Cascadia 19 vs Peregrine 16

The Cascadia 19 is Brooks at its most dependable: a rugged, do-it-all trail running shoe built to soak up miles on rough ground rather than chase segments. It is the workhorse of the range, and at 312g it is not light, but that weight buys you protection, grip and a shoe you can trust when the trail turns technical. The 6mm drop and generously cushioned midsole make it an easy shoe to run on for hours, whether that is a muddy loop after work or a full day on the hills. This is not a racer and it does not pretend to be. If you want speed and pop, the Brooks Catamount 3 is the faster stablemate. But for reliable, planted, go-anywhere trail miles at a fair price, the Cascadia 19 is one of the safest picks in its class.

The Peregrine 16 is Saucony's do-everything trail running shoe, and the version most people should start with if they want one pair for the trails. It is an aggressive all-rounder built for grip first: a full Vibram Megagrip outsole with deep lugs that bites into wet rock, mud and loose gravel with real confidence. With a 4mm drop and a moderate 32mm heel stack it sits between a nimble racer and a plush max-cushion trail shoe, so it stays quick and connected to the ground without beating up your legs on longer efforts. Saucony has made this one softer and grippier than the Peregrine 15, which nudges it toward comfort over a wider range of distances. In our view it is the natural rival to the Hoka Speedgoat and Brooks Cascadia at this price. If you run mixed, muddy UK trails and want a dependable shoe that handles almost anything, this is an easy shoe to recommend.