The Tempus 2 is truly an all-rounder shoe. It feels great on an easy run but hits its stride when you up the pace. I recently went on a 10-day holiday, and this shoe was all I needed for my long runs, workouts and everything in between.
Saucony released the Tempus in mid-2022, and it quickly became a favourite trainer, especially among the Frontrunner crew. Combining the PWRRUN frame and the strategically placed PWRRUNPB super foam creates a responsive feel without sacrificing stability. It also focuses on guidance rather than forcing your foot to behave a certain way.
This was an absolute game changer from the years of hard, stiff stability shoes to which we had become accustomed. Structured shoes could be fun, too!
The second iteration retains the same midsole unit but introduces an updated upper. The new design features a seamless, engineered mesh with a softer collar and tongue. While some runners haven't been fond of this change, I welcome it—as the decal placement on the Tempus 1 irritated my feet. Additionally, the new upper offers a more secure feel through the mid-foot.
Although all brands' stability offerings have improved significantly over the past three years, I still believe the Saucony Tempus takes the crown for a lightweight trainer that can handle it all. It's perfect for long runs with mixed efforts—providing a stable, secure feel for the miles, but the foam feels fun, fast and responsive.
Technology
- PWRRUN frame: this EVA-based frame is asymmetrically designed to provide medial support, aiming to slow over-pronation. It is firm enough to feel like it gives structure but is not so solid that it feels irritating. On step-in, the arch feels quite aggressive, but I don't notice it at all once moving.
- PWRRUNPB: this premier cushioning is utilised in many of Saucony's top-end race shoes. It is a PEBA polymer blend, making it half the weight of EVA and boasting 88% energy returns. This is what provides the effortless, energetic feeling when you pick up the pace in the Tempus 2.
- XT-900 outsole: premium carbon rubber material that offers excellent traction and durability. It's even suitable for a bit of light trail.
Who's the Tempus 2 for?
Anyone after a stable, energetic ride wants a shoe that can take them through all of their miles. It is also an excellent option for those looking for a race-day shoe that gives that all-wanted energy return but keeps the body together as the going gets tough.
Who shouldn't go for the Tempus 2?
If you are after a soft and compliant shoe, the Tempus 2 probably isn't for you. While it gets smoother as it breaks in, the resilience is what gives you the energy return. Check out the Hurricane 24 if you want a softer, structured ride from Saucony.
The forefoot in the Tempus 2 is also quite stiff, which may not work with everyone's gait. If you are a runner who prefers flexibility, check out the Guide 18 from Saucony for a soft and flexible stability shoe.
Fit
The Tempus 2 runs a bit short, so I recommend going half a size up if you are usually in between. The toe-box, midfoot and heel fit is pretty standard.
The Stats
- Retails for $300
- 8mm Heel-Toe offset (38mm heel/30mm forefoot)
- 264g for a Men's size 9 and 232g for a Women's size 8
- Wise words by Adawg
