Article by Renee Krusemark, Jeff Valliere, Allison Valliere
Saucony Peregrine 14 ($140)
Renee: The Peregrine is a staple in the Saucony trail shoe lineup. The newest version launched in early 2024 with a somewhat quiet release. We didn’t receive review samples until June. Saucony focused on other trail shoes during our visit with them during 2023’s The Running Event (namely the new Xodus Ultra and Ride TR). The updates to the Peregrine 14 from v13 sound minimal and cosmetic, but after some miles I found to have a clear preference for one version over the other.
Pros:
Versatile use/terrain and distance: Renee/Jeff/Allison
Well priced: Renee/Jeff/Allison
Secure fit: Renee/Jeff/Allison
Comfort/cushion: Jeff/Allison
Traction: Jeff/Allison/Renee
Cons:
“Softer” midsole feels less cushioned/protective than v13: Renee
Would be nice to have a more sticky rubber: Jeff/Allison
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 9.75 oz / 276g US9. women’s 8.4oz / 238g US8
Prior Version Weight: men’s 9.62 oz / 271g US9
Sample Weights: men’s 10.25oz / 292g US10
women’s 8.4oz / 238g US8 , 8.75oz / 250g US9
Stack Height: men’s 28mm heel / 24mm forefoot ( 4mm drop spec)
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Renee: The Peregrine has been one of my favorite shoes since version 12. I find it relatively light weight and versatile for running trail or gravel terrain. Version 13 added a bit of stack over v12, and while the changes to the current v14 seem minor, I found the shoe to be slightly less enjoyable. I wore v14 for the first 35 miles of the Bighorn 52. Read on for those details!
The upper is secure and comfortable. The toe bumper extends around the lateral side more so than the previous version (see photo below). Some runners had issues with the upper tearing in this area (I didn’t), so the increased coverage should fix that concern. For me, the previous version has more flex for my forefoot without the extended toe bumper.
[Photo above: v13 and v14 toe bumper]
Other minor upper changes include a thicker tongue and slightly different lace pulls. The upper material from v13 felt more flexing to me across the forefoot, although this difference might improve security for some runners.
[Photo above: v13 and v14]
Jeff V: I have run in every Peregrine since version 5 and have seen them vary from low and light to more beefed up and cushioned. The 13 and now 14 have become a bit more beefed up, though have not become overly heavy or clunky and have done a good job of maintaining performance and adding comfort, cushion and protection.
Renee describes the mechanics of the upper well. I find the changes to the upper to be a slight improvement over the previous version, finding comfort, durability and flexibility to have improved slightly, maintaining a secure, but very comfortable fit and great breathability.
Fit is again true to size and side by side with the 13, I can hardly tell them apart in a blind test, though the increased padding of the tongue in the 14 is welcome and noticeable. Upper protection is slightly improved with a slightly expanded toe bumper and lockdown is comparable to the previous, holding my foot well in steep, rugged terrain. Breathability is comparable as well. While I had no issues with the thinner tongue of the 13, I do find the 14’s thicker tongue to add to the overall comfort.
Allison: I have run in several Peregrines over the years starting around version 5 or 6, but it has been several years and they been personal purchases vs RTR reviewing. I have always appreciated their agility, traction, protection and overall comfort (which has steadily improved). Receiving the Peregrine 14 was a very pleasant surprise and I am very impressed with the overall look and styling of the shoe. Stepping into them, I am struck by how comfortable, well cushioned, well padded they are, as well as very snug and secure without feeling confining in the least. I find the Peregrine 14 to fit true to size, with a secure heel, midfoot and just enough room in the toe to feel secure and comfortable, a perfect blend.
Midsole & Platform
Jeff V: The PWRRUN midsole feels to me to be very similar to the 13, providing a well cushioned, protective and soft feel to the shoe, while maintaining stability and not compromising control in technical terrain.
The extra cushion is welcome on long days and long downhills, as I do not feel beat up. Response is snappy and quick on the uphills and anywhere else really, this is a reasonably quick shoe.
Renee: Saucony states the midsole is a “softer” PWRRUN, but I couldn’t feel that difference while wearing v13 and v14 in an A/B test. Actually, I found my well worn v13 to feel more cushioned. I don’t doubt that the midsole is supposed to be softer, but I felt like I had more protection in v13, or more between my foot and the woven rock plate.
Overall, the midsole remains true to the Peregrine purpose. There’s not a lot of stack height, just enough to provide comfort without affecting ground feel. I find the platform to be great for agility and technical terrain, although runners who need or like a wide platform might not favor it.
And a major plus: Saucony keeps the TPU insole in v14. The insole is one of my favorites, and I used my v13 insole in the Edge and Rift. The midsole itself, because of the rock plate, isn’t forgiving, but the insole gives extra cushion and some responsiveness.
Allison: Since it has been a few years, I am very impressed with how the midsole has progressed, with the PWRRUN midsole providing a very nice blend of cushioning, protection, stability and comfort, which I feel allows me to run or hike over any terrain for any duration. I really appreciate the soft, yet supportive and responsive midsole, which I feel helps me go faster uphill (and on the flats/downhill as well).
Outsole
Renee: The outsole seems to be unchanged from the previous version, using Saucony’s PWRTRAC.
The exposed section of the outsole on the heel looks slightly wider than the previous version, although this is likely caused by wear.
I’ve never had traction issues with the outsole of the Peregrine. The only Saucony shoe I’ve worn with PWRTRAC that didn’t work (at all) for wet rock was the Edge. I had plenty of wet rock crossings and mud during Bighorn and the outsole worked great.
Jeff V: As Renee mentions, the outsole is essentially the same. 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 of the 13 has proven to be very good and I expect the same here.
Allison: Jeff and Renee sum up the outsole well. I find it to be very well treaded, with the large and aggressive lugs providing amazing grip under most circumstances, especially when the terrain is loose and technical. As mentioned, I think the rubber compound could be improved for better wet traction. Durability is very good, showing very little wear after weeks of testing on rocky terrain.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Renee: The Peregrine 14 can be fast, agile, and comfortable enough for long distances. Like the previous version, it’s an all-around trail shoe that manages to be good at most anything. I switched shoes at mile 35 of the Bighorn 52 because I needed a reset, although more capable runners could use the shoe for ultra distances.
[Photo credit: Mile 90 Photography, John Knepper]
The Peregrine works fine for me on mellow terrain too. I think for specific terrain, there’s always a better option, and the Peregrine isn’t the most dynamic shoe on the market. It is, however, one of the most versatile and well priced. The Peregrine remains one of my favorite overall trail shoes.
Renee’s Score: 9.4/10 (not much improved from v13, a bit heavier)
Jeff V: As I said about the 13, the Peregrine 14 fits slightly more into the daily trainer and even a bit longer distances category, without really losing the all mountain, fast technical capabilities, which only adds to its versatility. Light weight, great cushion, great fit, comfort, agility, stability, security, traction, the Peregrine 14 continues to rank 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 - great versatility and you are getting a lot of performance and quality for the money.
Style: 9.5 - Most of the colorways I have seen look good.
Traction: 9.5 - wet traction on rock is OK, but a more sticky compound would be nice.
Rock Protection: 10
😊😊😊😊😊
Allison: The Peregrine 14 is a nice, well cushioned all rounder, versatile and comfortable for long days on the trails and great on mountain trails, with excellent protection, traction and foothold. I pick them for just about any trail run or hike, no matter the terrain, distance or duration, an ideal daily trail trainer.
Allison’s Score: 9.7 / 10
Ride: 9.5, Fit: 910, Value: 9.5, Style: 9.5, Traction: 9.5,Rock Protection: 10
😊😊😊😊😊
4 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Saucony Peregrine 13 (RTR Review)
Renee: I compared throughout. Minor changes to the upper don’t make much difference. The toe bumper/overlay extends all around the side, which might help with tearing in that area. The tongue has more padding. The major difference for me was the so-called “softer” midsole which simply felt less cushioned. Sizing is similar and I’d recommend a discounted v13.
Jeff V: Agreed with Renee on most counts, though I am finding the midsole to be at least as well cushioned.
Brooks Catamount 3 (RTR Review)
Renee: The Catamount 3 is a slighter lighter shoe, and it feels lighter. The Skyvault plate helps with speed and the Catamount has an advantage for agility and quickness. The Peregrine offers more cushion underfoot, especially because of the TPU insole. As a daily shoe and distance shoe, I prefer the Peregrine. For short and fast, the Catamount. Sizing is similar.
Jeff V: Agreed with Renee. I will also add that I find the Peregrine to be better in technical terrain overall and especially when footing is loose.
Saucony Rift (RTR Review)
Renee: I wish Saucony would combine these shoes. The Rift is a lighter weight shoe despite having more stack and larger lugs. The midsole is cushioned yet dynamic. There’s no plate, but it’s protective enough. For technical terrain, the Peregrine upper is more secure and with a more narrow platform it is easier to control on rocky downhills. Sizing is similar although I’d suggest reading our review of the Rift for details.
Jeff V: Agreed with Renee. The Rift is an amazing shoe, but I wish the upper were more secure, as I find it to struggle holding my foot in technical terrain.
Saucony Endorphin Edge (RTR Review)
Renee: Much like the Rift, I wish Saucony would combine characteristics of the Edge and Peregrine. The Peregrine upper is more secure. The Edge has a forked plate for speed rather than a woven plate for protection. The Edge is a super shoe for trail. It’s light and fast without compromising stack and comfort. However, it is not stable on technical, wet/rocky terrain. Sizing is similar.
Jeff V: Agreed again with Renee. The Edge flirts with trail supershoe status IMHO, as they are light, fast, protective, comfortable and the midsole is so light, responsive and airy, but like Renee says, with a not so secure upper, they struggle in technical terrain.
The Peregrine 14 is available now including at our partners below
Tester Profiles
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
Allison Valliere is a 5th generation Coloradan who is passionate about the outdoors and has been hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing and running in the mountains since she was young. She has completed all but 5 of the Colorado 14ers (a dozen or so in winter), has many hundreds of year round ascents of 14ers, 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and the West. Allison has also traveled the world and trekked to over 18,000 feet in the Himalayas, to high altitudes in Ecuador and has worked for the National Park Service mapping plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California . Her almost daily routine involves runs/power hikes in the foothills above Boulder, or 4-5 mile flatter runs at 8-10 minute mile pace if schedule necessitates. But what really keeps her on her toes is working as a nurse and taking care of her 12 year old twin daughters who are also growing to share her love for the outdoors
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, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He 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 ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin 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
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2 comments:
Hello and thank you for the review. Can you compare the Peregrine 14 to the Altra Experience Wild?
Thanks again
Can you please compare to Terra Kiger 9! Thank you
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