.

Saucony Peregrine 13

Terrain: A versatile shoe for lightweight speed and versatility on variety of terrain; from forest paths, to grass, to rocky trails.

Technology & key features:  PWRTRAC rubber outsole (grip), PWRRUN cushioning (midsole), a protective rock plate, and deep 5mm lugs for tackling mud.

Distance:  Short- to middle-distance runs.

Feel of the shoe:  A lightweight, nimble trail shoe with good grip and cushioning.

Saucony Peregrine 13 ST

Terrain: Designed specifically for providing the most grip in soft ground conditions.

Technology & key features:  PWRTRAC rubber outsole (grip), PWRRUN cushioning (midsole), a protective rock plate, and aggressive 6.5mm lugs for tackling mud.

Feel of the shoe:  Nimble and lightweight with an aggressive outsole.

Saucony Peregrine 13 GTX

Terrain: For the same terrain as the 13 but keeps feet dry in wet conditions.

Technology & key features:  PWRTRAC rubber outsole (grip), PWRRUN cushioning (midsole), a protective rock plate, deep 5mm lugs for tackling mud, and invisible fit GORE-TEX upper material to keep your feet dry.

Feel of the shoe:  Nimble and lightweight. The GORE-TEX upper doesn’t change the fit - choose your usual size.

Shop all Saucony Peregrine 13 trail shoes on SportsShoes here

Saucony Endorphin Trail and Endorphin Trail Mid

Weight: 275g (men's)/ 235g (women's) Drop: 4mm Lug depth: 4.5mm Support: Neutral

The Endorphin shoes feature revolutionary SPEEDROLL technology, which aims to propel you forward effortlessly towards that athletic edge, so you can run faster and not harder. Delivering an off-road running experience like no other. This lightweight, yet maximally cushioned, shoe is designed to carry you up, down, and over even the gnarliest of trails, taking speed to a whole new height.

Made to provide incredible spring and return from a thick bed of ultralight PWRRUN PB cushioning, the midsole used works to cushion the foot on impact, reducing the stress and strain your feet endure, which translates to reduced risk of injury as your feet are protected.

The midsole also works to provide a springy rebound, utilising the force from your last step to power you into your next one. The intended result is less energy loss and a reduced rate of fatigue, meaning you can go further and faster. A net mesh also covers the midsole area to protect it from the rugged terrain.

Saucony Endorphin Trail

Terrain: The propulsive shoe suited best to hard-packed trails .

Technology & key features:  SPEEDROLL technology to allow you to roll over the trails, PWRRUN PB cushioning to give you a light and fast feel, and an ultra-grippy PWRTRAC outsole.

Feel of the shoe:  Soft cushioning with SPEEDROLL technology aims to push you onto your toes and help propel you forwards.

Saucony Endorphin Trail Mid

Terrain: The protective shoe for the same terrain as the Endorphin Trail but with a more protective upper suited to dusty paths and gravel.

Technology & key features:  SPEEDROLL technology to allow you to roll over the trails, PWRRUN PB cushioning to give you a light and fast feel, and an ultra-grippy PWRTRAC outsole. A mid-cut upper for a more protective fit.

Distance:  Short to middle-distance runs.

Feel of the shoe:  Soft cushioning with SPEEDROLL technology pushes you onto your toes and helps propel you forwards. The higher-fitting upper makes your feet feel more protected.

Shop all Saucony Endorphin Trail shoes on SportsShoes here

Saucony Endorphin Edge

Weight: 255g (men's)/ 221g (women's) Drop: 6mm Lug depth: 4mm Support: Neutral

Break boundaries and release your inner trail seeker with the Saucony Endorphin Edge - a shoe designed to be super-fast, lightweight and cushioned for next-level performance.

The Endorphin Edge is packed with PWRRUN PB foam cushioning and a Carbitex™ carbon-fibre plate that helps propel you forward. This flexible carbon-fibre plate should provide speed and efficiency, and despite featuring a high-stack cushioned midsole, you can still enjoy a close connection to the ground. Featuring 4mm lugs on the outsole for ample grip on rugged terrain.

With both higher absorption and faster evaporation, the lightweight mesh of the upper helps pull moisture away from your foot, which means you keep cool and stay dry.

In comparison to other models, it's the only one to feature a 3-quarter length plate carbon-fibre plate and is the lightest and fastest Saucony trail shoe in the range. It also has a higher drop (6mm) than the Peregrine 12 and Endorphin Trail, which are both 4mm.

Terrain: The light and fast shoe for hard packed trails and forest paths – the kind of ground you can run fast on.

Technology & key features:  Carbitex™ carbon-fibre plate to propel you up hills and along the trails, Speedroll technology to allow you to roll over the trails, PWRRUN PB cushioning to give you a light and fast feel and an ultra-grippy PWRTRAC outsole.

Feel of the shoe:  Lightweight, fast and plenty of cushioning.

Shop all Saucony Endorphin Edge shoes on SportsShoes here

Saucony Xodus Ultra

Weight: 293g (men's)/ 259g (women's) Drop: 6mm Lug depth: 4.5mm Support: Neutral

For those who see the horizon and dare to explore further, meet the Saucony Xodus Ultra. Built for long trails, this shoe is made to go the distance.

Specifically designed for the long-haul, the Xodus Ultra aims to provides the ultra-comfort you desire for the ultra-distance you demand. Featuring a new design that’s been formulated to give you more room and more comfort as you take on extra miles. Get maximum spring with ultralight and ultra-plush PWRRUN PB cushioning and added durability and support, with a resilient PWRRUN Frame to help revive your stride and a stable feeling.

This shoe aims to provide maximum energy return and has a redesigned 3-piece PWRTRAC outsole for traction on off-road terrain. This shoe has a 6mm drop and 4.5mm lugs for superb grip.

Enjoy more comfort with a roomier toe box and a contoured sockliner which hugs your foot for a perfect fit. a more minimal upper should decrease irritation hotspots and a new debris shield keep out mud and loose stones. It also features a rock-plate in the midsole for added protection against sharp rocks underfoot.

Terrain: A cushioned shoe for covering a variety of terrain over a long period of time.

Technology & key features:  A max cushioned trail shoe without any extra weight. PWRRUN PB cushioning combines with a durable PWRRUN Frame to help revive your stride and an ultra-grippy PWRTRAC outsole. Durable protection with an improved rock plate.

Distance:  Ideal for long runs and ultra-distances.

Feel of the shoe:  Soft, ultra-plush cushioning, with a roomy toe box allows your feet to spread.

Shop all Saucony Xodus Ultra shoes on SportsShoes here

Saucony Ride 15 TR and Ride 15 GTX

Weight: 261g (men's)/ 241g (women's) Drop: 8mm Lug depth: 3.5mm Support: Neutral

Built using softer cushioning and grippy tread, the Saucony Ride 15 TR road to trail shoe has more foam, a durable feel, and everything you need to go further.

The Ride 15 TR has a PWRTRAC outsole and lightweight and durable upper, with a FORMFIT design and supportive webbing, which aims to hug your foot to provide a more personalised feel.

The soft PWRRUN cushioning formula gives you more cushion and less weight for springy trail and road runs. A higher stack and a PWRRUN+ sockliner give you an extra layer of cushioning to help deliver an easy stride from heel-to-toe.

Like the Excursion TR16, this shoe has the highest drop of any Saucony trail shoe at 8mm, which means it's more suitable for heel strikers.

Saucony Ride 15 TR

Terrain: The road to trail shoe suited for mixing road and trail in one run.

Technology & key features:  PWRRUN cushioning for comfortable road miles coupled with a PWRTRAC grippy tread for light trails. A FORMFIT design for a more personalised fit.

Feel of the shoe:  Feels like a road running shoe with extra grip.

Saucony Ride 15 TR GTX

Terrain: The waterproof shoe for the same road to trail terrain as the Saucony Ride 15 TR but with a Gore-Tex upper.

Technology & key features:  PWRRUN cushioning for comfortable road miles coupled with a PWRTRAC grippy tread for light trails and an invisible fit GORE-TEX upper to keep your feet dry when mixing road and trail.

Feel of the shoe:  Feels like a road running shoe with extra grip. The GORE-TEX upper doesn’t change the fit - choose your usual size.

Shop all Saucony Ride 15 TR shoes on SportsShoes here

Saucony Excursion TR16 GTX

Weight: 286g (men's)/ 241g (women's) Drop: 8mm Lug depth: 4.5mm Support: Neutral

The springy, comfortable Excursion TR16 GTX trail shoes are designed for all-round performance on the trails and are made to be suitable for both walking and trail running. Featuring GORE-TEX membrane in the upper material which provides protection against, rain, mud and moisture, meaning you remain comfortable and dry in all-weather conditions.

This shoe has a thick and responsive Versarun midsole which gives long-lasting, high performing cushioning, for protection and comfort to last a long day on the trail. This cushioning offers a soft landing with every step, absorbing heavy impacts but also dispersing energy evenly for a smoother ride.

The durable outsole features an XT-900 carbon rubber for outstanding performance and grip, with 4.5mm carbon-rubber lugs to provide the best traction. Whether you are clambering through muddy terrain or grassy grounds, you should feel unstoppable.

Like the Saucony Ride 15 TR GTX, this shoe has an 8mm drop, which is the highest heel-to-toe offset in the Saucony Trail Collection.

Terrain: The all-rounder trail shoe for a mixture of walking and running on grass and light trails with a GORE-TEX upper to keep your feet dry.

Technology & key features:  Featuring VERSARUN Cushioning and GORE-TEX upper to keep your feet dry from your morning walk to your trail run.

Distance:  Short walks and runs.

Feel of the shoe:  Comfortable cushioning and a rugged outsole.

Shop all Saucony Excursion TR16 GTX shoes on SportsShoes here

Header image credit: SportsShoes

This article was originally published on SportsShoes.com

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