Saucony Grid Peak GTX Review | Failing to Find the Mark of Lifestyle and Sport

The Saucony Grid Peak GTX is the Gore-tex version of the Saucony Grid Peak, a “trail lifestyle shoe”. This is a newer and growing category in trailwear, bridging the gap between sport and lifestyle.

The addition of Gore-tex make these rugged looking shoes a top choice for wet environments, offering water proof protection while you’re out and about.

They aren’t kidding when they put these in the water-resistant category. They are truly designed for all those wet dewy morning walks, those winter snowy walks or Northwestern rainy days to keep you comfy and dry. Of course because of the GTX that makes them a bit warmer so probably not your go to for a summer hike.

But we like the overall idea of these for those more casual days when you need an option that also has great grip!

Saucony Grid Peak GTX Overview

I’m always a little hesitant when brands start to veer into the gray zone between sport and lifestyle shoes. But luckily, I realized quickly this wasn’t a running shoe or even a long hiking shoe, but instead that shoe for quick wet outings.

You know when you’re itching to get out, but it’s snowed. You don’t need boots, but you definitely don’t want to grab your mesh running shoes which will instantly be soaked through. Tada, the Grid is ready to roll.

Out of the box, this is a good looking and comfortable shoe. There are serious treads with their XT-900 rubber outsole, great grip and cool webbing accents. I mostly tested these on my morning trail walks with my dogs, ranging from short 30 minute strolls to about a 90 minute hike.

I’ve run in plenty of Saucony models in the past, with varying degrees of success; my favorites being their long time trail shoe, the Peregrine, and the solid work-horse daily trainer, The Triumph. The Grid Peak GTX is marketed as a trail lifestyle shoe, so basically a regular every day sneaker that can handle tougher conditions.

I found a number of puddles to splash in, since it’s not yet wet season and can happily report that my feet stayed dry. I can see the use case for these depending on where you live.

Is it a shoe that everyone is going to need? Probably not and definitely not as a workout shoe based on my preference for more cushion, but I’m here for the whole concept (it’s just less needed in SoCal).

I have the white colorway, and I love it; the black version is also pretty trendy, and probably a better choice if you are planning to wear these on in the dirt and mud.

Saucony Grid Peak GTX Fit

This ran true to size for me, so no need to size up. The toe box isn’t wide, but actually felt a little roomier than expected.

As noted, Saucony does tend to run narrow and this again would be a show I would not recommend for wider feet. Especially because of the padded tongue and heel collar, you aren’t going to find extra room in here.

I had a little extra room in the heel than I typically do, though this was resolved by adjusting the lacing. I didn’t have any rubbing on the collar or heel, which is always a huge factor.

The shoe may have a little less overall support than something like the Peregrine, which makes sense as that is a trail running shoe ready to pick up the pace and uses different technology than a more lifestyle shoe.

Saucony Grid Peak GTX Feel

My first reaction when trying these on was the same reaction I have whenever I try a Gore-tex shoe – it’s hot. While gore-tex is designed to keep your feet dry, that also means it locks heat in, and that can get sticky pretty quickly.

These were no exception. In my experience, this is a preference thing. Personally, I prefer a breathable trail shoe that allows water to get out as easily as it gets in, and dries as you continue on your way.

If you’re wearing gore-tex footwear in heavy rain, or going through river crossings that are higher than your ankle, water is still going to get into your shoe – and if the shoe isn’t breathable – not get out. All to say, I’m not a gore-tex girl and these feel hot!

These shoes are interesting, in that they have a lot of high-end shoe tech without offering enough support to really exist as a running or hiking shoe. The soles are quite firm, and there isn’t a lot of cushioning. I wouldn’t take these out on hikes that are very strenuous for this reason.

These do feel comfortable enough if you’re going on short to medium walks, or just using them as an every-day sneaker, but don’t quite offer enough to perform in the athletic arena.

Similar Shoes to the Saucony Grid Peak GTX

Ok so you need a waterproof shoe, we’ve got plenty of running shoe ideas for you and in this case we’re going to say we probably recommend them over the Grid.

Who Tried It?

Kim got into running after deciding to run her first half marathon because it landed on her birthday. Afterwards, she said those famous last words: “I’ll never run a marathon!” Since then, she’s tackled many marathons and ultramarathons up to 50 miles. She loves ultra distance trail running the best and is always on the hunt for the next challenge. Her preferred trail-fuel is potatoes and Coca-Cola, and her favorite way to recover is on the couch with her two dogs.

What to Read Next?

• Hiking Gear Round Up
• Best Saucony running shoes
• Best Waterproof Running Shoes