Monday, January 30, 2023

Saucony Peregrine 13 and Peregrine 13 GTX Multi Tester Review: 11 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski, Renee Krusemark, John Tribbia and Jeff Valliere


Saucony Peregrine 13 ($140 ) Peregrine 13 GTX ($160)

Pros:

+1.5mm stack increase & softer lighter PWRRUN, a big difference in cushion Mike P/Renee/Jeff V

More of a do-it-all trail shoe than V12 Mike P/Renee/Jeff V/John

Same great upper fit and security Mike P/Renee/Jeff V/John

More stack, less weight Mike P/Renee/Jeff V/John

Runs much smoother on roads, hard surfaces Mike P/Renee/Jeff V/John


Cons:

Maybe a minor stability & agility loss from V12? Mike P/Renee/Jeff V/John

More exposed outsole as compared to v12: Renee

Stats

Weight:

  Peregrine 13 Samples: men’s  9.62 oz  /  271g US9, 9.6 oz / 272g US 9.5

                                       men’s  10.1oz  /  285g US10

                                       women’s 8.30 oz / 235g US8

  Peregrine 13 GTX Samples: men’s 10.12 oz / 289g US9, 10.6 / 300g US 9.5

                                                women’s 9.05 oz / 257g US8

Stack Height: men’s 28mm heel / 24 mm forefoot 4 mm drop

Available February:  $140 Peregrine 13, $160 Peregrine 13 GTX


First Impressions, Fit and Upper

Mike P: I was quite surprised to receive 3 test versions of the new Peregrine 13 at the same time (Regular, Gore-tex, ST Soft Trail). After unboxing, I was even more surprised at what seemed to be quite big changes from the previous version as V12 was a major update for the Peregrine - dropping weight substantially and bringing it back to its roots after it had become a bit bloated over the years.


The Peregrine 13 features a slightly reworked upper, a bit more foam that is softer underfoot, as well as a slightly revamped outsole design. My first impression upon putting them on was that they seemed noticeably more cushy underfoot. I hadn’t received specs yet, but it was later confirmed that there is a 1.5mm stack increase from V12 and a slightly softer version of PWRRUN foam.


The upper retains the same footshape as V12 - and thankfully - the same great foothold and security. Lace tension is great, and you are able to get a solid, complete wrap around the foot. IMO, it remains one of the best trail uppers out right now. The tongue material has been changed a bit - slightly thinner and it loses that logo patch at the top of the tongue. This made me concerned about lace bite, but it is not an issue.

The Gore-Tex version (above)  features a standard 2-layer bootie style construction - with the tongue gusseted into the liner all the way up to the top eyelets. Foot shape and sizing is in-line with the regular version. Initially the GTX upper felt a bit stiff, and somewhat snugger, but after a couple runs it loosened up and feels very close to the regular version. The tongue on the GTX version is slightly thicker, but also maybe a few mm short. But being that it’s sewn into the sides of the shoe, it hasn’t shifted or slid down for me.

Renee: Feel free to read through last year’s RTR review of the Peregrine 12. We all loved it. The Peregrine 13 loses some weight (minor at my women’s size 8) and adds 1.5mm of cushion. While I couldn’t tell much difference in the weight in my size, the added cushion was instantly noticeable. Mike P. states the three key changes: more underfoot, a slightly different upper, and a change to the outsole treads. First impressions were great, and the Peregrine 13 is an easy shoe to rack up miles in. As compared to the previous version, the upper material seems a touch softer.

[Left-Peregrine 12, Right-Peregrine 13]


As for sizing, I suggest true-to-size. The Peregrine 13, like the 12, has a snug fit with an angled toe box. I have plenty of room in the upper, and for technical or uneven terrain, the fit helps with security for nimble, quick landings. For runners between half sizes, I suggest the half size up. 

The upper of the GTX version fits the same. The GTX is a bit more stiff to lace, but the hold remains secure, especially when wearing thicker, wool socks. I ran with the non-GTX through snow and didn’t mind it, although the toebox is breathable and in below 0℉ temps, the GTX is a safer option. 


Jeff V:  Funny, the Peregrine 13 was not on my radar at all and when they arrived completely unexpected along with the ST, I didn’t even open the shoe box and wondered why they sent me a shoe I already tested?  But then a while later it dawned on me that I reviewed the 12 last year and we are now moving on to the 13.  Oops, too many shoes to keep all the numbers straight! 

Once I figured this out, I hurried out to the garage to investigate and was really impressed by them the moment I opened the box, as they are clearly lighter and a bit more substantial underfoot.  They look stylish with a slightly revamped upper and while a white shoe can be hit or miss for me, I think they really look good.  As soon as I put them on, I was impressed at how light and airy they feel, with a comfortable and flexible upper that is also both appropriately accommodating and  very secure.

Fit is true to size and consistent with previous Peregrines.  While not wide per se, I find them to be comfortably accommodating for my narrow, low volume foot, while still being very secure no matter the speed or how technical the terrain, off camber, etc…

The upper is quite breathable, flexible, streamlined and feels durable.  The toe bumper is adequate to feel protected when running through rocky terrain, integrating with an extended rand along either side of the shoe.  The heel collar is well padded, but not overly so.  The heel counter is semi flexible, secure and stable.  Lacing is one and done, snugging up nicely without any pressure or lace bite.

The D ring gaiter attachment upfront is really handy this time of year, very securely holding my Kahtoola RENAgaiters in place.


John: My first impression after wearing the Peregrine 13 (non GTX) out of the box is that I think I’ll enjoy this version as much as I enjoyed v12. The seamless, breathable and recycled upper is lightweight and hugs the foot. As a single piece of mesh that is reinforced with nylon, the upper feels durable and supportive. While not the best for winter months, the mesh is very breathable, which helps to keep the foot cool and comfortable. 


The Peregrine 13 has a comfortable and secure fit. The shoe is true to size and the upper hugs the foot nicely. The shoe feels wider, with a more open toe box, which provides plenty of room for the forefoot (and warmer socks). The shoe also has a good amount of cushion, which will make it comfortable to wear for longer outings.


Midsole

Mike P: I’ve heard some commentary, both online and out on the trails - that V12 tended to feel a bit firm. I do concur with this opinion - I had it pegged as a short-mid distance technically oriented shoe. The secure fit, firm feel, and great protection made it very agile in technical terrain, but I could also see it feeling harsh over longer durations.

 

The 1.5mm foam addition, plus the foam itself feeling a bit softer - is really quite noticeable. It adds a totally new dimension to the shoe. It’s far more of an all terrain, daily trail trainer now as opposed to being more narrowly oriented towards technical usage. Most runners should be way more comfortable racking up big miles in the new Peregrine. It’s clearly a top contender in the daily trainer category for trails. 

The GTX version also receives the same stack increase and feels similarly cushioned underfoot. Both versions retain Saucony’s great woven rock plate and TPU PWRRUN + insole. With the added foam underfoot - the woven rock plate is even less noticeable than before - to the point of being nearly undetectable. 


Renee: The 1.5mm added midsole (as compared to previous version) is noticeable, but it does not overly affect the shoe’s ability to run fast and stable on uneven terrain. The midsole is firm, but not harsh. Those who thought the 12 was too firm might appreciate the extra midsole between the foot and the plate. I had no issues running the v12 on longer runs (3-4 hours), and the added cushion here makes the v13 a more likely choice for a 50k, depending on terrain. Add that together: the Peregrine 13 is a trail shoe good for short and distance runs, all at a decent trail shoe price.

The woven flexible rock guard/plate not only offers protection, but also helps with an even landing. I’m not running mountain terrain, yet the rock guard is appreciated on rugged, uneven routes. The shoe is still best suited for terrain that is technical or somewhat technical. I wouldn’t wear the Peregrine on smooth, flat trails, but the extra midsole makes that terrain more comfortable as compared to the v12. I agree with Mike P. about the GTX version. The underfoot ride is the same, albeit at a noticeably heavier weight. 

Jeff V:  The PWRRUN midsole with 1.5 mm of additional stack over the 12 is notable, adding a more well cushioned, protective and softer feel to the shoe, without compromising stability or control in technical terrain.  It is most noticeable when you wear the 12 and the 13 side by side, the 12 feels lower and more in touch with the ground.  I would be inclined to speculate that the 12 would be more stable, but when actually pushing the 13 in technical terrain, I have not yet felt them to be less stable and are equally confidence inspiring.  

There is of course then the added advantage of having that extra cushion for bashing the downhills and not feeling as beat up (note that the 12 never really made me feel beat up like some other fast tech shoes might, but the 13 is just that much better).  Response is snappy and quick on the uphills and anywhere else really, this is a quick shoe!


John: Mike, Renee, and Jeff describe the added stack compared to v12 really well. Similar to the previous version, the Peregrine 13 has a midsole made of PWRRUN foam that provides good cushioning and energy return. The midsole also has a rock plate, which protects the foot from sharp rocks and debris. With the added cushion compared to the previous version, I found an equally spirited ride, more protection, and the same amount of stability (as Jeff did).


Outsole

Mike P: The outsole receives a significant update in two areas- the lugs themselves as well as the extended split of the outsole under the rear foot. The lug pattern has been opened up a bit - there are less lugs in total, as well as a mix of larger lugs on along the edge and in the center - with smaller lugs filling in the gaps. Overall there’s less lug contact on the ground. I haven’t noticed any loss of traction from V12, and the new spaced out pattern seems to shed mud better. The lug height remains at 5mm.

[Top - V12, Bottom - V13 GTX (same outsole as regular version)]


Another noticeable update is that the lugs along the edges of the outsole have been rounded a bit, as opposed to being totally flat. This seems to smooth out the ride a bit - especially on roads and harder surfaces. I find a much smoother landing, where the previous version could feel a bit flat on harder surfaces. 

[A closeup of the rounded profile towards the edge of the outer lugs]


The extended swallow-tail design is also much more noticeable on heel landings than the shorter tail segmentation of V12. In conjunction with the softer foam - landing on the outer heel during descents allows much more compression of the midsole and a smoother roll into the full foot strike. I’ve heard a few complaints about harshness in the heel with V12 - this design seems like it should alleviate that issue. 


Renee: The outsole is a familiar PWRTRAC lug system and rubber. Like the previous version, the outsole is good for a variety of terrain. I ran through thick snow, gravel, dirt, and slush/ice. The outsole is versatile and can handle mostly anything. I agree with Mike P. that as compared to v12, the spaced out lugs help to shed mud a bit better, and the pattern might create a slightly softer landing. I have some wear on what Mike P. referred to as the “swallow tail” likely from landing on sharp ice. The outsole change will improve the forgiveness of the ride, but could affect durability. At 50 miles in the regular Peregrine, a small crack is forming along the indented section of the exposed foam. 

Jeff V:  Mike and Renee sum up the outsole perfectly.  Traction is overall excellent on just about everything I have run on, from snow, mixed frozen snow/ice, slush, mud, loose off trail, gravel of all compactions/consistency, rock, slab, etc….  I wouldn’t say that I am nervous on wet rock, as traction is good there too overall, but is not in the elite level of wet traction like La Sportiva, Scarpa or VJ.  Durability remains to be seen, but I have not yet seen any concerning wear.


John: The Peregrine 13 PWRTRAC outsole is a grippy rubber that provides good traction on a variety of surfaces. I ran in snow, ice, mud, rutty frozen trail, rock, and gravel paths. The outsole lug pattern excels in wet and muddy surfaces. Similar to Jeff, I found the Peregrine 13 outsole to be top class, but slightly below that of La Sportiva and Scarpa in performance.


Ride

Mike P: You can probably get an idea about the ride from my descriptions of the midsole and outsole updates above. Overall, it’s a noticeably more cushioned and smoother ride underfoot than the previous version. My V13 in size US 9.5 loses 6g (0.2 oz) from V12. This helps them retain (and improve) the feeling of lightness on foot, even though they do feel softer. The ride is not snappy or explosive like other race day options such as the new Catamount 2 or Saucony’s own Endo Edge. But I’m much more likely to reach for the Peregrine day after day in all varieties of terrain and conditions.


As far as training goes, they’ll get you much farther in terms of distance and duration than V12. The only downside I see is that they do lose a touch of agility that is inherent with the firmer, closer to the ground feel of the previous version. It’s a little bit of a tradeoff, but I’d bet it’s a welcome trade for the majority of runners out there.


On the run, the GTX version has the same cushioned and protective feel as the regular version - but doesn’t have the same quick and responsive feel. You can chalk that up to the additional 18g (1.0 oz) of weight, plus the stiffer Gore-tex upper. They’re a bit less flexible overall, so not quite the same forward-response of the regular version. I feel a bit more upright on the run, as usual with shoes that are less flexible. But in Gore-Tex type conditions, such as soft snow or wet slush, it’s not an issue. 


Renee: The Peregrine 13 ride caters to technical terrain and has a firm, yet nimble landing. The added cushion underfoot and changes to the outsole make the v13 a better shoe for daily training as compared to the v12. For runners who thought the v12 was too firm, the v13 will be a better choice. 


I agree with Mike P. that the v12 is more agile and better for uneven terrain when trying to run fast and nimble. Yet, v13 runs fine on that terrain too, with a more forgiving ride on stretches of smooth, flat terrain. 


The Peregrine 13 is a good choice for daily training, and as it’s fairly lightweight it works for speedier sessions as well. I think more runners will be able to use them for ultras than before. The underfoot ride is enough for 20 miles training runs, so I’d be fine running 50k with it. On anything remotely technical, I’d choose the Peregrine 13 over the more cushioned Edge.

The GTX has a similar ride, but with the additional weight, it won’t be as quick or flexible. 

Jeff V:  Mike and Renee sum up the ride perfectly. As Mike says, they are not necessarily snappy or explosive, I find them the to be quick and responsive overall and given their overall competence in technical terrain, factors that might make them more snappy (lighter weight, a carbon plate, more minimal outsole) could easily make them less competent/fast in technical terrain.  


John: I agree with everyone above. The 13 has a smooth and responsive ride. The PWRRUN foam provides good cushioning and energy return, which makes the shoe feel fast and comfortable. The rock plate and outsole also helps to protect the foot from sharp rocks and debris, which makes the shoe versatile and performant for a variety of terrain.


Conclusions and Recommendations


Mike P: Saucony comes out the gate hot again in 2023 - surprisingly with a much bigger than expected update to the Peregrine. But despite the seemingly big update, I find that overall the character of the shoe does not change much. Ultimately it’s a slightly more cushy and comfortable ride, and very slightly less nimble in very technical terrain. These updates clearly make the shoe more versatile for more runners. For those that prefer the firmer feel and ride of the previous version - keep an eye out for closeouts and discounts. 

Mike P’s Score (Regular version):  9.60 / 10

Ride: 9.5 - Ride is more comfortable in non-technical terrain

Fit: 9.5 - Same great, secure fit. Perhaps a bit more rounded at the very front would be ideal

Value: 9 - Price increases $10, but overall a much more versatile shoe. 

Style: 10 - Love the white color 

Traction: 10 - Excellent in most trail conditions, now smoother on road

Rock Protection: 10 - Just about tops in class for mid-level stacks

Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊


Mike P’s Score (GTX version):  8.95 / 10

Ride: 8.5 - Heavier than the regular version, so a bit more sluggish

Fit: 9 - Feels a touch snugger in the forefoot, but does break in

Value: 8 - If you want or need Gore-tex, you get it for $20, but with a less dynamic ride

Style: 8 - Gray… but understated look is good for casual use in cold, wet weather

Traction: 10 - Same level as regular version

Rock Protection: 10 - Same level as regular version

Smiles 😊😊😊😊


Renee: Much like the previous version, the Peregrine 13 is a versatile trail shoe at a good price. The shoe remains a trail-specific shoe best on  uneven or technical terrain; however, the additional midsole helps with comfort underfoot so it’s fine for stretches on road or smooth/flat rail trails. 


For runners who like agile, nimble trail shoes with ground-feel, a discounted Peregrine v12 is still a great choice. 


For runners who need/want more cushion underfoot, I’d suggest the v13. The GTX version (like most GTX shoes) has a stiff upper and the weight makes the ride less quick. I’d choose the GTX version only for running through snow during sub 0 F temps. If running groomed winter trails, I prefer the regular version with a good pair of wool socks. 

Renee’s Score: 9.5/10 (regular)

😊😊😊😊😊

Renee’s Score: 9.0/10 (GTX)

😊😊😊😊


Jeff V:  With the added 1.5mm of midsole, the Peregrine 13 tips slightly more into the daily trainer and even a bit longer distances category, without really losing the all mountain, fast technical capabilities, adding to its versatility.  Lighter weight, more cushion, great fit, comfort, agility, stability, security, traction, the Peregrine 13 ranks very high on my list of favorites.


Jeff V’s Score:  9.6 / 10

Ride: 9.5 - Smooth and well cushioned with excellent control

Fit: 9.5 - very secure and comfortable

Value: 9 - dinged a bit for price increase, but in these days of steady inflation, we can’t be too shocked, you are getting a lot of performance and quality for the money.

Style: 9.5 - I like the white and yellow combo, but beyond colorway, they are sleek and have an overall stylish design.

Traction: 9.5 - wet traction on rock is good, but could be better.

Rock Protection: 10 - Excellent and never have had a zinger.


John: The Saucony Peregrine 13 is a cushioned yet still lightweight versatile trail shoe with a very comfortable upper that provides a roomy and secure fit. Compared to the v12, the 13 brings the same energetic, smooth, and consistent ride, while providing a more cushioned feel with plenty of stability and protection. This shoe is great on a variety of surfaces, especially mud and semi-aggressive trail. What I love about this shoe is that it is a do-everything trail runner that is really really comfortable. 

John’s Score:  9.6/10

Ride: 9.5 (energetic and protective)

Fit: 9.5 

Value: 9.5 (comfortable fit, cushioned yet performant ride, and stable + protective)

Style:  9.5 (I really like the white) 

Traction:  10 (great shoe that can be used for nearly everything on the trail)

Rock Protection: 9.5 (Added cushion is a big plus in this version)


11 Comparisons

Index to all RTR reviews: HERE


Saucony Peregrine 12 (RTR Review)

Renee: We wrote comparisons throughout the review. The Peregrine 12 has an advantage in agility on technical terrain. The Peregrine 13 has the advantage on mixed terrain, mostly because of the additional 1.5mm of midsole underfoot. 

Mike P: See comps throughout the review. The differences are slight, but still noticeable. V13 should be more comfortable for most runners.

Jeff V:  Compared throughout, I don’t think you could go wrong with either shoe.  For sure go with a closeout 12 if you are looking to save $, but also encourage trying the 13 for more cushion/comfort and especially for longer distances.

John: I love both shoes and I would opt for the 12 if I needed more ground feel in my run while the 13 is a good option for those days you just want a little more cushion


Saucony Peregrine 13 ST Soft Trail (RTR Review)

Mike P: The ST version feels like more of a different shoe than the regular & GTX versions, so we’re working on a separate review for that one. Both shoes share the same midsole, but with the ST’s deeper 6.5mm lugs, the feel and ride is a bit different. For having such substantial rubber underfoot they still feel quite quick and agile. The upper of the ST is different - it uses a bootie style construction (no tongue) which is a neoprene type material. Also it uses quicklaces instead of traditional laces. Incredibly, the weight is not too much more than the standard V13 Peregrine. Stay tuned for our full review. 

Jeff V:  Agreed with Mike above.  I will note that I think the ST should just have a different name, as it feels like an entirely different shoe to me.  I do not find the upper to be as soft or precise and there is something about the outsole that makes the shoe feel a bit harsh on harder surfaces (while conceding that ST stands for soft terrain of course and has big 6.5 mm lugs vs 5mm here).  On soft surfaces though, the ST really shines.

John: Mike and Jeff nail it on the head. The ST doesn’t feel as runnable to me (it has a superlight boot-like vibe to it) whereas the OG version is downright dreamy to run in. The ST devours any messy terrain it encounters with the aggressive traction while the OG version is pretty much there for any other terrain. 


[From left to right - GTX, ST, and Regular]

Saucony Endorphin Edge (RTR Review)

Renee: The Edge has more cushion underfoot and a more responsive ride thanks to the Carbitex plate. The Edge is a fun shoe that offers speed and cushion for training and races from short to ultra distances. The sizing is comparable, although the fit of Edge upper is more forgiving, almost to a fault on technical terrain (or wet, muddy rock). For technical terrain, the Peregrine 13 is more stable. For anything where a stable landing is not a concern, I’d choose the Edge, especially for a race. 

Mike P: Agree with Renee - sizing is the same, but the Edge does have a bit more volume all around. But you can tension it to your liking with lacing. The Peregrine is smooth and comfortable for cruising and more stable in more technical terrain. The Edge is flat-out explosive. I’ve run a fast 50K in them in moderate terrain and they’re ideal for that.


Saucony Xodus Ultra (RTR Review)

Renee: The Xodus Ultra is for  . . . ultras. The midsole landing is softer and better suited for all-day efforts when comfort and not speed is priority. The upper of the Ultra is more voluminous (although I think the version 2 out in 2023 addresses that issue). For shorter efforts, I’d choose the Peregrine 13. For all-day comfort, the Xodus Ultra. 

Mike P: Even though the new Peregrine feels much more cushy - once you step into the Xodus Ultra you’ll immediately notice the difference. More cushion for much longer distances. The Peregrine is great and the lighter weight feels so nice for regular training runs up to the 1-2 hour range. For longer days out, the Xodus Ultra offers much more cushion and protection. I’ve raced them up to 50M with no issues. I suspect the Peregrine would be great up to 50K, and now with the added cush, possibly 50M as well for me.


Nike Terra Kiger 8 (RTR Review)

Renee: The midsole/forefoot landing of the Kiger 8 is both softer and more responsive for shorter distances. For me (and other RTR reviewers) the Kiger 8 forefoot strike can be uncomfortable on harder surfaces at fast paces, as if the lugs push up into the midsole. The Kiger 8 runs slightly longer as compared to Peregrine. While the Kiger 8 is fun on certain terrain, the Peregrine 13 is a more versatile shoe.

Mike P: I haven’t been a fan of the recent Kiger versions - the upper is too wide, and as Renee points out - I also found the strange lug arrangements under the forefoot to be intrusive. I think the Peregrine is a much better shoe, and if you want to go longer, look at the Xodus Ultra.


Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GTX (RTR Review)

Renee: In terms of the GTX versions, The Peg Trail 4 GTX manages to add only a minor amount of weight to the regular version and maintains a very flexible, comfortable upper. The GTX upper of  the Peregrine 13 adds  noticeable weight. For shorter runs, I’d choose the Peg Trail 4 GTX. The Peregrine offers more protection and cushion under the forefoot for longer runs. Sizing is comparable, with the Peg Trail 4 having more room in the toebox. While a road-to-trai type shoe, the Peg Trail 4 runs very nimble on single track.

Mike P: My favorite Nike Trail shoe in a long time. The Peg GTX uses a single layer Gore-tex upper as opposed to the more standard, thicker bootie of the Peregrine.  The Peg’s upper is also much more roomy and comfortable in the forefoot.  The Peg GTX is 0.5 oz lighter than the Peregrine GTX, and it does feel lighter and quicker on the run. There’s a slight difference in character as the higher drop of the Peg. is noticeable, while the 4mm drop Peregrine feels more balanced. I typically favor the more balanced shoe, but in this case the Peg GTX has such a great fit and nice ride that I do prefer the Nike.


Hoka Torrent 2 (RTR Review)

Renee: The Torrent 2 is one of my favorite trail shoes for shorter distances. The Torrent 2 doesn’t have the protection underfoot (no woven plate) of the Peregrine 13 with  the Peregrine 13 having more stack height of cushion. The upper of the Peregrine 13 is more comfortable and secure. For shorter, faster efforts, the Torrent is still a fun, no-nonsense shoe. For anything else, I’d choose the Peregrine 13. I wear a half size smaller in the Torrent as compared to the Peregrine. 

Mike P: The Torrent 2 feels a bit flatter underfoot than the Peregrine - it’s a faster, more responsive shoe. But you get quite a bit less protection, especially under the forefoot. For me, the Peregrine upper is clearly better - more refined, with a better foot shape, and overall more secure. Being that I prefer other shoes for racing over the Torrent 2, I do prefer the Peregrine for regular miles out on the trail.


Hoka Speedgoat 5/GTX (RTR Review)

Renee: The Speedgoat 5 GTX (I don’t have the regular version) is heavier than the Peregrine 13 GTX. The Speedgoat does not have a plate, but it has good protection underfoot. The ride of the Peregrine 13 is more traditional as compared to the late-stage rocker of the Speedgoat. For speed and agility, I’d choose the Peregrine 13. The GTX of the Speedgoat 5 wraps all around the heel of the upper, whereas the Peregrine 13 GTX does not line the heel. I wore a half size smaller in the Speedgoat 5 as compared to the Peregrine. 

 

ASICS Fuji Lite 2 (RTR Review)

Mike P: These are similar shoes in theory, but the Peregrine is a cut above in most categories. I found the Fuji Lite 2 midsole to be overly soft and unstable. The Peregrine's PWRRUN is just as cushy, yet more stable. The Peregrine upper is also so much better - the Fuji Lite upper struggles to wrap the foot well without really cinching down the laces. No such issue with the Saucony - light lace tension, and you’re locked and ready to go. Hands down win for the Peregrine.

John: I agree 100% with Mike on the comparison. I will add that I’m more inclined to go road-to-trail and back to road in the ASICS because the ride and outsole are more conducive to road running compared to the Peregrine 13. I would defer to the Peregrine for any other type of trail running. 


Salomon Sense Ride 4 GTX 

Mike P: This is a shoe I’ve been using mainly casually in wet and/or cold weather. The Salomon has a much firmer midsole with little cushion to speak of. It does have a well done flexible rock plate, similar to the Saucony, so protection is good even with the firm ride. Both shoes’ GTX uppers perform similarly, so it comes down to whether you prefer a firmer or some cushioned ride. Both are good GTX options. 


Topo MTN Racer 2 (RTR Review)

Mike P: The MTN Racer 2 is a bit heavier (0.6 oz in my US 9.5). The weight is not as noticeable as the cushion - MTN Racer 2 feels a bit too thin under the forefoot, and it also has no rock plate. The Peregrine has a more cushioned ride especially noticeable at the forefoot, and also does have a well done, flexible rock plate. The Topo of course has a more spacious toebox, but I don’t find the Peregrine’s to be restrictive. I give the nod to the Peregrine, but I’m anxiously awaiting the next version of the MTN Racer. 


The Peregrine 13 and Peregrine 13 GTX is available at our partners now

Saucony SHOP HERE

Running Warehouse US SHOP HERE

REI SHOP HERE

Running Warehouse Europe SHOP HERE

Top4Running Europe SHOP 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 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.


Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state and can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not.  On the side he loves to bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his 12 year old daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.


John Tribbia (5' 6", 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/trail runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Feet, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Even though he competes less frequently these days, you can still find John enjoying the daily grind of running on any surface, though his favorite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has won races such as America's Uphill, Imogene Pass Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Series; and he's held several FKTs on several iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. If you follow him on Strava, you'll notice he runs at varying paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile before the break of dawn almost every day.


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19 comments:

Charlie said...

Thanks for this detailed review. Ultimately went with the Atreyu Base Trail over the Peregrine 12 as a short/daily trail shoe as I found the Peregrine 12 too harsh underfoot out of the box. I've really enjoyed the Base Trails over the past 200+ miles from ~4-7 mile technical trail runs all the way out to 20+ mile trail runs. I'll be trying the Peregrine 13 next and it sounds like they will do for me what the Base Trails did. Already ~100 miles in the Endorphin Edge, by far my favorite trail shoe of all time so far. Looking forward to their future shoes.

Mike P said...

Charlie - Sounds like the exact scenario that Saucony is trying to remedy from V12 to V13

The Stoat said...

I look at what Saucony is producing at the moment and think they look great.... EXCEPT I just can't get with the wierd toe taper on the inside edge of toebox. Who's big toes actually bend that way unless they have spent years in poor footware. Even climbing shoes these days have realised that big toes point forward. Please give us a straight run on the inside edge of the toebox Saucony.

Mike P said...

The Stoat - I agree with the general sentiment, but I'd say these Peregrine's aren't too bad. I actually noticed the taper more on the pinky toe side, but for the intended distance/duration of this shoe they're fine. They'd definitely be good up to 50K, but of course I would want more space for 100M. A lot of it does come down to personal footshape, and unfortunately, many people do have non-"natural", "pointy" feet.

A bigger culprit for me was Brooks - they always bothered me on the big toe side. But the new Catamount 2 is way better in this regard. I'm hoping their next trail models will follow suit.

Evan said...

Thanks for this review, I think it's confirmed that this 13 is exactly the update from the 12 that I need, can't wait to pick up a pair. I'm also hopeful that the durability of the upper has been improved, it seemed that many people had tearing after not too many miles in the 12.
I'm very curious to see what they do with the Xodus Ultra 2 (coming soon..?). Personally I hope they adjust the ankle collar, it destroyed my ankle bone

Mike P said...

Evan- Please leave a comment and let us know what you think if you do pick up a pair. It's interesting and helpful for us to receive feedback. We get a better idea about what runners are looking for.

We do have Xodus Ultra 2 in for test right now - I've got a decent amount of miles in my pair already. We'll be able to give more details next week.

Gordeaux said...

Does anyone have an opinion on how these compare to the Peregrine 11 (both regular and GTX)? I'm a technical speed hiker and the 11 has been my favorite shoe of all time (it's carried me through hell and back!), but the inevitable tread wear means I need to get some new ones.

Mike P said...

Gordeaux- There was quite a bit of weight drop from V11 > V12, which also applies to V13. I have no experience with technical speed hiking, but I'd say it depends on how much you value weight and stability vs. cushion. V13 is much lighter and has a much more cushy feel underfoot than V11. But as far as hiking, at least for general hiking - the weight is less of an issue than running, and the firmer more solid foam would likely be more stable and durable, especially if you're carrying a lot of weight.

But again, for your case - if you're favoring agility and weight savings - V12 and V13 would be a better pick. V12 is firmer if that suits you better for hiking. V13 is slightly less stable, but noticeably more cushion underfoot. Hope that helps.

Anonymous said...

What you do here is not reviewing but rather sharing "first impressions". Valuable reviews are written after at least 100 miles. Regular runners take durability more seriously than guys who rotate free shoes on a regular basis. Many runners report the Peregrine 12 falling apart after 100-200 km which seems quite early. What's your experience after using these and the Peregrine 13 shoes after a significant mileage?

Mike P said...

I hear you about the durability concerns. We do our best to put solid miles in shoes for the reviews. We also try to post follow ups when necessary if there are any drastic changes through continued use. For example, Saucony's production issues with their outsoles were discussed throughout the season last year.

Regarding the Peregrine 12 specifically- the pic I have in this review of the Peregrine 12 outsole is at exactly 106M (170 km). I haven't had any issue at all with the shoe up to this point, and they're still in my rotation.

Anonymous said...

Mike P - thanks for your response.

Anonymous said...

How do these compare with the Catamount 2 for racing, 30k-50mi (and maybe longer)?

Mike P said...

I'd say no contest - Catamount 2 is a better pick for racing. It has the edge in upper lockdown, also feels a bit lower to the ground and more stable - yet protective enough, especially if leaning towards shorter distance ultras. The SkyVault plate also has a quick-feeling flex, and the shoe overall feels faster.

Peregrine is a bit softer, more cushioned feel, and not quite the same quick feel as the Cat 2. A better option for training and a little bit slower paces I'd say. GTX wouldn't be an option for racing as it's heavier and the upper makes the ride feel a bit more sluggish.

Zsolt said...

I've found a strange version of this shoe with different upper and laces (color: Arroyo, product id: 20838-35):
https://top4running.com/p/saucony-peregrine13-s20838-35
Seems like it has thicker/denser/WR(?) upper and "cylindrical" laces... Do you have any info about it?
I can't find anything.
Thank you!

Mike P said...

Definitely Seems like the ST version, but with regular laces instead of the quick lace. I have no info on that one. But if you do have the ST version, you could easily swap in regular laces like that one.

Zsolt said...

@Mike P, thank you, it definitely looks like the ST version's upper.
I also asked the Saucony support but they don't have any info yet because this version's release date 04/23 - it's strange I could buy it already in Europe...
I hope it'll work for me because I couldn't resist the color and the price (insane ~$83 on sale) :)

Mike P said...

The outsole is 100% the ST outsole. That's a sweet deal

Anonymous said...

I've actually seen havoc in the "long exposed foam tail" between the split heel part of the sole. I'm a big fan of the Peregrine tho, but I don't think I will buy them until that heel is completely covered with lugs. The trails and mountains I train in, would be like sandpaper to that unshielded foam and I'd bet it would tear apart more sooner than later. That said, which –apart of the above-mentioned– would be a proud alternative? Thanks a lot from Spain. 😊🙏

Mike P said...

Anonymous-

If you're really in rough and rugged alpine terrain, you should look into the Salomon Genesis. Super durable, and a great shoe for exactly that terrain. It costs a little more, but you'll easily get the value back in durability.