Are you searching for the best trail running shoe for hiking and running? If you have considered the Saucony Peregrine at all, think no more, and try these shoes. I guarantee you that this is the most comfortable, durable, protective, and versatile trail runner. This is the best shoe for hiking (and trail running) in 2026.
Why should you trust me? I have tested the Peregrine 14 (300+ miles), three pairs of the Peregrine 15 (1000+ miles), and now I am testing my first pair of the Saucony Peregrine 16s and have covered 20+ miles thus far.
If you want to experience the best trail running shoe of your life for the next 300 to 400 miles on the trails, pick up a pair today. Or, learn everything you need to know to make the right decision – read my thorough, and data-backed review.
These new trail running shoes kill the competition. I tested the popular Hoka Speedgoat, but they are not durable. The lug treads and midsole cushioning start to fail after 150-200 miles of hiking. I also tested the Brooks Cascadia that is a more durable shoe, but they are not comfortable for long hikes (greater than 5 miles) because the midsole cushioning is too firm.
If you hike and run on rugged trails or challenging technical mountain terrain, the Saucony Peregrine is the best trail running shoe.
Key takeaways
- $150 is a cheaper price vs the competition
- Available in standard and wide widths, and gore-tex (waterproof) versions
- Cushioning is soft and supportive = superior comfort
- New upper mesh is both breathable and durable
- Durable long-lasting traction (much improved with 15s; now NEW Vibram sole in 16s)
- Stay comfortable for hikes as long as 20 miles!
What Saucony says about the new Peregrine 16
Built for rough trails and unpredictable conditions, the Peregrine 16 delivers locked-in traction and a cushioned, protected ride. Vibram Megagrip bites confidently on wet rock, loose dirt, and technical terrain, while updated PWRRUN foam adds smoother comfort and underfoot protection mile after mile. It’s the trail shoe that lets you run naturally—fast, free, and ready for whatever the route throws at you.
Price: $150
Key specifications: 4mm heel-to-toe drop, 32mm heel stack height, 28mm forefoot stack height, 1 lb. 3 oz. weight (pair), rock plate, d-ring for gaiters
Where to buy: Saucony website | REI
Why I chose the Saucony Peregrine 14s/15s/16s
Over the last three years, I have covered 3000+ miles on the trails. During this time, I have tested eleven different models of trail running shoes by top brands: Hoka, Salomon, Brooks, La Sportiva, and Saucony.
Finding a shoe that is comfortable, protective, and durable has been the biggest challenge during my journey. The Hoka Speedgoat felt comfortable for 150-200 miles, but the lug treads wore out quickly due to their shape. The Brooks Cascadia was durable and lasted 350+ miles, but the midsole was too firm and lacked cushioning and felt uncomfortable after 5 miles. I found the La Sportiva Prodigio to be more comfortable than expected, but it lacked durability with 3mm lug treads and a minimal toe area.
I am a power hiker and runner that travels far and fast, is hard on footwear, has wide feet, lives in a hot and dry climate (Colorado), and prefers a short stacked shoe to avoid ankle rolls due to persistent uneven terrain in the Rocky Mountains. Due to these facts I require a shoe that offers:
- Soft yet supportive cushioning (not firm) for long distance comfort
- Underfoot (rock plate) and toe protection
- Durable uppers, traction and lug treads (conquers rough and rocky terrain)
- Low heel-to-toe drop and total stack (increases stability, takes pressure off forefoot)
- Breathable mesh upper (perfect for warm/dry climates)
- Wide fit model (though available in standard width)
Why the Saucony Peregrine 16s are the best trail running shoe for 2026
This shoe rates very high across many desirable features and the benefits delivered.
It is remarkable that Saucony has met so many needs for hikers and runners with this one shoe compared to the competition.
These are the top reasons why the Saucony Peregrine wins:
- Cushioning (soft and supportive) and comfort for high mileage
- Traction (lug treads are grippy and long-lasting – now made by Vibram)
- Foot protection (rock guard)
- Breathability (great in hot dry climates)
- Durability (lasts 350+ miles; and probably longer – but I like to replace after 300 miles)
- Connecting gaiters (keep snow, water, mud, debris out)
- Versatility (standard and wide fits, waterproof gore-tex option)
- Value ($20+ less vs top competitors)
Who should buy the Saucony Peregrine; why, and for what conditions?
This shoe meets the needs of a wide variety of hikers and trail runners.
Since, the Saucony Peregrine 16 is available in a standard fit, a wide fit, and a waterproof gore-tex version, I rate it the most versatile trail runner.
The Peregrine trail running shoes is for hikers and trail runners that:
- Hike or run long distances – soft yet supportive cushion in midsole, “like walking on clouds”, super comfortable!
- Hike or run over rugged or rocky terrain – durable tread with long-lasting grip
- Require foot and toe protection – rock guard that doesn’t sacrifice feel for the trail
- Have wide feet (best wide fit trail running shoe guaranteed); but also for narrow to standard width!
- Want a waterproof shoe for all of the above (wet or rainy climates)
- Prefer a lower heel stack (32mm) and minimal heel-to-toe drop (4mm)
Pros: The key benefits
After testing the Peregrine 15s for 750+ total miles and 150,000+ feet in elevation gain across the Rocky Mountains, these are the top benefits:
- Versatile with standard fit, wide fit, and waterproof gore-tex models
- Ultra comfort with incredible soft yet supportive PWRRUN midsole foam
- Durable upper, midsole foam, and lug treads
- Traction works in all conditions: dirt, mud, wet and dry surfaces, ice and snow
- Incredible value for the price (less than $0.40 per mile)
Cons: Drawbacks to consider
There is very little to dislike about this trail runner. It is currently my number one shoe for hiking and running, I have owned 5 pairs to date, and will continue to buy them.
This is where I think Saucony could improve:
- Offer more than one color for the wide foot model – at least the one color has been neutral (all-black, all-grey)
- Sell the wide foot model at REI – only available on the Saucony website
- Offer waterproof / gore-tex model for wide feet – how hard is it to put a waterproof liner in a shoe they already make?
When to use this trail runner
What is amazing about the Saucony Peregrine 15/16s trail running shoe is that you can get a model to use for all weather and trail conditions.
- Standard model is generally for warm or dry conditions
- GTX model is for cooler, wet, snowy, or rainy conditions
Where to use this trail runner
The Saucony Peregrine 15/16 is built for rugged terrain of all types:
- Rocky mountains
- Rough or loose dirt
- Root filled forests
Where not to use this trail runner
As mentioned above, this shoe is designed for wild and rough conditions. Avoid these trail running shoes for:
- Flat, smooth ground
- Asphalt, concrete and pavement – aka roads or sidewalks
How, what, where, when I tested the Saucony Peregrine trail runner
How we tested:
In total, I have tested five pairs, hiking and running 1000+ miles in every condition (snow, ice, mud, rain, wet, dry) imaginable and varied terrain (rock, loose dirt, mud, tundra, mountains, foothills, forest floor).
I have hiked or ran 300+ miles in the Peregrine 14s, 750+ miles in the Peregrine 15s, and 20+ miles in my new Peregrine 16s.
What we tested:
So far, I tested the Peregrine 14/15/16 models in both standard and wide fit. Have not yet tested the GTX model.
Where we tested:
Mostly in Colorado: Boulder, the foothills, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Rocky Mountain National Park, and a variety of 13ers and 14ers.
When we tested:
I have tested the Saucony Peregrine trail runners in all seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. I have worn the shoes in all weather and temperature conditions.
Field test data and ratings – Saucony Peregrine 15s and 16s
Let’s start with a look at my Saucony Peregrine 15s. This will give you a clear view of what to expect over time. The photos show brand new, out-of-the-box, and relatively fresh on the trails.
My size 11 men’s (wide fit) weighed 1.6 pounds out of the box. The forward/backward chevron arrow shaped lug treads are very effective and deliver amazing grip on all terrain types and weather conditions (except wet melting ice, which makes sense).
Below, is what the Peregrine 15 trail runners look like after approximately 400 miles of hiking and running. The side-by-side comparison of new vs used is an interesting contrast.
The uppers and lug treads wore mostly in the front area the shoe. The lug treads in the forefoot wore down from 5mm (brand new) to about 3.5 at worst after 400+ miles of use. The lug treads in the middle of the shoe to the back of the shoe wore down to a measurement of 4mm at worst. I rate these lug treads as very durable for the mileage.
You can see a small hole worn across the ball of my big right toe. This only occurred with my first pair that was primarily tested in very rocky, high alpine terrain. No hole developed in my second pair that I used mostly on dirt trails around Boulder. This issue of upper material durability should be resolved with the new Peregrine 16 that has a much more durable synthetic fabric that appears to be made of nylon, and more plastic like so it will not tear or wear out in the same way.
Here is a short video that gives a 360 degree view of the Saucony Peregrine 15 trail runners.
Okay, let’s take a look at the brand new Peregrine 16s! These shoes are new as of February 2026. My size 11 wide weighed in at 1.4 pounds, so slightly lighter than the Peregrine 15s. So far, I have put 20 miles on them.
These are the most notable changes to the Peregrine 16s vs the Peregrine 15s:
- 4mm lug treads for the 16s vs 5 mm lug treads in the 15s -> should be fine since the 15s showed minimal wear and tear
- More durable (and breathable) upper -> this is a key improvement since the 15s developed a small hole in one pair that I tested
- New Vibram Megagrip outsole -> So far, I find it offers slightly improved under-foot protection vs the 15s
- $150 (16s) vs $145 (15s) MSRP -> So, $5 more in price vs the 15s
Here is a 360 degree video of my new Saucony Peregrine 16s.
Test ratings of the Peregrine 16s (and 15s) key features
Below, I comment on my test results for both the Peregrine 15s and 16s. I have way more data on the 15s since I purchased three pairs last year and hiked 1000+ miles in them. Saucony just launched the Peregrine 16s in February 2026, so, I have only worn them on two trail runs and one hike for just over 20 miles and 5000 vertical feet. Despite less experience using the Peregrine 16s, I love how they feel. The upgrades only add to what was amazing about the Peregrine 15s.
Comfort and fit – 10/10
These are the most comfortable shoes that I have tested in my trail running shoe test journey.
No other shoe that I have tested (including the Hoka Speedgoat) maintains original comfort out of the box for 200+ miles.
After 300+ miles, the Saucony Peregrine 15s felt as comfortable as they did brand new out of the box.
I have only worn the newly updated Saucony 16s for 20 miles of hiking and running. However, the comfort and fit is identical to the 15s thus far. They feel like magic. Could not be more comfortable. I have worn the Peregrine 15s on hikes/runs as long as 20+ miles in the high country of Colorado and when I return my feet feel as good as when I started out.
The Saucony Peregrine 16s are made to fit all feet since they offer both a standard fit (narrow to normal widths) and a wide fit for those with wider feet.
Cushion – 9/10
The midsole is soft yet supportive and the comfort and foam responsiveness lasts up to 300 miles with ease, if not 400 miles. I love the cushion of these PWRRUN midsoles because they keep my feet comfortable and protected for long 15-20 mile hikes and runs.
Protection – 9/10
The rock guard in the Peregrine 15s is a dream come true. The toe guard also performs well against those accidental kicks of rocks or foot stubs.
The foot protection provided by the new Peregrine 16s is even better! Somehow, the Vibram Megagrip treads protect against the pointiest of pointy rocks. The toe guard is also a bit more robust.
Despite incredible protection, you can still feel all the details of the trail underneath your feet.
Traction – 9/10
Both the Peregrine 15s and 16s offer excellent traction on all rough surfaces including dirt, rock, mud, and in all wet or dry conditions. I have yet to feel any significant slippage other than on wet melting ice surfaces where no shoe will perform well.
The traction is durable and long lasting. I experienced insignificant wearing of 1.5mm at the very most (after 350-400+ miles) on just a few lugs in the front toe area. The arrow chevron shapes are a great design because they dig in and do not wear out. Durability was greatly improved with the 15s as Saucony deployed a newer, tougher rubber compound. The Peregrine 16s show a potential upgrade as well as they have adopted the Vibram Megagrip outsole for traction in 2026. I will update my thoughts on this at the 100 mile mark in March 2026.
Breathability – 8/10
I hike and run in a hot dry climate here in Colorado. My feet never overheat in either the Peregrine 15s or new Peregrine 16s. The new upper mesh of the Peregrine 16s seem to have improved overall breathability (more airy mesh), though I have not yet tested them in Summer temperatures. I have tested the Peregrine 16s in sunny conditions with 40-60F air temperatures, and so far they feel great.
Stability – 8/10
The Saucony Peregrine 16s have a 4mm heel to toe drop, and a lower overall heel stack height of 32mm.
The Hoka Speedgoat 7s have a 5mm heel to toe drop and a 37mm total heel stack height. The new Prodigio 2s have a 6mm heel to toe drop, and a 34mm total heel stack height – so in between the Speedgoat and the Peregrine.
The lower overall stack height of the Peregrine provides an increase in stability. It reduces the chance of rolling over on your ankle. I am not a fan of high stacked shoes. So, I love the lower drop and stack of the Peregrine.
Durability – 9/10
This is a durable shoe and easily lasts 400+ miles for most people. I like to retire my Saucony Peregrine shoes at about 300 miles. But that is a personal preference. As mentioned, the lug treads wore 1.5mm at worst in the front toe area. The new Saucony Peregrine 16s appear more durable than the Peregrine 15s. I will have a clear view of that by April 2026 as I continue my testing of the 16s.
Overall score – 8.9/10
Overall, the Saucony Peregrine rates very high across all the primary features of a trail running shoe. For now, I crown the Peregrine the best trail running shoe for hiking. You can’t find a more comfortable, supportive, stable, protective, and high traction trail running shoe.
Top competitors to the Saucony Peregrine 16
I have tested several iterations of the Hoka Speedgoat and the Brooks Cascadia trail running shoes, but neither performed as well as the Saucony Peregrine shoes. The midsole cushion of the Hoka Speedgoat felt flat after 200 miles and is not acceptable. The midsole cushion of the Brooks Cascadia feels good for the first 100 miles, but then feels hardened and uncomfortable. Also not acceptable.
The closest and best alternative to the Peregrine that I have tested to date has been the La Sportiva Prodigio. It is a comfortable shoe (soft yet supportive nitrogen infused midsole – I was surprised at how comfortable this midsole feels given how lightweight it feels), offers a wide fit, but the first version failed in durability with shorter 3mm lug treads and little toe guard.
I will test the brand new Hoka Speedgoat 7, and the new La Sportiva Prodigio 2 for perspective in Spring 2026. These are the best alternatives that you should consider. I like the updates that I see (especially for the Prodigio 2) so it will be interesting to compare them to the best trail running shoe for hiking found to date – the Saucony Peregrine 16!
