Saucony Peregrine Ice+ 3 Review: Ice, Ice, Baby

The Good

ALEX: First things first, let’s talk traction. The Peregrine Ice+ 3 is equipped with a Pwrtrac Ice outsole that performs well on various surfaces. In my experience, nothing will surpass the traction and confidence of carbide studded shoes. However, the Peregrine Ice’s Arctic Grip rubber compound works (surprisingly?) very well. I’ve taken it on icy bike paths and snow-covered trails and am always impressed by the amount of grip.

It gets even better when the temps warm slightly, as there’s some noticeable stickiness to the formula. There are quite a few more lugs than we saw in previous versions. Saucony also switched up the size and placement, which resulted in even better traction for me.

A lot of people ask if they need a Gore-Tex running shoe to run through the winter. I’ve always had trouble with Gore-Tex on my feet — I get hot, the shoe gets wet, and my feet end up uncomfortable and cold. The Runshield upper on the Peregrine Ice provides ample protection from the elements while maintaining an adequate level of breathability, especially for long, low-output winter outings.

The full-length Pwrrun foam midsole provides a responsive ride that, combined with great grip and traction, allows you to confidently break free from winter’s plodding pace.

The Formfit design provides a secure fit through the midfoot, and the Pwrrun+ sock liner adds an extra layer of comfort and protection. The tongue and heel design are unobtrusive and well executed to get a secure lockdown and overall fit. In previous versions, the inside of the shoe felt kind of bulky, so I appreciate the streamlined approach to this version. A lot of weight and bulky cushioning was removed from the tongue and inside liner, making the shoe more breathable. In the past, when my feet got hot in the Peregrine Ice, they got really wet, and all of that extra material on the inside just sat there, damp and hot, then cold, putting my feet in kind of a perilous position during the long stuff.

TAYLOR: One of the nice things about the Saucony Peregrine Ice + 3 is that there won’t be any surprises here — especially if you’re already a Peregrine fan.

Saucony has done a very nice job creating a snug fit, aptly named Formfit, without constricting the foot too much. I felt that the mesh upper, stretchy gusseted tongue, and structured heel with subtle cushioning create the necessary security for any trail run you take on. Technical terrain is where this particular fit stands out most.

I’m not sure if I’m dreaming or if it’s because of the different upper materials, but the package feels slightly more forgiving than the Peregrine 12. I doubt it’s wider, but I never felt the stronger constriction in the midfoot or forefoot like in the original version.

Winter resistance is a big part of this package, and it comes at a relatively minimal cost of an ounce (11.4 oz. for a US M10.5). A crown of adhered overlays gives the upper some needed structure while boosting the weather resistance. The package also uses a slightly thicker Runshield mesh to keep moisture and cold from setting in. The first is better than the last. However, I never finished a wintery run (snow, shallow mud, and slush) feeling wet or cold from the ankle down. Runshield does its job very well in moderate winter conditions (20 degrees or warmer).

The Peregrine has been known for its claws that dig into the earth. The Saucony Peregrine Ice+ 3 ditches the deep chevron lugs and replaces them with 3.5mm broader, flatter ones. Around a third of those are a specific Pwrtrac Ice formula that is quite tacky, especially on shallow snow and choppy ice settings. The overall design is much more like the gravel bike mentality we find in many shoes making this one an easy transitioning shoe between terrain.

Sandwiched in between is a classic formulation of Pwrrun foam. To me, the foam feels slightly softer than the original version to maintain flexibility in cold weather. A Pwrrun + sock liner adds to the subtle softness. Even though the midsole has minimal to moderate protection (25mm/21mm stack – 4mm drop), a thin rock plate adds more protection in the forefoot. The ground feel is still apparent, though.

The Bad

ALEX: This shoe can feel too warm for higher output runs, and things can get a little clammy in there. The update is slimmed down as a whole, and I find myself missing the wider platform and more roomy toe box from the previous version. You might want to size a half size up in these if you want to wear a thicker sock or to accommodate any foot swelling during a winter ultra.

TAYLOR: Over the last year, this shoe has had some serious updates. I wouldn’t say it ultimately saves it from being on the chopping block, though. Out on the trails, the Peregrine is a shoe I see less and less of, and I’d dare to say it’s because it is starting to feel old, especially underfoot. This Pwrrun midsole fit the bill for a while. There are a lot of updates to be made or ways to utilize the foam to enhance a runner’s experience (i.e., the carrier and core model from Xodus Ultra). I’m not saying everything needs to be Pebax or nitro, but when weighed against competitors, this one is starting to fall behind.

Ice is ice. No matter what shoe or compound of rubber you have, ice will ruthlessly throw you to the ground and snicker. In the description, Saucony claims “strong grip” on ice. Nah. I did highlight that the outsole worked well in many scenarios, but don’t be fooled by marketing into thinking this one has claws that it doesn’t. On more than one occasion, I was a little too confident over the icy sections (even ice under snow), and I almost paid the price.

Runshield does a swell job at keeping feet dry — which is a massive part of the battle in winter running. For the crazies, like me, who go out in any and all conditions, know that those truly bitter cold days will seep through to your tootsies. The upper is on the thinner side for a winter-specific shoe. Don’t be surprised if your toes do feel the nip of Jack Frost.

Saucony Peregrine Ice+ 3 Conclusion

ALEX: The Saucony Peregrine Ice has undergone some significant updates over the years, and I’m a fan of all of them, the main one being the removal of the sweater-like cushioning inside the shoe. Overall, this is a versatile, protective shoe that will help you navigate winter running. That being said, ice is ice. This shoe might improve your traction on slippery surfaces, but you still need to “walk like a penguin on ice,” according to a poster I saw once.

TAYLOR: I’ll defer to Alex’s judgment here in saying that this is a much-improved edition. I’m still enamored that she ran 135 miles, let alone in a Peregrine model in the great white north. This is my first time in the Peregrine Ice model. Based on the massive update received in the original Peregrine 12, I’d say that Peregrine fans will be delighted with this updated version.

The fit and overall feel of the Saucony Peregrine Ice + 3 is a low profile, snug-fitting, easy-to-handle trail shoe that shines most on technical terrain. Saucony takes the main elements of the Peregrine that people love and gives it the winterized treatment with Runshield technology that gives you what you need to stay warm and dry during the winter months. Saucony does just enough to maintain the integrity of the Peregrine without skimping.

You can pick up the Saucony Peregrine Ice+ 3 at Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) by using the shop link below.

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