Saucony Tempus 2 Introduction
Last year Saucony unveiled the Tempus, a new top tier offering in their stability lineup. They have taken inspiration from their endorphin line and added support. This is the 2nd edition of the Tempus, so how does it compare?
Saucony has three stability trainers, the Guide, Omni, and Tempus.
There has been an evolution with each of these trainers the last couple of years. They have all had cushion added to them, and they have subtracted the medial post and added support by the way the midsole is built.
The Tempus retails for 160 dollars and competes with the ASICS Kayano, Hoka Gaviota, and New Balance Vongo in this price range.
Saucony Tempus 2 First Impressions
This colorway of the Saucony Tempus is royal blue and silver, the blue really pops, but the silver looks more like eggshell to me. It is a sleek and stylish design that looks good on your feet.
This was a brand new trainer to me and I compared it to the Hurricanes I have from a few years ago. Upon slipping these on for the first time, I had a truly different experience from the other Sauconys I have reviewed in the past.
First, I was impressed with how light they felt along with the amount of cushioning. I noticed a slight stiffness to them and I chalked that up to being a new trainer that I hoped would loosen and soften over time. Even with the slight stiffness they were a comfortable trainer right out of the box.
The maiden voyage of the Saucony Tempus 2 was a 5k. After getting over the initial awkwardness and stiffness I settled in for a comfortable ride.
I got the sense they needed a little break in time as with other Saucony trainers I have run in. As I put more miles on them they began to provide a tailored fit with ample stability.
This got me excited to keep running in them.
Saucony Tempus 2 Upper
Moving to the upper, the Saucony Tempus 2 has a new engineered mesh for its upper. It is both breathable and lightweight. It provides a medium amount of support and structure. This adds to the shoe’s overall flexibility and stability.
The form-fitting design of the Tempus 2’s upper is another highlight. It comfortably hugs the foot without feeling restrictive, thanks in part to the seamless overlays that reinforce the fit and keep it secure without adding weight.
Saucony’s Lace Loop System helps to ensure the laces stay snug and evenly distributed across the foot, preventing any discomfort caused by pressure points.
The heel collar and tongue are padded enough to offer comfort but not so much that they feel overly bulky. This keeps the overall fit while still providing enough cushion to prevent irritation. The internal counter holds the heel in place no matter the pace.
The flared heel collar gives you support while also encouraging natural movement of your achilles. The upper is definitely a strength of the Saucony Tempus 2.
Saucony Tempus 2 Sole Unit
Let’s start from the ground up. XT-900 Carbon Rubber covers the outsole of the Saucony Tempus. It is strategically placed with a thinner layer on the outside and the thicker layer in places of higher impact. It held up well during review miles providing traction in all conditions and surfaces.
The midsole of the Saucony Tempus 2 features a dual-density foam construction, blending PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN foams for a plush yet responsive ride. The PWRRUN PB foam (Saucony’s lighter, more responsive material) is found in the top layers, providing a soft and cushioned feel underfoot, while the PWRRUN foam below offers a firmer, more stable platform.
They have basically taken the endorphin speed midsole and added stability to it. The mixture of these two compounds is effective but I found the break in time to be longer. Once broken in the Tempus is a highly comfortable and stable ride.
Aiding in both the stability and comfort department is the Contoured PWRRUN Frame.
It supports the foot upon impact because of the asymmetrical design along with stabilizing the foam. There is an 8 mm drop in, that provides smooth transitions and toe offs with some pop.
There is an inherent rocker shape to the frame only adding to the comfort and stability.
Saucony Tempus 2 Conclusions
Saucony will always hold a special place in my heart. They were the first trainer I put on when I came back to running after college. They were on my feet crossing the finish line of my marathons. They have always been reliable. Does the Tempus continue this trend?
The dual density foam constructed midsole of the Tempus 2 delivers a plush yet responsive ride. I love to see elements of the endorphin line in a stability offering. One drawback to the midsole is the longer than usual break in time.
Once broken in though, you will have countless stable and comfortable miles. The midsole is versatile, being able to handle anything I ran it in. It truly is a daily trainer that could take you along any training plan or race. It is also a comfy everyday shoe to wear.
The form fitted upper of the Saucony Tempus provides a hug like fit without being restrictive. This tailored fit may bother some runners but for me, it was ideal. It encouraged natural movement from heel to toe along with giving my feet the structure it needed.
Overall, I would say the Saucony Tempus 2 is my favorite trainer of 2024. The ride was smooth and stable from impact to toe off. Along with an upper that fit my feet like they were an extension of them.
Running, even though it is tough at times, should be comfortable and enjoyable, the Saucony Tempus 2 achieves both of these goals with ease.
