The Saucony Peregrine ISO replaces the Peregrine 8 and builds on this increasingly popular family of hardy trail shoes that are packed with the latest technology from the brand. The main addition with this new model is ISOFIT, Saucony’s construction technique that allows the shoe to mould to your foot, making for a custom feel.
As was the case with the previous Peregrine, the outsole features PWRTRAC, the brand’s own tacky durable rubber. This provides excellent grip across all surfaces – wet rock, loose scree, smooth boulders, this shoe is going to take it on. The tread is super aggressive with directional lugs, giving you good traction steep accents and technical descents in all conditions.
“The Peregrine ISO is built for big days out on technical, gnarly trails.”
The midsole has Saucony’s own PWRFOAM running throughout, and during my testing this gave excellent cushioning, with it really coming into its own over rocky, hard surfaces and tarmac. This is backed up by an EVERSOLE insole which provides more cushioning and improves energy efficiency. Both of these features make for an incredibly comfortable trail shoe – so important for those long runs.
There’s a fairly low 4mm drop, which will allow you to bring your quads and glutes into the equation, something that’s especially useful when on the bigger ascents. This, twinned with the cushioning of the shoe is useful for when the calves go, the mid-foot strike has gone and you are running on fumes.
The Verdict
I have managed to put a lot of miles through these shoes running adidas Infinite Trails, Love Trails festival and also the Surrey Three Peaks and I am now 100% a Saucony fan.
My first few outings were training runs in Richmond Park, and to be honest the shoe didn’t really come alive for me on the dry flat trails, something just didn’t feel right. But as soon as I got them onto some steeper, more technical terrain it felt like the shoes turned on. What really stands out for me is the grip. Challenging terrain is where the shoe excels and the tread is super reliable.
The ankle feels locked in and secure with a solid heel cup, which is great for taking on fast, technical descents where confidence in your foot placement is key. For protection against sharp rocks and roots there’s a fairly thick bumper covering the front of the foot, and PU reinforcements along the sides.
The toe box is roomy enough for your feet to expand on longer runs and not cause any discomfort. Equally all of my toes have stayed intact and I haven’t had one blister, even at the 45km mark.
Overall, if you’re looking for something for flat dry trails, look elsewhere, but if you’re planning some big days out on technical, gnarly trails with a lot of ascent and descent, the Peregrine ISO is a trail shoe worth considering.
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