I was super excited to try the Saucony Peregrine 12. The Peregrine 11 was one of my favorite trail shoes, and the Peregrine ST got me through a lot of Norcal trails. Saucony has done a great job with their trail shoes, so I was excited to see what they did with this one. Spoiler: there are some bigger updates.
Unrelated, but I don’t know why I struggle with spelling the Peregrine. My spellchecker tells me I’ve spelled it “pregrine” or “preregereine”…what is happening.
Anyway, that has nothing to do with the shoe and is just a personal problem.
Saucony Peregrine 12 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.3 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 4 mm
Cost: $130
Saucony Peregrine 12 Introduction:
There is no way to get around it, but the Saucony Peregrine 12 got a big update. I was nervous and excited because I really liked the Peregrine 11. The updated version has a new engineered mesh upper updated outsole, plus it has more protective features. In all, it’s been a great update.
Saucony Peregrine 12 Fit:
Right off the bat, I’m obsessed with the bright fun colors of the Saucony Peregrine 12. I feel as though there haven’t been a lot of yellow shoes, and I’m here for it. Is it yellow? Goldenrod maybe? Anyway, don’t buy your shoe for color alone, but it’s a perk.
As mentioned, the Peregrine 12 received a new upper mesh. The mesh now has a tighter weave and keeps more dirt and trail debris out of the shoe. I ran on a variety of trails in the Peregrine 11 and never really had an issue with dust or dirt getting into the shoe, but apparently, many people did.
Even with the tighter weave, the Saucony Peregrine 12 breathes well, and you don’t have to worry about it overheating. Now that we are getting into the warmer months in the Mojave Desert, breathability is a must, and I don’t want my feet to overheat.
The Peregrine 12 also brings more trail-specific protection that road shoes don’t need. There is a more flexible rock plate protecting against rocks, TPU overlays that protect the sidewall of the shoe and a reinforced toe bumper.
I strongly believe that the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Saucony Peregrine 12 does just that. It fits well and breathes well, which is essential when your trail shoe gets wet or during the summer months. I almost find the Saucony Peregrine 12 to be the Ride 14 but in trail version.
The new fabric eyelets are reinforced and drastically improve the shoe’s fit. Saucony is in the process of updating its fits to all shoes. The ISO fits are leaving in favor for new and better fitting uppers.
In running shoes, I wear between a size 10-11 wide, and in the Saucony Peregrine 12, I wear a size 10.5. It fits fairly true to size when many Saucony running shoes run shorter.
Saucony Peregrine 12 Ride:
In Northern California, I was using trail shoes to protect me from a lot of dirt and dust. In the Mojave Desert, I need a trail shoe that will grip sandy trails. I do go into Los Angeles often, which has more wet ground, dirt, and green, so basically, I need a trail shoe that will handle it all. The Saucony Peregrine 12 does just that.
The outsole has been updated to include smaller and more spaced-out lugs. This provides a better grip on a wide variety of surfaces. The lugs are 5mm lugs that are fairly aggressive to allow you to grip almost every type of ground. They are made from Saucony’s “PWRTRAC,” which provides traction on dry and wet rocks without collecting mud or dirt.
This is the third version of the Peregrine that uses the Saucony PWRRUN cushioning in the midsole. It makes it a more soft trail shoe and feels responsive if you want to use it for races.
I’ve used the Saucony Peregrine 12 with several different types of trail runs, including sand and some mud and rocky trails in the Los Angeles area, and it handles well in each. It’s becoming more versatile, and the Saucony Peregrine 12 is a great “first trail shoe” or a trail shoe that can handle almost everything. I’ve now used the Peregrine 12 for 15 miles, and it’s been able to handle that distance. It is definitely cushioned enough to handle a trail marathon or ultra-marathon as well.
What are the differences in the Saucony Peregrine 12 versus Peregrine 11?
The Saucony Peregrine 12 is lighter than the previous version and has a more flexible rock plate and improved upper. It responds better to uneven and rocky surfaces. There aren’t really any “good” things that the Peregrine has lost in the update.
Saucony Peregrine 12 Conclusion:
I really like the updated Saucony Peregrine, and I think Saucony has done a great job with it. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Saucony is upping their game in the trail world. The Saucony Peregrine 12 is a great shoe for those wanting to run on several different types of trails or buying their first trail shoe. In fact, it’s one of my more favorite trail shoes of 2022.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Saucony Triumph 19, adidas Ultraboost 22
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL:PDX, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Saucony Peregrine 12?
What is your favorite trail shoe?