The new Saucony Peregrine ISO is the latest in a long line of the model, updating version 8. I tried an earlier version years ago and was pleased with how it performed.

In fact, I wore the Peregrine during my first ultra race, a 50K on mild trails with rolling hills.

To be sure, I was curious about how the Peregrine has changed over the years. It met my expectations and then some. It has a 4 mm drop (22.5mm/18.5mm) and weighs 10.5 ounces.

One significant improvement I noted in the shoe is the addition of Saucony’s Everun, which provides superior cushioning.

The previous version of the Peregrines I had were built for trail durability but did not have enough cushioning for my liking.

The midsole creates a smooth ride and allows the runner to get a decent pushoff when going through terrain.

While there are shoes that provide superior acceleration, the Peregrines weren’t built for blazing speed. They do a lot of things really well, just not any one particular aspect extremely well.

Likewise, there are better options for trail runners who thrive in muddy, sandy, snowy and other atypical conditions. If this is your jam, the Peregrine ISOs are probably not for you.

But if you occasionally hit trails with such obstacles, the Peregrine ISOs will get you through the challenge. Though, they will take some mud home in the lugs as a souvenir.

I really do wish there was a toe box with the Saucony Peregrines. The added protection would help runners for random roots, rocks, fallen branches and other trail obstacles.

After all, there is added protection around the heel and the sides of the shoe.

This not only serves as protection for those part of the feet but it gives the runner confidence while traversing various obstacles.

The heel cup is part of that added layer of protection. I can see how some runners may not like it but I will take the extra protection for most of my trail running.

The aforementioned protection is not only good for the runner, it is good for the longevity of the shoe. In my 50+ miles of testing, I saw no signs of early wear and tear.

Based on my experience with a previous version of the shoe and other research and reviewers, I would say that durability won’t be an issue with this shoe for runners who follow its intended use.

Those who do more intense and technical trail running, however, might see issues pop up.

There are shoes that are built for speed more so than the Peregrine ISOs. However, those are generally found in a different type of class and price range.

For those who are looking to pick up some speed on flat, non-technical grassy areas and trails, the Peregrine ISOs will deliver.

While not much of my testing was performed on roads or paved trails, I feel confident that these shoes will respond to how hard the runner is pushing them.

The shoe itself would be one that I would consider for a fast and flat trail run, or perhaps a race that offers a mix of paved and dirt trails of a mostly medium technical terrain.

This is one area where the Peregrines really stand out.

Saucony has created a heel cuff that is cushioned, giving the runner comfort even when landing hard on rocks or other unforgiving surfaces.

Meanwhile, the tongue is among my favorites in the trail shoe spectrum — not too long and not too short — and is padded, providing a good feel.

The lacing system allows for a snug fit. In fact, it was difficult to tie the shoes too tight.

Saucony knows its market for this model and has taken obvious steps to improve it from previous versions. While the shoe is not for everyone, it does have a solid niche.

Newbie trail runners, those who prefer neutral shoes and more experienced runners who like mild to moderate trails will find the Saucony Peregrine ISO to their liking.

For me personally, it’s a shoe I will turn to for moderate trail runs, a good midweek options for banging out an easy run on a trail.