Best Saucony Trail Running Shoes of 2026: Which Model Should You Buy?

Here are our best saucony trail running shoes 2026 picks. Prices change by size and color, and a saucony trail running shoes sale can shift them quickly, so the buttons show the live price.

Each pick gets a short saucony trail running shoes review below, based on Saucony's product pages and Amazon listing data. We did not test these shoes ourselves.

1. Best Overall: Saucony Peregrine 16

Saucony Men's Peregrine 16

• Midsole: enhanced PWRRUN foam (per Saucony)
• Outsole: full-coverage Vibram Megagrip
• Upper: high-strength mesh with added toe protection
• Extras: gaiter compatible

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Why it made the list: The Peregrine is Saucony's do-everything trail shoe, and version 16 gets a full-coverage Vibram Megagrip outsole that Saucony says grips on dry, wet, rocky and loose ground. It is highly rated by buyers, with dozens of ratings. Saucony also sells it in a wide version and a GTX waterproof version.

Highlights:

• Full-coverage Vibram Megagrip traction
• Toe protection for rocky trails
• Wide and GTX versions available

Trade-off:

• The mesh upper is not waterproof; you need the GTX version for wet weather.

Best for: Trail runners and fast hikers who want one shoe for most surfaces.

2. Best Budget (Under $100): Saucony Excursion TR18

Saucony Mens Excursion TR18

• Type: trail running shoe
• Listed feature: breathable
• Closure: lace-up
• Surface: trail

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Why it made the list: The Excursion is Saucony's value trail line, and the TR18 is the newest version on Amazon, well under $100. It has only about 6 ratings so far (a strong buyer rating), because it is new. The older TR17 has a much bigger rating pool, but it is the previous version, so we point you to the current shoe.

Highlights:

• Lowest price of any current Saucony trail shoe we found
• Breathable build for warm days
• Good fit for easy trails and dirt roads

Trade-off:

• Very few ratings yet, and the listing shares few specs.

Best for: New trail runners and walkers who want a Saucony trail shoe without paying Peregrine prices.

3. Best Premium / Upgrade Pick: Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Saucony Men's Xodus Ultra 4

• Cushion: max cushioning, PWRRUN PB inside a PWRRUN frame
• Weight: 10.9 oz (309 g), per Saucony
• Offset: 6 mm (36/30 mm stack)
• Outsole: Vibram Mega-Grip with 4 mm lugs

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Why it made the list: The Xodus Ultra 4 is Saucony's max-cushion trail shoe for long days. Saucony describes it for trail running and hiking, and it pairs a soft PWRRUN PB core with a PWRRUN frame that Saucony adds for durability and protection. It is well rated by buyers, with dozens of ratings. A GTX version is also sold.

Highlights:

• Saucony files it under max cushioning
• Published weight, stack and offset
• Vibram outsole with 4 mm lugs

Trade-off:

• A 36 mm heel stack sits tall, so it can feel less planted on very technical ground than a lower shoe.

Best for: Ultrarunners, long-distance hikers and anyone who wants maximum cushioning.

We did not test these shoes. We started from Saucony's current trail lineup on its own website, then matched each model to its Amazon listing and checked star averages and rating counts. We compared fit and comfort, weather protection and breathability, weight and packability, durability and value, and left out older versions still sold by third parties.

Type

• Cushioned: Max-cushion shoes like the Xodus Ultra 4 protect legs on long runs.
• Zero drop: No current Saucony trail model we found is zero drop; the Xodus lists a 6 mm offset.
• Waterproof: GTX versions add a waterproof membrane at the cost of breathability.
• Wide: The Peregrine 16 comes in a wide version.
• Lightweight: Lower-stack shoes feel nimbler and pack smaller for travel.
• Carbon plate: Saucony's current trail lineup does not list a carbon-plated model.
• Minimalist: Saucony does not sell a minimalist trail shoe right now.

Fit & sizing tips

Try shoes late in the day with your running socks. Trail shoes need a secure heel and midfoot plus a little toe room for downhills. For fit by gender, see our best trail running shoes for men and best trail running shoes for women guides.

Waterproof vs breathable

Mesh uppers drain and dry fast after creek crossings, which suits warm weather. GTX shoes keep feet dry in cold rain and slush but trap heat and dry slowly once water gets over the collar.

Layering & season

In summer, pair mesh shoes with thin, quick-dry socks. In cold, wet months, consider a GTX version and a gaiter; the Peregrine 16 is gaiter compatible. Wool socks help in freezing weather.

Care & durability

Knock off mud after each run and let shoes air-dry away from heat. Rotate two pairs if you run often, and watch for flattened foam and worn lugs.

How much should you spend?

• Under $100: Value models like the Excursion TR18, fine for easy trails.
• Under $150: Performance shoes like the Peregrine 16, with Vibram grip and better protection.

Premium max-cushion and GTX models, such as the Xodus Ultra 4, cost more than these bands.

Here are the current saucony trail running shoes models compared, using Saucony's own site.

So which saucony trail running shoes is best? For most people, the Peregrine 16. The Ride TR3 and Guide TR are new with almost no Amazon ratings yet. If you mainly hike, our best trail running shoes for hiking guide compares more brands.

What is the best saucony trail running shoes?

The best Saucony trail running shoe for most runners is the Peregrine 16. It has a full-coverage Vibram Megagrip outsole, PWRRUN foam and toe protection, plus wide and GTX versions. Pick the Excursion TR18 on a budget or the Xodus Ultra 4 for maximum cushioning on long runs.

Is saucony a good trail running shoes brand?

Yes, Saucony is a solid trail brand with options from value to max cushion. Are saucony trail running shoes good for hiking too? Saucony labels the Peregrine and Xodus for trail and hiking use. Many saucony trail running shoes reviews on Amazon average above a solid buyer rating.

Which saucony trail running shoes should I buy?

Buy the Peregrine 16 if you run mixed terrain and want grip plus protection. Choose the Excursion TR18 for easy trails and a lower price. Get the Xodus Ultra 4 if you run long distances or want the softest ride. Choose a GTX version for cold, wet seasons.

How long do trail running shoes last?

Saucony does not publish a lifespan figure, and wear varies with terrain, body weight and pace. Signs a pair is done include flattened foam, smooth lugs, torn mesh and new aches after runs. Rotating two pairs and drying shoes properly helps them last longer.

Are expensive trail running shoes worth it?

Often, yes, if you run rough trails often. Pricier models add Vibram rubber, better foams and more protection, which matter on rocky, wet ground. For short runs on smooth dirt, a value shoe like the Excursion is enough. Fit still matters more than any feature.

How do you clean trail running shoes?

Bang off dried mud, remove the insoles and laces, and scrub the upper with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Rinse the outsole with a hose. Stuff shoes with paper and air-dry at room temperature, away from heaters, dryers and direct sun.

What is the most reliable brand of trail running shoes?

No single brand is most reliable for everyone. Saucony, Hoka, Salomon, Brooks and Altra all have strong trail lines. Reliability depends on the specific model and how it fits your foot. Look for large rating pools, current models and a good return policy.

Our pick for the best saucony trail running shoes is the Peregrine 16, with full Vibram coverage and toe protection. The Excursion TR18 is the budget choice for easy trails, and the Xodus Ultra 4 is the premium max-cushion upgrade. Tap "Check Price on Amazon" above to see current prices.