Skora Tempo Running Shoes
Run Oregon receives and tests running shoes from time to time. Check out Matt’s initial post about the Skora Tempo.
Company: Skora
Shoe: Tempo
As a reminder, here are some of the descriptions of the design:
Your first stride in TEMPO is like discovering how running was meant to feel: unrestricted yet totally tuned in, and silky smooth mile after mile. For runners looking to transition to natural running, or those that prefer a pinch of plush in their ride, TEMPO offers responsive cushioning that protects but doesn’t interfere.
- Responsive cushioning provides a smooth underfoot feel
- Ultimate flexibility allows the shoe to move with you
- Second-skin upper wraps your foot for a perfect fit
- Anatomical lacing helps prevent rubbing
- Zero drop brings you closer to natural running form
- High abrasion rubber optimizes durability
- Specifications:
- Men’s weight: Under 8 oz.
- Heel-to-toe offset: 0 mm
My Thoughts:
- I was a little concerned about how I would do with a 0mm heel-to-toe drop. The fit was always comfortable, but my first run was definitely an adjustment. However, over time things have continued to improve. The wide toe box leaves me with room I desperately need. The fit remains solid and I have seriously felt better in each subsequent wear.
- The light weight of the shoes have really felt great. I’m used to running, and racing, in shoes which can handle the long distances and are built a tad heavier to handle many miles. The great thing is that even though the Tempos are on the lighter side, they are designed with a thicker sole for more cushion than any other I see in the Skora family. If there ever was a light shoe that could handle longer miles, I would venture to guess this would be near the top of that list.
- With the summer weather being almost unbearable on afternoon runs, I have been hitting the streets for short stretches after the sun goes down. The reflective capabilities of the shoes, something I generally underrate, has come in handy. We recently moved into a new home and are a little further out of the city. This means quieter streets, yet it also means that running occurs on streets with no sidewalks. Even with no other reflective gear (I know, I know), cars have moved over well in advance of meeting up with me. I have also had a few neighbors mention that they could see me coming from a while away.
My Qualms:
- After the first run, the yellow color from the shoes made their way to my socks. Overall, that’s really a minor detail, but something to note nonetheless. It only happened once, so unsure if it was the weather (it was pretty overcast and muggy that day) or just a first-wear anomaly.
- My first run also confirmed my initial fear about heel blistering. I did a number on my heels, which had not happened in ages. I contacted Skora after another Run Oregon reader responded to my initial post stating that he experienced the same thing. Reviews on their site show that this is a phenomena amongst some Skora wearers – some but not all. Skora responded with some tips (thicker socks, tighter lacing, etc), and stated that it was not generally something they have heard. After my heels healed (no pun intended), I was a little tentative to try again. HOWEVER, ever since that first time, and a little maneuvering, I have NOT experienced this since. There have been no issues with blistering, nor any heel blistering discomfort at all.
Overall
Despite some initial “issues”, my first venture into the 0mm drop has been a pretty good experience and my qualms with the shoe initially have generally subsided. I’m not sure I would wear them for all of my runs, but it definitely holds a solid spot in my shoe line-up – specifically when I’m tackling shorter distance races.
Price: $129.95
Nice little review. My current pair of Tempo has nearly 400k and seem to be going strong. I’m 100% comfortable in zero drop shoes, as that’s the only thing I’ve ran in since 2008 probably, yet I still don’t wear the Tempo for all of my runs. I do go lighter for much of my mileage as well, as these are actually my most cushioned shoes.
I had the same heel blistering issue. While i love the upper of the Tempo (maybe one of the most breathable) i had some other issues:
1) Too much arch support. I felt uncomfortable while running.
2) The toecap is too much for a road shoe. I felt the toebox was a bit shallow andthe toecap restricts toe movement.
3) Heel is a bit on the loose side no matter which lacing method i use.
I hope Skora improves the Tempo in the next version, it can be a great alternative to Altras.
Thanks for the comments, Peter. Sorry they’ve you’ve not been super happy with the model.
1) I was bothered by the arch as well, and actually put the shoes away for a while after their initial run. However I gave them another pair and after a few runs the arch became a non issue. It went from me putting the shoes back in the box for a week or two after the first run to them being my current most ran in shoe.
2) This is not something I’ve every actually thought of or considered. I actually like the slightly higher toecap for when I take the shoe offroad.
3) Also not an issue I’ve experienced, but shoe fit certainly changes from person to person.
I may as well do an update as well 🙂
My same pair has now passed 800 miles of long runs, trail races, and track workouts. There is a bit of separation occurring on the upper, but once it started its not really spread, so I would be disappointed to not get 1000 miles out of my pair.
Same here, had blistered heel/achilles on first few miles. Spoke to Skora online with same response you had. For me Skora should use the same heel design on all their shoe as the FIT, super comfy.
Didn’t persevere with them as the arch support and the blistering was too much for me. Straight on Ebay.