Saucony Peregrine 14 Complete Review

The Saucony Peregrine, a stalwart in the trail running world, returns with its 14th iteration, promising the reliable performance its fans have come to expect. This shoe has built a reputation as a versatile workhorse, capable of handling a wide array of off-road conditions. But with subtle changes from its predecessor, the real question is whether it maintains its edge as a top-tier "all-rounder" or gets lost in the crowded trail shoe market. We've dug deep into the specs, reviews, and real-world feedback to see if the Peregrine 14 still flies.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Best For: Daily training, runners seeking a balance of cushioning and ground feel, and tackling varied trail conditions..

Key Strengths: Exceptional grip from the PWRTRAC outsole, improved upper durability, and a comfortable, responsive ride suitable for moderate to long distances.

Notable Limitations: Tapered toe box can be restrictive for wide-footed runners, and some users report durability concerns with the exposed midsole foam.

What Makes the Saucony Peregrine 14 Stand Out?

The Peregrine 14 doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, and frankly, it doesn't need to. Its key strength lies in its balance. It masterfully blends trail-specific features with the comfort of a road shoe, making it a reliable daily trainer for those who split their time between pavement and trails. The magic really happens in the outsole. That PWRTRAC rubber with its aggressive 5mm lugs is just fantastic, providing tenacious grip on everything from wet rock to loose gravel and mud. Unlike some hardcore trail shoes that feel like cleats on pavement, the Peregrine 14 manages a surprisingly smooth transition, so you're not punished for those road-to-trail sections.

What's really new here is the revamped upper. It feels more premium, more comfortable, and—most importantly—more durable than the previous version, which had some issues with premature wear. They've also tweaked the cushioning, adding a PWRRUN+ sockliner on top of the PWRRUN midsole, which gives it a slightly softer, bouncier feel underfoot without sacrificing stability. As one runner put it, they offer "excellent grip in almost any trail condition" and a "great sense of confidence". It’s this blend of reliable grip, improved comfort, and all-terrain versatility that makes it a standout choice for so many runners.

Real Customer Experiences

Overall, users seem really happy with the Peregrine 14's performance, especially its grip and improved comfort. Many returning Peregrine users note the 14 feels more comfortable and has a slightly roomier fit than previous versions.

• Exceptional Grip: The most consistently praised feature is the PWRTRAC outsole. Users confirm it provides "excellent grip" on a variety of surfaces, from wet rocks to muddy trails, giving them a secure and confident feeling.
• Improved Comfort & Fit: Many reviewers find the shoe comfortable right out of the box, with a "nice balance of cushion and responsiveness". The addition of the plush PWRRUN+ sockliner is a noticeable improvement. One user specifically mentioned, "These are the most comfortable shoes I've had in a while. I use them for... 12-hour shifts on concrete... and they are amazing."
• Durability Concerns: While the upper has been improved, a recurring complaint centers on the exposed foam on the outsole. A reviewer on REI noted, "There is a section of exposed foam on the bottom that is problematic... the foam on my pair is already starting to get chewed up after only ~50 miles." This seems to be a key area where the shoe could be improved.

Design and Build Quality

The Peregrine 14 is built like a versatile trail machine. The upper uses a durable, tight-weave engineered mesh that balances breathability with protection from debris. You get a solid toe bumper for protection against rocks and roots, and the lacing system, which combines standard eyelets with fabric loops, really helps lock the midfoot down securely.

Underfoot, you have a dual-density cushioning setup. The main midsole is firm and responsive PWRRUN foam, which gives the shoe its stable and agile feel. On top of that, there's a cushy PWRRUN+ sockliner that adds a layer of immediate comfort and bounce right against your foot. Sandwiched in between is a flexible woven rock plate, which is great for deflecting sharp objects without making the shoe feel overly stiff.

The star of the show, however, remains that full-length PWRTRAC rubber outsole. It’s sticky, durable, and features aggressive 5mm lugs in a chevron pattern that bite into almost any surface. The main reported weakness in the build is the exposed foam on the sole, particularly in the heel area, which some users have found to wear down or tear prematurely on technical terrain. At around 9.4oz (266g) for a men's size 9, it hits a sweet spot, feeling light and nimble without sacrificing protection.

Comfort and Fit

Finding the right fit with the Peregrine 14 seems to depend on your foot shape. Most users and reviewers agree that the shoe fits true to size in terms of length. However, the defining characteristic of its fit is the toebox. While the midfoot provides a secure, locked-in feel, the forefoot is somewhat polarizing. It has a tapered design, which means it gets narrower towards the toes. Some testers with medium to narrow feet find this provides a precise, secure fit, but many others, especially those with wider feet, have reported it as being "super tight" and uncomfortable, particularly on longer runs when your feet start to swell.

The good news? Saucony does offer the Peregrine 14 in a 2E (wide) width, which is a fantastic option if you like the shoe but need more room up front. In terms of break-in, the shoe feels pretty good straight out of the box thanks to the soft sockliner and flexible upper materials. One reviewer even noted, "I wore them straight out of the box for a 10K trail race with no issues... so I’d say the break-in period is minimal to none."

Style and Versatility

The Saucony Peregrine 14 has a look that screams "trail runner." It's rugged, with aggressive lugs and a protective build that clearly prioritizes function over fashion. However, thanks to some modern design cues and a range of colorways from bright and bold to more subdued, it doesn't look out of place on city streets.

This isn't your sleek, minimalist sneaker for a dinner date, but it's perfect for what it is: a highly capable outdoor shoe. It's an excellent choice for hiking, navigating messy park trails, or as a reliable travel shoe when you know you'll be on your feet all day, on varied surfaces, and might encounter some bad weather. Its "go-anywhere" vibe fits well with the "gorpcore" trend, pairing easily with hiking shorts, joggers, or technical pants.

Quality and Durability

Overall, the build quality of the Peregrine 14 feels solid, especially with the updated upper which has addressed the delamination and tearing issues of its predecessor. The PWRTRAC rubber outsole is also known for its excellent longevity, holding up well to many miles of mixed-terrain use.

The primary concern, however, lies in the midsole's exposure. Several users have reported that the areas of exposed EVA foam on the bottom of the shoe, particularly a slot in the heel, are susceptible to damage from sharp rocks [16]. One user mentioned, "The biggest weakness... is the exposed foam on the outsole... I've already got a small tear in that area after just 30 miles of pretty tame trails." This design choice seems to be a trade-off for weight saving and flexibility, but it's a potential weak point for those tackling very technical or rocky terrain.

Decision Matrix

Legend: ✓ = Good | ○ = Average | ✕ = Poor

Further Reading

1. The Ultimate Guide to Saucony Running Shoes: Reviews, Tech & Buyer’s Guide.
2. Saucony Running Shoe Technologies Explained: PWRRUN, Speedroll, FORMFIT
3. Saucony Ride 18 Review
4. Saucony Triumph 22 Review
5. Saucony Endorphine Shift 3 Review