Saucony Tempus 2 review

The Saucony Tempus 2 is a very solid choice for:

• Runners who can’t find version 1 anymore and want the same stable and dependable feel.
• Heel strikers who want a stability shoe that feels lively and responsive underfoot.
• Runners in cold climates looking for a supportive, grippy, and comfortable daily trainer, which we discovered works well in low temperatures.

We do not recommend the Saucony Tempus 2 if you are chasing a max-stack shoe. From our perspective, its design stays closer to older standards, and we found in the lab that it clearly falls short of today’s high-cushion trend. There are better choices if you want shock absorption, like the Saucony Hurricane 25 or the ASICS Gel Kayano 32.

We also think the Tempus 2 is not the best option for runners with wide feet. Based on our precise lab measurements, the fit feels narrow and restrictive. We suggest the Altra Paradigm 8 or the Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 instead.

The Tempus 2 fits squarely as a standard daily trainer rather than a max-cushioned model. Its size already suggests this, and our shock absorption test confirmed it, with 123 SA in the heel and 108 SA in the forefoot.

That's average or slightly below, making it better suited for moderate distances or long runs for lighter runners.

The Saucony Tempus 2 benefits from using a superfoam like PWRRUN PB, which delivers excellent energy return. We tested it using the ASTM F1976 method and measured 69.9% energy return in the heel and 72.2% in the forefoot.

These are strong numbers that clearly expand what the shoe can do, as it feels capable of handling faster paces during long runs or performing confidently in fartlek sessions while still providing reliable support.

The heel stack reaches 36.8 mm, which suggests strong impact protection on paper. However, the shock absorption result came in below average as we proved before, mainly due to the very firm PWRRUN layer used in the midsole, which we explain in detail later.

Remember that while softness is not directly linked to energy return, it is closely related to shock absorption, and this result clearly highlights that relationship.

We measured the forefoot at 26.7 mm, which is an average value that matches the Tempus 2’s role as a true all-around daily trainer. It provides enough cushioning for most runs without feeling either too thin or overly thick.

That leaves us with a 10.1 mm heel-to-toe drop. This is higher than the stated 8 mm, but it still confirms a high drop and shows that Saucony played it safe with the Tempus 2, keeping it very friendly for heel strikers.

In the Tempus 2, the softer PWRRUN PB core is wrapped by a firmer PWRRUN frame, creating a dual-density setup that both limits side-to-side movement and shields the more responsive Pebax-based foam from wear. In our softness measurements, PWRRUN PB stays true to its balanced feel at 18.6 HA.

This layout proves highly effective, and it’s surprising that more stability shoes do not follow this approach. By placing the energetic Pebax superfoam closer to the foot and letting the tougher and cheaper EVA contact the ground, Saucony achieves an impressive mix of rebound, control, and durability.

The secondary layer uses an EVA-based PWRRUN foam that feels quite firm, and we tested it at 35.0 HA. This firmness clearly adds a lot of stability, but Saucony could have achieved a similar result with a softer and more pleasant feel in the 23-28 HA range. 

Because of this, runners seeking a modern and softer ride may feel disappointed. We do not see it as a dealbreaker on its own, but it can limit the shoe’s overall appeal for many.

One advantage of keeping the Tempus 2 at a reasonable stack height and out of the maximalist category is that it does not need an exaggerated rocker. Instead, this shoe uses a classic forefoot design that feels refreshingly natural today, while the heel features a clear PWRRUN PB extension and a moderate curvature to smooth transitions for rearfoot strikers.

To assess the internal fit of the Tempus 2, we first created a gel mould using our in-house gel formula and allowed it to fully set before measuring.

This process gives us a clear and accurate picture of the shoe’s inner shape. At its widest point, the mould measured 92.5 mm, which places it on the narrow side.

The snug fit was further confirmed by our second measurement, as the 70.8 mm reading shows a pronounced taper. This limits toe splay and makes the shoe better suited for narrow feet or runners who prefer a secure, locked-in feel.

On the flip side, the toebox offers generous vertical space.

We had plenty of room to lift our toes freely, which we later confirmed with a 31.9 mm measurement.

Saucony used its XT-900 rubber on the Tempus 2, and we are glad they did. It delivered very good grip in our SATRA TM144 test with a 0.63 score, outperforming many competitors and ensuring reliable traction in all weather conditions.

We discovered that the Tempus 2 outsole combines exposed foam with rubber sections like most modern running shoes.

Rubber is placed in the heel and forefoot, while most of the midfoot remains foam, with a different texture on the medial side to cover early wear from pronators. Up front, small rubber patches use a chevron-shaped pattern and are separated by clear gaps. And yes, they copy-pasted the design of the original Tempus.

By avoiding a maximalist design, the Tempus 2 shows average stiffness, scoring 15.1N in our 30-degree bend test. This balanced result blends comfort and stability well, as too much flexibility is not ideal in a stability shoe.

One of the few drawbacks of the Tempus 2 compared to the original Tempus is a small weight increase due to the new upper. Our scale showed 9.3 oz (264g) instead of the previous 8.9 oz (252g).

This difference is almost impossible to feel while running, so it is far from a real issue, especially since the shoe remains light for a stability model. Still, we hoped to see some weight savings here, and we got the opposite.

Breathability is not a strong point of the Tempus 2. We clearly felt heat buildup during our runs, and we later confirmed this feeling in the lab with our full set of tests.

It scored just 2/5 in our breathability rating, which makes it better suited for autumn, winter, and spring. Summer runs can become uncomfortable, especially if you live in a hot and sunny area.

There is some airflow in the toebox, but the rest of the upper offers very limited ventilation. This was easy to spot during our light test.

Using our digital microscope, we saw that the ventilation holes are extremely small and not very effective. On top of that, a secondary inner layer blocks most of the airflow.

From a comfort and quality standpoint, the upper feels good. However, it clearly needs an update focused on ventilation, especially with larger holes in the toebox to manage heat better.

The Tempus is a mild-stability running shoe, offering more support than a neutral trainer but less than a full stability model. That said, version 2 clearly leans closer to max stability.

The firm PWRRUN frame does most of the work, and Saucony also adjusted the heel counter stiffness and used wide landing areas across the shoe to keep the stride well centred.

The Tempus 2 is not easy to bend or twist, and we clearly felt strong resistance during our manual tests. This is expected for a support-focused shoe, and it earned a 4/5 score in this area.

The heel counter feels extremely rigid and is very hard to move. While running in the Tempus 2, lateral forces are well contained thanks to this design, although runners who dislike a very firm rear may find it a bit intrusive.

That said, despite the 5/5 stiffness score, Saucony added plenty of padding to maintain comfort during long use, even when wearing the shoe casually.

We mentioned earlier the wide dimensions of the shoe, and here we confirm it with precise calliper measurements. In the forefoot, we recorded 119.1 mm, which closely matches what we typically see in stability shoes, usually around 120 mm.

The heel measures 94.5 mm in the US 9 pair we purchased, which is also above average. This is a good moment to note that we test every shoe in this size, considered the industry standard, so comparisons between models remain accurate and meaningful.

The upper is not very breathable and also falls short in durability, earning a 2/5 score in our first Dremel test. With this result, it is clear that this is the main area Saucony should focus on when developing the next Tempus.

The heel padding also earned a low 2/5 score, which is more concerning. Most shoes perform better in this area, so if you tend to wear through heel padding quickly, it may be best to skip the Tempus 2.

While the upper clearly needs a material update, we are very happy with the XT-900 rubber. It delivers strong traction and outstanding durability, as we measured only 0.4 mm of wear after the Dremel test, which is seriously impressive.

With 3.7 mm of thickness, it feels like it will last a very long time. In fact, even for a stability shoe, Saucony could consider making it slightly thinner to reduce weight without putting durability at risk.

The Tempus 2 includes a standard insole that measures 4.4 mm in thickness.

If you want to remove the FormFit insole and use your own, you can do so without any issues.

PWRRUN PB is made from PEBA, as its name suggests, and it earned an A+ grade in our cold-temperature test. After spending 20 minutes in the freezer, the foam became only 10% firmer.

Anyone approaching from behind in a car or on a motorbike will easily spot you at night thanks to the large reflective elements on the heel.

Saucony keeps the offset eyelet from version 1, but the design is now much simpler and cleaner. This revised layout is easier to adjust and avoids the fit issues some runners experienced before, while still delivering a secure and stable lockdown while relieving the instep from some pressure.

The tongue uses a balanced 5.0-mm thickness that is not overly plush but delivers solid comfort across most distances without adding bulk.

This semi-gusseted tongue is attached on both sides to limit movement, improving lockdown and midfoot stability. At the same time, the breathable fabric used here is a smart detail that enhances ventilation in the midfoot area.

The Saucony Tempus 2 comes at a fair price for the level of performance it offers, and we believe it is a strong value for runners looking for moderate stability. It is also worth noting that there is no price increase from version 1, which is refreshing at a time when many brands are raising prices without adding meaningful new technology.

The heel design includes a finger-loop heel tab that extends upward and smartly hides the upper stitching, resulting in a cleaner and more refined finish.