Details
Brand
Saucony
Breathability
5/10
Latest Version
Saucony Peregrine 7 Ice+
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Vibram Arctic Grip outsole provides added traction• Saucony’s PWRTRAC outsole is extra durable• EVERUN Heel inserts adds stability and improves the shoe’s responsiveness• Flexshell is a water resistant material found in the upper
Upper
The upper of this shoe features a unique design that is both durable and flexible. Many of the more aggressive trail shoes provide the runner with either one or the other, but struggle in both categories. This Peregrine 6 Ice+ is able to provide both. This is because Saucony uses their patented Flexshell material. This material is water resistant but is also highly flexible. It promotes a natural movement in the shoe and keeps the runner from feeling too stifled in their movement. It is also constructed using a seamless design to the runner doesn’t have to worry about friction or blisters. This unique upper material is also designed to consider the needs of winter running. Runners loved how the upper was able to help them retain heat during their run, but also pull moisture away from the foot to keep it dry. This can be attributed to the Profile Sock liner that is made with ortholite technology. This technology is specifically designed to reduce odor and bacteria in the shoe. This profile sock liner also adds slightly more cushioning and overall comfort to the ride.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe is made with Saucony’s patented SSL EVA midsole foam. This midsole is surprisingly lightweight. It is also designed to be water-resistant. Runners were pleased that this midsole kept its shape and overall cushioning regardless of the long miles that they put on this shoe. Another unique feature of this midsole is the EVERUN insert in the heel. This heel design keeps the drop low but is included to absorb the shock of the trail and keep the runner safe from the elements of the shoe. The Saucony Peregrine 6 Ice + features a third layer between the midsole and outsole. This layer is what Saucony calls their EBO or external bedrock outsole. This is designed to protect against rocks and other debris of the trail.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is arguably the star of the entire shoe. It features technology to create superior grip and traction. This translates for protection to the runner and the freedom to run regardless of the conditions. The outsole is made using Vibram Artic Grip which is placed in high traction areas. Vibram is a leading name in durability and runners know that its inclusion means durability and protection. The entire outsole is constructed using Saucony’s patented PWRTRAC. This is a high abrasion, sticky like rubber compound. Runners reported that through the use of these various technologies they felt protected and secure regardless of the trail condition or terrain.
Breathability
This shoe focuses on being more waterproof than breathable. Since this is a shoe that is designed for winter running, breathability isn’t the key concern. In its place, Saucony wanted to be sure that the shoe was able to retrain heat and regulate temperature. The Profile sock liner is made with a warm material that helps keep heat from escaping while simultaneously wicking moisture away in order keep feet from getting cold and in order to help them stay blister free. Saucony knew that when running in the winter, runners wouldn’t want to feel the breeze of the winter air, and instead, they would want protection from the wet and the cold.
Comfort
Many of the runners who tried this shoe described their overall impression as “comfortable.” This is a tall order especially when running in the cold. Runners said that the shoe’s ability to regulate the temperature and keep the foot cozy and warm was one of the biggest draws of the shoe. Runners reported that the upper keeps the foot cozy and also wicks away moisture to keep the foot dry and blister free. Another element that made this shoes very comfortable is the SSL EVA midsole material. This material is cushioned, but doesn’t add so much plushness that runners felt lost in the shoe. The heel insert, the EVERUN material, found in the heel absorbs the shock of each footfall and keeps the runner safe throughout their entire run. They loved that this shoe offered them a lower drop and a higher level of responsiveness.
Style
This shoe certainly has an interesting aesthetic. The Peregrine 6 Ice+ is an aggressive, tough looking shoe. It is clear, just by looking at this shoe, how durable and protective it is. Runners also loved the unique color and style design. It is a shoe that is made for the winter and has a design that is very artic as well. Runners did say that they wished the shoe came in more color options because Saucony only provided a very limited amount.
Durability
The Peregrine 6 Ice+ was made to last. From the upper to the outsole, Saucony included elements that are designed to keep this shoe looking and feeling new. The upper is covered with strong overlays that keep the shoe looking new for an extended period of time. This is not an easy task especially because this shoe is designed to tackle some of the toughest terrains in the toughest weather. The outsole is made using Vibram Arctic Grip and Saucony’s patented PWRTRAC outsole material. The combination of these two elements translates to protection against wear and tear.
Protection
Trail runners know that a key element to a good trail running shoe is how protective the shoe is against the elements. This shoe does a great job of protecting the runner against the trail while still allowing them to feel the trail below them. This shoe features a layer between the midsole and outsole that uses Saucony’s patented EBO or external bedrock outsole. This feature protects the runner from jagged or sharp rocks or other trail debris. Another element is the water-resistant upper that keeps the shoe protected against the snow, ice, or rain that runners can experience during winter running. Although the material is not completely waterproof, runners commented that their feet stayed totally dry even during their wettest runs.
Responsiveness
The 4-millimeter heel drop of this shoe and the light cushioning help runners really feel the trail below them and respond efficiently to changes in direction, terrain, and speed. Runners liked how close they felt to the trail and appreciated that they felt protected at the same time. The midsole offers great feedback and energy return to the runner.
Support
There are a few elements of this shoe that help the foot stay securely in place, but overall this is a not a shoe that offers a ton of support or stability. One of the supportive design elements of this shoe is the EVERUN heel insert. This is found in the heel of the shoe and helps keep the foot in place as it traverses over an uneven or slippery terrain. Another detail is the overlays that line the midfoot section of the upper. These do a great job of locking the foot down and reducing unwanted movement.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for the toughest terrains. Sure, this shoe can easily handle a groomed trail, but runners love this shoe for their more extreme trails. There are few trail shoes that are designed for wintery terrains, but the Peregrine 6 Ice+ is specifically designed for icy and snowy trails and tracks. This shoe can certainly handle the roads because the key element to remember is that this shoe is made for slippery, icy conditions regardless of if those are found on the trail or the road.
Price
The Peregrine 6 Ice+ comes in at the higher end of the price spectrum for a trail running shoe, but it can be justified due to its high level of durability. Runners saw this shoe as an investment, and when they broke down the dollar amount per mile, the shoe made a lot of financial sense.
Drop
This shoe features a very low drop of 4-millimeter. Runners liked the feel of the lower drop because it helped them feel more connected to the trail below them. This helped them to adapt to changes in direction and trail conditions quickly and efficiently. The lower drop also allowed the shoe to have an overall high level of responsiveness that runners found particularly helpful on the trail.
Stability
This shoe is marketed as a neutral running shoe, and runners who are looking for intense stability features will need to purchase a different shoe. The primary purpose of this shoe is to provide the runner with a gripping ride to use during the slippery winter months, not to improve overpronation issues or provide arch support.
Flexibility
Due to the higher level of protection and durability, this shoe had to sacrifice some of its flexibility. Runners can still expect to find a flexible upper, but the midsole and outsole of the shoe lack flexibility.
Traction
Due to the Vibram outsole of this shoe, the traction on this shoe is second to none. The entire design of the shoe is based around the Peragrine 6 Ice+ ability to keep runners safe even on the slipperiest of terrains due to their superior traction. The lugged underfoot design features an arrow-shaped that is ideal of holding tight to treacherous surfaces.
Bottom Line
Overall, when runners purchase the Peregrine 6 Ice+ they were purchasing a serious trail shoe that was designed to tackle the rough conditions of the winter trail. The upper is water resistant and the outsole features some of the most durable material with the best traction on the market today. The shoe does a great job of protecting the runner from the elements of the trail with features like the External Bed Rock outsole. Runners only complaint about this shoe was that it wasn’t featured in more colors and that it was higher priced than they wanted.
