The Tempus 2 marks the second iteration of Saucony’s impressive Tempus, a stability shoe that has already earned high praise. The original model quickly gained a reputation as one of the best stability shoes of the year, thanks to its lightweight feel and strong performance.
With the Tempus 2, Saucony introduces a few updates that maintain the shoe’s light, responsive design, offering a stability option that doesn’t sacrifice speed or add unnecessary bulk. This makes it a great choice for runners seeking reliable support with a more dynamic feel.
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Looks:
The Saucony Tempus 2 comes in at least five colorways, ranging from neutral blues and greys to bold oranges. My pair, in White | ViZiBlue, is easily my favorite — though I realize that wearing white shoes in the rainy, leaf-covered fall of the Pacific Northwest might be less than ideal!
Still, I’m loving the clean, simple design of this colorway. Visually, the Tempus 2 is straightforward and sleek, featuring the Saucony logo on both sides and the shoe name in small script, giving it an understated, classic look.
Construction:
While the Tempus 2 doesn’t stray far from its original design, Saucony made a few updates that improve performance and feel. Although I didn’t review the first version myself, many runners had noted issues with the upper’s lack of lockdown. Saucony took this feedback seriously and re-engineered the upper to provide a more secure fit, addressing one of the most common complaints from the previous model.
Upper:
The big change in the Tempus 2 is its new engineered mesh upper, designed for a snug, secure fit. This upgrade, likely in response to feedback from the first model, provides a solid hold across the midfoot. Combined with the tongue (which, if anything, could be a touch longer), it delivers a strong lockdown — so much so that I barely felt the need to adjust the laces once I was out on the run.
The sides are firm, giving a tighter fit that worked well for me, though runners with wider feet or those preferring a roomier fit may want to take note of this snug feel.
Midsole:
The midsole design remains mostly unchanged from the first model, using Saucony’s PWRRUN PB for superfoam cushioning, paired with a PWRRUN supportive frame that helps guide the foot. This combination creates a firmer, close-to-the-ground feel typical of a stability shoe, but without feeling too rigid.
While there’s no plate here, the shoe still manages a pleasant balance between stability and bounce, making it easy to pick up the pace when needed, though it’s still comfortable enough for daily miles.
One aspect worth mentioning is the pronounced arch. At first, I found myself hyper-aware of it during my initial runs, which made me think it could be a dealbreaker. However, as I wore them more, this arch felt less pronounced, almost as if the shoe was adapting to my foot shape over time. I’d recommend giving these a few runs before making a final judgment.
Outsole:
The outsole on the Tempus 2 is decent but not extraordinary, especially when compared to something like PumaGrip, which has superior traction in wet conditions. During my testing on damp, leaf-strewn surfaces, I found it could be a little slippery on sharp turns and dodging obstacles, though it held up well enough for the most part. In other seasons or drier conditions, the outsole would likely be less of an issue.
Overall:
When I think of stability shoes, I often picture something heavier, with lower stack heights and a primary focus on comfort for the long haul. The Tempus 2, however, pushes that perception, fitting into what could be called the “stability+” category. It provides a bit more ground feel than the ultra-cushioned options out there, yet it’s lighter than expected and feels great for both daily miles and picking up the pace on faster runs.
The Saucony Tempus 2 is an excellent choice for runners looking for a stability shoe with a bit of everything: it’s lightweight, secure, has enough support to prevent overpronation, and adds a welcome touch of speed. If you’re in the market for a stability shoe with a more dynamic edge, this could be the one for you!
Saucony Tempus 2 $160
Specs & Socials:
- Weight: 9.4oz. – M9
- Offset: 8mm [33mm / 25mm]
Saucony
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Thank you to Saucony for providing us with a sample pair. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.