Peregrine 16

Yes, the Peregrine 16 runs true to size for most runners, so your usual road size should work well. The fit is performance-oriented with a secure midfoot and locked-down heel rather than a roomy feel. Medium-width feet get the best fit. If you have wide feet or run very long ultra days when your feet swell, consider sizing up a half, though this makes the midfoot slightly less snug.

It can be a great first trail shoe if you run genuine off-road terrain, because the Vibram Megagrip outsole gives you confidence-inspiring traction on wet and muddy ground straight away. The low drop and moderate cushioning suit most runners. If you are brand new to running and mostly on roads or smooth paths, a road daily trainer would serve you better, since the aggressive lugs feel firm on tarmac.

Both are versatile trail shoes with Vibram Megagrip, but they feel different underfoot. The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is taller and softer with more cushioning, which suits long ultra days and runners who want plush protection. The Peregrine 16 sits lower with a moderate stack, giving you more ground feel, stability and a nimble, connected ride on technical terrain. Pick the Speedgoat for max cushioning, the Peregrine for control and versatility.

You can, and plenty of runners do, but know the trade-off. The moderate cushioning keeps the shoe stable and protective for most trail distances, yet on very long ultra efforts the firmer, lower ride can feel less forgiving late on than a taller max-cushion trail shoe. If your ultras are technical and grip matters more than plushness, the Peregrine is a strong choice. If you want your legs cushioned deep into the miles, look at a softer, higher-stack option.

The standard Peregrine 16 is not waterproof. It uses a breathable engineered mesh upper that drains and dries quickly, which is often better for wet UK trails than a waterproof shoe that traps water once it gets in over the collar. Saucony typically offers a GORE-TEX version of the Peregrine for cold, wet conditions where keeping water out matters more than breathability, so check for a GTX model if you want waterproofing.

Durability is a Peregrine strength. The full Vibram Megagrip outsole is hard-wearing and holds its grip as the lugs wear, and the reinforced upper with its protective toe bumper is built to take repeated hits from rocks and trail debris. With regular trail use you should expect a long, dependable life from the outsole. As with any trail shoe, muddy grit and abrasive rock will wear the upper faster than gentle use, so rinse off caked mud to help it last.