Saucony Peregrine 14 Review
Published: April 10, 2024
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.3 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 31 mm (Heel), 27 mm (Forefoot) | 4 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail, Road-to-trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Individual Thoughts
JonOverall Score: 8.5/10
As much as I love the views that come with trail running, I do not get out there much, especially when building for a marathon race. That said, when it comes to trail shoes, I want something comfortable, protective, and versatile, and the Peregrine 14 is exactly that. The only minor issue I experienced throughout testing was some forefoot rubbing caused by the toe box during a 13-mile run. I typically keep trail runs under double-digit mileage, so that should not be an issue as I continue to put mileage on these shoes.
Moving forward, the Peregrine will be the one trail shoe I keep in my rotation, being my top choice for hikes with my dogs, and the occasional 5- to 8-mile trail run with some buddies. It has the protection and grip I need to run confidently on any terrain, and the Peregrine 14 is lightweight enough to pick up the pace when I hit some flatter sections. Overall, the Saucony Peregrine 14 meets my trail running needs, and I look forward to more adventures on the beautiful peaks of San Luis Obispo, CA.
MichaelOverall Score: 9/10
For the second consecutive year, the changes in the Peregrine are subtle to maintain the shoe's versatile nature and to provide runners with consistent comfort for happy trail running.
The Saucony Peregrine 14 maintains a medium profile with a 4-mm drop and its classic PWRRUN compound in the midsole. Saucony has slightly redesigned version 14's midsole, continuing the brand's pursuit of making a lighter and more reactive midsole compound. Saucony continues to utilize the PWRTRAC rubber compound in the outsole with 5-mm lugs, which are suitable for any terrain. The lug length and configuration are quite aggressive and should work well on smooth, compact dirt, as well as soft, muddy trails. Between the outsole and the midsole, Saucony has embedded a very flexible, highly protective plate, adding an abundance of comfort and protection without sacrificing the shoe's performance. The Peregrine 14 is a shoe that I felt could go short to medium distances at a variety of daily paces without skipping a beat.
The upper is where we see the most significant modifications from the previous version, with updated materials and improved breathability. I found that version 14's upper is also very adaptable. The material stretches around the foot very comfortably, seemingly conforming to my foot and locking me in for the ride ahead. All said and done, I believe the Saucony Peregrine 14 will continue to be one of the most versatile trail shoes on the market, and I highly recommend trying this shoe if you frequent the trails and like mixing up the types of runs you do while you are exploring.
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Jon: "The upper of this shoe had some positives and some negatives for me. On the one hand, I liked its structure and durability, finding it comfortable all around. The toe box was very protective thanks to the reinforcement provided by the overlay. However, with that added protection, I noticed that my left big toe started to rub as I got into double digits on an easy run. I generally have a callus on my big toe anyway, so this is definitely specific to me, but I fear that I could have gotten a mean blister if I went much further than 13 miles. Regardless, I liked how the upper performed throughout the testing period. It offered a nice balance of protection without being too heavy."
Michael: "The lacing system provides a highly secure lockdown and wraps around my foot with a very comfortable hold. Having worn the previous version, the Peregrine 14's upper is an upgrade with more breathability and irritation-free comfort."
Midsole
Jon: "The PWRRUN compound is on the firmer side, but I expected that given that the Peregrine is a nimble trail shoe that needs to be stable at various paces. Throughout the test period, I felt connected to the ground while wearing the Peregrine, but thanks to the rock plate, the Peregrine offered substantial protection on technical trails. However, the tradeoff for that protection was not ideal for me, as I prefer softer cushioning, which should not be a surprise given I do most of my running on the roads.
I often hear the word nimble when people in the building talk about the Peregrine, and I think that is a great word to describe the underfoot experience of this shoe. It is relatively lightweight, delivers confidence-inspiring traction, and has a protective enough midsole to make any foot strike feel comfortable, regardless of what terrain I was running on. I was not afraid to land on sharp rocks or uneven trail segments, all thanks to the shoe's protective and stable midsole design."
Michael: "The PWRRUN midsole provides excellent underfoot protection from the trails with a hint of ground feel for an overall balanced and adaptable ride. I really appreciated the embedded rock plate on technical terrain, but it was obtrusive on smoother, more groomed trails. Given my personal preferences, the Peregrine 14 is not too soft or too firm, striking a perfect balance for a mid-distance to long-distance trail shoe. Also, with a 28-mm stack height and 4-mm offset, I found the Peregrine's ride surprisingly efficient at faster paces."
Outsole
Jon: "The outsole was probably my favorite feature of this shoe. I had the opportunity to run on pavement, smooth trails, and moderately technical trails, and the outsole grip was excellent in every instance. Additionally, the multi-directional lugs provided surefooted traction regardless of whether I was ascending or descending. This gave me a lot of confidence and allowed me to focus on enjoying the run versus navigating it."
Michael: "The Peregrine 14's PWRTRAC rubber outsole is excellent. It offered sticky traction that was perfect for runners like me who enjoy a wide assortment of different trail runs. Regarding the shoe's durability, I have not noticed any signs of abnormal wear, and given the Peregrine's reputation within the trail running community, I have no worries that the rubber will stand the test of time."
Comparable Models
Saucony Peregrine 14 vs. HOKA Torrent 3
Jon: "I am kind of pinch-hitting for this review, as our usual trail tester is nursing an injury at the moment, and I am typically crushing road mileage. However, the Saucony Peregrine reminds me of the HOKA Torrent 3, especially after discussing my experience in the Peregrine with fellow RW testers. Both shoes have a balanced midsole that leans on the firmer side, with similar stack heights and offset. Furthermore, the Peregrine and Torrent offer versatile rides that adapt well to different trail surfaces and runs. Given all my discussions with fellow testers, what model works best for you will come down to personal preference."
Saucony Peregrine 14 vs. Salomon Genesis
Michael: "The Salomon Genesis is the closest model to the Peregrine 14, in my opinion. Both are dynamic trail shoes that will deliver a lot of fun trail miles. The main difference between the two models is the lacing system, but both designs deliver a secure hold. In terms of performance, both models are very similar underfoot with a very adaptable ride."
Saucony Men's Peregrine
The Saucony Peregrine is a great trail running shoe designed for moderate to longer length runs. One of our best sellers.
Saucony Women's Peregrine
The Saucony Peregrine is a great trail running shoe designed for moderate to longer length runs. One of our best sellers.
