Last year I tried the Saucony Peregrine 11, and it ended up not being my cup of tea. This year's model is different!
I struggled a bit with the upper of the Saucony Peregrine 11, and the shoe just didn’t feel as snappy as I wanted it to be. This resulted in me not using it that much. Saucony Peregrine 12 on the other hand is the real deal! It is drastically different, and better in every way.
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A no-bullshit feel
I’ll come straight to the point because that’s the way the Saucony Peregrine 12 is, a no-bullshit, straight-to-the-point shoe. It’s 11% lighter than last year’s model, making it a totally different beast. It now feels sleek, exciting, and more race-ready than ever!
The loss of weight is an important factor, but Saucony has also made a lot of changes at other places as well. Remaking the rock plate has made the shoe more flexible and nimble. Replacing the standard insole with a PWRRUN+ insole has given you premium cushioning in even closer proximity to your feet. And the new recycled upper is so thin and breathable, that getting water out of your shoes is a breeze.
I got the shoe soaking wet the other day, and it didn’t feel heavy or like a sponge when running. It felt just as it did dry! The water drained away and was out of my mind as soon as I left the puddle.
But if you want to keep the mud and water more away from your toes, then the Saucony Peregrine 12 ST is the way to go. It has a more water-resistant (not waterproof) upper for those extra wet days when the ground is softer.
Firm comfort for kings
Don’t expect a soft plush experience in the Saucony Peregrine 12. If you want that you’re not in the right place! Go check out the Saucony Xodus Ultra, the New Balance More Trail, the Hoka Speedgoat 4, or the Salomon Ultraglide. But if you, like me, want that firmer sensation, that feels quick and responsive, then we got some serious business to discuss.
The Saucony Peregrine 12 is probably the most comfortable shoe I have had on for a long time, it doesn't have that soft comfort but is rather a shoe that says “I got you” as it holds around your ankle, making you relax.
There is enough cushioning for all types of surfaces in my opinion, but I would stick to using the shoe on gravel roads and paths and the occasional transport on asphalt if you are more into the softer running shoes.
Saucony Peregrine 12
I have heard some people say the Saucony Peregrine 12 is a little narrow, and out on the interwebs it has had some divided opinions because of this. It is narrower than the Saucony Peregrine 11, but I still have enough room for my toes, so in my opinion, it delivers big time in the fit department.
Master of variety!
I usually say something about how technical the trail shoes are when I review them, and I have been reviewing a lot of non-technical shoes lately. Shoes made for ultra-marathons usually aren’t that technical. They are not made for mud, technical trails, and speed. The Saucony Peregrine 12 is a technical shoe, and it sings to my heart.
Saucony Peregrine 12
When you tighten the laces, you get a feeling of being held firmly. All the twists and turns in the world can’t shake the foundational hold that this shoe has on your foot. It is born to do directional changes and is loving it! With the PWRTRAC lugs being 5mm you get a lot of traction on soft surfaces, and this just completes the Saucony Peregrine 12 as an adrenaline-seeking trail wonder, that can perform just as well on gravel roads as forest trails.
And if 5mm deep lugs aren't enough traction, then the Saucony Peregrine 12 ST (soft terrain) should help you even more on the wet days, with an even better grip with 6.5mm lugs for those muddy days.
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