Head-to-head · Best Trail Running Shoes

Salomon Speedcross 6 vs Saucony Peregrine 14

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

The short answer

Salomon Speedcross 6 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about trail runners who tackle mud, soft ground, and wet, technical terrain and want maximum grip — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Salomon Speedcross 6

4.5

$130.04as of Jun 7

The Speedcross 6 is the mud-and-soft-ground specialist: deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs and a foot-hugging, protective upper make it the grip king on soft, loose, and wet terrain. RunRepeat scored it 89/100, and reviewers from iRunFar to Running Shoes Guru praise its reliable traction — while cautioning it is tailored to mud, not all-around running.

Strengths

— Deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs deliver outstanding grip on mud and soft ground
— Wide, self-clearing lug gaps shed mud effectively
— Secure, foot-hugging fit and protective closed upper for technical terrain

Watch-outs

— Specialist shoe — not an all-around or door-to-trail option
— Aggressive lugs feel awkward on hard-packed trail and pavement
— Lower stack and firmer ride than max-cushion rivals

$130.04 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Saucony Peregrine 14

4.4

$140

The Peregrine 14 is the best-value trail shoe: a lightweight, versatile all-rounder with deep PWRTRAC lugs and a comfortable ride, priced closer to $100 than $200. RunRepeat called it an excellent pick for value, comfort, and versatility, iRunFar recommended it as a do-it-all shoe at a great price, and Running Shoes Guru scored it 10/10.

Strengths

— Excellent value — strong all-around trail performance well under premium pricing
— Deep, chevron-shaped PWRTRAC lugs grip well in dry conditions and handle moderate mud
— Lightweight and versatile from trail newbies to experienced dirt-baggers

Watch-outs

— Grip slides on wet wood, moss, and slick organic matter
— Lower stack offers less cushioning than max-stack rivals on long rocky runs
— Firmer outsole rubber trades some wet-surface tackiness for durability

$140 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Salomon Speedcross 6

Grippier in mud and soft ground than the all-around Hoka Speedgoat 7, Brooks Cascadia 19, and Saucony Peregrine 14, thanks to its deeper, self-clearing lugs. Lower-stacked and firmer than the max-cushion Speedgoat, and a far more aggressive, structured shoe than the zero-drop, roomy Altra Lone Peak 9.

Saucony Peregrine 14

A cheaper, lighter all-rounder than the premium Hoka Speedgoat 7, with deeper lugs than the Brooks Cascadia 19 but less mud grip than the Salomon Speedcross 6. More cushioned and higher-stacked than the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak 9, and the best-value pick of this group.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Salomon Speedcross 6	Saucony Peregrine 14
Weight	10.4 oz (M)	9.4 oz (M)
Drop	10mm (14.1mm measured)	4mm (2.2mm measured)
Stack height	36.5mm heel / 22.4mm forefoot	27.3mm heel / 25.1mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	Moderate (EnergyCell)	Moderate (PWRRUN)
Outsole	Mud Contagrip	PWRTRAC
Lug depth	5.8mm	4.7mm
Width options	Standard, Wide	Standard, Wide

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