Saucony Peregrine 13: The Best Got Better
By Senior Contributor Andrea Myers and Chief Editor Matthew Klein
The Saucony Peregrine is one of the longest-running trail series outside of the Brooks Cascadia. Originally coming to the market as a "trail Kinvara" (there was a Kinvara TR), the Peregrine has differentiated itself as it continues to be a lighter weight, nimble trail shoe. Like all shoes recently, the most recent version comes with a large number of updates that include some weight loss, an increase in stack height and further refinements to the upper and ride that make it better in almost every way.
Saucony Peregrine 13Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
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Weight: 9.2oz, 260g (men's size 9), 8.1oz, 230g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 28mm/24mm
Drop: 4mm
Classification: Lightweight, neutral trail shoe
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
Matt: The Saucony Peregrine 13 and 13 ST are lightweight trail shoes for everything from easy runs to races. Coming in at the lightest of all prior versions, the Peregrine 13 features a slight increase in stack height for more underfoot cushioning. Despite this, the Peregrine series continues to provide a slightly firmer ride that can handle pace changes and moderate mileage. The fit is slightly snug with a full-length, secure performance fit. The lower drop continues, so those with good ankle mobility and calf strength wanting a light and nimble trail shoe that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces should definitely check out the Saucony Peregrine 13 series.
Andrea: The Saucony Peregrine line is Saucony's lightweight, low drop trail shoe that I have found capable of handling just about anything - easy runs, trail intervals, and racing. The Peregrine 13 is the lightest version yet, even though it has more PWRRUN cushioning than v12. For me, the 13 is the best version yet thanks to the additional cushioning, which I notice most in the midfoot and forefoot, as well as a more squared-off toe box which I found more comfortable than previous versions. The Peregrine 13 will be a great option for neutral runners looking for a trail shoe that can do it all.
SIMILAR SHOES: Hoka Torrent 2, ASICS Fuji Lite 3
FIT
Matt: The Saucony Peregrine 13 fits me true to size length-wise in my normal Men's US size 10. The width is snug throughout the length of the shoe and provides a performance-like fit. The snug fit is slightly offset by a little stretch from the mesh, but this is a shoe that will fit those with narrow feet or those wanting a closer fit. The forefoot is particularly is snug, but not tapered. This transitions into a slightly wider midfoot. The tongue is thin and gusseted, wrapping the foot well. I did not have to lace lock the shoe, but did have to tighten down the laces for the slightly wider midfoot. The heel is snug with a lightly padded heel collar and a stiff but rounded heel counter. Those that are sensitive to counters should approach with caution, but I had no issues. Despite having to tighten the laces down in the midfoot, I had no security issues at all on any terrain.
I tested these and their ST sibling on steep rocky and muddy terrain without any issue. My feet did not slide in them and with the locked down midfoot I felt completely secure. There is some stitching internally so I would recommend using socks with both version, especially the ST that has the gaiter construction. While I did get a little bit of debris inside the shoe with the 13, the gaiter works extremely well in the ST version. I found I had a little more volume compared to the normal version, but the gaiter kept all debris out. I have little experience with speed laces, but found after some time that they worked well for quickly tightening down the shoes and getting on the trail. Both versions fit well, with the 13 fitting a little more snug with a lighter upper and the 13 ST having better debris protection.
Andrea: The Peregrine 13 fits true to size in my usual women's 9.5. It fits similarly to the Endorphin Edge in terms of length and volume. I like that the toe box of v13 is less tapered than previous versions, which makes it the most comfortable Peregrine yet for me. The midfoot and heel feel normal in width, and I did not have to crank down the laces to achieve secure lockdown. This was a rare shoe that I was able to lace up and go for my first run, without having to stop multiple times to fine tune the laces. The mesh upper is soft and is given structure by film overlays that run the length of the shoe on both sides. The gusseted tongue is made of the same mesh material and is relatively thin, while still having enough padding to protect the dorsum of the foot from the laces. The heel fits comfortably and securely thanks to a rigid heel counter that wraps around the heel medially and laterally as well as moderate padding internally. I did not experience any heel slippage and did not need to lace lock the shoe. The Peregrine 13 is definitely the best fitting Peregrine that I have run in.
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Saucony Peregrine 13 continues as a lighter-weight, low-drop trail shoe that can handle daily training for those that want a lighter shoe with decent ground feel or those that want a lighter trail racer. Despite only a 2mm increase in stack height (using PWRRUN foam), the Peregrine 13 is a different shoe from past versions. There is a 4mm heel drop, although this feels a little higher (like 5-6mm) compared to previous versions. This is still a lower drop, but does not feel as extreme as others. This is likely due to the well-placed forefoot rocker that makes for a smooth transition off the toes. The new ride feels more cushioned, taking the edge off the hard prior versions. The sole is also now stiffer, with less flexibility that is offset by a larger forefoot rocker than previous. This makes for a snappy ride that offsets the slight loss of ground feel compared with the prior version. The stiffness combined with the lighter ride makes it easy to pick up the pace. There is a rock plate that easily protects the feet from sharp rocks. This also adds to the snappiness at the forefoot that feels great running faster or bombing down hills. I have used the Peregrine 13 for both easy runs and workouts on trails and found them to work great for both if you prefer running in a more nimble shoe. Those used to maximally cushioned shoes may not do as well here, but those wanting a lighter ride will do fine.
The outsole traction and durability were excellent in both the Peregrine 13 and 13 ST. The 5mm Lugs and PWRTRAC outsole grip well on a variety of terrain including dirt, gravel, rock and normal trail. I even took the Peregrine 13 on road without too much trouble (although I noticed some faster lug wear while doing that so would keep to the trails).
Andrea: I have always loved the Peregrine as a lightweight, 4mm drop trail shoe that I could use for both training and some racing (back when I was mainly doing trail races). The additional 2mm of PWRRUN in the midsole takes out some of the previous harshness of the Peregrine on harder surfaces, including pavement. The additional cushioning does not take away from the responsiveness of the shoe and I found it to perform well at a variety of paces and on different types of terrain. At 8.1oz for a women's size 8, the shoe feels very light on foot and could definitely be a racing shoe for some. It is only 0.3oz heavier than the Endorphin Edge, which is Saucony's trail super shoe. I tested the Peregrine 13 on grass, mud, technical singletrack with lots of rocks and roots, and some pavement. The rock plate provides sufficient underfoot protection when running over sharp rocks, but the shoe retains decent ground feel. The off-road terrain here in CT is generally very hilly and the shoe performed well on steep uphill and downhill sections. The shoe feels like its stated 4mm drop and makes midfoot landings feel natural, without the heel getting in the way. It does feel like there is a little more sole flare in the midfoot and forefoot, which is helpful for me with a history of multiple ankle sprains. I never felt like I was going to roll my ankle, even on the most technical terrain.
The forefoot is relatively stiff, but the flex grooves and the moderate forefoot rocker make transitions extremely smooth and natural. I did not have any issues with traction except when running over large, wet rocks. While we have had a nearly snow-free winter this year, past versions of the Peregrine have provided exceptional traction on snow as well. The Peregrine has always had excellent durability and I would expect v13 to be the same. Durability of trail shoes often depends on not using them extensively on pavement, which wears down the lugs. I have mostly run off-road in my pair and the lugs show no wear.
The Peregrine 13 ST: "Soft Terrain" Version
Andrea: The Saucony Peregrine 13 ST is the "soft terrain" version of the Peregrine. It has 1.5mm deeper lugs than the regular Peregrine (6.5mm vs 5mm), a built-in ankle gaiter to keep mud and debris out of your shoe, an additional 2mm of PWRRUN cushioning, and speed laces. While we haven't had any snow here in CT, we have had a lot of rain recently, so I took the Peregrine ST to a local trail system that is known for its muddy trails. Even in deeper mud, I did not slide and had complete confidence in my footing. It also performed well on dirt, rocks, roots, and sand. It did not feel like too much shoe on less technical terrain. I was also pleased to find that the shoe did not feel overly stiff, as shoes designed for maximum traction often do. The fit and ride of the ST version is very similar to the regular Peregrine, although the additional 2mm of cushioning is noticeable in the ST. The ankle gaiter fit comfortably and did not cause any skin irritation. While I did not run in mud deep enough to test the security of the ankle gaiter, it appears that it will be effective at keeping trail debris out of the shoe. I did not like the speed laces in the ST. I have stopped many time during my runs to adjust the tension, but the laces either felt too tight on the dorsum of my ankle, or I had a slight amount of heel slippage, which caused some skin irritation on my Achilles. The shoe does not need speed laces to perform well in "soft terrain" and I would recommend that Saucony use the same lacing system as the regular Peregrine 13.
Matt: The normal Peregrine 13 did great on all surfaces but I found the Peregrine 13 ST to only do well on really soft, wet and muddy terrain. Other more tame terrain made the Peregrine 13 ST feel like far too much shoe despite the lighter weight and ride. On unstable and aggressive terrain they felt secure and right at home. So for more wild exploration, I would suggest the Peregrine 13 ST.
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| Peregrine 13 ST |
STABILITY
Matt: The Saucony Peregrine 13 is a neutral trail shoe. There are mild sidewalls at the medial and lateral midfoot that do keep the foot somewhat centered and offsets the slightly narrow midfoot. The stiffer and longer heel counter locks the rearfoot in. The most significant thing is the well-placed and longer forefoot rocker that quickly transitions the foot forward. This is not a stable neutral shoe, but a decently balanced, narrow-shaped shoe that feels nimble on foot and quickly transitions you through the forefoot.
Andrea: The Peregrine is a neutral shoe with some features that provide mild stability. There is sole flare that is balanced medially and laterally in the rearfoot and forefoot, with some narrowing in the midfoot. This can help center the foot, regardless of the location of initial contact. There is a small heel bevel with a central guidance line that runs from the heel to the midfoot, which may help to center landings and guide forward motion for heel strikers. Midfoot sidewalls help stabilize the foot in the shoe without being intrusive. The small flex grooves in the forefoot combined with the forefoot rocker contribute to a smooth push off in an otherwise stiff forefoot. The square toe box allows for mild toe splay and may allow better loading of the 1st MTP joint as compared to shoes with a more tapered toe box, which may alter 1st MTP joint mechanics. Runners without significant stability needs will find a well-balanced shoe in the Peregrine 13.
Thoughts as a DPT: Trail Running Injuries
By Andrea Myers
Despite improvements in shoe technology, training methods, nutrition, rehabilitation, recovery science, and medicine; injuries remain all too common for runners of all levels. Two recent systematic reviews found a mean incidence of running related injury between 37% and 41%; however some studies have found it to be as high as 79%. Most studies have assessed road runners and their injury patterns, but far fewer look specifically at trail runners. Trail running requires a different skill set as compared to road running due to the softer, variable terrain as well as the greater elevation changes that are often found on trails. Trail runners need to be able to navigate rocks, roots, sand, mud, water crossings, and steep uphill and downhill sections. It would be logical to think that trail runners will have different types of injuries as compared to road runners.
Researchers at the University of Massachussetts Amherst and Brooks Sport Inc. (including recent podcast guest Matthieu Trudeau) published a retrospective study in 2022 examining the types of injuries trail runners experience and the influence of footwear and terrain. The researchers analyzed data from a survey that asked participants many questions, including about weekly mileage, weekly run frequency, frequency of trail vs road running, trail type, terrain type, injury history, anatomical location of injury, and trail and terrain type where the injury occurred. The survey has 1016 respondents, with 48.2% male and 51.1% female. They found that of the 1002 respondents who provided a response regarding injury, 39.8% reported having had an injury that occurred while trail running. A rolled or sprained ankle was the most common injury reported, followed by knee pain and shin pain. They found statistically significant associations between the type of injuries sustained and trail type, with fractures and back pain more likely in those who run on highly technical terrain. They did not find a statistically significant difference in ankle sprains between runners who wore trail-specific shoes as compared to non-trail shoes.
These findings are in contrast to the types of injuries sustained by road runners, which tend to be overuse-type injuries and are most likely to occur at the knee. The authors suggest that the softer surface and/or varied landing pattern found in trail running may result in a lower overuse injury risk, but a greater acute injury risk due to the unpredictability of the terrain. While this study did not find a statistically significant association between running shoe type and injury incidence, the authors suggest that running shoe manufacturers consider designing trail shoes specifically to reduce the incidence of lateral ankle sprains. As someone who has sprained both ankles more times than I can count, I can attest that a trail shoe that gives me more confidence in my landings (usually with a combination of forefoot sole flare and a forefoot rocker) is the shoe that I will choose when hitting the trails. I hope trail shoe manufacturers follow these researchers' lead and focus more on how trail shoes can be designed to reduce ankle injuries.
Sources:
Kakouris, N., Yener, N., & Fong, D. T. P. (2021). A systematic review of running-related musculoskeletal injuries in runners. Journal of sport and health science, 10(5), 513–522.
Peterson, B., Hawke, F., Spink, M., Sadler, S., Hawes, M., Callister, R., & Chuter, V. (2022). Biomechanical and Musculoskeletal Measurements as Risk Factors for Running-Related Injury in Non-elite Runners: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies. Sports medicine - open, 8(1), 38.
Joseph Hamill, Jonas Hercksen, Matthew Salzano, Andrew Udofa & Matthieu
B. Trudeau (2022) The prevalence of injuries in trail running: influence of trails, terrains and
footwear, Footwear Science, 14:2, 113-121.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The Saucony Peregrine 13 fits and runs better for me than any prior version. The lighter weight and performance fit combined with just enough cushioning has made this my go-to trail shoe for all efforts. The nimbleness even beats out my favorite trail shoe, the Saucony Xodus Ultra, from last year (I still need to get more miles on v2). My only suggestion for the 13 would be to adjust the fit of the midfoot and maybe give a little more of that to the forefoot. I found I actually had plenty of forefoot room for a performance shoe, but had to really tighten down the laces to get a secure fit at the midfoot. While it is secure, I would love to have have to tighten down the laces so much. The Peregrine 13 ST has not sold me on the speed laces. It took me a while to get used to them and I honestly wish I had normal laces to lock down. I have little experience with speed laces, so this may be more of a "me" problem.
Andrea: The Peregrine 13 is a great update compared to past versions of the shoe, thanks to its increased cushioning, lighter weight, and more comfortable (less tapered) toe box. I actually do not have any recommendations for Saucony - this is by far my favorite Peregrine. For the Peregrine 13 ST, I would recommend that Saucony use the lacing system of the regular Peregrine 13 for better lace adjustability and lockdown.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
Matt: The Saucony Peregrine 13 is a low-drop, lightweight neutral trail shoe for those that want a moderately cushioned but nimble ride. The increased PWRRUN midsole, lighter weight, increased stiffness and improved forefoot rocker make for a smoother and more protective transition than prior models. The fit is snugger/performance-oriented but has just enough room in the forefoot to keep the toes of those with narrow to normal-width feet happy. Although not a super shoe, the Peregrine 13 is an excellent lighter shoe capable of training and racing for those who want a more traditional shoe. The outsole does a fantastic job in all trail conditions although for the most aggressive and muddy terrain, the ST model may want to be considered. A shoe that can handle a great variety of things if your body is up to the task, the Saucony Peregrine 13 is the best yet from this series.
Andrea: The Saucony Peregrine 13 is a neutral trail shoe that truly can be a do-it-all trail shoe. It is light and responsive enough to be used for racing in addition to training and its traction is unparalleled in a variety of trail conditions. The PWRRUN midsole combined with a moderate forefoot rocker provides a responsive, yet comfortable ride. Runners without significant stability needs who prefer a lower-drop trail shoe may be very happy in the Peregrine 13. The shoe performs well in almost every trail condition, including mud and technical singletrack. If I was limited to just one trail shoe, the Peregrine would be an ideal choice.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: A- (Snug performance fit with just enough room. More squared/less tapered toebox with a little more room in midfoot and snug heel)
Performance: A- (Excellent trail shoe with great grip/confidence on a variety of terrain)
Stability: B [Neutral] (Well-balanced ride but best for those with neutral mechanics)
DPT/Footwear Science: A- (Excellent update reducing weight, increasing stack height, designed a great forefoot rocker and integration of mild sidewalls. )
Personal: A (My go-to trail shoe right now. Surprised given that I have normally liked more cushioning, but I have been able to handle longer mileage in this shoe.)
Overall: A-
Andrea
Fit: A (best fitting Peregrine yet thanks to square toe box, well done upper, and comfortable rearfoot)
Performance: A (performs well in almost any trail condition and at any pace)
Stability: (neutral) B (non-traditional stability elements well-done, but the Peregrine is not for runners with significant stability needs)
DPT/Footwear Science: A (Sole flare and forefoot rocker of the Peregrine 13 feels stable and gives me confidence on technical terrain in spite of repeated ankle sprains)
Personal: A (I have run in many versions of the Peregrine and this is definitely the best)
Overall: A (great fit, performance, weight, and value for the price)
SHOP | SUPPORT DORSaucony Peregrine 13Price: $139.95 at Running Warehouse
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