Trying to find the right pair of Saucony trail running shoes? Then we’ve got you covered with a breakdown of the Saucony Peregrine vs Xodus. One is the brand’s best selling trail runner while the other offers increased cushion and support. With many features to love in both shoes, we’ll give you a side by side break down. Letting you choose the right trail runner for your needs.
Saucony Peregrine vs Xodus
- The Saucony Peregrine weighs less and is noticeably lighter. With the men’s version weighing 10oz compared 11.9oz for the Xodus.
- There is more cushion in the Saucony Xodus. This is where the extra weight comes from and they are considered responsive “Plus” cushioning.
- Both shoes feature a 4mm drop. This is a mild drop and is great for longer distances.
- The Peregrine has a larger, 6.5mm lug. Compared to a 5mm lug on the Xodus.
- Both are “neutral” trail running shoes. Making them a good fit for the majority of runners.
- Style wise, the Perigrine has a lot more color options. The Xodus only has 2-3 available currently.
Saucony Peregrine
MSRP Price: $120
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Surface: Trail Running Shoe
Weight Men’s: 10oz (310g)
Weight Woman’s: 9.5oz (270g)
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Men’s: 4mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 4mm
Cushion: Responsive
Lug Size: 6.5mm
Saucony Xodus
MSRP Price: $150
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Trail Running Shoes
Weight Men: 11.9oz (337g)
Weight Women: 10.5oz (299g)
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Men’s: 4mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 4mm
Cushion: Responsive Plus
Lug Size: 5mm
Performance Summary
A responsive trail runner vs a comfortable trail runner. Saucony has found a way to give runners two great options based on a very similar base. There is plenty to like about both of these shoes. And it’s purely a choice based on what you are looking for in a runner. Let’s get the shoes themselves.
Saucony Peregrine
The Peregrine is Saucony’s most popular trail running shoe. And for good reason. The light weight design fits comfortably and the responsive cushioning has just enough padding. While letting you feel the trail beneath you. The 6.5mm lugs provide great traction on slick rock and steep inclines and perform surprisingly well on roads. And I’m a big fan of the 4mm drop. My typical daily runners are also 4mm drops.
The Peregrine 11s did feel like they ran a little large for the size. Maybe ¼ size. This actually works for me but wanted to make note of it. I also felt the inner plate was a bit stiff for about the first 50 miles or so. I’ve heard the past models had issues with blowing out. So I’m guessing this was to make up for it. And overall I would like just a little more cushioning. But that’s just personal preference.
Saucony Xodus
Enter the Xodus. With a very similar fit to the Peregrine. The first noticeable difference is the weight. About 1oz per shoe, more. But once you take a few steps in them, you know where that weight went… extra cushioning. With a 4mm drop and 5mm lugs the Xodus was a joy switching between trails and pavement. And that extra cushion was a joy to have on the downhills.
For everything I really like about the Saucony Exodus, I really wish they would have included the 6.5mm lugs. In fact, the whole sole of the shoe feels a little unprepared for serious, rugged trail running. Which is a shame. The top half is there. And the Exodus is a great shoe with a lot of different uses.
Image Comparison
Looking at the Saucony Peregrine vs Xodus side by side in the images below. The first things you notice are the larger leg size on the Peregrine and the larger heal cushion on the Xodus
Saucony Peregrine Profile
Saucony Xodus Profile
From the top, the shoes have a similar design.
Peregrine Top View
Xodus Top View
The soles of the two shoes are very different. With the Peregrine featuring a much more gripping lug pattern. Also noticeable is the increased padding on the heal of the Saucony Xodus.
Saucony Peregrine Soles
Saucony Xodus Soles
Conclusion – Saucony Peregrine vs Xodus
There are a lot of reasons to be looking at both of these shoes. So when comparing the Saucony Peregrine vs Xodus it really comes down to function. And what you are intending to do with the shoes. Each will be better suited for a different environment or desired feel.
Which trail running shoe to buy?
If you are looking for a true tail runner to tackle tough and rugged trails. Then I would go with the Peregrine. Their aggressive lugs and lighter weight will give you what you are looking for on the trails. Especially in wet weather conditions.
On the other hand if you are looking for a little more comfort and plan on sticking to well maintained trails. Then the Xodus is a great choice. While not equipped for major off-roading, they will handle most local park trails with ease. And transition incredibly well to pavement due to their less aggressive lug.