Saucony Peregrine 12

The Saucony Peregrine 12 features a redesigned upper that combines a durable engineered mesh with minimal overlays for a secure and comfortable fit. The mesh is tightly woven to prevent trail debris from entering the shoe, while the overlays provide structure and support. The upper is also breathable, making it an excellent choice for warmer weather runs. The fit is true to size, with a snug wrap around the midfoot and a slightly narrower forefoot, which may not suit runners with wider feet. Overall, the upper of the Peregrine 12 offers a balance of protection and comfort for trail runners.

The midsole of the Saucony Peregrine 12 is crafted with PWRRUN foam, known for its responsive and agile feel on uneven terrain. This iteration introduces a new, more flexible rock plate that enhances adaptability on the trails. While the midsole provides a firm yet comfortable ride, some runners may find the cushioning a bit sparse for longer distances. However, the shoe's energy return and ground feel make it a solid choice for shorter trail races and fast-paced training sessions.

The outsole of the Saucony Peregrine 12 is a standout feature, boasting PWRTRAC rubber with 5mm lugs that adjust to different terrain profiles. The aggressive lug pattern ensures excellent traction on compact and technical trails, providing runners with confidence-inspiring grip. The outsole's design also includes a flexible anti-rock plate, offering protection without sacrificing responsiveness. This makes the Peregrine 12 a reliable companion for runners tackling a variety of trail conditions.

The Saucony Peregrine 12 fits true to size, offering a performance-oriented fit that caters to a range of foot shapes. The shoe's upper and lace system work together to lock down the midfoot securely, while the heel cup ensures the foot stays in place during dynamic trail movements. The toe box is slightly narrower, which may affect runners with wider feet or those who experience significant swelling during longer runs. Overall, the fit of the Peregrine 12 is precise and supportive, contributing to its agile trail performance.

Comfort in the Saucony Peregrine 12 is achieved through a combination of a snug-fitting upper, responsive midsole cushioning, and a protective rock plate. The shoe's lightweight design contributes to its overall comfort, making it suitable for daily trail runs and hikes. While it may not offer the plushness of more cushioned trail shoes, the Peregrine 12 provides enough underfoot material to dampen the impact of each footfall. The shoe's breathability further enhances comfort, especially in warm conditions.

The Saucony Peregrine 12's cushioning is delivered by the PWRRUN midsole, which offers a balance of firmness and responsiveness. The thick insole made of soft foam adds to the step-in comfort, while the flexible rock plate ensures underfoot protection. The shoe's cushioning is suitable for a variety of trail distances, though runners seeking a highly cushioned experience for ultra races may need to consider other options. The Peregrine 12's cushioning is designed to support fast and light trail running.

Breathability is a key aspect of the Saucony Peregrine 12, with its engineered mesh upper allowing for ample airflow. This feature makes the shoe an excellent choice for summer trail running, as it helps to keep the feet cool and dry. The thin mesh also performs well in preventing debris from entering the shoe, while still maintaining a high level of breathability. Runners can expect a comfortable and ventilated experience in the Peregrine 12, even on warmer days.

The Saucony Peregrine 12 offers stability through its 4mm heel-to-toe drop and a well-designed outsole. The shoe's low drop encourages a natural foot strike, while the aggressive lug pattern provides a stable grip on various terrains. The reinforced structure across the lateral edges of the shoe enhances lateral stability, creating a secure feel during trail runs. Although the Peregrine 12 has a narrower platform, it remains stable for runners who fit well in the shoe.

Durability in the Saucony Peregrine 12 is ensured by the use of high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The engineered mesh upper is reinforced in high-contact zones, while the PWRTRAC outsole is made of durable rubber that resists wear. The rock plate protects the midsole from sharp objects, contributing to the shoe's longevity. While the Peregrine 12 is built to withstand the demands of trail running, some wear and staining may be visible on the upper after extensive use.

The grip of the Saucony Peregrine 12 is one of its most praised features. The PWRTRAC outsole with chevron-shaped lugs provides excellent traction on loose and steep terrain. The outsole's design allows for a nimble ride, with the lugs offering a strong hold on various surfaces. The Peregrine 12's grip makes it a reliable choice for runners who encounter a mix of trail conditions, from mud and grass to roots and technical sections.

The Saucony Peregrine 12 is suitable for a range of trail distances, including long-distance runs. However, it is optimized for speed and agility, so runners who prefer a shoe with more cushioning for ultra-long distances might consider other options.

The traction of the Saucony Peregrine 12 is excellent on wet and muddy trails, thanks to its PWRTRAC outsole with aggressive lugs. The shoe provides a secure grip, allowing runners to navigate slippery conditions with confidence.

While the Saucony Peregrine 12 is primarily designed for trail running, its versatile outsole can handle occasional runs on roads. However, the aggressive lug pattern is optimized for off-road surfaces, so runners who frequently run on pavement may prefer a shoe with a smoother outsole.

Yes, the Saucony Peregrine 12 offers excellent breathability through its engineered mesh upper, making it a great choice for summer trail running. The mesh allows for airflow to keep feet cool and dry during warm weather runs.