Saucony Peregrine 13 Review (+13 ST Version Comparison)

Well-cushioned and versatile, the Saucony Peregrine 13 was my favorite trail shoe on the trails of the Horton Plains National Park, where I also tested its ST version within the same week.

Our Verdict

The upgraded version lives up to expectations with its enhanced cushioning, particularly the Saucony Peregrine 13 ST, which boasts additional PWRRUN foam to minimize discomfort on muddy terrain.

While it is true that they are slightly less breathable than other trail shoes I wore, the models in this Saucony Peregrine line can easily handle more technical terrain with sharp rocks and muddy sections.

My tests focused on these trail shoes’ performance and comfort, but I also paid attention to aspects like waterproofing and durability, so let’s jump right in and see how well the Saucony Peregrine 13 did.

Product Features

• PWRRUN foam midsole
• Rock guard
• Speed laces
• Protective film (ST model)

---

Things We Tested When We Reviewed Saucony Peregrine 13

1. Traction

When I put the Saucony Peregrine 13 to the test on various terrains, from muddy trails to loose gravel, I was impressed by the level of adherence they provided.

The multidirectional lugs on the shoe’s outsole have a depth of approximately 5mm, ensuring reliable traction on uneven terrain and in different conditions (including rain and mud).

Saucony Peregrine 13 worked exceptionally well, offering reliable traction and preventing slips and slides on harder surfaces.

One aspect worth mentioning, however, is that on wet rocks or mossy areas, I did notice a slight decrease in grip with the classic Peregrine 13.

It wasn’t a major concern, but it’s worth being mindful of when encountering slippery conditions.

On the other hand, the ST model had no problem in these areas, offering good adherence and a softer feel for my feet which didn’t get tired as easily as with a different shoe option.

2. Durability

Both trail shoe models demonstrated comparable durability overall. The materials used in their construction, including the upper and outsole components, exhibited similar levels of resistance to wear and tear.

However, I want to highlight that the Peregrine ST is specifically designed to excel in muddy and soft conditions.

While it offers excellent traction in such trail conditions, the softer outsole may show faster signs of wear when used extensively on rocky or abrasive surfaces compared to the regular Saucony Peregrine 13 model.

In contrast, the standard Peregrine 13 model, with its versatile outsole, provided exceptional toughness on rocky, technical terrain. Its outsole rubber compound and overall construction held up well, showing minimal signs of wear even after extensive use.

3. Comfort

When it comes to comfort, both Peregrines proved to be highly comfortable trail running shoes, with a rock plate feature designed to shield against sharp rocks and trail debris, despite their stiff heel cup.

The Saucony Peregrine 13 featured a responsive and well-padded midsole that offered excellent shock absorption.

It provided a good balance between padding and ground feel, allowing me to feel connected to the trail while still enjoying a comfortable ride.

Similarly, the Peregrine ST offered a secure fit and feel. Despite the softer outsole designed for muddy trails, the shoe maintained a good level of cushioning and responsiveness.

The plush collar and tongue added to the overall comfort by providing a snug yet comfortable fit around the ankle.

4. Breathability

The Saucony Peregrine 13 featured a breathable upper that effectively allowed air to circulate, preventing moisture accumulation and keeping my feet comfortable throughout my runs.

The mesh material used in the upper was lightweight and had small perforations, enhancing breathability without compromising the shoe’s time resistance.

Similarly, the Peregrine ST maintained a good level of breathability, despite its slightly thicker upper designed for muddy terrains.

However, excessive exposure to water or extremely wet conditions may affect ventilation. In such cases, the shoe may take longer to dry, potentially impacting comfort and breathability until it is fully dry.

5. Weight

The Peregrines 13 struck a good balance between the lighter weight and the necessary features for trail running.

The classical version is a lighter shoe weighing only 1 lb. 2 oz. per pair, and that’s why many runners choose it for daily training.

The ST model, on the other hand, trades a lighter weight for a thicker heel collar and more padding.

Its sole is a bit softer, which helps it perform better in soft areas. It also uses a different upper material for water resistance, which increases its weight to about 1 lb. 4 oz.

6. Waterproofing

When it comes to waterproofing, the Saucony Peregrines exhibit a level of water resistance that can handle light rain showers and shallow water crossings. The upper materials, although not fully waterproof, did a commendable job of repelling water during my tests.

The mesh upper, while breathable, featured a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating that helped keep moisture at bay. When running through damp grass or encountering small puddles, the shoe effectively prevented water from seeping in immediately.

However, during prolonged exposure to wet conditions or heavy downpours, some moisture managed to find its way inside. In these situations, my feet did get slightly damp, reminding me of the shoe’s limitations.

7. Support

The midsole of both models incorporates Saucony’s responsive cushioning technology, which helps absorb impact and provide a comfortable ride.

The padding system, combined with a wider platform, offered excellent stability and prevented excessive rolling or twisting of the feet.

Furthermore, the shoe features a supportive heel counter that locks my heel in place, reducing the risk of slippage and enhancing overall stability.

What I noticed, though, is that Peregrine is more geared toward neutral runners or those with mild overpronation. If you have significant overpronation or require additional arch support, it might be worth considering custom insoles.

8. Fit and Sizing

In terms of fit, this shoe has a medium-width profile, which should accommodate most runners well.

The upper material is flexible and molds to the shape of the foot, providing a snug and supportive feel. The toe box also is spacious enough to allow natural toe splay without feeling overly loose.

Regarding sizing, I found that both models ran true to size. I ordered my regular running shoe size, and they fit me perfectly.

It’s worth mentioning that the ST option, being a water-resistant version, may feel snugger initially due to the thicker upper. However, the material does stretch and adapt to the foot over time, so any initial tightness tends to subside after a few runs.

How It Evolved?

Compared to the previous version – Peregrine 12, the Saucony Peregrine 13 model boasts improved adherence with its more aggressive lug pattern, providing a better grip on various trail sections.

It also offers enhanced comfort, thanks to the updated padding system that delivers a plush and responsive feel.

In terms of durability, both the previous version and the new one are reliable, but the ST model takes it a step further with its water-resistant construction for added protection.

However, this feature does add a slight increase in weight compared to the regular Saucony Peregrine 13.

The overall fit and sizing remain consistent, with a secure lockdown design that fits better hikers with narrow feet.

How Does it Compare with Other Products?

Hoka Speedgoat 5

The Saucony Peregrines are comparable to the Hoka Speedgoat 5 in terms of traction and long-lastingness.

Speedgoat’s Vibram® Megagrip outsole is renowned for its good clutch on wet and rocky terrain, equaling Peregrine’s PWRTRAC rubber outsole.

However, the Peregrine series stands out with its overall versatility.

While the Speedgoat 5 delivers excellent support, the Peregrine models strike a better balance between cushioning and responsiveness. This makes them suitable for a wider range of trail sections and long distances.

Additionally, the Peregrine ST offers the advantage of water resistance, providing added protection in wet conditions, which the Speedgoat 5 lacks.

---

Olympus Altra 5

Equipped with a Vibram outsole and the Altra signature FootShape™ toe box, which provides ample room for toe splay and accommodates a natural foot shape, the Olympus Altra 5 shines in terms of comfort and stability, offering a well-balanced ride.

In contrast, the Peregrine models provide a more snug fit, ensuring a locked-in feel, with more cushion to shield the ankles.

They have an excellent clutch on technical terrain, and the ST model is slightly softer underfoot compared to Altra 5 trail running shoes, providing better adherence through the gravel and other softer terrains.

---

Merrell Moab Flight

The Saucony Peregrine 13 and 13 ST offer a more lightweight and nimble experience compared to the Merrell Moab Flight.

While the Moab Flight provides solid surface adherence, the Peregrine models deliver a more aggressive lug pattern that can face challenging trail sections.

The Peregrine ST’s water-resistant feature adds an extra layer of protection in wet conditions, making it a preferred choice for those seeking added versatility.

In terms of comfort, all three shoes offer different cushioning systems, with the Peregrine line providing a responsive and energetic feel.

---

Where Saucony Peregrine 13 Performs Better?

The Saucony Peregrine 13 is a versatile shoe that performs exceptionally well in dry and moderately technical terrain, offering excellent traction and a lightweight feel.

It is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced trail running and prefer a trail shoe that can handle shorter efforts during race day training.

Its ST option was created for muddy trail surfaces where it outperforms other shoes easily.

Its aggressive outsole and water-resistant materials provide superior protection, giving you the confidence to tackle challenging trails.

Personally, I found both shoes to be comfortable and supportive, allowing me to push my limits and enjoy my trail runs to the fullest, regardless of the conditions.

Where Saucony Peregrine 13 Falls Short in Performance?

While the Saucony Peregrine 13 and Peregrine ST excel in many areas, there are a few aspects where they fall short in performance.

One of them is the limited arch support, which may not provide enough stability for runners with high arches. Some users reported that the padding felt slightly firm, which could impact long-distance comfort, but I was in fact able to deal with this issue easily by adding a set of cushioning inserts.

Furthermore, although the shoe offers decent breathability, it could benefit from improved ventilation in hot and humid conditions.

Saucony Peregrine 13 vs Saucony Peregrine 13 ST (Soft Terrain)

The Saucony Peregrine ST serves as the soft terrain version of the classic Saucony Peregrine 13, making it essentially the same trail shoe but with specific enhancements for improved performance on muddy trails.

After testing both models, I noticed that the subtle differences become more apparent when covering longer mileage, particularly on mossy and wet ground.

The Saucony Peregrine 13 is a versatile trail shoe that excels on various trail sections, including soft surfaces.

Its multidirectional lug pattern delivered good adherence, instilling me with confidence as I navigated through muddy and loose trails.

Also, the shoe’s responsive cushioning absorbed impact, providing adequate support throughout my runs.

On the other hand, the Peregrine ST is tailored specifically for soft ground, and it truly shines in this regard. This ST variant boasts deeper and more aggressive lugs, which significantly enhance its traction on slippery and muddy sections.

I found myself feeling more secure and stable while traversing steep and uneven trails. The shoe’s firmer midsole offers great protection against rocks and roots, enabling a more confident stride.

Both models exhibit a reliable structure to withstand the demands of trail running. However, from what I could see, the Peregrine ST’s outsole showed less wear and tear after extended use on soft areas, thanks to its more robust lug design.

Do We Recommend It?

As I wore these shoes on longer distances, sometimes racing on uneven surfaces and muddy terrain, they showed an impressive overall performance.

The PWRRUN midsole, combined with the shoes’ rugged outsole, provided good energy return, helping me go further into the mountains than I had planned.

I also liked the comfortable ankle collar and an excellent lacing system that offered a secure fit, making this great shoe versatile enough to be worn both on pavement and on tricky sections.