The Saucony Peregrine 8 is built for off-road exploration

By Matt Stetson

The Saucony Peregrine trail shoe enters its eighth iteration and sees certain significant changes.

The popular trail model has long been a favorite among runners looking to gain traction in less than ideal conditions.

What you need to know

Release date: Jan. 1, 2018
Type: Trail running
Recommended surfaces: Technical and non-technical trail, brief stints on asphalt
Heel-to-toe drop: 4 mm (24.5 mm to 20.5 mm)
Weight: Men 10.0 oz (283 g) | Women 9.0 oz (255 g)
Price (MSRP): $149.99
Sizes: Men 7-13, 14 | Women 5-12

Grip

The Peregrine 8 uses Saucony’s PWRTRAC outsole featuring large 6 mm rubber lugs that run the length of the sole. The outsole material in the 8 is noticeably softer than that of the rubber used in the previous version. This is welcome since the Peregrine 7 has a notably stiff sole. The softer rubber provides better feedback, feel and grip on slippery rocks, as well as a more supple underfoot ride. (Plus a 4 mm drop feels more natural.) The softer compound adds a bit of weight to the bottom of the shoe but it should be noted that Saucony removed the rock plate found in the previous version to compensate. Hence, the addition of beefier, rubber lugs.

RELATED: Feel energized with the soft ride of the Saucony Zealot ISO 3.

Upper

Overall the shoe’s upper feels relatively firm. This is the case in part due to a beefy heel counter intended to protect your ankles from rolling on uneven trail surfaces. The upper has an overlay on the toebox to help protect your toes and a sewn-in tongue to keep out any trail debris. Like the Peregrine 7, the 8 uses Saucony’s Flexfilm material laid onto mesh to help provide structure through the midfoot.

Ice+

The Peregrine 8 is not waterproof like its siblings, the Xodus ISO Runshield and Peregrine 8 Ice+. The ice+ features Runshield waterproof technology as well as a Vibram arctic grip sole intended to help against slipping on ice. This does keep the Peregrine 8 lighter than it’s siblings and therefore makes it a better choice for going fast on sunny days.

The Peregrine 8 is almost as at home on the road as it is in the dirt. Thanks to a cushioned layer of Everun midsole material the shoe has a nice plush ride that encourages those extra kilometres. With a 4 mm heel to toe drop these should accommodate a wide range of runners. The shoe fits true to size and does seem to have a bit more toe box room than the previous edition. The lacing system has changed slightly using the Flexfilm material for eyelets instead of sewn in material loops. However the upper maintains a good hold over the forefoot and CR‘s tester did not experience any slippage or discomfort during testing.

RELATED: 2017-18 winter shoe guide.

The Peregrine 8 is for…

The Peregrine 8 fits nicely in between ultra lightweight responsive trail shoes better for cross-country type applications and overbuilt shoes intended to tackle super technical terrain. Someone who runs on pavement before getting to the trail head would appreciate the plushness of the ride on the road, but also the traction once switching to a natural surface. Racing-wise, for shorter distance trail events, the Peregrine 8 is be a great choice thanks to its lightweight materials and breathability.

You can find the Saucony Peregrine 8 online or at your local running store.