Are you looking for the most effective path operating shoe for climbing and operating? If in case you have thought of the Saucony Peregrine in any respect, assume no extra, and take a look at these footwear. I assure you that that is essentially the most comfy, sturdy, protecting, and versatile path runner. That is the most effective shoe for climbing (and path operating) in 2026.
Why do you have to belief me? I’ve examined the Peregrine 14 (300+ miles), three pairs of the Peregrine 15 (1000+ miles), and now I’m testing my first pair of the Saucony Peregrine 16s and have lined 20+ miles so far.
If you wish to expertise the most effective path operating shoe of your life for the subsequent 300 to 400 miles on the paths, decide up a pair at this time. Or, study every little thing you’ll want to know to make the precise determination – learn my thorough, and data-backed assessment.
These new path trainers kill the competitors. I examined the favored Hoka Speedgoat, however they aren’t sturdy. The lug treads and midsole cushioning begin to fail after 150-200 miles of climbing. I additionally examined the Brooks Cascadia that may be a extra sturdy shoe, however they aren’t comfy for lengthy hikes (better than 5 miles) as a result of the midsole cushioning is just too agency.
If you happen to hike and run on rugged trails or difficult technical mountain terrain, the Saucony Peregrine is the most effective path operating shoe.
Key takeaways
$150 is a less expensive value vs the competitors
Accessible in commonplace and huge widths, and gore-tex (waterproof) variations
Cushioning is tender and supportive = superior consolation
New higher mesh is each breathable and sturdy
Sturdy long-lasting traction (a lot improved with 15s; now NEW Vibram sole in 16s)
Keep comfy for hikes so long as 20 miles!
What Saucony says in regards to the new Peregrine 16
Constructed for tough trails and unpredictable circumstances, the Peregrine 16 delivers locked-in traction and a cushioned, protected experience. Vibram Megagrip bites confidently on moist rock, free filth, and technical terrain, whereas up to date PWRRUN foam provides smoother consolation and underfoot safety mile after mile. It’s the path shoe that permits you to run naturally—quick, free, and prepared for regardless of the route throws at you.
Value: $150
Key specs: 4mm heel-to-toe drop, 32mm heel stack top, 28mm forefoot stack top, 1 lb. 3 oz. weight (pair), rock plate, d-ring for gaiters
The place to purchase: Saucony web site | REI
Why I selected the Saucony Peregrine 14s/15s/16s
Over the past three years, I’ve lined 3000+ miles on the paths. Throughout this time, I’ve examined eleven totally different fashions of path trainers by prime manufacturers: Hoka, Salomon, Brooks, La Sportiva, and Saucony.
Discovering a shoe that’s comfy, protecting, and sturdy has been the most important problem throughout my journey. The Hoka Speedgoat felt comfy for 150-200 miles, however the lug treads wore out rapidly resulting from their form. The Brooks Cascadia was sturdy and lasted 350+ miles, however the midsole was too agency and lacked cushioning and felt uncomfortable after 5 miles. I discovered the La Sportiva Prodigio to be extra comfy than anticipated, however it lacked sturdiness with 3mm lug treads and a minimal toe space.
I’m an influence hiker and runner that travels far and quick, is tough on footwear, has huge ft, lives in a scorching and dry local weather (Colorado), and prefers a brief stacked shoe to keep away from ankle rolls resulting from persistent uneven terrain within the Rocky Mountains. Attributable to these info I require a shoe that gives:
Comfortable but supportive cushioning (not agency) for lengthy distance consolation
Underfoot (rock plate) and toe safety
Sturdy uppers, traction and lug treads (conquers tough and rocky terrain)
Low heel-to-toe drop and complete stack (will increase stability, takes stress off forefoot)
Breathable mesh higher (good for heat/dry climates)
Vast match mannequin (although obtainable in commonplace width)
Why the Saucony Peregrine 16s are the most effective path operating shoe for 2026
This shoe charges very excessive throughout many fascinating options and the advantages delivered.
It’s exceptional that Saucony has met so many wants for hikers and runners with this one shoe in comparison with the competitors.
These are the highest the reason why the Saucony Peregrine wins:
Cushioning (tender and supportive) and luxury for prime mileage
Traction (lug treads are grippy and long-lasting – now made by Vibram)
Foot safety (rock guard)
Breathability (nice in scorching dry climates)
Sturdiness (lasts 350+ miles; and possibly longer – however I like to switch after 300 miles)
Connecting gaiters (preserve snow, water, mud, particles out)
Versatility (commonplace and huge matches, waterproof gore-tex choice)
Worth ($20+ much less vs prime opponents)
Who should purchase the Saucony Peregrine; why, and for what circumstances?
This shoe meets the wants of all kinds of hikers and path runners.
Since, the Saucony Peregrine 16 is obtainable in an ordinary match, a large match, and a water-resistant gore-tex model, I price it essentially the most versatile path runner.
The Peregrine path trainers is for hikers and path runners that:
Hike or run lengthy distances – tender but supportive cushion in midsole, “like strolling on clouds”, tremendous comfy!
Hike or run over rugged or rocky terrain – sturdy tread with long-lasting grip
Require foot and toe safety – rock guard that doesn’t sacrifice really feel for the path
Have huge ft (greatest huge match path operating shoe assured); but additionally for slim to plain width!
Desire a waterproof shoe for the entire above (moist or wet climates)
Want a decrease heel stack (32mm) and minimal heel-to-toe drop (4mm)
Professionals: The important thing advantages
After testing the Peregrine 15s for 750+ complete miles and 150,000+ ft in elevation acquire throughout the Rocky Mountains, these are the highest advantages:
Versatile with commonplace match, huge match, and waterproof gore-tex fashions
Extremely consolation with unbelievable tender but supportive PWRRUN midsole foam
Sturdy higher, midsole foam, and lug treads
Traction works in all circumstances: filth, mud, moist and dry surfaces, ice and snow
Unimaginable worth for the worth (lower than $0.40 per mile)
Cons: Drawbacks to think about
There’s little or no to dislike about this path runner. It’s at the moment my primary shoe for climbing and operating, I’ve owned 5 pairs up to now, and can proceed to purchase them.
That is the place I feel Saucony might enhance:
Provide a couple of coloration for the huge foot mannequin – not less than the one coloration has been impartial (all-black, all-grey)
Promote the huge foot mannequin at REI – solely obtainable on the Saucony web site
Provide waterproof / gore-tex mannequin for huge ft – how onerous is it to place a water-resistant liner in a shoe they already make?
When to make use of this path runner
What’s wonderful in regards to the Saucony Peregrine 15/16s path operating shoe is which you could get a mannequin to make use of for all climate and path circumstances.
Customary mannequin is mostly for heat or dry circumstances
GTX mannequin is for cooler, moist, snowy, or wet circumstances
The place to make use of this path runner
The Saucony Peregrine 15/16 is constructed for rugged terrain of every kind:
Rocky mountains
Tough or free filth
Root crammed forests
The place to not use this path runner
As talked about above, this shoe is designed for wild and tough circumstances. Keep away from these path trainers for:
Flat, clean floor
Asphalt, concrete and pavement – aka roads or sidewalks
How, what, the place, after I examined the Saucony Peregrine path runner
How we examined:
In complete, I’ve examined 5 pairs, climbing and operating 1000+ miles in each situation (snow, ice, mud, rain, moist, dry) possible and various terrain (rock, free filth, mud, tundra, mountains, foothills, forest flooring).
I’ve hiked or ran 300+ miles within the Peregrine 14s, 750+ miles within the Peregrine 15s, and 20+ miles in my new Peregrine 16s.
What we examined:
To this point, I examined the Peregrine 14/15/16 fashions in each commonplace and huge match. Haven’t but examined the GTX mannequin.
The place we examined:
Principally in Colorado: Boulder, the foothills, Indian Peaks Wilderness Space, Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, and a wide range of 13ers and 14ers.
After we examined:
I’ve examined the Saucony Peregrine path runners in all seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer season and Fall. I’ve worn the footwear in all climate and temperature circumstances.
Subject check information and scores – Saucony Peregrine 15s and 16s
Let’s begin with a take a look at my Saucony Peregrine 15s. This offers you a transparent view of what to anticipate over time. The pictures present model new, out-of-the-box, and comparatively contemporary on the paths.
My dimension 11 males’s (huge match) weighed 1.6 kilos out of the field. The ahead/backward chevron arrow formed lug treads are very efficient and ship wonderful grip on all terrain varieties and climate circumstances (besides moist melting ice, which is smart).
Under, is what the Peregrine 15 path runners appear like after roughly 400 miles of climbing and operating. The side-by-side comparability of latest vs used is an attention-grabbing distinction.
The uppers and lug treads wore principally within the entrance space the shoe. The lug treads within the forefoot wore down from 5mm (model new) to about 3.5 at worst after 400+ miles of use. The lug treads in the course of the shoe to the again of the shoe wore right down to a measurement of 4mm at worst. I price these lug treads as very sturdy for the mileage.
You possibly can see a small gap worn throughout the ball of my massive proper toe. This solely occurred with my first pair that was primarily examined in very rocky, excessive alpine terrain. No gap developed in my second pair that I used totally on filth trails round Boulder. This challenge of higher materials sturdiness ought to be resolved with the brand new Peregrine 16 that has a way more sturdy artificial material that seems to be manufactured from nylon, and extra plastic like so it is not going to tear or put on out in the identical manner.
Here’s a brief video that provides a 360 diploma view of the Saucony Peregrine 15 path runners.
Okay, let’s check out the model new Peregrine 16s! These footwear are new as of February 2026. My dimension 11 huge weighed in at 1.4 kilos, so barely lighter than the Peregrine 15s. To this point, I’ve put 20 miles on them.
These are essentially the most notable modifications to the Peregrine 16s vs the Peregrine 15s:
4mm lug treads for the 16s vs 5 mm lug treads within the 15s -> ought to be high-quality because the 15s confirmed minimal put on and tear
Extra sturdy (and breathable) higher -> it is a key enchancment because the 15s developed a small gap in a single pair that I examined
New Vibram Megagrip outsole -> To this point, I discover it affords barely improved under-foot safety vs the 15s
$150 (16s) vs $145 (15s) MSRP -> So, $5 extra in value vs the 15s
Here’s a 360 diploma video of my new Saucony Peregrine 16s.
Take a look at scores of the Peregrine 16s (and 15s) key options
Under, I touch upon my check outcomes for each the Peregrine 15s and 16s. I’ve far more information on the 15s since I bought three pairs final yr and hiked 1000+ miles in them. Saucony simply launched the Peregrine 16s in February 2026, so, I’ve solely worn them on two path runs and one hike for simply over 20 miles and 5000 vertical ft. Regardless of much less expertise utilizing the Peregrine 16s, I like how they really feel. The upgrades solely add to what was wonderful in regards to the Peregrine 15s.
Consolation and match – 10/10
These are essentially the most comfy footwear that I’ve examined in my path operating shoe check journey.
No different shoe that I’ve examined (together with the Hoka Speedgoat) maintains authentic consolation out of the field for 200+ miles.
After 300+ miles, the Saucony Peregrine 15s felt as comfy as they did model new out of the field.
I’ve solely worn the newly up to date Saucony 16s for 20 miles of climbing and operating. Nonetheless, the consolation and match is similar to the 15s so far. They really feel like magic. Couldn’t be extra comfy. I’ve worn the Peregrine 15s on hikes/runs so long as 20+ miles within the excessive nation of Colorado and after I return my ft really feel pretty much as good as after I began out.
The Saucony Peregrine 16s are made to suit all ft since they provide each an ordinary match (slim to regular widths) and a large match for these with wider ft.
Cushion – 9/10
The midsole is tender but supportive and the consolation and foam responsiveness lasts as much as 300 miles with ease, if not 400 miles. I like the cushion of those PWRRUN midsoles as a result of they preserve my ft comfy and guarded for lengthy 15-20 mile hikes and runs.
Safety – 9/10
The rock guard within the Peregrine 15s is a dream come true. The toe guard additionally performs properly towards these unintended kicks of rocks or foot stubs.
The foot safety offered by the brand new Peregrine 16s is even higher! By some means, the Vibram Megagrip treads shield towards the pointiest of pointy rocks. The toe guard can also be a bit extra sturdy.
Regardless of unbelievable safety, you may nonetheless really feel all the main points of the path beneath your ft.
Traction – 9/10
Each the Peregrine 15s and 16s supply glorious traction on all tough surfaces together with filth, rock, mud, and in all moist or dry circumstances. I’ve but to really feel any vital slippage apart from on moist melting ice surfaces the place no shoe will carry out properly.
The traction is sturdy and lengthy lasting. I skilled insignificant sporting of 1.5mm on the very most (after 350-400+ miles) on just some lugs within the entrance toe space. The arrow chevron shapes are an awesome design as a result of they dig in and don’t put on out. Sturdiness was tremendously improved with the 15s as Saucony deployed a more moderen, harder rubber compound. The Peregrine 16s present a possible improve in addition to they’ve adopted the Vibram Megagrip outsole for traction in 2026. I’ll replace my ideas on this on the 100 mile mark in March 2026.
Breathability – 8/10
I hike and run in a scorching dry local weather right here in Colorado. My ft by no means overheat in both the Peregrine 15s or new Peregrine 16s. The brand new higher mesh of the Peregrine 16s appear to have improved total breathability (extra ethereal mesh), although I’ve not but examined them in Summer season temperatures. I’ve examined the Peregrine 16s in sunny circumstances with 40-60F air temperatures, and to date they really feel nice.
Stability – 8/10
The Saucony Peregrine 16s have a 4mm heel to toe drop, and a decrease total heel stack top of 32mm.
The Hoka Speedgoat 7s have a 5mm heel to toe drop and a 37mm complete heel stack top. The brand new Prodigio 2s have a 6mm heel to toe drop, and a 34mm complete heel stack top – so in between the Speedgoat and the Peregrine.
The decrease total stack top of the Peregrine offers a rise in stability. It reduces the possibility of rolling over in your ankle. I’m not a fan of excessive stacked footwear. So, I like the decrease drop and stack of the Peregrine.
Sturdiness – 9/10
This can be a sturdy shoe and simply lasts 400+ miles for most individuals. I wish to retire my Saucony Peregrine footwear at about 300 miles. However that may be a private desire. As talked about, the lug treads wore 1.5mm at worst within the entrance toe space. The brand new Saucony Peregrine 16s seem extra sturdy than the Peregrine 15s. I’ll have a transparent view of that by April 2026 as I proceed my testing of the 16s.
Total rating – 8.9/10
Total, the Saucony Peregrine charges very excessive throughout all the first options of a path operating shoe. For now, I crown the Peregrine the most effective path operating shoe for climbing. You possibly can’t discover a extra comfy, supportive, steady, protecting, and excessive traction path operating shoe.
Prime opponents to the Saucony Peregrine 16
I’ve examined a number of iterations of the Hoka Speedgoat and the Brooks Cascadia path trainers, however neither carried out in addition to the Saucony Peregrine footwear. The midsole cushion of the Hoka Speedgoat felt flat after 200 miles and isn’t acceptable. The midsole cushion of the Brooks Cascadia feels good for the primary 100 miles, however then feels hardened and uncomfortable. Additionally not acceptable.
The closest and greatest various to the Peregrine that I’ve examined up to now has been the La Sportiva Prodigio. It’s a comfy shoe (tender but supportive nitrogen infused midsole – I used to be shocked at how comfy this midsole feels given how light-weight it feels), affords a large match, however the first model failed in sturdiness with shorter 3mm lug treads and little toe guard.
I’ll check the model new Hoka Speedgoat 7, and the brand new La Sportiva Prodigio 2 for perspective in Spring 2026. These are the most effective alternate options that it’s best to take into account. I just like the updates that I see (particularly for the Prodigio 2) so it will likely be attention-grabbing to check them to the most effective path operating shoe for climbing discovered up to now – the Saucony Peregrine 16!
