Shoe Review: Saucony Peregrine 5 – The specifics

Run Oregon receives and tests running shoes from time to time. This initial post about the Saucony Peregrine 5, Matt has just received his pair and has outlined some general background information.

Company: Saucony

Shoe: Saucony Men’s Peregrine 5

Maybe it’s all this past month’s warm weather that has gotten me motivated, but I decided that I am going to commit to a little more trail running than I ever have before. I am a road runner at heart who partakes in a few minor trail runs each year. This year, however, I want to try to get a little more technical, and thanks to my brother-in-law, I have some extra motivation.

We both completed triathlons in the past year and are looking for our next adventure together. We have decided to embark on our own non-timed adventure in late summer – a 40-50 mile run from Mt. Bachelor to Breitenbush Hot Springs. As a first training race, we are both gearing up for the 2015 Peterson Ridge Rumble 20-miler in April and will grab a few others along the way. But that means I need something a little more geared towards the terrain than my regular running shoes.

After years of running in a variety of running shoes, I have found myself coming back to Sauconys for my last 3 pairs (the first being the Ride 7’s and the second the Hurricane ISOFITs). That’s not to say that there aren’t other amazing shoe companies out there, but I have just been on a Saucony streak due to the positive results I have had.

I continually admit that I typically run on “feel” and worry less about the technical jargon. Here is a little description that most of you will probably get more out of than me.

OVERVIEW

• New rubberized toe tip enhances durability and protection
• Rock plates in the midfoot and forefoot provide protection without rigidity
• Low profile, balanced feel
• Gaiter compatible

SPECS

• Shoe Category: Neutral, Trail
• Pronation: Neutral
• Cushion: Responsive
• Construction Type: Trail
• Surface: Trail, Grass
• Arch Type: Normal (Mid)
• Water Resistant: No
• Waterproof: No
• Offset: 4mm
  • Heel Stack Height: 21.5mm
  • Forefoot Stack Height: 17.5mm

Initial Impressions:

I have mentioned many times that I am not a runner who typically cares about flashiness or color in my running wardrobe – shoes included. This is one of the more flamboyant shoes I have worn. The red and yellow with black (and a splash of Saucony blue) is really a solid combination. And since they are trail shoes, anyone who may be uncomfortable with the vibrant colors – rest assured they will be brown before long.

The top is made of a mesh combo that appears able to adapt to my foot and be breathable and protective at the same time. However, it is important to note that the shoes are not waterproof, so I will have to take not of how they hold up to water crossings or deep mud puddles along the way. It does seem that they are constructed to take on some wear and tear, with a rubber toe added to the mix.

The bottom has some pretty deep and multi directional grooves that appear they will provide some solid gripability on the most rugged of trails. Saucony’s POWERGRID technology is only in the heel, where some other in their lineup has it through the whole sole, which feels like it will give it a little more flexibility. Word on the street is that it is a slight drop in weight from the Peregrine 4, but overall feels very similar.

Wearing them around the house has showcased the nice cushioning I have been accustomed to in Saucony’s. The Peregrine 5 is typically on their lower spectrum of cushion, but still feels good to me initially. My feet feel centered in the shoe when walking (we will see how it goes when running) and snug inside even without a tight lacing.

Here’s an initial rundown via runningshoes.com:

Specifications:

Men’s weight: 9.2oz ; Women’s weight: 8.2oz

Heel-to-toe offset: 4mm

Price: $110.00