Brooks Cascadia 16 vs. Saucony Peregrine 12 (2022)

Brooks Cascadia vs. Peregrine

The Brooks Cascadia 16 is a versatile shoe favored by many trail runners, including Scott Jurek. The Saucony Peregrine 12, on the other hand, has a reputation for being a more stripped-down shoe with even better traction.

In 2022, the Cascadia 16 is heavier with 10.5 oz/298 g compared to 9.6 oz/272 g for the Peregrine 12 (the 11 was 10.9 oz/310 g, so there’s a clear improvement!) The Peregrine has increased but it doesn’t yet reach the level of the Cascadia: 27 mm heel stack height vs. 29 mm for the Cascadia.

In terms of underfoot feel, the Cascadia’s cushioning is softer than the Peregrine’s, which is known to be a firm shoe.

When it comes to the grip, the two shoes are almost equal. The Cascadia’s lugs are more shallow than the Peregrine’s (3.5 mm vs. 5 mm), but this doesn’t significantly impact the shoe’s performance, according to the testers.

Finally, the foot lockdown is tighter with the Peregrine. The Cascadia offers a very effective lockdown but is slightly softer and more comfortable.

Cascadia vs. Peregrine: which one should you choose?

We recommend the Brooks Cascadia 16, which offers a much better cushioning to weight ratio. It’s an advanced yet accessible shoe.

At over 10.9 oz/310 g, the Saucony Peregrine 11 is a bit too heavy. However, it may be more suitable for technical trails with its more aggressive lugs.

In 2022, the Peregrine 12 has improved so much in design and fit that it’s now a matter of personal preference. Runners who prefer firm cushioning will choose this one, while those who want a soft underfoot feel will go for the Cascadia.

Side-by-side comparison

Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Brooks Cascadia 16 score
Brooks Cascadia 16
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More comfortable without losing ground feel, the Brooks Cascadia 16 is a trail running shoe that offers cushioning and protection for all scenarios.
+ Great comfort
Very good grip on all terrains
+ Softer, more flexible cushioning that continues to provide a good ground feel
+ Durable shoe
+ Looser upper for wide feet, without compromising on fit for others
Still a bit heavy, even if it’s finally under 10.6 oz/300 g
Saucony Peregrine 12 score
Saucony Peregrine 12
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The Saucony Peregrine 12 is a lightweight, responsive trail running shoe to run fast on the trails.
+ Lighter weight
+ Even more responsive ride
+ Good shock absorption
+ Effective foot protection
+ Flawless grip
The middle of the shoe is a bit narrow for wide feet
Stiff heel collar can be a hindrance
Firm cushioning may not be suitable for everyone for long distances

Brooks Cascadia 16

Technical Specs

TerrainTrailTrail
Pronation typeNeutralNeutral
Heel drop8 mm4 mm
Lugs3.5 mm5 mm
Heel stack height29 mm27 mm
Forefoot stack height21 mm23 mm
Weight (men)298 g/10.5 oz272 g/9.6 oz
Weight (women)269 g/9.5 oz237 g/8.35 oz
Release year20212022
FeaturesGaiter attachment point, Available in GTX, Toe bumper, Wide feet, Rock plate, VeganRock plate, Toe bumper, Available in GTX, Gaiter attachment point

Technologies

OutsoleTrailTackPWRTRAC
MidsoleBallistic Rock Shield, DNA Loft v2PWRRUN
UpperEngineered meshEngineered mesh

Cushioning

Softness (1-5)4 – Soft2 – Firm
Bounce (1-5)3 – Moderate4 – Bouncy

Use

SpeedAllModerate, fast
DistanceMid, long, ultramarathonShort, mid
WorkoutDaily runsCompetition, daily runs
Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.