Saucony Tempus 2 Review
By Matthew Klein and Bach Pham
Saucony Tempus 2Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.3 oz, 264 g (men's size 9), 8.2 oz, 232 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 38 mm / 30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Performance Stability Shoe
Pros: Lightest Superfoam Stability Shoe, Secure Upper
Cons: Overly Snug Forefoot, Slightly Heavier Than Previous Version, Poor Outsole Traction
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Saucony Tempus 2 returns with primarily an upper update for those who want a dynamic performance stability shoe for uptempo training and longer distance racing. The updated upper features a new engineered mesh that provides a secure but snug fit for a slightly faster feel. The same PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN support remain the in sole, providing a centered ride from heel to toe with moderate midfoot stability. A shoe that can handle easy runs but performs best during uptempo and faster efforts, the Saucony Tempus 2 remains the lightest of the moderate stability shoes and one of the only superfoam stability shoes that can handle longer distance training and racing.
SIMILAR SHOES: Brooks Hyperion GTS 2
PAST MODEL: Saucony Tempus
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Saucony Tempus 2 fits me true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. The fit is snug, particularly in the forefoot and toe box. The toe box is tapered, particularly on the lateral (outer) side of the foot. This put some pressure on my 5th toe that never fully blistered but I did have some mild abrasion during a 13 mile run. The forefoot is also slightly snug and transitions into a slightly snug midfoot. The volume of the forefoot and midfoot are on the lower side with a secure and moderately thick engineered mesh. This adds to the slightly snug feel despite the forefoot looking a bit wider. The midfoot features a moderately thick and strongly gusseted tongue. The tongue adds to the midfoot lockdown and I did not have to tie the laces that tight to get a secure fit. I would encourage NOT tying the laces tight as I found the tongue did not do a great job of protecting the dorsal (top) part of my foot and the upper was already fairly secure. This transitions into a snug midfoot with moderate heel collar padding and a thick/stiff heel counter. The counter is noticeable and those with heel sensitivities should be cautious. While most of the inner aspect of the upper is comfortable, there are several seams and the tapered toe box/toe guard may cause some abrasion on bare skin. Thus, I would highly suggest using socks with this upper.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: Saucony Guide 17, ASICS Kayano 30, Hoka Gaviota 5, Saucony Endorphin Elite, Nike Ultrafly
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Saucony Kinvara 14
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Altra Timp 5
Bach: write: The Tempus 2 was a good fit for me out of the box, providing a secure lockdown. The lacing does feel a touch short; to lace lock the shoe took almost every bit of lace available. The laces when lace locked also sit fairly high up on the tongue. This also brings the heel collar in slightly which can occasionally be noticeable as it is a harder material with no padding. It never cut into my leg, but when bent just right, especially going uphill, it can just be present in feeling. Overall, this hasn't been an issue but for those sensitive to this feeling it is something to be aware of. I did find that I needed to lace lock for my left foot which tends to need a little extra security. The laces felt too loose when laced normally. My right foot fit comfortably with no lace lock and gave me no issues.
The volume above my toes I found to be good and gave me no issues. The width is definitely more snug though and best for those with narrow to standard feet. On first step in, the medial arch feels incredibly prominent, but does significantly relax after the first run. I urge folks who try the shoe to give it a run or a day of use before writing it off. Though there is a bit of a medial arch feeling still, it is nothing that's particularly bothered me and my flat feet. The shoe itself does have a pointed toe which usually is not a
problem for me, but is something to note for those who prefer a wider
toebox.
Once locked down, the shoe provides great security overall thanks to the snug fit and secure lacing. I also found the shoe to breath very well in the humid South Carolina weather.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Bach well: Nike Pegasus 40, Saucony Guide 17, Mizuno Wave Inspire 19, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, Nike Structure 25
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Asics Kayano 30, Puma Electrify Nitro, Brooks Hyperion, Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Shoes that have fit large: Hoka Gaviota 5, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Somewhat
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Somewhat
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Saucony Tempus 2 is a performance stability shoe. It is the lightest and one of the few stability shoes to feature a super foam, PWRRUN PB. However, this is not the new PWRRUN PB in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, Speed 4 or even the Hurricane 24. This feels closer to the generation one PWRRUN PB seen in the Saucony Endorphin Pro 1. This is likely due to the combination with the PWRRUN PB support frame, which makes the midsole feels slightly firmer but snappy. The weight feels lower than other stability shoes thanks to the additional bounce from the midsole although this is amplified more at faster speeds than slower speeds. There is an 8mm drop although it feels closer to 5-6mm thanks to the rearfoot compression of the softer PWRRUN PB if you are a rearfoot striker (like me). Despite not having a plate, the midsole is quite stiff with only a little flexibility in the forefoot. This is offset by an early rocker at the forefoot and a decent rocker at the rearfoot. Rearfoot landings are mostly smooth if a tiny bit clunky thanks to some mild posterior flare. This flare is not noticeable during walking but it took 10 miles for it to break in during running. The midfoot is not flexible at all, which adds to the stability and stiffness. The forefoot has a tiny bit of flexibility but is on the stiffer side. The overall ride feels better at easier or faster running.
Easy runs feel good if a good steady pace is held and with faster speeds this shoes comes alive more. Although not a shoe I would race in, the midsole can respond to pace changes and tempo runs, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to race marathons but still needing some stability. With uptempo speeds, it can feel weirdly slow and slightly mushy, as if it has trouble changing gears. At really fast speeds it struggles given it is not the lightest option and the geometry is better for consistent or faster paces. These paces are best done on dry road as the traction is not good on anything wet. While some mild dirt is fine, the amount of exposed PWRRUN PB causes this shoe to slip on anything wet and smooth. It is fall in the Pacific Northwest and the ground is covered with wet leaves. Combined with wet pavement, this has been like mild ice skating, so this shoe best on dry pavement. The durability is excellent though as I have almost 40 miles without any significant wear. I expect this shoe to last as long as the previous version did (>200 miles), given the durable outsole rubber.
Bach: I did not test the original Tempus at all, so my views on the Tempus 2 are fresh. The Tempus 2, as a stability shoe user, is a welcome sight overall. Neutral runners won't find as much to be excited about (especially compared to an Endorphin Speed, for instance), but in the perspective of someone who primarily uses shoes in the stability category, you just don't have many options like that Tempus 2 that are a combination of light and responsive. The sole is definitely firmer as the PWRRUN outer case dominates the shoe, but the PWRRUN PB core gives the shoe a really nice liveliness. There is a mild rocker on the shoe that also helps facilitate a really smooth transition in the forefoot. Most stability shoes right now are fairly flat, over 9 oz for Men, and more focused on everyday mileage and just hitting a combination of stable and comfortable. If you are a runner who is used to those shoes, the Tempus 2 will feel somewhat incredible on foot by being both light and giving the feeling that you can actually do something faster.
I used the shoes most for daily mileage very comfortably, and also put it through a workout and enjoyed picking up the pace. Is the Tempus a workout monster? Not necessarily. I wouldn't say it was the fastest shoe to push you through a 5k PR unless you've only used heavier stability shoes. The Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 is definitely both lighter and more dynamic for 5k, 10k racing. The Tempus, however really does excellent over longer distance efforts and a shoe I would put at the top of the list for half and full marathons if you need a lot of medial stability. The shoe is very easy to get into rhythm with and just coast.
I have not been able to test on wet roads as we've had a month-long dry spell in South Carolina, but will report back when I get a chance. The durability has been excellent though and dent-free after 20 miles.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Saucony Tempus 2 is a moderate stability shoe. The primary stability method comes from a frame of firmer PWRRUN foam that runs on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe with a center layer of softer PWRRUN PB. The PWRRUN is more prominent on the medial side, especially at the anterior heel and midfoot. The PWRRUN frame runs the full length of the shoe, providing centered guidance throughout the length of the shoe. This provides centeredness at the heel although there is slight lateral is due to there being more foam medially than laterally. This provides medial stability at the midfoot given the larger area of medial PWRRUN. The midfoot PWRRUN that extends the length of this area as well as extra sidewalls in this area provide noticeable medial pressure on the arch. Those that want the feeling of medial pressure will enjoy this shoe. Finally, the forefoot is centered with fairly equal PWRRUN on each side of the foot. There is also additional sole flaring in the midfoot and forefoot with a midfoot that does not narrow. The addition of a more secure upper also adds to the security and stability. Overall, the Tempus 2 is a moderate stability shoe with a large amount of midfoot stability, forefoot guidance and mild lateral heel bias / medial heel stability.
Bach: The Tempus 2's main stability comes from a frame of firmer PWRRUN that wraps around a core of PWRRUN PB. The PWRRUN midsole particularly is prominent on the medial side, driving all the way down to the outsole around the midfoot and also slightly over the foot with its sidewall. For me on the run as someone who does tend to push in on the medial side, the Tempus 2 gives a bit of resistance and helped guide me forward really well along the medial side. The Tempus 2 does a good job of centering the runner and rolling you forward with a gentle rocker. There is also generous width and some mild sole flaring on both sides of the shoe that make landings feel very confident.
I didn't find the shoe's stability to feel intrusive besides the very first step in when I felt the medial arch, but that went away during the first run as mentioned earlier. I also feel the upper does a good job of securing the foot. Everything works well together to make you feel very confident and unafraid to push during faster runs.
Thoughts as a DPT: The Loss of the Lightweight Stability Shoe
By Matthew Klein
As someone with mild stability/guidance needs who still likes running fast, I have been complaining about the loss of lightweight stability for several years. Shoes like the Saucony Fastwitch, ASICS DS Trainer/Racer and others have disappeared with only the Saucony Tempus 2 and the Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 on the market as options for longer distance and shorter distance stability racing, respectively. For all my complaints, the stable neutral category has continued to expand with even a few super shoes have components that may work for those with mild guidance/stability needs including the Saucony Endorphin Elite, Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, Hoka Rocket X 2 and for medial stability needs the Hoka Cielo X1. While not true stability shoes, there are elements that may make the shoe more stable for certain people compared to the classically soft and unstable super racing shoe on today's market.
All I ask is a few really good ones that provide racing options for those of us with stability needs. They don't necessarily have to be super shoes but even one super stability shoe would be great. If nothing else, it would be really interesting to see what a company could come up with.
Malisoux, L., Chambon, N., Delattre, N., Gueguen, N., Urhausen, A., & Theisen, D. (2016). Injury risk in runners using standard or motion control shoes: a randomised controlled trial with participant and assessor blinding. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(8), 481-487.
Willems, T. M., Ley, C., Goetghebeur, E., Theisen, D., & Malisoux, L. (2021). Motion-control shoes reduce the risk of pronation-related pathologies in recreational runners: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 51(3), 135-143.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The Saucony Tempus 2 leans slightly faster due to the more performance fit of the original and maintains its feel from the original. I am disappointed however that after two years we have only seen an upper change. The increase in weight has made this shoe less special outside of a superfoam that doesn't feel extremely special in today's market compared to the Guide 17 and ASICS GT 2000 13. It has more bounce that those two but may not qualify as much as a performance trainer given the similar specs outside of that. My biggest suggestion to Saucony now that the Hurricane 24 has returned is to greatly differentiate this shoe. Lighten the upper, drop the weight, add the next generation of PWRRUN PB or even PWRRUN HG and give the people a true stability super racer. Saucony has a good fast stability legacy in the Fastwitch (which was sadly discontinued) and I would like to see them lean into making this shoe unique. It is only a matter of time before someone else does this, so I challenge Saucony to be the first.
Bach: The Tempus 2 is a very fun shoe and one that definitely ticks a lot of boxes for me as something who loves a lighter weight shoe and good stability. I do think that the Guide 17's major improvements though may cause a bit of a collision course sometime between the two shoes as the Guide gets lighter and lighter each year. There is a bit of an overlap forming between the two models which makes me feel the Tempus 2 could use an aggressive upgrade in future editions to help really distinguish the two models. Yes, the Guide 17 has less bounce and no superfoam, but it feels light enough on foot to equate to a lot of what the Tempus 2 does now. I would love to see the Tempus 2 get significantly lighter and have a more aggressive geometry for workouts, even if that means sacrificing some of its versatility to both train and workout in the model.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Saucony Tempus 2 is a performance stability trainer for those who want moderate stability with a superfoam for uptempo training and even marathon racing. The Tempus is a great shoe for workouts and racing when paired with the Saucony Hurricane or ASICS Kayano series. The new upper will fit those with slightly narrow feet or those who want a snug, performance feel. The midsole is responsive and stiffer without having a plate and responds best to consistent and some faster paces. While not the fastest stability shoe on the market, it is definitely the only option for those who need moderate to high levels of stability wanting a faster shoe for the marathon. The consistent cost is good given the fact this is mostly an upper change but this does keep the shoe somewhat consistent. While this will keep fans mostly happy, some major changes are needed in version three or we need to see the revival of a new Fastwitch.
Bach: The Tempus 2 is a lightweight stability trainer that can both offer daily training miles and a variety workouts. I believe the shoe is definitely a must-visit for those who are used to medial stability footwear and are craving something more fun and with the ability to actually pick up the pace. This is also an incredibly well-priced shoe that competes with several very general stability trainers in the market. Two years later, there is still no shoe really like the Tempus 2 in the market now for stability runners. The Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 is an excellent short distance competitor, but not one that compares for longer distance work. I'm excited to see not only Saucony continue to innovate this model, but for other companies to catch up and start seeing that there is a real craving for this category of performance staiblity shoes and start releasing their competitors.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+ (Snug, secure, slightly thicker upper with tapered toe box)
Performance: B+/A- (stable shoe with slightly firmer midsole that responds well at uptempo and faster efforts)
Stability: A [Moderate Stability] (Full length PWRRUN Support Frame with signficant midfoot stability with additional sidewalls, centered forefoot and mildly stable heel)
Value: A- (High durability and unique ride make this a great value as a combo trainer/faster shoe or as a durable companion to heavier/higher level stability shoes)
Personal: B+ (I appreciate the ride but the upper is too snug for me especially at the forefoot. Also disappointed in only an upper change after two years but this is still a consistent Tempus)
Overall Design: B+/A-
Bach
Fit: B+ (A fairly reasonable fit, slightly biting in the ankle)
Performance: A- (For stability shoes, solid for both easy and uptempo paces)
Stability: A- (For those looking for medial stability, a prominent amount for a faster shoe)
Value: A (A clear standout and competitive to the rest of stability options available and in the same pricepoint)
Personal: A- (There's just not a lot like it right now on the stability side of footwear)
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORSaucony Tempus 2Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
Saucony's premium stability trainer.
Adidas super trainer gets more aggressive.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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