Explaining the Saucony Trail Running Range | SportsShoes.com (2024)

Kit & Gear

Nothing should hold determined runners back, which is why Saucony has trail running shoes for all types of terrain.

In this article we explain the differences between all the models in the Saucony range, as well as highlighting the technologies and benefits of each.

Explaining the Saucony Trail Running Range | SportsShoes.com (1)

1. Saucony Peregrine 12 / SG & GTX

Named after the fastest bird on earth, the agile Peregrine 12 more than lives up to its name. Stripped down for blistering speeds, it’s time to get comfortable as you fly across the trails.

Price:Currently £90.99 - £149.99 (GTX version)
Weight:295g (men) / 255g (women)
Drop:4mm (more suitable for forefoot strikers)
Lug depth:5mm (12 & GTX) / 6.5mm (ST)
Support level:Neutral

Over an ounce lighter than before, the Peregrine 12 helps to deliver more speed than its predecessor. Weighing just 275g for men and 235g for women (across an average size curve), this model is one of the lightest shoes in the range.

This updated version of the classic Peregrine trail shoe has a redesigned lug pattern with deep 5mm lugs and the ST (Soft Terrain) shoe provides the most aggressive grip of all the Saucony trail shoes at 6.5mm. It also features a rock-plate in the midsole for added protection against sharp rocks underfoot. In short, there’s no amount of rugged terrain you can’t tackle.

The Peregrine 12 is available in 3 different options;

Choose the Saucony Peregrine 12 for lightweight speed and versatility on the trail, the 12 ST for the most grip in soft ground conditions and the 12 GTX for keeping feet dry in wet conditions.

Explaining the Saucony Trail Running Range | SportsShoes.com (2)

Pictured: Saucony Peregrine 12 Trail Running Shoes

SUMMARY:

SAUCONY PEREGRINE 12 - The Versatile Shoe

Terrain: A versatile shoe that can tackle a variety of terrain from forest paths to grass to rocky trails.

Technology & key features: PWRTRAC rubber outsole (grip), PWRRUN cushioning (midsole), a protective rock plate and deep 5mm lugs for tackling mud.

Distance: Short to middle-distance runs.

Feel of the shoe: A lightweight, nimble trail shoe with good grip and cushioning.

SAUCONY PEREGRINE 12 ST - The Aggressive Shoe

Terrain: The 12 ST Designed specifically for soft ground – think thick mud and ploughed fields.

Technology & key features: PWRTRAC rubber outsole (grip), PWRRUN cushioning (midsole) & a protective rock plate and aggressive 6.5mm lugs for tackling mud.

Distance: Short to middle-distance runs.

Feel of the shoe: Nimble and lightweight with an aggressive outsole.

READ OUR REVIEW OF THE SAUCONY PEREGRINE 12 ST HERE

SAUCONY PEREGRINE 12 GTX - The Versatile Waterproof Shoe

Terrain: The same as the Peregrine 12 but with an invisible fit GORE-TEX upper.

Technology & key features: PWRTRAC rubber outsole (grip), PWRRUN cushioning (midsole), a protective rock plate, deep 5mm lugs for tackling mud and invisible fit GORE-TEX upper material to keep your feet dry.

Distance: Short to middle -distance runs.

Feel of the shoe: Nimble and lightweight. The GORE-TEX upper doesn’t change the fit - choose your usual size.

SHOP ALL SAUCONY PEREGRINE 12 TRAIL SHOES NOW

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Pictured: Saucony Peregrine 12 Women's Trail Running Shoes

2. Saucony Endorphin Trail / Mid

Let your speed run wild with the propulsive Saucony Endorphin Trail Running Shoes.

Price:£154.99 - £164.99
Weight:275g (men) / 235g (women)
Drop:4mm (more suitable for forefoot strikers)
Lug Depth:4.5m lugs
Support level:Neutral

This shoe features revolutionary SPEEDROLL Technology which propels you forward effortlessly to help you get that athletic edge, so you can run faster and not harder, delivering an off-road running experience like no other. This lightweight yet maximally cushioned shoe will carry you up, down, and over even the gnarliest of trails, taking speed to a whole new elevation.

Get incredible spring and return from a thick bed of ultralight PWRRUN PB cushioning. This midsole works to cushion the foot on impact, reducing the stress and strain your feet endure, meaning a reduced risk of injury as your feet are protected. The midsole also works to provide a springy rebound, utilising the force from your last step to power you into your next one. This results in less energy loss and a reduced rate of fatigue, meaning you can go further, faster. A durable net mesh covers the midsole area to protect it from the rugged terrain, resulting in more durable performance.

The Endorphin Trail is available in 2 different options;

Choose the Saucony Endorphin Trail for propulsion and spring on hard-packed trails and the Mid version for extra support and protection.

Explaining the Saucony Trail Running Range | SportsShoes.com (4)

Pictured: Saucony Endorphin Trail Running Shoe

SUMMARY:

SAUCONY ENDORPHIN TRAIL - The Propulsive Shoe

Terrain: Suited best to hard-packed trails.

Technology & key features: SPEEDROLL Technology to allow you to roll over the trails, PWRRUN PB cushioning to give you a light and fast feel and an ultra-grippy PWRTRAC outsole.

Distance: Short to middle-distance runs.

Feel of the shoe: Soft cushioning with SPEEDROLLTechnology pushes you onto your toes and helps propel you forwards.

SAUCONY ENDORPHIN TRAIL MID - The Protective Shoe

Terrain: The same as the Endorphin Trail but with a more protective upper suited to dusty paths and gravel.

Technology & key features: SPEEDROLL Technology to allow you to roll over the trails, PWRRUN PB cushioning to give you a light and fast feel and an ultra-grippy PWRTRAC outsole. A mid-cut upper for a more protective fit.

Distance: Short to middle-distance runs.

Feel of the shoe: Soft cushioning with SPEEDROLL Technology pushes you onto your toes and helps propel you forwards. The higher-fitting upper makes your feet feel more protected.

SHOP ALL SAUCONY ENDORPHIN TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Pictured: Saucony Endorphin Trail Running Shoes

3. Saucony Endorphin Edge

Break boundaries and release your inner trail seeker with the Saucony Endorphin Edge - a super-fast, lightweight and cushioned trail shoe for next-level performance!

Price:£199
Weight:255g (men) / 221g (women)
Drop:6mm
Lug depth:4mm lugs
Support level:Neutral

The Endorphin Edge is packed with PWRRUN PB foam cushioning and a Carbitex™ carbon-fibre plate that helps propel you forward. This flexible carbon-fibre plate provides speed and efficiency and despite featuring a high-stack cushioned midsole, you can still enjoy a close connection to the ground. Featuring 4mm lugs on the outsole for ample grip on rugged terrain.

With both higher absorption and faster evaporation, the lightweight mesh of the upper helps pull moisture away from your foot, which means you keep cool and stay dry.

In comparison to other models, it's the only one to feature a 3-quarter length plate carbon-fibre plate and is the lightest and fastest Saucony trail shoe in the range. It also has a higher drop (6mm) than the Peregrine 12 and Endorphin Trail, which are both 4mm.

Choose the Saucony Endorphin Edge for lightweight speed and cushioning - it's perfect for trail racing!

READ OUR REVIEW OF THE SAUCONY ENDORPHIN EDGE HERE

Explaining the Saucony Trail Running Range | SportsShoes.com (6)

Pictured: Saucony Endorphin Edge Trail Running Shoes

SUMMARY:

SAUCONY ENDORPHIN EDGE - The Light & Fast Shoe

Terrain: Hard packed trails and forest paths – the kind of ground you can run fast on.

Technology & key features: Carbitex™ carbon-fibre plate to propel you up hills and along the trails, Speedroll Technology to allow you to roll over the trails, PWRRUN PB cushioning to give you a light and fast feel and an ultra-grippy PWRTRAC outsole.

Distance: Short to middle-distance runs.

Feel of the shoe: Lightweight, fast and plenty of soft cushioning.

SHOP ALL SAUCONY ENDORPHIN EDGE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Pictured: Saucony Endorphin Edge Trail Running Shoes

4. Saucony Xodus Ultra

For those who see the horizon and dare to explore further, meet the Saucony Xodus Ultra. Built for long trails, this shoe is made to go the distance.

Price:£139.99
Weight:293g (men) / 259g (women)
Drop:6mm
Lug depth:4.5mm
Support level:Neutral

Specifically designed for the long-haul, the Xodus Ultra provides the ultra-comfort you desire for the ultra-distance you demand. Featuring a new design that’s been formulated to give you more room and more comfort as you take on extra miles. Get maximum spring with ultralight and ultra-plush PWRRUN PB cushioning and added durability and support, with a resilient PWRRUN Frame to help revive your stride and a stable feeling. This shoe gives maximum energy return and has a redesigned 3-piece PWRTRAC outsole for incredible traction on off-road terrain. This shoe has a 6mm drop and 4.5mm lugs for superb grip.

Enjoy more comfort with a roomier toe box and a contoured sockliner which hugs your foot for a perfect fit. More minimal upper decreases irritation hotspots and a new debris shield keep out mud and loose stones. It also features a rock-plate in the midsole for added protection against sharp rocks underfoot.

Choose the Saucony Xodus Ultra for maximum cushioning on long to ultra-distance trail runs.

Explaining the Saucony Trail Running Range | SportsShoes.com (8)

Pictured: Saucony Xodus Ultra Trail Running Shoes

SUMMARY:

SAUCONY XODUS ULTRA - The Cushioned Shoe

Terrain: Suitable for covering a variety of terrain over a long period of time.

Technology & key features: A max cushioned trail shoe without any extra weight. PWRRUN PB cushioning combines with a durable PWRRUN Frame to help revive your stride and an ultra-grippy PWRTRAC outsole. Durable protection with an improved rock plate.

Distance: Ideal for long runs and ultra-distances.

Feel of the shoe: Soft, ultra-plush cushioning with a roomy toe box allows your feet to spread.

SHOP ALL SAUCONY XODUS ULTRA TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Pictured: Saucony Xodus Ultra Trail Running Shoe

5. Saucony Ride 15 TR / GTX

The Saucony Ride 15 TR delivers a comfort-first sensation that takes your trail runs to new heights.

Price:£129.99
Weight:261g (men) / 241g (women)
Drop:8mm drop
Lug depth:3.5mm
Support level:Neutral

Built using softer cushioning and grippy tread, this road to trail shoe has more foam, a durable feel, and everything you need to go further.

The Ride 15 TR has a PWRTRAC outsole and lightweight and durable upper, with a FORMFIT design and supportive webbing which hugs your foot to provide a more personalised feel.

The soft PWRRUN cushioning formula gives you more cushion and less weight for your springiest trail and road runs. A higher stack and a PWRRUN+ sockliner give you an extra layer of cushioning to help deliver an easy stride from heel-to-toe.

Like the Excursion TR16, this shoe has the highest drop of any Saucony trail shoe at 8mm, which means it's more suitable for heel strikers.

The Ride 15 TR is available in 2 different options;

Choose the Saucony Ride 15 TR for ultimate comfort and the Ride 15 GTX for keeping feet dry in wet conditions. It's perfect for switching between road and trail.

Explaining the Saucony Trail Running Range | SportsShoes.com (10)

Pictured: Saucony Ride 15 TR Trail Running Shoes

SUMMARY:

SAUCONY RIDE 15 TR - The Road to Trail Shoe

Terrain: The perfect shoe for mixing road and trail in one run.

Technology & key features: PWRRUN cushioning for comfortable road miles coupled with a PWRTRAC grippy tread for light trails. A FORMFIT design for a more personalised fit.

Distance: Short to middle-distance runs.

Feel of the shoe: Feels like a road running shoe with extra grip.

SAUCONY RIDE 15 TR GTX - The Waterproof Road to Trail Shoe

Terrain: The same as the Ride 15 TR but with an invisible fit GORE-TEX upper.

Technology & key features: PWRRUN cushioning for comfortable road miles coupled with a PWRTRAC grippy tread for light trails and an invisible fit GORE-TEX upper to keep your feet dry when mixing road and trail.

Distance: Short to middle-distance runs.

Feel of the shoe: Feels like a road running shoe with extra grip. The GORE-TEX upper doesn’t change the fit - choose your usual size

SHOP ALL SAUCONY RIDE 15 TR TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Pictured: Saucony Ride TR Trail Running Shoes

6. Saucony Excursion TR16 GTX

Meeting all your needs as an all-around trail-runner, the Saucony Excursion TR16 GORE-TEX is capable of tackling all-weather conditions.

Price:£114.99
Weight:286g (men) / 241g (women)
Drop:8mm
Lug depth:4.5mm
Support level:Neutral

The springy, comfortable Excursion TR16 GORE-TEX trail shoes are designed for all-round performance on the trails and suitable for both walking and trail running. Featuring GORE-TEX membrane in the upper material which provides an outstanding level of protection against, rain, mud and moisture, meaning you remain comfortable and dry in all-weather conditions.

This shoe has a thick and responsive Versarun midsole which gives long-lasting, high performing cushioning, for protection and comfort to last a long day on the trail. This cushioning offers a soft landing with every step, absorbing heavy impacts but also dispersing energy evenly for a smoother ride.

The durable outsole features an XT-900 carbon rubber for outstanding performance and grip, with 4.5mm carbon-rubber lugs to provide the best traction, so, whether you are clambering through muddy terrain or grassy grounds, you'll feel unstoppable.

Like the Saucony Ride 15 TR GTX, this shoe has an 8mm drop - the highest heel-to-toe offset in the Saucony Trail Collection.

Choose the Saucony Excursion TR16 GORE-TEX for walking and running on trails in all-weather conditions.

Explaining the Saucony Trail Running Range | SportsShoes.com (12)

Pictured: Saucony Excursion TR16 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes

SUMMARY:

SAUCONY EXCURSION TR16 GTX - The All-Round Trail Shoe

Terrain: A great all-rounder for a mixture of walking and running on grass and light trails with a GORE-TEX upper to keep your feet dry.

Technology & key features: Featuring VERSARUN Cushioning and GORE-TEX upper to keep your feet dry from your morning walk to your trail run.

Distance: Short walks and runs.

Feel of the shoe: Comfortable cushioning and a rugged outsole.

SHOP THE SAUCONY EXCURSION TR16 GTX TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.

Explaining the Saucony Trail Running Range | SportsShoes.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between running shoes and trail-running shoes? ›

Compared to materials in typical road running shoes, trail shoe materials are more resistant to rips, tears, abrasions, and other damage from rocks and sharp surfaces. Of course, the tradeoff is that all these durable materials are heavier and stiffer than what you'd find in a good pair of running shoes.

What is special about trail-running shoes? ›

Trail-running shoes differ from road runners in several respects: Grip on rugged terrain: Lugged soles improve traction to help you move more sure-footedly over dirt, mud, gravel, roots and rock slabs. Foot protection: A variety of internal and external features help shield feet from impact with rocks and roots.

How many miles should you get out of trail-running shoes? ›

While some shoe manufacturers will say to replace your shoes every 300-500 miles, there are many factors that influence how long they will last – not least the durability of the shoe itself and how you care for them.

Do you want trail-running shoes to be tight or loose? ›

Snug-fitting heel and midfoot

But you also don't want your shoes too tight since that will compromise circulation when your feet start to swell. A good fit should be snug everywhere but tight nowhere. Check that there are no hot spots or pressure points.

Is it OK to wear trail running shoes on pavement? ›

Because of the softer rubber, wearing trail-running shoes on the road, where they will regularly pound and rub on hard pavement, can wear the soles out more quickly than if you stick to the softer surface of a trail.

Can I use trail running shoes for normal running? ›

Trail running shoes are quite versatile and a great choice if you're interested in running through nature and over rocky, wet, or uneven terrains. You can also wear trail running shoes on the road and treadmill, however stick to shorter distances as they are heavy and often don't provide as much cushion as road shoes.

Is it OK to wear trail running shoes for walking? ›

Both trail and hiking shoes have the potential to be equally comfortable over long days of walking. For shorter walks, carrying lighter loads and where speed is important, trail running shoes offer a balance of cushion and flex.

Do you really need trail running shoes? ›

Your normal running shoes would likely work just fine. But if you're talking trails that climb and descend, or have loose rocks, tree roots, twists and turns, well, then you need shoes with better traction, stability, and protection which is exactly what trail shoes are designed to provide.

Should trail running shoes be a size bigger? ›

When you trail run, your feet expand and swell and need space and room to move around. I recommend moving a half-size to a full-size up, depending on the shoe. Too much room and you'll slide too much in your shoe and get blisters; too little room in your shoe will also cause blisters, so it's a careful balance!

How do you break in trail running shoes? ›

Start with Short Walks & Runs. One of the best ways to begin breaking in your shoes is by taking a short walk in them. This helps stretch the shoes, and it also allows your feet to acclimate to the way the shoes feel. A quick walk—just 5-10 minutes—can also help determine whether the shoes fit in the first place.

What drop for trail running shoes? ›

The value mostly varies between 0-12 mm. Barefoot shoes and minimalist trail running shoes have a 0-4 mm drop. In these running shoes, the front of the foot and heel touch the ground at the same level. On average, a drop of 5-7 mm is regular, and 8-12 mm is a large drop.

Does pronation matter in trail running? ›

Over-pronation matter less with trail running but it's still not a yes/no answer. My feet tend to over-pronate and I have found that trails seem to bother me less than running on the road since I have to switch up my gait and stride to avoid obstacles more.

What is the drop in trail shoes? ›

The ​'drop' of a running shoe is essentially the difference between the height/​thickness of the midsole under the heel compared to the same measure under the ball of the foot.

Are trail running shoes better? ›

Generally, the upper of a trail shoe is more robust overall than road shoes, which in part contributes to a slightly weightier shoe. The tongue may also be stitched behind the laces as opposed to free moving, to reduce the amount of debris that makes its way into the shoe which can lead to blisters.

Is it OK to wear trail running shoes on treadmill? ›

Specifically around the treadmill we know that it's best to avoid the large tread of a trail shoe, as you'll simply wear down the shoe. In general we want treadmill running shoes that are a comfortable fit, feel lightweight, breathable and protect your foot from the hard surface.

Are trail running shoes good on grass? ›

Any pronation that your body normally displays will show up even more on grass. A less flexible upper might also be a good idea since your foot is going to move more laterally. A more rigid upper may help control that movement a little better. Finally, you may want a shoe with more traction, like a trail shoe.”

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