Saucony PEREGRINE 12 – Alternative?

Correction I had the Peregrine 8

I really like the Xodus for trail hiking. Moderate stack height (comfortable cushioning for long days), lots of toe room, and short lugs.

For off-trail, it’s a bit too high for me. I lean back towards the Peregrine for technical terrain because of its more aggressive lug pattern and lower stack height. The Peregrine has really evolved (quietly) into a classic trekking shoe over the years.

The toe box of the 12 vs. the 8 *shouldn’t* be that noticeable. Both shoes use a similar last, but do have different uppers. I don’t have the 8’s but do see that the uppers are pretty different. I’m wondering if the 12’s have tighter uppers because users were asking for a more technical shoe out of these. This is the direction the Hoka Speedgoats have gone as well. And that’s why I gravitate towards certain shoes for trails and others for off-trail…it’s not an easy market to navigate.

I found the Peregrines too narrow in forefoot.

I recently used Scarpa Spin Infinity for the Pyrenean High Route (c500miles, lots of off trail rocky stuff as well as trail). They have been the most comfortable underfoot of any trail shoes I’ve used I think. And the most durable uppers (had near dozen pairs of Inov8s plus few other brands). Great soles that gripwell on rock.

Photo of them here after the trip:

https://www.trek-lite.com/index.php?attachments/img20221005172352-jpg.42491/