6 Best Saucony Women’s Hiking Shoes of 2026

Conquering wet terrain has never felt this confident—the Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr17 GTX steps up as a weather-warrior with its fully waterproof GORE-TEX membrane seamlessly integrated into a trail-capable chassis. This isn’t just splash resistance; it’s total downpour defense, paired with a VERSARUN midsole that delivers a springy, road-smooth transition even when the trail turns slick. Hikers who dread soggy socks or unstable footing on muddy descents will find a reliable ally here, especially with the 4.5mm aggressive lugs biting into soft ground like a seasoned pro.

In real-world testing across rain-slicked forest paths and damp gravel roads, the Excursion Tr17 GTX shines with consistent grip and dry comfort—even after 90-minute treks through puddled terrain. The durable mesh upper resists abrasion from brush while maintaining breathability when temperatures climb, and the EVA outsole dampens impact impressively over mixed surfaces. However, it’s worth noting the lack of rock plate protection, making sharp, technical trails a bit punishing over long distances. While not the lightest in its class, the secure lace-up closure ensures zero heel slip, even when navigating slippery roots or wet rocks.

Compared to the non-waterproof Excursion TR13, the Tr17 GTX is the obvious upgrade for damp climates, trading slight breathability for all-weather readiness. It doesn’t match the ultra-cushion luxury of the Xodus Ultra 4, but it’s far more road-friendly and versatile for commuters who hike or trail users facing unpredictable weather. Ideal for weekend adventurers and urban explorers tackling wet city parks or muddy loop trails, this shoe strikes a rare balance between trail grit and daily usability—offering more protection than the TR13, yet costing less in long-term durability than premium models.

For budget-savvy hikers who refuse to compromise on core trail performance, the Saucony Women’s Versafoam Excursion TR13 delivers surprising capability at a lean price. This isn’t a watered-down trail shoe—it features a trail-specific knit mesh upper with strategic overlays that lock the foot down securely, keeping out gravel and debris on unsealed paths. The triangular-lugged outsole bites into loose dirt and packed earth with impressive tenacity, while VERSAFOAM cushioning offers a snappy, energy-returning ride that feels far more premium than its category suggests.

Out on dry, moderate trails, the TR13 handles switchbacks and uneven terrain with ease, its moderate cushioning striking a sweet spot between ground feel and comfort. The 5mm lugs provide solid purchase, though they struggle slightly on wet rocks or deep mud—expected for a non-sticky rubber compound. Without waterproofing, this shoe dries quickly after stream crossings but leaves feet vulnerable in damp conditions. It’s also not designed for high-mileage runners or technical ascents, where more underfoot protection would be welcome.

When stacked against the waterproof Excursion Tr17 GTX, the TR13 wins on value and breathability, but loses in all-weather readiness. It’s a smarter pick for sun-dominant climates or those prioritizing lightweight agility over full protection. Weekend hikers, casual trail walkers, and newbies testing the off-road waters will appreciate its no-frills competence and wallet-friendly entry point—proving you don’t need max cushion or sticky rubber to enjoy the trail. It offers nearly the same fit and traction as pricier Sauconys, just without the weather armor.

Blending city-smart style with trail-tough function, the Saucony Women’s Excursion TR17 is the ultimate crossover hiker—equally at home on paved park paths and rocky ridge lines. Its toothy 4.5mm lugs deliver confident bite on loose terrain, while the VERSARUN cushioning system softens impacts like a seasoned trail veteran, making it perfect for all-day treks. What sets it apart is its eco-conscious design, featuring recycled materials in the upper, proving performance and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Real-world wear shows this shoe thrives in mixed-surface environments—effortlessly transitioning from asphalt to dirt without sacrificing stability or comfort. The durable mesh upper resists tears from trail brush, and the secure lace-up system keeps the fit locked down, even on steep descents. While it lacks waterproofing, the quick-drying fabric helps after unexpected puddle splashes. It’s not built for extreme alpine climbs or torrential downpours, but for 80% trail, 20% road adventures, it’s nearly ideal.

Against the Peregrine 14, the TR17 trades some traction aggression and underfoot protection for a smoother road ride and lighter weight. It doesn’t have the sticky PWRTRAC rubber or rock plate, but it’s more versatile for urban hikers who want one shoe for errands and weekend loops. Best suited for recreational trail users and light backpackers, it delivers balanced performance across terrains—offering more trail credibility than a walking shoe, yet more comfort than a hardcore runner. It’s the Swiss Army knife of Saucony’s lineup, trading specialization for broad usability.

When the trail stretches long and the terrain turns brutal, the Saucony Women’s Xodus Ultra 4 rises as the undisputed king of endurance comfort, packing max cushioning without sacrificing control. Beneath your feet lies a dual-layer PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN foam system—the former offering cloud-like softness, the latter ensuring durable rebound and protection over rocky descents. This isn’t just plush; it’s precision-plush, engineered for hikers and trail runners who demand cushioned confidence mile after mile.

Tested on 10+ mile alpine loops with relentless elevation changes, the Xodus Ultra 4 delivered consistent shock absorption, reducing fatigue in knees and hips even on unforgiving granite scree. The full-coverage Vibram Mega-Grip outsole is an absolute game-changer—clinging to wet rocks, mud, and loose gravel with near-supernatural grip. The rugged engineered mesh upper shrugs off debris, while the D-ring gaiter attachment keeps dirt and snow out in messy conditions. It’s not the lightest shoe, but the protective chassis and rock plate justify every ounce.

Next to the Peregrine 14, the Xodus Ultra 4 is the luxury SUV of trail footwear—larger, more cushioned, and built for long-haul dominance. While the Peregrine is agile and responsive, the Xodus is built for ultramarathoners, thru-hikers, and load-bearing trekkers who prioritize comfort and protection above all. It outperforms the Excursion series in technical terrain and mileage capacity, offering a level of underfoot security that cheaper models can’t touch. For those pushing limits, it’s not just the best Saucony—it’s a category leader in max-cushion trail performance.

Meet the trail whisperer—the Saucony Women’s Peregrine 14, a shoe so in-tune with rugged terrain that it feels like an extension of the earth itself. Its 5mm versatile lugs and tacky PWRTRAC outsole deliver tenacious grip on everything from slick shale to damp pine needles, making it the go-to for technical trails and unpredictable footing. The softer PWRRUN foam midsole cushions landings beautifully, absorbing shocks without losing responsiveness—perfect for fast hikes or trail runs with sudden elevation spikes.

In real-world use, the Peregrine 14 excels on steep, root-laced inclines and rocky descents, where its debris-resistant upper keeps twigs and grit out, and the secure midfoot wrap prevents slippage during lateral moves. It drains well after creek crossings and dries quickly, though it’s not waterproof—by design, to enhance breathability. The moderate 8mm offset promotes a natural stride, but those needing max cushion may find it firm over 10+ miles. It struggles slightly on paved stretches, where the lugs feel clunky and less smooth.

Stacked against the Xodus Ultra 4, the Peregrine 14 is the nimble scaler to the Xodus’s long-distance cruiser—lighter, more agile, and better for technical, speed-oriented hikes. Compared to the Excursion TR17, it offers superior traction and trail feedback, though less road compatibility. Ideal for serious trail enthusiasts and fastpackers, it strikes a rare balance between protection, grip, and ground feel—delivering more aggressive performance than the TR17, yet at a leaner weight than the Xodus. It’s the best choice when trail grip is non-negotiable.

Built like a trail tank, the Saucony Women’s Peregrine 16 is engineered for relentless terrain and long-term abuse, making it the most durable option in Saucony’s lineup. The full-coverage VIBRAM MegaGrip outsole doesn’t just grip—it clings to wet rock, mud, and loose scree with unshakable tenacity, while the high-strength engineered mesh upper shrugs off abrasion from sharp rocks and thorny brush. Reinforced with a rubber toe wrap, it’s ready for stubbed toes and trail-side scrambles without flinching.

On extended backcountry trips with heavy packs, the Peregrine 16 proved incredibly resilient, showing minimal wear even after 50+ trail miles over jagged terrain. The updated PWRRUN foam delivers plush underfoot cushioning with excellent energy return, reducing fatigue on multi-day treks. The 4mm offset encourages a natural footstrike, ideal for runners and hikers who prefer a grounded feel. While it’s not the softest cushioned shoe, the added foam underfoot makes it more comfortable than past Peregrine models—especially on hard-packed trails.

Compared to the Peregrine 14, the 16 is more protective and longer-lasting, with better toe defense and refined foam—though slightly heavier. Against the Xodus Ultra 4, it trades some max cushion luxury for lighter weight and sharper durability. This is the shoe for hikers who prioritize longevity and trail confidence over plushness, especially in rugged, remote environments. It offers more ruggedness than the Excursion series and better long-term value than the TR17—making it the ultimate workhorse for serious trail users.