Saucony Peregrine 15 Review (2025): Most Versatile Trail Shoes?
Despite some imperfections, the Saucony Peregrine has reigned supreme for 15 generations on the trail alongside other iconic models like the Hoka Speedgoat and the Brooks Cascadia.
Comfortable on technical trails thanks to its strong grip, it also proves to be lively and agile due to its relatively lightweight design.
What is this Saucony Peregrine 15 worth? Does it suit your practice? That’s what we will see in this comprehensive test.
Little spoiler: Saucony has finally removed the “split” heel that annoyed so many trail runners 🙂
Our Verdict
Very good technical trail shoe offering great versatility at an affordable price.
The Saucony Peregrine 15 establishes itself as an ultra-versatile trail shoe capable of tackling all types of terrain with flying colors. Featuring an always comfortable PWRRUN cushioning that is relatively soft underfoot, it lends itself very well to long distances (30-50 km).
The main improvements come from the new arrangement of the lugs and rubber to better evacuate mud and increase durability. The upper is also much more breathable than before, while offering a precise and secure fit.
We still regret a somewhat high weight (and increasing!) compared to the thickness of the sole, which limits reactivity for speed.
Overall, the Saucony Peregrine 15 continues to assert itself as an iconic model with a great level of technicity that doesn’t have to blush from the competition when it comes to tackling perilous trails.
Pros
- Exceptional grip on almost all terrains
- Very comfortable cushioning
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Very good protection
- Attractive price compared to quality
Cons
- A bit heavy for quick sessions
Grip
The Peregrine 15 retains the outsole that built its reputation. We find the PWRTRAC rubber with aggressive 5mm deep lugs arranged in a chevron pattern.
This proven configuration offers maximum traction and grip on varied terrains.
The main difference comes from a new rubber formula according to the brand for better grip in wet conditions. The improvement is noticeable without being revolutionary — the Peregrine 14 was already excellent in this aspect.
The multidirectional lug arrangement changes: the spacing is optimized for better mud evacuation. This is an important asset as it allows to maintain good grip and avoid weighing down the shoes when conditions become… sticky.
There is always a protective plate at the front to better protect the foot from stones and roots, without compromising comfort or flexibility.
Finally, an important point: Saucony has finally adjusted the design under the heel to avoid having a potentially more fragile split. Every year, runners complained about tearing in this area. We have not personally experienced it, but it didn’t stop us from finding this design a bit curious.
Types of Terrains
The versatility of the Peregrine 15 is its major asset. I was on vacation in the Alps so I was able to put the shoes to the test:
- On technical trails with rocks and roots, the shoe offers stability and protection
- In the mud, the deep lugs bite effectively and self-clean quickly (up to a limit, of course)
- On forest paths and rolling trails, the softer cushioning provides appreciable comfort
The only downside concerns slippery rocks, where the Peregrine 15 shows some limitations – but this is the case for most trail shoes. For this very specific type of terrain, the Vibram MegaGrip rubber on the Hoka Speedgoat 6 may perform slightly better, but the difference is hard to quantify.
You can also venture on a few asphalt sections without too much discomfort, but it is still best avoided to preserve the lugs.
Cushioning
The biggest evolution in this Peregrine 15 is in its cushioning. Saucony reformulated its PWRRUN foam to make it slightly softer while retaining its characteristic responsiveness.
The midsole retains the modest dimensions of the previous version: 28mm at the heel and 24mm at the forefoot.
The drop is still low (4mm), although it ultimately doesn’t feel very pronounced and should suit most runners. A short adaptation period may be needed if you’re not used to it.
The Peregrine 14 was already relatively soft underfoot, and this v15 offers even plusher cushioning, while retaining good ground feel.
After a break-in period of about 20-30km, I noticed that the foam stabilizes to offer an excellent compromise of protection, comfort, and feel.
Overall, shock absorption is very good and allows tackling long distances with ease. The ideal range seems to be 20-30km, with the possibility to push up to 50km for the more adventurous.
For major ultras (>100km), a more cushioned model will be more comfortable, although this will depend on the individual.
The insole made of PWRRUN+ contributes to this increased comfort, with a more responsive layer directly underfoot.
Energy Return
Weighing 273g in size 42 for men (251g in size 40 for women), the Peregrine 15 is not the lightest trail shoe on the market, but it remains reasonably dynamic considering its level of protection and cushioning.
The satisfactory bounce is fully expressed on rolling trails where the Peregrine 15 allows chaining kilometers with fluidity. Transitions are natural and the slight rocker compensates for the rigidity of the protective plate at the front.
Energy return is good without being exceptional. It doesn’t compare to a plated shoe (e.g., Salomon Ultra Glide), but for its category, the Peregrine does very well.
Foot Lockdown
The upper of the Peregrine 15 features several notable improvements over the previous version.
Saucony used a high-strength recycled polyester mesh with a new design that marries technicity and aesthetics. The main innovation is the addition of a 360° protective “rand” that wraps the entire shoe to improve protection and resistance.
Breathability, a weak point in the previous iteration, is significantly better. No overheating even during my sessions in warmer weather.
Protection is also top-notch, and I always felt safe, even on narrow trails with dense vegetation.
Saucony’s signature FormFit system perfectly wraps the foot for a precise fit without pressure points. The support is remarkable, especially at the midfoot.
I greatly appreciated the precision of support in technical descents where I found that my feet did not slide forward, even on the steepest slopes.
The heel counter is semi-rigid and well-padded; it holds the foot well in the shoe, without rubbing. I just noted a small friction point at the heel during the first outings, but it disappeared after about 25-30km.
The gusseted tongue is slightly padded and stays in place. The flat semi-elastic laces are easy to use and do not loosen during the run. I also liked the loop for easy storage.
The mesh is water-resistant without being waterproof (a GTX version exists for that).
Sizing and Fit
The Saucony Peregrine 15 fits true to size. I took my usual 44, and I had no issues.
The midfoot is precise without being too tight, and the toe box offers a standard volume, neither too wide nor too narrow. I think it should suit most people, but if needed, there is also a wide version available.
Trying it in-store is always a good idea, but in this case, I think the fit is quite universal for this model.
Use Scenarios
The Saucony Peregrine 15 stands out for its great versatility in approaching all types of sessions in daily training. It is ideal for medium to long distances (15 to 50km) on all types of terrain.
Its comfortable cushioning paired with good protection makes it a good option for all scenarios where having a technical and reliable model on foot takes precedence over pure speed.
In competition, it will be comfortable on technical trails of medium to long distance. For short, rolling, and fast races, its average weight and moderate energy return may disadvantage it compared to lighter models.
Finally, despite its low drop, the Peregrine 15 remains a model accessible to most runners regardless of your level. However, heavier runners (>90kg) may wear it out faster, but there are no contraindications in terms of support.
Quality and Durability
After more than 100 kilometers on varied and sometimes fairly rugged terrains, the Peregrine 15 shows excellent resistance to wear.
The PWRTRAC rubber is still as durable, and the new outsole design without pronounced splits should help keep the shoes even longer than previous versions.
The mesh upper is more resistant and is not prone to tears — I had no issues even after a few encounters with branches.
Without making any absolute promises, I think you can count on a lifespan of at least 600km.
On the environmental side, Saucony uses recycled materials but the percentage is likely low since it’s uncommunicated.
Finally, the shoe is vegan, meaning it uses no animal-derived materials in its design.
Conclusion
Without marking a radical shift, the Saucony Peregrine 15 signifies a significant evolution with more comfortable cushioning, always impeccable grip, and a more robust mesh and outsole.
Its below-average price makes it a must-have option for trail runners in search of a reliable and versatile trail model for long training sessions at a moderate pace on the most challenging courses.
Facts
Reference: official site of
