Bottom Line
The Saucony Peregrine 16 is one of our favorite lightweight trail runners for hiking. It combines exceptional grip with a low-profile, nimble ride, making it especially good for hikers who move quickly, mix hiking with trail running, or prioritize low weight over maximum structure.
Our hiking-specific testing found excellent out-of-box comfort, a secure heel and midfoot, and a slightly roomier feel than the Peregrine 15. The updated Vibram Megagrip outsole is sticky on mud, wet surfaces, and mixed terrain, while the revised midsole adds cushion without sacrificing ground feel.
Separate CleverHiker trail-running testing identified a sloppier heel fit for some testers and somewhat less breathability than earlier Peregrines. That variation is worth keeping in mind if you have narrow heels, but the Peregrine 16 remains an excellent fast-and-light option, with the main tradeoffs being lower durability and less support for heavy backpacking loads.
How We Tested
CleverHiker tested the Peregrine 16 on northern California trails ranging from rocky singletrack and hard-packed dirt to mud, wet forest floor, and creek crossings. We also drew on long-term experience with multiple Peregrine generations and separate CleverHiker trail-running testing to identify fit observations that may vary among users.
Quick Specs
- Best for: Fast hiking, trail running, fastpacking, maintained trails
- Waterproof: No; GORE-TEX version available
- Fit: Streamlined and snug through the midfoot; wide option available; heel volume varied among testers
- Outsole / lug depth: Full-coverage Vibram Megagrip with aggressive trail lugs
- Rock plate: No dedicated rock plate
- Available widths: Standard and Wide
Saucony Peregrine 16
Best Lightweight Trail Runners for Hiking
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $150
Weight: 1 lb. 0.8 oz. per pair, manufacturer listed
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Pros
- Slipper-like comfort
- Highly breathable
- Excellent traction on mixed terrain
- Nimble and lightweight
- Available in wide sizes
- Excellent balance of cushion and ground feel
Cons
- Less durable than burlier hiking shoes
- Fit can feel narrow or heel volume can vary by foot
- Not water resistant
- Limited support for heavy loads
Comfort
In our hiking tests, the Peregrine 16 felt comfortable immediately. The revised PWRRUN midsole is soft enough to isolate the foot from hard surfaces but still responsive enough to preserve excellent ground feel. The low 4 mm drop and streamlined platform make the shoe feel agile rather than cushy and disconnected.
Our hiking tester found the heel and midfoot secure. Broader trail-running testing produced a different fit experience for some testers, particularly around heel volume. That variability makes trying the shoe on especially useful if you have narrow heels or are between sizes.
Comfort Score: 4.8 / 5.0
Traction
The full-coverage Vibram Megagrip outsole is a major strength. We had excellent grip in mud, on wet surfaces, and across mixed northern California trail conditions. The lugs shed mud well and offer confidence without making the shoe feel stiff.
The low-profile platform also makes it easier to place your feet precisely on uneven terrain. Among the lightweight shoes in our hiking category, traction is highly competitive.
Traction Score: 4.7 / 5.0
Weight
At about a pound per pair, the Peregrine 16 is one of the lightest shoes in our hiking lineup. That low weight is immediately noticeable on trail and contributes to the quick, nimble feel that makes these shoes so appealing for fast movement.
The tradeoff is less structural support than a traditional hiking shoe. For day hikes and fastpacking, we love the efficiency; for heavy loads, we prefer something burlier.
Weight Score: 4.9 / 5.0
Durability
The updated outsole and reinforced mesh improve durability compared with earlier lightweight Peregrines, and we saw no wear problems during our hiking-specific testing.
Still, the breathable mesh upper and low overall mass mean this is not our first choice for repeated bushwhacking, scrambling, or heavy-load backpacking. The Peregrine is best used where its light weight and speed can shine.
Durability Score: 4.0 / 5.0
Weather Resistance
The Peregrine 16 is highly breathable and dries quickly, which is excellent for warm-weather hiking. But the mesh upper absorbs water almost immediately. During creek exposure, moisture moved through the upper quickly enough to wet socks.
The same porous construction can also allow fine sand or debris through. Hikers who regularly deal with prolonged rain should consider the GORE-TEX version or a more protective hiking shoe.
Weather Resistance Score: 3.8 / 5.0
Should You Buy the Saucony Peregrine 16?
Yes, if you want a very light, grippy, responsive shoe for day hiking, trail running, or fastpacking. It is especially good for hikers who value agility and ground feel more than heavy-duty support.
Choose something more substantial if you regularly carry a heavy pack, bushwhack, or hike in sustained wet weather. Fit around the heel also varied among our testers, so trying them on is worthwhile.
What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
Altra Lone Peak 9: Choose the Altra Lone Peak 9 if you want a wider, zero-drop shape with more toe splay and a natural-feeling platform. The Peregrine has a more conventional fit and stronger all-around traction; the Lone Peak offers more space and a distinctive zero-drop ride.
HOKA Speedgoat 7: Pick the HOKA Speedgoat 7 if you want more cushion, stability, and protection underfoot. It is less agile than the Peregrine but better suited to hikers who prefer a taller, more supportive platform.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Low: Consider the Salomon X Ultra 5 Low if you want a true hiking shoe with better durability, structure, and weather resistance. It weighs more, but it is the stronger choice for rugged hiking and heavier loads.
