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I’ve had a complicated history with the Saucony Peregrine line. Over the years, I’ve tried a few versions of the shoe…some I liked, others I didn’t. The Peregrine 8 and ISO models both fell apart on me around the forefoot. The Peregrine 11 gave me heel issues and a sloppy fit during a mountain ultra. I was ready to give up on the line completely. But then I tried the Peregrine 15, and I’m glad I did. This version feels like a complete reset. It’s comfortable, durable, and surprisingly versatile.
Saucony Peregrine 15 First Impressions and Fit
Right out of the box, the Peregrine 15 felt like it belonged on my feet. I wear a size 12.5 in these, which matches what I usually wear in most brands. For comparison, I wear 12.5 in Altras and 13 in Hokas. The Peregrine 15’s toe box isn’t as wide as Altras; it’s slightly narrower. I have average-width feet, and they felt good in these shoes. My toes still had plenty of room to spread out, especially on climbs. The midfoot held snug without squeezing, and the padded tongue stayed in place throughout every run. I didn’t have any heel slippage or pressure on my Achilles, which has been a problem for me in past Peregrines.
This model just fits better. The collar is soft, the lockdown is secure, and the entire upper feels thoughtfully built.
What’s New in the Peregrine 15
Saucony made several changes in this version. First, they upgraded the midsole to a softer and slightly more cushioned PWRRUN foam. This change makes a noticeable difference in long-run comfort. They also updated the PWRTRAC rubber on the outsole. It grips better and seems more durable, especially on wet rock and dry trail.
The upper uses a breathable engineered mesh with extra reinforcements in key wear zones. A rock plate provides underfoot protection, and the updated lacing system includes loops for a more dialed-in fit. There’s also a loop on the tongue for stashing laces, it’s simple, but helpful.
You can choose from 10 different colorways and sizes from 7 to 15. There’s even a wide version and a waterproof GTX model. That kind of range makes it easy for most runners to find a fit and style that works.
Saucony Peregrine 15 Performance on the Trail
I’ve put about 60 to 70 miles on these shoes so far. Most of those miles were on dirt singletrack, gravel roads, and rocky sections during camping runs in Colorado. I’ve also used them for a couple of longer efforts above 20 miles.
The shoes feel balanced and reliable. It’s not overly plush, but it has enough cushioning to stay comfortable for hours. On downhills, the grip gave me confidence. On uphills, the lugs bit into the ground and helped me push forward.
I even ran on a few asphalt sections, and the shoe felt smooth and not overly stiff. I wouldn’t wear it as a road shoe, but it handles short stretches of pavement well.
Traction is one of the biggest highlights. The 5 millimeter lugs grab onto most surfaces and clear mud quickly. Whether I was crossing wet roots or descending rocky switchbacks, the Peregrine 15 never let me down.
Comfort for the Long Haul
Comfort is where this shoe really won me over. The cushioning protects without feeling mushy. The upper breathes well and doesn’t overheat on warm days. The ankle collar and tongue have just the right amount of padding, and the insole gives a bit of extra softness underfoot.
I didn’t have any hot spots, pressure points, or weird rubbing. It’s one of those trail shoes you can forget about while running…which is exactly what I want.
Durability and Materials of the Saucony Peregrine 15
So far, everything’s holding up well. The upper feels more durable than older versions, and the added overlays are a smart touch. The toe bumper has already saved me from stubbing rocks or roots a few times and it hasn’t worn down yet.
The outsole shows minimal wear, even after mixed terrain runs. That’s a good sign. Plus, it’s nice to know the shoe uses vegan and recycled materials. It’s not something that affects performance, but I do appreciate it.
What to Know Before Buying
There’s no carbon plate or super-foam here, so don’t expect the kind of springy ride you might get from plated trail shoes. But honestly, I don’t miss that. Plates can make climbs harder and reduce control on steep, uneven terrain.
Also, the 4 mm drop might take some getting used to if you’re coming from a higher drop shoe. Expect a bit more work from your calves early on, but your form will likely benefit in the long run.
Final Verdict
The Saucony Peregrine 15 is one of the most well-rounded trail shoes I’ve worn in years. It offers strong grip, dependable cushioning, and a comfortable, secure fit. It works well on almost any terrain and has handled everything I’ve thrown at it, from dry, rocky ridges to wet forest trails.
For $145, it’s an excellent value. You get a durable, versatile trail shoe that’s ready for short runs, long days in the mountains, and everything in between. If you only want one trail shoe in your rotation, this is a smart choice. You can learn more or grab a pair directly from Saucony’s website at saucony.com or rei.com and amazon.com. I’ll definitely keep reaching for the Peregrine 15 this season…and probably the next.