Head-to-head · Best Trail Running Shoes

Salomon Ultra Glide 4 vs Saucony Peregrine 16

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Saucony Peregrine 16 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about Stable trail runners seeking reliability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

4.3

11 sources1 derived$160as of Sep 4

The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 offers a max-stack cushioning experience with a rockered ride that performs well on easier trails and long-distance runs. Reviewers noted its plush foam, secure fit, and premium upper, though the low energy return and sharp toebox limit its appeal. It's best suited for forefoot strikers and narrow-footed runners seeking a comfortable, versatile trail shoe, but those wanting faster performance may find better options elsewhere.

Strengths

— Smooth, rockered ride with plush foam cushioning
— Premium upper with secure fit and Quicklace system
— Excellent comfort and high forefoot shock absorption

Watch-outs

— Low energy return due to outdated Energy Foam midsole
— Pointy toebox may restrict runners needing toe splay
— Above-average weight for a max-stack trail shoe

$160 · Buy at salomon.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Saucony Peregrine 16

4.6

9 sources$149.95as of Sep 4

The Saucony Peregrine 16 delivers an updated iteration with the highly anticipated Vibram Megagrip outsole, significantly boosting traction and durability. Reviewers noted its stable, trustworthy performance across varied trail conditions, particularly on gravel roads and easier trails. While it maintains a low-drop design and secure fit, some reviewers observed a slight increase in weight and a tapered toebox that may not appeal to all users. The shoe remains a solid choice for longtime Peregrine fans and versatile trail runners seeking reliability and stability.

Strengths

— Vibram Megagrip outsole provides improved traction and durability
— Stable ride with secure, confidence-inspiring fit
— Premium PWRRUN+ insole offers comfortable foam padding

Watch-outs

— Slight weight gain compared to previous version
— Midfoot lockdown is inadequate

$149.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 offers a smoother, rockered ride compared to the Saucony Peregrine 16, but it lacks the energy return of the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro and is heavier than the Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL. While it provides excellent forefoot shock absorption, it's less cushioned than the Hoka Challenger 8 and doesn't match the traction of the Hoka Speedgoat 7. The Ultra Glide 4 is best for forefoot strikers seeking comfort.

Saucony Peregrine 16

The Saucony Peregrine 16 provides better stability than the Adidas Terrex Agravic SL and more traction than the Nike ACG Pegasus Trail, but it's slightly heavier than the Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL and lacks the energy return of the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. It's a reliable choice for trail runners seeking a stable, secure fit but isn't as dynamic as the Hoka Speedgoat 7.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Salomon Ultra Glide 4	Saucony Peregrine 16
Weight	9.7 oz / 275g	9.6 oz / 271g
Outsole	All Terrain Contragrip	Vibram Megagrip
Upper Material	Engineered Mesh (textile/synthetic)	High-strength mesh
Midsole	optiFOAM (EVA)	PWRRUN+
Stack Height	38.6 mm	32.0 mm heel, 28.0 mm forefoot
Drop	6.0 mm	4.0 mm
Lug Depth	4mm	4 mm
Upper	Textile / Synthetic Material	—
Toe Box	Wide	—

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