Saucony Tempus 2 Introduction
Saucony believe that speed should be for all. To democratise the faster miles, they created the Tempus. A speed day shoe with stability in mind. Packed with the same features as Saucony’s faster shoes but with that little extra support. PWRRUN PB provides midsole cushioning while the geometry is set to speed. Lower slung than most super shoes at 33mm in the heel and with a PWRRUN frame to guide the foot it sounds like a dream for a large section of the running community.
Read on to find out if the dream translates to the road.
The Saucony Tempus 2 offers a race feel to the fit
Andy: Step in comfort in the Tempus 2 is good. As one would expect, the upper is slightly more snug than most daily shoes. It is designed to go fast, after all. From the rear of the shoe, we find a stout and moderately padded heel cup which ensures a good lockdown from the off. Extending along the ankle cutouts, the padding keeps the shoe comfortable without adding too much bulk or making the foot overheat.
Either side of the gusseted tongue, we find a fairly standard lace chain. That is until we reach the penultimate eyelet which is replaced with a tab. This combination of tongue and eyelet creates a very secure midfoot lockdown. At the front of the Tempus 2, the forefoot is snug but not uncomfortably so. Thankfully, the mesh has a little give to it so the foot feels held but not trapped.
Furthermore, breathability has been no issue for me in the Tempus 2. Whilst I haven’t used it in the warmest months of the year, it has maintained temperature well. At the rear of the shoe, we find a handy pull tab which helps slide into the glove-like upper. Finally, the laces are fairly standard affairs which do the job. Their length is appropriate and can be used for both regular knotting and a runner’s loop.
Overall, the upper is very pleasant. It gives the appropriate fit and hold for a faster, speed focussed shoe. It isn’t too underbuilt to lack comfort but it doesn’t have the overengineered feel of some stability shoes. Unless you have a very high volume foot, this sound work well for you.
Superfoam in a super stable set up sets the Tempus 2 apart
Andy: Now, the main event, the midsole. I am very torn on this as a ride and a shoe. As is a feature of stability shoes I have reviewed, the more prominent the stability, the less I tend to like them. Sadly, the Saucony Tempus is no exception. At slower paces, when I am using more of the midsole, I find the control of the PWRRUN frame a little overbearing. Now, this may be very good news for people who need stability. It clearly works. However, for me, I find that too much control ends with knee soreness and the fear of longer lasting aches and pains. This means that longer, easier runs in the Tempus 2 are a no for me.
That said, the shoe is a speed day shoe. This is where it shines for me. When I am faster, up on my toes and, as a result, using less of the midsole, it feels better. The mix of PWRURN PB foam and firmer material of the frame give a good toe off and ping. Unfortunately, the lower stack of the shoe and the firmness of the foam don’t make a great mix for me. Overall, I find it a bit firm and thin for my tastes which makes for an uncomfortable running experience.
I think this is a case of me not being right for the shoe rather than the shoe not being right. It is definitely a capable speed day shoe. Saucony shoes do tend to break in and soften after a 100 or so km. Although, because of the issues I have with the stability features, I won’t be making it that far in the Tempus 2. If you are a runner who needs stability features and enjoys going fast, you should definitely give them a try.
The outsole can hold its own on the road
Andy: In my experience, Saucony traditionally make some fairly friction free outsoles on their road shoes. That said, the Tempus 2 seems better than other rubbers I have tested from the brand. The chevron style lugs have a little bite to them and have given me some solid hold on autumnal pavements.
Is it the shoe for you?
Andy: In this case, I think the Tempus 2 is the right shoe for the wrong runner. It does everything which it is supposed to, which is why it doesn’t work for me. My preference is for the exact opposite of the Tempus. Soft, bouncy and wildly unstable shoes are the order of the day here. That, the Tempus is not. If you are a runner who needs stability features but want a race day ready, lightweight shoe this could be the right choice. If stability is not your bag, take your pick from any of the other amazing speed day shoes which are on the market today.
