Men’s Saucony Peregrine 16 Review

Bottom Line

The Saucony Peregrine 16 is one of our favorite men’s hiking shoes for long-distance hiking. CleverHiker has used Peregrines for years on everything from local trails to major international treks, and the latest version keeps the formula we like most: low weight, secure fit, strong traction, flexible movement, and enough cushion for long days.

The Peregrine 16 is particularly appealing to hikers who want one shoe for trail running, day hiking, and lightweight backpacking. It feels agile underfoot and its breathable upper dries quickly. We also like the current fit and updated cushioning more than some prior versions.

The main tradeoff is protection and longevity. This is still a trail runner, so it does not have the heavy toe cap, thick upper, or structural reinforcement of shoes like the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX or La Sportiva Spire GTX. For hikers who value low weight and efficient movement, though, that is a compromise we are happy to make.

How We Tested

CleverHiker has extensive testing history with the Peregrine line, including long-distance hiking and backpacking. Gear Analyst Miles Knotek tested the Peregrine 16 on and off trail in Alaska across wet, muddy, rocky, and alpine terrain. The updated forefoot is more accommodating than previous versions, but our test pair still needed roughly 20–25 miles to settle in and produced hotspots during that period. Comfort improved after break-in.

Quick Specs

• Best for: Long-distance hiking, lightweight backpacking, fast hiking, trail running
• Waterproof: No
• Fit: Average; secure midfoot with a slightly roomier forefoot
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip; 4 mm lugs
• Underfoot protection: Rock plate
• Available widths: Standard & Wide

Comfort

The Peregrine 16 has a more accommodating forefoot than previous versions, but our test pair still needed roughly 20–25 miles to settle in, and we experienced hotspots during that period. After break-in, comfort improved, and the fit held the foot securely from heel to midfoot while leaving enough room up front for longer days.

The updated midsole adds cushioning without turning the shoe into a soft, tall platform. We like that balance because it preserves ground feel and responsiveness. Hikers who prefer maximum cushioning may still favor the Speedgoat 7, but the Peregrine feels more precise and nimble.

Comfort Score: 4.6 / 5.0

Traction

Traction is one of the Peregrine’s defining strengths. The outsole bites well into dirt, mud, roots, rock, and mixed trail surfaces, and the lug pattern gives useful braking on descents without feeling clumsy on smoother trail.

That grip is a major reason this shoe works so well beyond trail running. It feels secure enough for hiking and backpacking while remaining lighter and more flexible than most traditional hikers.

Traction Score: 4.6 / 5.0

Weight

At roughly 1 pound 3 ounces per pair, the Peregrine 16 is one of the lightest shoes in our hiking lineup. That low weight is immediately noticeable over long mileage, especially compared with waterproof and leather-heavy hiking shoes.

This is one of the Peregrine’s biggest advantages for thru-hikers and fast-moving backpackers. The shoe feels spry rather than cumbersome and does not waste weight on features many lightweight hikers do not need.

Weight Score: 4.8 / 5.0

Durability

The Peregrine 16 holds up well for a trail runner, but it is still built with lighter mesh, foam, and overlays than a classic hiking shoe. Repeated use in sharp talus and off-trail terrain will generally wear this type of construction faster than burlier alternatives.

For maintained trails and long-distance hiking, we think the weight savings are worth the tradeoff. Hikers who routinely abuse footwear in scree or brush should consider the X Ultra 5 GTX, Ultra Raptor III, or Spire GTX instead.

Durability Score: 4.4 / 5.0

Weather Resistance

The standard Peregrine 16 is not waterproof, but its breathable construction works well in warm weather and dries quickly after getting wet. We generally prefer that approach for long-distance hiking in mild conditions because soaked waterproof shoes can take much longer to dry.

For cold, sustained rain, snow, or repeated wet crossings, a waterproof model such as the X Ultra 5 GTX or Anacapa 2 Low GTX provides more protection.

Weather Resistance Score: 4.4 / 5.0

Should You Buy the Saucony Peregrine 16?

Yes, if you want a light, grippy hiking shoe that can handle long distances without feeling bulky. It is one of our favorite choices for lightweight backpacking and hikers who prefer trail runners over traditional hiking shoes. Choose something burlier if protection and maximum lifespan matter more than low weight.

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

Is the Saucony Peregrine your glass slipper? Check out our guides to the best hiking shoes and best trail running shoes for men to make sure. Also consider these other options:

HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review: Choose the Speedgoat 7 if you want more cushioning and a softer, more supportive ride for long days. It is still lightweight and grippy, but its taller midsole absorbs impact better than the Peregrine. We prefer the Peregrine for a lower-profile, more flexible feel, while the Speedgoat is the better match for hikers who prioritize cushion.

La Sportiva Prodigio 2 Review: Consider the Prodigio 2 for fast, technical mountain missions where a snug performance fit and precise traction matter. It is similarly light but feels more locked-in and mountain-focused than the Peregrine. The Peregrine is the more relaxed all-around option; the Prodigio is better suited to narrow-footed hikers moving quickly on steep terrain.

Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Review: Pick the X Ultra 5 GTX when waterproofing, stability, and protection matter more than low weight. It is much heavier and stiffer than the Peregrine, but the tradeoff is a more supportive platform, stronger weather protection, and better durability for rugged off-trail use.