Bottom Line
The Saucony Peregrine 14 might be your next favorite pair of sure-footed kicks. It has a lightweight design, excellent traction, and increased durability compared to its predecessors. Weighing in at just over a pound per pair, it offers a balanced blend of cushioning and responsiveness, making it ideal for tricky terrain and technical long-distance runs and hikes. The larger 5-millimeter lugs, compared to previous models, provide a reliable grip on both dry and wet surfaces.
However, it’s worth noting that the Peregrine 14 may not last as long as some of our other selections for the best hiking shoes due to the thin mesh upper. While the shoe has improved durability from the previous model, it’s still essential to monitor wear over time, but sometimes it’s worth it for the performance on the trail.
Quick Specs
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 14
Best Lightweight Trail Runners for Hiking
Price: $140
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 1 oz.
Options: Waterproof
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Pros
- Superior traction
- Lightweight
- Great price for the performance
- Breathable
- No break-in needed
- Decent toe cap
Cons
- Thin upper not as durable
- Not supportive enough for heavy loads
- Run small
Comfort
We find the Saucony Peregrine 14 incredibly comfortable and responsive right out of the box. The PWRRUN midsole strikes a nice balance between cushioning and ground feel, which gives us a supportive yet nimble performance on the trail. Its mesh upper, reinforced with TPU overlays, offers excellent breathability and is perfect for hot weather. We appreciate how quickly the shoes break in (basically no break-in) and how well they fit true to street size, if not a bit on the small size. The shoe forms around the foot well with a snug midfoot and heel. The toe box is small for those with wider feet, but we appreciated the technical fit for trail running. However, the toebox might not be sized for longer hikes and swelling, leading to possible blisters and angry toes.
Traction
When it comes to traction, the Peregrine 14 delivers. Its 5 mm lug, combined with the knobby, triangular lug pattern, grips well on just about every surface, whether on sandy trails or rocky paths. The one-piece rubber outsole provided consistent performance and wore well. However, we’ve observed that the lack of specialized traction zones means it doesn’t perform as well on very technical or extreme terrains. The tread starts showing significant wear and traction loss after long-term use, which might be a drawback if you’re planning on tackling rugged epics.
Weight
We love how lightweight the Peregrine 14 is. At just 1.04 pounds per pair, its lightness enhances our agility and speed on the trail. The minimalist construction makes the shoes feel lighter and aids in quick drying and breathability. However, this lightweight design has a trade-off: quicker foot fatigue due to the limited cushioning and reduced durability, especially in the outsole. While the lightness adds to speed and endurance, it also means the shoes wear out faster, particularly in rough conditions.
Durability
The Peregrine 14 is crafted for performance and agility rather than rugged durability. The lightweight mesh and TPU overlays are great for breathability but tend to wear out sooner. After logging many miles, we noticed signs of wear, such as lifting overlays and worn mesh. While initially effective, the outsole degrades faster than more robust designs. This might not be the best option if we’re looking for a shoe to handle heavy-duty, long-term use.
Weather Resistance
In hot and dry conditions, the Peregrine 14 will keep you fast-footed. The breathable mesh upper keeps our feet cool and dries quickly after water exposure. However, its thin construction allows water to enter easily, so it’s not ideal for wet or cold environments. We’ve found it performs well for summer hikes and water crossings, but for colder, wetter conditions, we’d need something more weather-resistant.
Should You Buy the Saucony Peregrine 14?
We think the Saucony Peregrine 14 is a fantastic pick for ultralight backpackers, trail runners, and hikers who value speed and breathability. Its lightweight design and airy mesh uppers make it a dream for summer hikes and fast-paced adventures. We love how responsive and comfortable it feels right out of the box, and its quick-drying properties are perfect for those hot, sweaty days or unexpected water crossings.
That said, if durability is high on your list or you often tackle extreme, technical terrain or face tough weather, the Peregrine 14 might not be the best fit. It wears out faster and offers less cushioning or protection than other models. For more rugged conditions or longer treks, you might want to consider something with more durability and support.
What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
If you’re considering the Saucony Peregrine 14, you might also want to look at some other top hiking shoes, if durability is a concern.
Topo Ultraventure 3: The Topo Ultraventure 3 is a fantastic option if you like the Peregrine 14’s lightweight and breathable design but want a bit more cushioning that suits a natural foot shape for long trail hikes.
HOKA Speedgoat 6 Review: The HOKA Speedgoat 6, known for its super comfy cushioning and durability—perfect for thru-hikers, though the taller stack height might feel a bit odd if you’re used to the sleek Peregrine, but it offers more support than the Saucony.
Altra Lone Peak 8 Review: the Altra Lone Peak 8 could be a solid choice if you prefer a zero-drop shoe with a roomy toe box that lets your feet move naturally but is just as light and comfortable.
