It’s easy to fall back on a popular model like the Pwrrun PB, PEBA-based when you’re looking for a comfortable everyday shoe with a stability component. We all have that one brand we’re loyal to. But, even if you’re a Brooks diehard, might I make a case for the Saucony Tempus 2? A lightweight trainer with super foam cushioning, the Tempus 2 is a model you should consider, especially if you’re adding speedwork to your training.
Pros
- Lightweight, responsive super foam cushioning
- Snug midfoot fit
- Support for overpronators
Cons
- Narrow toebox
| Type | Road, Stability |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.4 oz (M), 7.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Height | 33 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 25 mm |
- Why Run in This Shoe: The Saucony Tempus 2 is a stability trainer with super foam cushioning and a rocker profile that’s ideal for speed workouts
- Preceded By: Tempus
- Pwrrun support frame for stability: We help you decide if this lightweight stability shoe with super foam cushioning is right for you, High-Tech Sneakers That Soothe Your Battered Feet
- Midsole Foam: The Tempus 2 uses a Pwrrun support frame on the medial side to guide your foot when it overpronates
- Key Tech: Pwrrun support frame for stability
How the Saucony Tempus 2 Fits
“The construction of the upper was excellent—no plastic bits and the material was right in ‘the middle’ in terms of thickness and warmth,” said wear-tester Kaitlynn Zolnay, who runs 45 miles per week at 9:00 pace. “It’s not too cushy and also not too thin, making it very comfortable on foot. The padding on the collar and tongue were just enough to make the shoe comfortable and supportive for daily use and was nowhere as (annoyingly) thick as the Nike Vomero 17.”
Testers praised the Tempus 2’s snug midfoot and thinly padded tongue, but wanted more toe room.
“My pinky toes were a little squished in the toebox initially,” said Zolnay. “I would suggest going up a half size for a roomier fit. The length was more than adequate and the width did seem to relax a little so perhaps they are not perfect out of the box. If you like a little room to wiggle, just be aware.”
Other shoe testers echoed Zolnay’s comments, saying their toes felt crammed and recommending runners go up a size. Coincidentally, the Adrenaline GTS 24 was also knocked for its narrow toebox.
How the Saucony Tempus 2 Feels
One thing the Adrenaline GTS 24 doesn’t have is super foam cushioning. Like its predecessor, the Tempus 2 has Pwrrun PB, a PEBA-based midsole with exceptionally responsive cushioning. We’ve experienced Pwrrun PB’s power racing in Saucony’s racing collection, which includes the Endorphin Pro 4 and Endorphin Speed 4 (the Pro 4’s dual-cushioning includes Pwrrun PB and Pwrrun HG).
The Adrenaline GTS 24 has DNA Loft v3 foam, which is nitrogen-infused EVA foam that was also used in Brooks’s max-cushioned trainers, the Glycerin 21 and Glycerin GTS 21. This plush cushioning sequesters the Adrenaline in the daily trainer category. Our Tempus 2 testers, on the other hand, found the shoe performed well during speed workouts at the track.
The Tempus 2’s stability component is a Pwrrun frame which has an asymmetrical design that runs along the medial side. It’s that take-it-when-you-need-it support we’ve been seeing in stability shoes since brands phased out obtrusive medial posts. It’s less noticeable than Brooks’s guide rails design (the guide rails function as bumpers to support erratic form), which you can see on the Adrenaline’s lateral and medial sides of its heel.
“The best feature for me was stability of the shoe,” said tester David Fisher. “It made for a confident stride in uneven surfaces and remained strong throughout the testing.”
How the Saucony Tempus 2 Rides
When I head out wearing the Tempus 2, my intention is to go fast. The super foam paired with the rocker geometry helps create a smooth drive when I’m pushing the pace during a short to mid-distance run.
Other testers found they could pick up the pace, too. “I really liked the firm and light foam underfoot,” said Zolnay. “It really made the shoe seem like a faster, tempo-like shoe compared to other shoes I have tried, giving me a really comfortable turnover. It was responsive and I did not sink into it too much, but it also offered a nice amount of comfort and protection from the pavement. I found the faster paces did remarkably well with this shoe: strides around 5:45 pace and tempo miles at 7:15 pace felt comfortable.”
Because Zolnay is a forefoot striker, I was surprised she didn’t want more cushioning in the forefoot. On the other hand, tester AJ Sanford, who also runs with a forefoot strike, made an appeal for more cushioning, as well as stack height.
“While I’m usually all for lightweight shoes, I think this shoe could have benefitted from a little bit more stack height and/or cushioning,” said Sanford, who prefers the snappiness of the Asics Magic Speed 3. “I think it’s ok on the track. I wouldn’t do a workout in them that requires me to be at mile race pace for most of it, but I think it’s good for 5K race pace and up.”
A midfoot striker myself, I found the cushioning satisfying during testing. When I ran downhills, however, I wished for maybe a few more millimeters of midsole foam in the forefoot to absorb impact.
So, the Tempus 2 or Adrenaline GTS 24?
If you want a shoe to log weekly mileage and provide cushioned support, try the Adrenaline GTS 24. Runners liked the shoes cushioning but found its weight slightly bulky.
If the Adrenaline GTS 24 is too bulky for you but you still need some stability, try the Tempus 2. The lightweight shoe provides lightweight cushioning and super foam pop for speed workouts.
Amanda Furrer, Runner’s World test editor, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
