Men's Peregrine 16 Sneaker

The Saucony Men's Peregrine 16 Sneaker is a purpose-built Sports & Fitness trail-running shoe that excels on technical, loose, and muddy terrain. Our verdict: this is one of the best lightweight, aggressive trail shoes for runners who prioritize grip and ground feel over max cushioning.

Who it's for

This shoe is built for experienced trail runners who tackle steep, rocky, and root-laden paths.

• Trail racers who need a nimble, fast shoe for 5K to half-marathon distances
• Runners on loose gravel, wet roots, and muddy singletrack
• Those who prefer a lower, more responsive sole with excellent terrain feedback
• Runners who change direction frequently and need lateral stability

Key features & specs

How it compares

The Peregrine 16 sits in the lightweight, low-drop trail shoe category. Compared to the Brooks Catamount series, the Saucony has deeper lugs and a more aggressive tread pattern, making it superior on loose terrain. Versus the Hoka Speedgoat, the Peregrine is lighter and more responsive but offers less cushioning for longer ultras.

What to know before buying

1. This shoe excels on technical trails, but the aggressive lugs can feel clunky on pavement.
2. The 4mm drop suits midfoot or forefoot strikers; heel strikers may need adjustment.
3. Break-in: the upper adapts quickly, but the outsole requires a few runs to reach peak grip.
4. Consider a size up if you plan to wear thick socks or have wide feet.
5. The quick-lace system is convenient but can loosen over time; a double knot helps.

These are the grippiest shoes I've ever worn on wet rock. I felt confident on descents that used to scare me. — Verified buyer

Sustainability & ethics

Saucony uses recycled materials in the mesh upper and has achieved Leaping Bunny certification for cruelty-free practices. The Peregrine 16 is entirely vegan, and the company offsets shipping emissions. The outsole uses a silica-based rubber compound that avoids some petrochemicals.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Peregrine 16 good for ultramarathons?

It's best for distances up to 50K due to the lower stack height; for 50-mile or 100K races, consider a more cushioned model like the Saucony Xodus Ultra.

Does the Peregrine 16 run small?

Most reviewers recommend ordering half a size up from your regular running shoe size to accommodate thicker trail socks.

How does the Peregrine 16 compare to the Salomon Speedcross?

The Peregrine 16 is lighter and has a lower drop, while the Speedcross has deeper lugs for extreme mud but is heavier.

Can I use the Peregrine 16 for everyday training on gravel?

Yes, on non-technical gravel it performs well, but the lugs may wear faster on hard surfaces than a less aggressive shoe.

Are these shoes waterproof?

No, the standard Peregrine 16 is not waterproof; Saucony offers a Gore-Tex version separately for wet conditions.