Over the past few months, the Saucony Peregrine 14 shoe has become one of my new favorites. I know that this style of Saucony has been around for many years and gone through multiple rounds of updates- fourteen!- and I was curious to finally try them out for myself. There are plenty of reviews of the Peregrine 14 online, many from serious distance runners. From what I’ve come to learn, ultra runners consider this shoe to be an excellent trail running companion. I’m talking the kind of shoe to wear for 100 milers! I don’t need it for that, but I have enjoyed it for a variety of daily outdoor exercises. I myself am much more of a dog walker, hiker, jogger, and sometimes runner. Here’s a review of the latest version, broken down into the following categories:
Some Pros:
- Extremely comfortable
- Good cushioning
- Excellent traction on various terrains
- Highly durable and protective
- Lightweight for a trail shoe
- Breathable upper material
- Secure lacing system
Some Cons:
- Narrow toe box for some
- Snug fit for some
- May require a break-in period
- Not as flexible as other trail running shoes
Comfort/Fit Description:
The Saucony Peregrine 14 is a versatile, daily road-to-trail running shoe that has excellent cushioning, protection, and durable construction, making it more comfortable and softer than previous versions without compromising on durability. The PWRRUN technology soften each step for runners and walkers alike. Runners praise the comfortable fit and adequate cushioning that helps offset tough and rocky trails. However, some runners state that the toe box is slightly too narrow or may feel snug- ordering a half size up would resolve this issue. Overall, the Peregrine 14 is a great all-around shoe that can be worn for daily hikes and treks or ultra trail marathons.
Traction Description:
Constructed with premium materials all around the shoe, including the PWRTRAC rubber compound in the outsole, the Peregrine 14 delivers exceptional traction on tough surfaces, including rugged and wet terrains. Runners praise the shoe’s ability to perform well even in winter conditions, remaining comfortable on rocky trails and providing great grip on very muddled trails and soft surfaces. The multi-directional lugs also provide sure footing regardless of ascent or descent.
Support Description:
The Peregrine 14 provides good support while maintaining comfort and durability all around, especially on rocky and rugged terrains. The shoe’s construction and performance give great confidence to runners of all levels, particularly those running on uneven terrain. When I hike in them on uneven surfaces, I feel like my feet and ankles are securely protected without being restricted.
Protection Description:
As a nimble trail shoe, the Peregrine 14 delivers excellent protection on technical trails thanks to the rock plate and reinforced upper that shields the feet from external debris. The classic PWRRUN midsole also provides great underfoot protection with some ground feel for an overall balanced experience. Runners also praise the toe box and upper overlay as another area with outstanding protection.
Breathability:
Designed with new and improved upper material, the Peregrine 14 offers great breathability, keeping the feet cool during long runs in the heat and warm during winter conditions. There is sufficient ventilation that is well-balanced between various conditions and temperatures.
Style:
The Peregrine 14 is an attractive shoe with high-quality designs and construction. The style is simple and casual, making it an easy shoe to wear for trail activities. It comes in a variety of colors in both mens’ and womens.’ My particular color, “dew/orchid,” quickly got visibly dirty. This wasn’t a surprise to me, and I can clean them up easily in a bucket of soapy water if/when I want to.
Flexibility/Responsiveness:
While the Peregrine 14 is not the most flexible compared to some other trail running shoes, it offers a responsive feel that many trail runners appreciate. There is some bounce with adequate flexibility and enough cushioning that the overall experience delivers a smooth ride with easy transitions.
Outsole:
This is where the Peregrine 14 shines. The PWRTRAC rubber outsole is highly praised for its excellent grip and durability, handling various trail conditions effectively. As a great all-around trail running shoe, the Peregrine 14’s outsole construction with 5-mm lugs also makes it a suitable shoe for various conditions, from rocky and tough surfaces to soft and deep, muddy trails. Whether I am ascending or descending on uneven trails, I have a great sense of confidence that the Peregrine 14 will do its job.
Midsole:
Constructed with the famous Saucony PWRRUN midsole, the Peregrine 14 provides a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, contributing to the shoe’s overall comfort. The rock plate under the midsole delivers protection from rocky trails and sharp edges. The PWRRUN+ sockliner also offers a softer and bouncier ride, making the overall feel of the shoe more cushioned and comfortable while maintaining durability and protection.
Upper:
The primary changes in the Peregrine 14 lie in the upper, which includes a more comfortable tongue and added overlay for increased protection from debris. The structure and durability also make the shoe feel more protective while maintaining breathability and comfort. Solid ventilation in the upper mesh material also keeps the feet cool during long runs in the heat and warm during winter conditions. Some runners report a need for a break-in period while others state an easy transition.
Lacing:
The updated lacing system provides better security and fit with an adjustable design for better lockdown. There are many options in how runners can lace the shoe depending on the terrain, fit, or personal preference. Runners praise the adjustable and versatile options of the new lacing system.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Saucony Peregrine 14 is an excellent, versatile trail running shoe, offering optimal comfort, protection, and durability. The PWRRUN technology in the midsole delivers on comfort across various terrains, and the PWRTRAC rubber outsole ensures outstanding traction even on rugged and wet surfaces. This shoe also offers good breathability and protection, with a responsive feel that balances cushioning and flexibility. While some people find the toe box to be slightly narrow, ordering a half size up can solve this problem. The Peregrine 14 remains a reliable and high-performing choice for trail runners and hikers of all levels. I highly recommend getting a pair. Too bad it took me 14 versions to join the Peregrine family, but I’m so glad I finally did!
