Saucony Peregrine 16 review: a softer, grippier upgrade that’s ready to go longer

Saucony’s speedy trail shoe gets more cushioning and a Vibram Megagrip outsole, making it one of the most capable all-mountain trail running shoes without losing its edge.
Saucony Peregrine 16 review
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The Saucony Peregrine has built a strong reputation over the years as a fast, low-profile trail shoe with serious mountain credentials.

While last year’s version (the Peregrine 15) already felt like a well-tuned machine for off-road runners, it wasn’t quite built for longer hours on rugged terrain with hard surfaces.

That’s exactly what the Peregrine 16 improves on. It keeps the familiar fit and agile geometry of the 15 but layers in a softer, slightly taller (by 1mm) midsole and upgrades the outsole to Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug for much better grip.

Together, these two changes unlock its full potential, and make it one of the best-value all-terrain trail shoes available.

Key specifications

  • Price: $145 at saucony.com (available Jan 2026)
  • Weight: 9.8oz / 278g (Men’s US 9)
  • Drop / Stack: 4mm (32mm heel / 28mm forefoot)
  • Upper: Durable engineered mesh with abrasion zones and gaiter attachments
  • Midsole: PWRRUN foam with PWRRUN+ sockliner
  • Outsole: Vibram Megagrip + Traction Lug
  • Lug height: 4mm
  • Extras: Forefoot toe wrap, lace stash loop, rear finger loop, recycled materials, vegan construction, gaiter compatible

Fit and comfort

The Peregrine 16 fits true to size and mirrors the fit of its predecessor, a good thing if you liked the 15 as much as me.

It has a secure midfoot and heel, with just enough room in the forefoot to let your toes spread comfortably without losing precision on technical trails.

The step-in feel is soft and plush, thanks to generous padding around the collar and tongue.

Saucony Peregrine 16 review: a softer, grippier upgrade that’s ready to go longer 3 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

The upper feels light and breathable, with enough structure to keep your foot planted on off-camber terrain and during fast descents.

Whether you’re logging daily trail miles or heading out for a longer mountain adventure, the Peregrine 16 holds up extremely well in terms of comfort and lockdown.

Trail performance

Softer cushioning for longer runs

The most noticeable change is the updated midsole.

Saucony Peregrine 16 review: a softer, grippier upgrade that’s ready to go longer 4 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

Saucony added 1mm of stack height to both the heel and forefoot and softened the PWRRUN foam slightly.

It’s still responsive and stable, but the ride is more forgiving, especially after the 90-minute mark.

This added comfort makes a real difference on longer runs or harder surfaces like rock and hardpack trails.

It still feels fast and low to the ground, but now it’s not punishing after a few hours on your feet.

Better traction, everywhere

The upgrade to Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug is another major step forward.

Saucony Peregrine 16 review: a softer, grippier upgrade that’s ready to go longer 5 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

Grip has gone from good to best-in-class, even though an extra 1mm on the lug depth would make it an even better performer.

Whether it’s wet rocks, dusty fire roads, or steep switchbacks, the traction here just works.

You don’t have to think about it, and that’s a huge win when navigating all-mountain mixed terrain where you’re not sure what’s around the next corner.

The lug geometry helps it bite on climbs and brake with control on descents.

Versatility and terrain use

What makes the Peregrine 16 shine is its versatility.

Saucony Peregrine 16 review: a softer, grippier upgrade that’s ready to go longer 6 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

It’s not a maximalist cushion shoe and it doesn’t have a carbon plate (thank goodness!), and that’s exactly why it’s so capable across a wide range of trails, from mellow forest loops to rocky ridgelines.

The flexible forefoot gives you natural ground feel, and the 4mm drop keeps you connected and stable with a natural stance.

While the extra stack slightly reduces trail feedback, it hasn’t dulled the shoe’s nimble character.

This is a great shoe for:

  • Runners who prioritize control and agility
  • Mountain missions that mix fast paces with technical terrain
  • Those looking for one shoe that can handle short, fast runs and longer efforts

Final verdict

The Saucony Peregrine 16 is a smart, well-executed upgrade to one of Saucony’s best trail models.

Saucony Peregrine 16 review: a softer, grippier upgrade that’s ready to go longer 7 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

It keeps everything that worked in the 15: secure fit, agile feel, and fast trail geometry, but improves the two areas that matter most, comfort and grip.

If you felt the 15 was a little too firm for longer runs, this one fixes that. And if you’ve never tried the Peregrine before, the 16 is an excellent place to start, you will not be disappointed.

At $145 (available Jan 2026), it’s one of the most capable all-mountain trail shoes you can buy right now, being light enough for daily training, tough enough for technical days, and comfortable enough to stretch into ultra-distance territory.

If you want a similar shoe that’s better suited for ultra distance due to the extra cushioning and protection underfoot, while maintaining a stable ride, check out the Xodus Ultra 4, it’s equally awesome.

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