Saucony Xodus 11 vs. Peregrine 12 (2022)
These two trail shoes are complementary in the Saucony series: the Xodus is more cushioned with a soft underfoot feel. Conversely, the Peregrine offers a better ground feel but its cushioning is firm and more limited.
The protection offered by the Xodus 11 is slightly better. However, the Peregrine’s protection remains very good even on technical trails. Both shoes benefit from a rock plate.
The same goes for grip: both shoes provide a perfect grip with their powerful 5 mm lugs. The Peregrine does a little better: mud can be a challenge for the Xodus, but it’s the case with the vast majority of trail running shoes.
Finally, with its more stripped-down configuration, the Peregrine 11 is lighter with 1.1 oz/30 g less. The Peregrine 12 does even better with 2.3 oz/65 g less (it weighs only 9.6 oz/272 g). With over 10.6 oz/300 g on the scale, the Xodus is objectively a heavy shoe.
Peregrine vs Xodus: which one to choose?
It’s really a matter of preference. If you like a comfortably cushioned, soft underfoot shoe for comfortable long-distance running, then the Xodus is for you.
If you prefer a good ground feel while running on trails, then the Peregrine is a better choice. However, its firm cushioning may not lend itself to very long distances such as ultramarathon races. In any case, this is something that varies from person to person depending on your preferences and experience.
Side-by-side comparison
Soft but responsive cushioning
Effective grip
More durable and better fitting upper
Good protection against rocks
Even more responsive ride
Good shock absorption
Effective foot protection
Flawless grip
Stiff heel counter can be a hindrance
Firm cushioning may not be suitable for everyone for long distances
Saucony Xodus 11
Saucony Peregrine 12
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Trail | Trail |
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Heel stack height | 34 mm | 27 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 30 mm | 23 mm |
| Lugs | 5 mm | 5 mm |
| Weight (men) | 337 g/11.9 oz | 272 g/9.6 oz |
| Weight (women) | 292 g/10.3 oz | 237 g/8.35 oz |
| Features | Rock plate | Gaiter attachment point, Rock plate |
| Release year | 2021 | 2022 |
Technologies
| Outsole | Flex grooves, PWRTRAC | PWRTRAC |
| Midsole | PWRRUN+ | PWRRUN |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft | 2 – Firm |
| Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate | 4 – Bouncy |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate | Moderate, fast |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon | Short, mid |
| Workout | Daily runs | Competition, daily runs |
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.