OutdoorGearLab

The new and improved Saucony Peregrine 12 is a well-tractioned and svelte-fitting trail running shoe that offers above-average protection. It provides a breathable and comfortable Airmesh upper that molds to the outer edges of your feet as it breaks in. The lugs are sturdy, stable, and well-patterned for exceptional traction. We love that the Peregrine is a rugged shoe that rides and looks more like a road shoe. It isn't quite as protective as other shoes that we tested, but it provides just enough to make it versatile. Because its rugged outsole and rock plate combine perfectly with its lightweight and responsiveness, we love wearing this shoe for all different types of trail runs. 
The list is pretty short when it comes to our list of grievances with the Peregrine 12. The narrow fit, much like a lot of Saucony's road running shoes, won't appeal to wide-footed runners. The base of support is pretty streamlined and might feel unstable if your feet are wider than the platform. The Peregrine also isn't the toughest shoe we tested, but it holds up to demands pretty well. Most of the protective elements are simply a bit more forgiving than those of shoes that are made for tougher, more technical trails. If you are looking for a well-tractioned and responsive trail shoe with enough comfort to get you through long runs, the Peregrine might be the perfect choice. 

The new and improved Saucony Peregrine 12 is a well-tractioned and svelte-fitting trail running shoe that offers above-average protection. It provides a breathable and comfortable Airmesh upper that molds to the outer edges of your feet as it breaks in. The lugs are sturdy, stable, and well-patterned for exceptional traction. We love that the Peregrine is a rugged shoe that rides and looks more like a road shoe. It isn't quite as protective as other shoes that we tested, but it provides just enough to make it versatile. Because its rugged outsole and rock plate combine perfectly with its lightweight and responsiveness, we love wearing this shoe for all different types of trail runs. 
The list is pretty short when it comes to our list of grievances with the Peregrine 12. The narrow fit, much like a lot of Saucony's road running shoes, won't appeal to wide-footed runners. The base of support is pretty streamlined and might feel unstable if your feet are wider than the platform. The Peregrine also isn't the toughest shoe we tested, but it holds up to demands pretty well. Most of the protective elements are simply a bit more forgiving than those of shoes that are made for tougher, more technical trails. If you are looking for a well-tractioned and responsive trail shoe with enough comfort to get you through long runs, the Peregrine might be the perfect choice. 
Read more: Saucony Peregrine 12 review

amazon.com

powerreviews

bazaarvoice

The Brooks Divide 2 is one of the best crossover shoes in our lineup. Because of its less rugged outsole and traditional road running shoe shape, it is a great shoe for trail running beginners. The fit feels familiar, with an 8mm drop and a 20mm heel stack, and it is comfortable with enough cushion to make for a smooth ride. All of the elements of the Divide come together to create a solid and affordable light-to-medium trail shoe. 
The Divide 2 is made for light trails, which is truly what it is perfect for. The lugs are less deep and powerful when compared to burlier shoes, and it definitely isn't as protective, even though it does contain a rock plate. The outsole design provides far less sensitivity than we have grown to prefer. That said, if you are a newbie looking for a crossover shoe to tackle fire roads and gentle trails, the Divide is a great value. 

The Brooks Divide 2 is a nearly ideal crossover shoe &mdash; it can comfortably run roads and trails and is a perfect entry point for those looking to start trail running more regularly. The price point is more accessible than other expensive options and allows a new runner to try out running off-road without jumping in feet first. The wide stance and lightweight mesh upper offer a "familiar" feel to many popular road running shoes, and the fit seems to accommodate many different foot shapes. This shoe favors comfort and stability over technical prowess, and a damp midsole provides a consistent experience over forest roads and well-graded singletrack. The ability to run pavement to the trailhead makes the Divide 2 a versatile option and only improves upon its already outstanding value.
The only time we felt truly uncomfortable running in the Divide 2 was in highly technical, mountainous terrain. Although the wide platform extends back to the heel, the low-cut and soft material of the upper doesn't offer the type of ankle stability we need to navigate technical trails. The outsole is made with the same TrailTack rubber as other popular Brooks shoes, but the shallow lugs don't offer the same consistent traction over loose rocks and dirt. But this shoe isn't designed for alpine trail running; it's designed as an entry-level shoe set up to handle easy trails. Bottom line, this is a high-quality option that balances performance and affordability for new trail runners.

The Brooks Divide 2 is one of the best crossover shoes in our lineup. Because of its less rugged outsole and traditional road running shoe shape, it is a great shoe for trail running beginners. The fit feels familiar, with an 8mm drop and a 20mm heel stack, and it is comfortable with enough cushion to make for a smooth ride. The longer we run in this shoe, the more impressive it becomes. While our initial thoughts haven't changed, it is worth mentioning that its durability is quite impressive. All of the elements of the Divide come together to create a solid and affordable light-to-medium trail shoe.
The Divide 2 is made for light trails, which is truly what it is perfect for. The lugs are less deep and powerful when compared to burlier shoes, and it definitely isn't as protective, even though it does contain a rock plate. The outsole design provides far less sensitivity than we have grown to prefer. That said, if you are a newbie looking for a crossover shoe to tackle fire roads and gentle trails, the Divide is a great value. 
Read more: Brooks Divide 2 review

walmart

While the comfort and support of maximally cushioned shoes are great, all of that padding can have some serious consequences for stability and agility &mdash; two key aspects for mountain runners in particular. HOKA must have been listening to complaints, and their answer is the HOKA Torrent 2 &mdash; a stripped-down version of their traditional ultra-running platform that is one of those magical trail shoes. Designers cut the stack height to a more reasonable 23mm in the heel but maintained all of the comfort and support HOKA is known and loved for. The result is a highly responsive, surprisingly agile, yet supremely cushioned trail runner that weighs as much as a minimalist, zero-drop shoe.
There are only a few downsides to this shoe, and they all generally relate to those issues inherent with other maximally cushioned shoes. While the decrease in stack height improves stability, the dense foam in the midsole cuts out a substantial amount of ground sensitivity &mdash; a positive for long-distance runners but more of an issue for technical alpine trails. The relatively wide last and shorter heel pocket also makes for a less-than-stable experience when sidehilling or running in off-camber terrain, which again affects the performance of this shoe only in certain circumstances. Our biggest fear is that the durability of the outsole rubber, in particular, may not hold up to as many regular long-distance outings as other ultra-running options on the market. But considering the price point of this top-performing shoe, it may be more than worth lacing up in the Torrent 2 at the starting line of your next ultra-marathon.
Read more: HOKA Torrent 2 review

Trail Running Shoe Comparison