Bottom Line
We’ve been hiking in the Saucony Peregrines for years, and this iteration remains a great all-around performer. Comfortable right out of the box, the mesh uppers are breathable, quick to dry, and have plenty of room for wider feet. The updated outsole provides excellent durability and traction on both wet and dry surfaces, while the revamped PWRRUN midsole increases comfort and enhances shock absorption.
We enjoyed the Peregrines’ slipper-like feel and just-right balance between cushioning and ground feel, making them well suited for terrain ranging from hard-packed dirt to soft sand and mud. The Peregrine also stands out as a solid value, especially for runners who want a shoe they can hike in, too. The mesh upper may not hold up to prolonged use on rugged terrain, but it’s fine if you stick to maintained trails. For more great options, look at our full guide to the best women’s hiking shoes.
How We Tested
We’ve put several iterations of the Saucony Peregrine through their paces over the years, logging thousands of miles trail running and hiking. This most recent edition was no different. We took the latest “16” on forested trails throughout northern California regional parks, from rocky, wooded singletrack to muddy and wet redwood forest floors.
Quick Specs
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 16
Best Lightweight Trail Runners for Hiking
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $150
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 0.8 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Pros
- Slipper-like comfort
- Highly breathable
- Great traction on mixed terrain
- Nimble and light
- Available in wide sizes
- Great balance of cushion and ground feel
Cons
- Not the most durable for rugged terrain
- A bit narrow for wide feet
- Not water-resistant
- Lacking in support for heavy loads
Comfort
These are one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes we tested, offering a slipper-like feel right out of the box. With improved comfort in the latest version, these shoes strike an excellent balance between cushioning and ground feel, with a softer midsole than many designs we tested. The soft foam compound offers a connected feel while isolating your feet from hard surfaces and obstacles like rocks and roots.
We also appreciated the secure midfoot and heel, which inspired confidence on varied terrain. We found the narrower platform stable, but it may feel too restrictive for some, especially on off-camber or steep terrain (the shoes do come in wide widths).
The updated PWRRUN foam feels soft underfoot but promotes impressive energy return and responsiveness no matter the pace. The Peregrine 16 propelled us down the trail, while the retooled outsole inspired confidence with every step. The shoes’ streamlined fit and low weight significantly increased our agility on the trail.
Traction
The full-coverage Vibram Megagrip outsole with burly lugs make for an extremely grippy experience on a wide variety of trails. During post-rainstorm hikes in the forests of northern California, we had no problem maintaining traction, and the lugs easily shed mud.
Unlike some of the other shoes we tested, the Peregrine 16 provides reliable grip without feeling stiff or restrictive. They also transition well to harder surfaces like gravel trails, although small rocks can get stuck in the exposed midsole. Trail runners and hikers looking for a shoe that confidently goes the distance at a middle-of-the-road price will find a lot of value here.
Weight
The Peregrine 16 is a lightweight shoe that won’t weigh you down – perfect for those who like to mix trail running and hiking. On our scale, the pair came in at just over a pound, making them one of the lightest shoes we tested. On the trail, the Peregrines felt very nimble and agile underfoot, offering plenty of pep for trail running or fastpacking.
Durability
The latest Peregrine features a retooled Vibram Megagrip outsole for enhanced durability and traction. The outsole feels solid and can handle a variety of conditions and surfaces. The mesh upper has also been reinforced in high-wear areas for extra protection.
Despite the recent improvements, we still have concerns about the Peregrine holding up to extremely rugged hiking. Protection is a little lacking for bushwhacking or technical scrambling, and the lightweight design is underbuilt for shuttling a full load on backpacking trips. To maximize the life of these shoes, we recommend sticking to the trail and keeping things light. We mainly took the Peregrines on well-maintained trails and had zero issues throughout testing.
Weather Resistance
The Saucony Peregrine 16 offers better breathability and airflow than most other models we tested. Moisture buildup from sweat wasn’t an issue, and we never dealt with hot spots or blisters. The uppers dry quickly, making these shoes a solid choice for daily runs – even in wet environments like winter in northern California.
That said, these shoes absorb water quickly. When hiking in the rain or through water, moisture seeped into the upper, getting our socks wet immediately. We also found that sand can permeate the upper, which could lead to chafing over long distances.
Should You Buy the Saucony Peregrine 16?
The Saucony Peregrine 16s are a fantastic value for the casual trail runner or hiker. The shoes are wildly comfortable, reliably grippy, and extremely responsive. With two width options available, most people will be able to find a good fit. Their approachability and strong performance across most metrics make them an all-around winner.
However, the Peregrines are not made for withstanding rugged terrain or seriously inclement weather. Though highly breathable, the porous mesh upper strikes us as susceptible to snags and tears, and it’s quick to absorb water. The shoes are also underbuilt for shuttling full loads on backpacking trips – for that, you’ll likely want something more substantial and supportive.
What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
IIf the Saucony Peregrine 16 isn’t for you, check out the options below or head to our gear guide to the best women’s hiking shoes for more options.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Review: If you want more space for your toes to splay and an overall more natural shape, check out the classic Altra Lone Peak. The latest version offers improved durability and responsiveness for trail runners and hikers alike, although the zero-drop design takes some getting used to.
HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review: For a more stable and weather-resistant option, the Speedgoat 7 is another trail runner that hikes very well. These shoes are more at home on rugged trails than the Peregrine but not as agile or responsive underfoot.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Low Review: Moving to a true hiking shoe, the X Ultra 5s have a stiffer and more robust platform with a higher heel-to-toe drop. If you plan to do more hiking than trail running, the X Ultras might be worth the weight penalty.
