For the last several years, I have worn Topo Athletic trail-runners, waterproof boots and urban hiking shoes (running shoes). Their design with wide toe-box, low/0 heel to toe drop, and cushioning kept me in their shoes – buying >10 pairs over the years – The Graveyard.
Two things have changed. Last year, volcanic sand and ash from Mt Jefferson Wilderness worked in through the mesh uppers on trail-runners – bad, bad blisters were the result. Trail-runners started to show wear at ~100 miles and often broke-down mid-sole with holes in uppers after 250 miles. 2 problems.
Prior to swapping long distance running for hiking, Saucony was my go-to shoe for training and long distance races. After reading reviews on Saucony Peregrine and getting a great deal at REI, time to try them.
After >150 miles, wearing Peregrine 13 M on several hikes of different character and conditions, the first verdict is in (the second will have to wait until this pair’s death). Light, cushioned, comfortable and has held up under pretty tough conditions – love ’em. After crossing a stream they dried quickly and did not screw up my feet while wet. There is also no sign of wear on the outside of my big toe where the Topo’s failed quickly.
The only downside is that the shoe is a bit narrow for my feet after 3 long days of hiking; for a day hike, the M works great, but for longer hikes … problem easy to solve: I bought a Wide version for multiple day hiking and will wear a liner sock until feet too big for the shoes.
If you are looking for new trail-runners, Saucony’s Peregrine is worth a try-out. For urban hiking and hikes requiring WP boots, Topo remains the ‘go-to’.
Gear Kit update for 2023
[…] after Topo shoes consistently fell apart around 250 miles, I switched from Topo trail runners to Saucony Peregrine 13, then to the same shoe in wide. Even the Peregrine Wide is too narrow for my feet at the end of […]