7 Best Saucony Trail Sneakers of 2026

The Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr17 hits the sweet spot for daily trail adventurers who demand reliability without fanfare. With its VERSARUN cushioning, this shoe delivers a responsive, impact-absorbing ride that keeps feet feeling fresh over long walks or light jogs on uneven terrain. The 4.5mm toothy lugs bite aggressively into soft soil and damp trails, offering dependable grip where lesser shoes slip, while the 8mm heel-to-toe offset promotes a natural stride rhythm ideal for repetitive use. If you’re logging miles on mixed dirt paths and gravel roads, this model stands out as a workhorse built for consistency.

Out on real trails, the Excursion Tr17 proves its mettle with stable footing and solid debris protection. The durable mesh upper shrugs off twigs and light moisture, maintaining breathability without sacrificing toughness—perfect for spring hikes or autumn leaf-strewn paths. On harder-packed surfaces, the cushioning remains supportive but doesn’t feel plush, making it less ideal for road-heavy routes. While not the lightest option in the lineup, it strikes a thoughtful balance between protection and agility, though runners seeking maximum responsiveness may find the sole slightly underwhelming on technical descents.

Compared to the softer-cushioned Versafoam TR13, the Tr17 trades some plushness for enhanced durability and traction precision. It doesn’t have the premium materials of the Peregrine series, but it outperforms older Excursion models in structure and grip confidence. This makes it an excellent pick for daily trail walkers and casual trail runners who prioritize function over flash. It delivers more rugged readiness than the TR14 while holding onto a similar value-focused ethos—offering smarter engineering than its predecessor at a competitive tier.

Don’t let the modest price tag fool you—the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR14 is a surprisingly capable entry-level trail runner that punches well above its weight. Engineered with rugged outsole traction and Versarun cushioning, it handles root-strewn paths and packed dirt with ease, making it a go-to for beginners or budget-conscious hikers. The supportive overlays on the trail-specific mesh cradle the midfoot securely, reducing slippage on inclines, while still allowing enough stretch for comfort during extended wear. For women seeking a no-nonsense shoe that won’t quit after a few muddy outings, this one checks all the boxes.

In real-world testing, the TR14 shines on moderate trails with consistent footing, where its reliable grip and modest cushioning deliver a stable, predictable ride. The sole isn’t designed for loose scree or steep ascents, and on wet rocks, you’ll notice a slight hesitation in bite—something the deeper-lugged Peregrines handle better. However, for flatwoods trails, fire roads, or park loops, it offers more than adequate protection and responsiveness. It’s not the most breathable shoe in humid conditions, but the upper resists abrasion better than expected for its class.

When stacked against the newer TR17, the TR14 lacks the updated lug depth and refined offset, making it feel a bit dated. Yet, it remains a strong value proposition for those new to trail running or who use shoes infrequently. It’s the kind of sneaker that works quietly in the background—no frills, no fuss—perfect for weekend trekkers or urban dwellers dipping into off-road fitness. It may not match the comfort of the Versafoam TR13, but for sheer practicality and affordability, it’s hard to beat.

Step into the Saucony Women’s Versafoam Excursion TR13, and the first thing you’ll notice is the plush, cloud-like underfoot feel—a direct result of its full VERSAFOAM cushioning stack. This isn’t just soft; it’s responsive soft, bouncing back with each stride to support everything from recovery jogs to all-day hiking. The triangular-lugged outsole delivers surprisingly tenacious grip on loose dirt and grass, while maintaining a smooth transition on hard-packed trails. For women who prioritize long-haul comfort without sacrificing trail integrity, this shoe is a revelation.

On mixed terrain, the TR13 balances cushion and control with quiet confidence. The trail-specific mesh upper keeps debris out while offering structured support around the midfoot—critical when navigating uneven ground. During extended use, the foam shows minimal compression, a rare feat at this price point, and the supportive overlays prevent hotspots even when laced tightly. That said, the lugs aren’t aggressive enough for muddy or technical terrain, where deeper tread like the Peregrine’s would excel. It’s best suited for well-maintained trails and light off-road use, where comfort is king.

Compared to the TR17, the TR13 offers a softer, more forgiving ride but trades some durability and traction precision. It lacks the 8mm offset tuning of newer models, which can affect gait efficiency over time. Still, for anyone whose feet fatigue easily or who suffers from joint discomfort, this model stands out as the most comfort-forward in Saucony’s lineup. It doesn’t have the premium materials of the Peregrine 15, but it delivers more cushioning intelligence than the budget TR15, making it ideal for long-distance comfort seekers.

The Saucony Women’s Peregrine 15 isn’t just a trail shoe—it’s a precision-engineered off-road machine built for runners who refuse to compromise. At its core is a new PWRRUN foam blend that delivers unmatched cushioning, flexibility, and energy return, turning rocky descents into smooth glides and powering uphill sprints with minimal fatigue. The 4mm lugs paired with PWRTRAC rubber offer sticky, full-coverage grip across wet rocks, dry clay, and loose gravel, making it one of the most versatile treads in Saucony’s arsenal. Add in the Forefoot Rock Guard and D-Ring gaiter compatibility, and you’ve got a shoe ready for serious trail abuse.

In real-world runs, the Peregrine 15 proves its dominance on technical, unpredictable terrain where stability and protection are non-negotiable. The high-strength mesh upper shrugs off abrasion from brush and roots, while still feeling lightweight and breathable. Whether tackling steep switchbacks or scrambling over boulder fields, the shoe maintains a locked-in feel without pinching or hot spots. The 4mm offset promotes a neutral, agile ride, ideal for faster-paced trail efforts. It’s worth noting that the aggressive lug pattern can feel clunky on pavement, so it’s best reserved for true off-road missions.

Next to the Men’s Peregrine 15, it shares nearly identical performance DNA but tailored for a women’s foot shape and gait. Compared to the Excursion TR17, it offers superior responsiveness, grip, and protection, making it the clear upgrade for serious trail runners. While it costs more than budget models, the performance leap is undeniable—this is the shoe you choose when every ounce of traction, cushion, and durability matters. It’s not just premium—it’s purpose-built.

The Saucony Men’s Peregrine 15 is a trail-running powerhouse that redefines what’s possible in a do-it-all off-road shoe. Fueled by a new PWRRUN foam compound, it delivers exceptional cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness, making it equally at home on 10-mile endurance runs or steep alpine scrambles. The 4mm lugs and PWRTRAC rubber outsole provide tenacious grip across mud, rock, and loose terrain, while the Forefoot Rock Guard adds flexible underfoot protection—critical when charging over jagged terrain. For men who demand performance, durability, and adaptability, this is the gold standard.

Out on rugged trails, the Peregrine 15 excels where others falter. The high-strength mesh upper resists tears and scuffs, even after repeated contact with thorny brush or rocky outcrops, and the D-Ring gaiter attachment keeps debris out during dusty or snowy runs. The 4mm heel-to-toe offset encourages a natural foot strike, reducing strain on long descents. While the shoe performs flawlessly off-road, it feels overly aggressive on paved segments, where the lugs create unnecessary bounce. Still, for true trail devotees, this is a minor trade-off for unmatched off-road mastery.

Against the Men’s Peregrine 12, the 15 brings more cushion, better traction, and improved upper protection—a clear evolution in the line. Compared to the budget-friendly Excursion TR15, it’s in a different league, offering professional-grade performance for runners who push limits. It shares DNA with the Women’s Peregrine 15 but is tuned for a broader forefoot and male biomechanics. If you’re looking for a no-compromise trail runner that handles everything from races to backcountry sprints, this model sets the benchmark—performance depth that justifies its premium position.

The Saucony Men’s Excursion TR15 is the quintessential budget trail shoe that refuses to cut corners where it counts. Built with a carbon rubber outsole, it offers rock-solid grip on dirt, gravel, and mild inclines, making it a reliable companion for weekend hikes or beginner trail runs. The moderate VERSARUN cushioning strikes a smart balance—plush enough for comfort, firm enough for trail feedback—while the trail-specific mesh with overlays keeps debris out and your foot locked in place. For men seeking affordable off-road capability, this model delivers surprising substance for the price.

In real-world use, the TR15 performs best on groomed trails and forest paths where terrain is predictable. The sole handles wet leaves and packed earth confidently, though it struggles on loose scree or steep mud, where deeper lugs would help. The upper is breathable and durable, and the inclusion of recycled materials adds eco-conscious appeal without compromising strength. It’s not the lightest shoe available, but it feels sturdy and dependable—perfect for those transitioning from road to trail.

When compared to the Men’s Peregrine 15, the TR15 lacks the premium foam, rock protection, and aggressive traction, but it holds its own as a value-driven entry point. Against the Women’s TR14, it offers similar tech but with a more modern build and eco-friendly touch. It’s not built for speed or technical terrain, but for daily trail use and light adventure, it’s a smart, sustainable choice—offering more thoughtful design than expected at this price, even if it doesn’t match elite performance.

The Saucony Men’s Peregrine 12 is a featherlight speed demon built for trail runners who crave agility and flow. Over an ounce lighter than its predecessor, this shoe feels nimble underfoot, encouraging quick turnover and effortless rhythm on technical ascents and winding singletrack. The redesigned lug pattern sheds mud and debris more efficiently, while the PWRTRAC rubber maintains maximum grip on both wet and dry surfaces. With enhanced underfoot protection, it tackles rugged terrain without adding bulk—making it a favorite among racers and fastpackers alike.

On the trail, the Peregrine 12 shines in high-speed, technical environments where precision and responsiveness matter most. The lightweight build reduces fatigue over long distances, and the aggressive outsole bites into loose terrain with confidence. However, the minimal cushioning means longer runs may stress joints, especially on harder-packed trails. The upper offers decent protection but isn’t as fortified as the Peregrine 15’s, making it less ideal for extreme bushwhacking. It’s best suited for experienced runners who value speed over plushness.

Next to the Peregrine 15, the 12 trades some cushion and durability for raw speed and reduced weight—a clear choice for race day versus endurance training. Compared to the Excursion TR15, it’s in a completely different performance category, offering far greater agility and trail feel. While it’s not the most protective or cushioned option, its fun-first design philosophy makes it stand out. For runners who want to fly over trails with confidence, it’s one of the most thrilling lightweight options in Saucony’s lineup—speed that doesn’t sacrifice grip.