When I first heard about Spartan Race’s Winter Sprint, I knew it was something that I had to do. I have never been a fan of running when it is cold, but something about putting snow and obstacle course racing together entices me. Mostly, I spend my winters hunkered down in a weight room packing on some muscle, and fat, for the upcoming race season. Having an extra layer of fat means more fuel for the upcoming race season that usually kicks off for me with an Ultra Beast in NJ. This year, however, would be a bit different. This year, I would run no matter the weather, no matter the conditions; like the United States Postal Service, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

Having a goal is good, but it isn’t enough. With goals come the tools necessary to reach them. The right clothing can make the difference between suffering through a few miles and getting a workout in, but the right shoes will make all the difference in the world. That is where Saucony comes in. Saucony has a shoe in their lineup dedicated to the winter runner, dedicated to those that are brave enough to face the conditions, no matter how snowy or icy they are, and get some miles in. Saucony has the Peregrine ICE+.

First, the Peregrine ICE+ isn’t your normal running shoe. This shoe has been specially designed for winter running. The ICE+ features Vibram Arctic Grip in high contact areas and a FLEXSHELL protected upper that is water-resistant. Second, the shoe features a stack height of 21.5mm, an offset of 4mm, and weighs in at 9.4oz (266 g). While they are a bit heavy for my liking, the added material necessary to make them water-resistant and the enhanced traction comes at a cost.

Our intention with Vibram Arctic Grip is to push the bounds of sole technology on icy surfaces,” states Michael Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Vibram USA.

https://youtu.be/096FbhuTr_I

Overview

• Featuring EVERUN Heel Insert
• A new PWRTRAC outsole give the trail runner the traction to conquer any terrain
• The highly flexible midsole allows you to adapt to uneven surfaces while the EBO rock plate provides protection from whatever may cross your path

Specifications

• Shoe Category: Neutral
• Pronation: Neutral
• Cushion: Responsive
• Construction Type: Trail
• Surface: Ice, Trail, Grass
• Arch: Normal (Mid)
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Waterproof: No
• Offset: 4mm
• Heel Stack Height: 21.5mm
• Forefoot Stack Height: 17.5mm
• Weight: 9.4 oz. | 266 g.

The shoe’s stack height provides enough material between you and the road, trail, or whatever you are running on, to provide a firm and responsive feel. The blend of cushion and traction are peculiarly effective.

The Peregrine ICE +’s aggressive styling entice, event nag, you to get outside and get moving. The arctic color scheme lends itself to a winter athlete ready to tackle the conditions. Although the styling is aggressive, it isn’t gaudy. The black, blue, and gray color scheme is vibrant but subtle. Everything about this sneaker screams winter, ice, Slippery When Wet (I live in NJ, cheap Bon Jovi plug).

For me, track and trail running has taken the place of road running, for safety purposes, and hills have been replaced with bleachers. Having run in standard shoes for many of the last few years, I have avoided days when the snow covers my running surfaces. There is nothing worse than having frozen feet and soaked socks – I like my toes right where the are, thank you. With a shoe designed for running in the winter, something we experience here in NJ every year (duh), I took off and set my feet ablaze on some of the snowiest days of the year to see if the Peregrine ICE+ are a worthwhile investment.

Running on level surfaces, with a moderate coating of unpacked snow, these shoes are absolutely exceptional. They provide plenty of stability while keeping the feet, nestled inside some wool socks, warm and dry. The same can be said for running up and down bleachers. The sneakers did their part on keeping me upright and moving in the proper direction. Things changed a little bit as snow started compacting – traction became a bit harder to come by, and when I found a true patch of ice, my footing was less than secure. The thing is, I haven’t found a shoe yet that can have me tackling ice with a great deal of confidence, short of spikes. The outsole provides just enough surface area distraction to enhance the sneakers ability to cut through the wet white stuff and dig in for exceptional forward motion.

The construction of the shoe is defined by its purpose. The Peregrine’s traction control system lends itself for stable running on manageable surfaces carrying one’s bodyweight, not a bucket of rocks + body weight up a ski slope. So, where does that put the Peregrine ICE+ on the OCRAddict’s list? It leaves me with a shoe that I will have at the front of my list when I am training in the cold, wet, or snowy conditions. As a running shoe, there is nothing I have used that served me better in the winter conditions. This could be also be said for trail running. These shoes can handle a variety of conditions for the trail runner without breaking a sweat.

If I had to lend my opinion to the aspiring winter runner, it would be that you should strongly consider a shoe that can not only keep you upright but one that can also keep your feet dry. The Peregrine ICE+ does a fine job of both tasks and comes in doing so at a reasonable price point for a running sneaker (85-100 USD). The form, fit, and function of the shoe are excellent as well as the build quality. If you are the market for some winter running, look no further, the Peregrine ICE+ is an excellent choice.

Author: Joe DiFiglia

Fitness and sport enthusiast. Spartan Race Junky. I have been a martial artist since the age of 4 and addicted to anything challenging. Years of Martial Arts training provides the ability to keep going when my body really wants to quit.