Saucony Peregrine 12 Review

Published: Feb. 25, 2022

Get Ready to Fly Down the Trails

New Peregrine version sheds 1.5 ounces, features improved flexibility

Likes

Protective
Nimble and light
Aggressive outsole

Dislikes

Heel collar irritation
Narrower forefoot

What's New

This is one of those updates that runners will definitely notice! And thankfully, the consensus is, the changes result in a great upgrade. The most notable change is that the Peregrine 12 sheds an impressive 1.5 ounces. This weight loss comes from the new lighter-weight upper, which provides stone protection, modified overlays, and a snug forefoot wrap. Additionally, Saucony finely tuned its PWRRUN foam, making it a little lighter and more responsive. The Peregrine 12 features a new rock plate that sits below the midsole and gives runners a trustworthy shield against stones and debris. This rock plate is now more flexible allowing for better adaptability on uneven and inconsistent terrain. All in all, the Peregrine has all the tools you need to fly down any trail!

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a nimble, versatile daily trainer for the trails, the Peregrine 12 should be on your short list. This is a shoe that wants to be tested, when it comes to speed and technical trails. The new model provides a fair amount of ground feel and increased flexibility, which can make runners feel more confident on their feet. Compared to the Nike Terra Kiger, which has a very similar profile, the Peregrine has more aggressive lugs (translating to better traction) and a lighter weight by about half an ounce. Most runners will probably find the Peregrine to be comfortably cushioned. However, if you want a highly cushioned trail shoe, you might want to go a different direction and check out something like the Nike Pegasus Trail or HOKA Speedgoat. The Peregrine won't be for everybody, but we think a wide variety of runners will be pleased with this update that takes this workhorse trail running shoe back to its roots.

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Shoe Performance

Shoe Softnessi

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Returni

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protectioni

LowHigh

Flexibilityi

RigidElastic

Upper Supporti

StructuredAdaptable

Specifications & Fit

How It Fits

Toe Box	Medium
Midfoot Volume	Medium to Low
Heel Width	Medium
Arch Height	Medium

Shoe Specs

Weight
Stack Height	30 mm (Heel), 26 mm (Forefoot) \| 4 mm Heel-Toe Offset
Terrain	Trail
Stability	Neutral
Sizing	True to Size

Our In-Depth Look

Shoe Softnessi

Erik: "The Peregrine 12 is somewhat soft, but highly protective. A flexible rock plate coupled with PWRRUN foam provides a cushioned ride. This is not a maximum-stack height shoe so it's not super plush, but it is comfortably cushioned."

Kaitlin: "Overall, the cushioning feels adequate for the types of terrain the shoe is meant for. However, due to the nature of this shoe (a lightweight, nimble trail shoe with a rock plate), it does feel a little more on the firm side and there is a fair amount of ground feel. The firmness might feel more obvious on longer stretches of hard-packed dirt or any road, but the shoe never felt hard to me. For the best experience in this shoe, I would recommend it taking it on varied terrain, not only road-to-trail or flat, fire roads."

Ride/Energy Returni

Erik: "For a trail shoe, it is quick and responsive. It has a snappy feel when you try to pick up the pace."

Kaitlin: "The improved flexibility in this version contributes to a smooth ride. The shoe feels very agile and promotes quick turnover. The low-profile feel of the shoe allows you to stay connected and confident in your foot placement on the trail. I was encouraged to pick up the pace, as I felt surefooted and nimble traversing the trails."

Underfoot Protectioni

Erik: "The Peregrine 12 provides a rock plate that is present but not intrusive. It is flexible and does the job. There is enough PWRRUN foam to provide protection but not weigh down the user. This shoe isn’t about a high stack height and a lot of soft foam underneath, but rather, having enough protection."

Kaitlin: "This shoe provides light cushioning for comfort and a durable rock plate for protection from rocks and trail hazards. There is not a lot of impact protection, which is fine for varied terrain, but if you are on flat, hard-packed surfaces this might feel a little firmer."

Flexibilityi

Erik: "This is one of the biggest points of improvement from the last few models. The rock plate is flexible while providing needed protection. The increased flexibility of this version of the Peregrine allows for better ground feel. The result is a platform that hugs the ground and allows for a nimble ride across rugged terrain."

Kaitlin: "For a trail shoe with a rock plate, it has great flexion from toe-off to touchdown. The ride feels very smooth and the flexibility allows you to feel like you have better traction on the trail surfaces."

Upper Supporti

Erik: "The redesigned upper hugs the foot without being constrictive, supports the foot without inhibiting it, and keeps debris out. I had no issues over a variety of terrain and weather conditions. The soft and flexible, yet rugged upper provided the perfect ride."

Kaitlin: "The tightly-woven knit upper fits snugly and is semi-adaptable. It feels almost like a second skin on your foot. The heel counter created an awkward pressure point for me that would rub after a few miles, even with a thick sock."

Men's Saucony Peregrine Running Shoes

The Saucony Peregrine is a great trail running shoe designed for moderate to longer length runs. One of our best sellers.

Women's Saucony Peregrine Running Shoes

The Saucony Peregrine is a great trail running shoe designed for moderate to longer length runs. One of our best sellers.

Individual Thoughts

Erik9.5/10

"The Peregrine is back!!!"

That was my first thought running in the updated Peregrine 12. I have run in this shoe for the past seven years and watched as it crept up in weight in the past few years. What was once a nimble and light shoe that could go the distance turned into a shoe that felt stiff and harsh on the trail.

The Peregrine returns to its roots with the latest version. It's what the shoe should be: a nimble trail shoe that is ready to take flight over the trails. The Peregrine 12 fits true to size and the upper fits well. The traction is solid and there is just enough underfoot protection so that you can focus on what lies ahead instead of worrying about the ground beneath your feet.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable

Kaitlin8/10

With the Peregrine 12, you get less shoe but with that comes a more exciting and nimble running experience. If you liked the rigidity of the last several models (like me), you'll probably find this version to be quite different. Additionally, if you are expecting the comfort of a road shoe with more traction, you won't get that with this Peregrine. It is very much a trail shoe, and it excels at climbing or scrambling rocky terrain and giving you confidence-inspiring traction for bombing down mountains or hills. This version is lighter and more flexible. It fits true to size, with a snug wrap and shallow toe box for a performance-like fit. This felt very different from the last few iterations of the Peregrine but similar to versions earlier in its life cycle. Overall, this version is a great upgrade that I think people are going to love.