By Saucony released its first lone Peregrine back in 2011. Over the past decade, the trail shoe named for the fastest falcon on earth has rapidly evolved, changing uppers and midsole foams, and leaving the less capable models to extinction. (The Peregrine ISO has since gone the way of the dinosaur.) In 2021, four time-tested trail shoes remain in the species. The oldest is the winterized Ice+ model, specifically designed for running on crunchy frozen trails and those slick with mud, sleet, and snow. The newest is the 11th version of the Peregrine, which comes in three weather- and terrain-specific varieties—the standard 11, the 11 ST, and the 11 GTX.
Type: Trail
Weight: 10 oz.
Drop: 4mm
GTX option: Yes
Type: Trail
Weight: 9.5 oz.
Drop: 4mm
GTX option: Yes
Type: Trail
Weight: 11.2 oz.
Drop: 4mm
GTX option: No
Type: Trail
Weight: 9.8 oz.
Drop: 4mm
GTX option: No
We’ve tested each model and version of the Peregrine, and have broken down the key distinctions between our two current favorites: the 11 and the 11 ST. We won’t dwell too much on the GTX version of the 11 here since it’s much the same shoe, save for a waterproof membrane in the upper. And, though our testers confirmed the GoreTex is about as watertight as you’ll find in a running shoe, it also trapped a good amount of heat and odor. (In cooler months, it’s worth ponying up the extra $30 if waterproofing is essential on your runs. But in the summer, that price proved too steep for those of us with sweaty, stinky feet.) We found both the 11 and 11 ST are solid options for trail veterans and newbies alike, built to fly fast and navigate agilely like their namesake falcon. The difference is that one’s evolved for wet and muddy trails, while the other excels on dry, technical terrain.
A Remix on a Classic: The Peregrine 11 ST
One might guess that “ST” stands for “Stability” or “Speed Trainer,” but Saucony actually uses it here to designate that this version of its popular trail shoe is tuned for “Soft Terrain”—though its ride would make those other guesses accurate, too. A wide platform and low drop give this Peregrine its stable feel, an upgrade to premium Pwrrun+ topsole cushioning offers more go-fast energy return, and a forefoot rock plate shields against protruding roots and stones. But you’ll also find those features on the standard Peregrine model. What sets the ST apart is its muck-loving outsole and upper, which are built for a full send along swampy singletrack.
The toothy lugs are 1.5mm longer, with more spacing between each to shed mud quickly, and the upper is switched to an abrasion-resistant mesh outfitted with quick lacing. To secure the shoe, just cinch the skinny bungee cords and stow them inside the tongue—there’s no fiddling with wet bunny ears. Plus, the entire shoe is cloaked in its own mud guard, an outer debris-resistant mesh bolstered by overlays to block seepage. If that’s still not enough splatter protection, you’ll also find additional loops to hook your own gaiters. “The Peregrine was exceptional across the board,” said one tester, “wonderfully responsive and capable across deep mud and loose gravel to snow, with an amazing fit that needed none of my usual lacing tricks.”
The Standard Peregrine 11 Model...Is Anything But Standard
In terms of midsole cushioning, all the Peregrines use the same stuff: Saucony’s Pwrrun. The material is a significant upgrade from the brand’s previous Everun foam, but it’s not quite as bouncy as the newest Pwrrun PB found on the Endorphin series and the Freedom 4. Recently, Saucony fiddled with the mix of TPU and EVA polymers in the Pwrrun ratio, so the foam does feel more similar to the more responsive Pwrrun+ iteration than before. Still, the standard Pwrrun has a noticeably firmer ride than its “plus” sibling. “The midsole focuses less on cushioning and more on substance—it’s springy and gives you a great ride, but it’s not super plush,” one tester said. “It feels supportive, firm, and purposeful with the right balance of performance and cushion that lasts.”
What Our Wear Testers Said
Why Trust Us
When I pulled the Peregrine 11 ST out of the box, I thought they were
“Traction, traction, and traction...that is the highlight of the Peregrine 11. The aggressive lugs gave me confidence on all surfaces and bit into terrain ranging from snow-covered trails and grass to mud and dirt. The traction is comparable to my We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article Other Hearst Subscriptions Hoka. However, I definitely prefer Hoka’s cushioning as I’ve been running for decades and have a lot of miles on my legs. While the Peregrine was adequate on softer surfaces—especially great on grassy cross-country courses—I wanted more cushioning on harder-packed trails. The upper provided a comfortable fit, with ample room for my toes due to the material’s flexibility, and I found it very breathable. It will be very beneficial on hot days, though a little brisk in the winter—but that’s why they make wool socks.”
Demo Run First Impression: On Cloudboom Strike
When I pulled the Peregrine 11 ST out of the box, I thought they were
“When I pulled the Peregrine 11 ST out of the box, I thought they were Salomon’s Speedcross from the quick-lace pocket. I was concerned because Salomons feel narrow and stiff on my feet, but the ST was far roomier, plusher, and more comfortable (though still a stiff shoe overall). These shoes have amazing traction; the tread is wonderful for muddy, messy trails. They’re a great tool to have in the shed for a specific job: getting in mileage no matter how bad the conditions are, but these are definitely not for racing. I found Salomon’s SpeedCross better only for gripping wet rocks when climbing (due to the multi-directional tread pattern compared to Saucony’s singular direction). The very strong uppers and midfoot materials showed no signs of wear—the ST is among the most durable shoes I’ve ever worn. At the same time, this comes at the cost of some flexibility, feel for the trail, and breathability.”
