Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Saucony Tempus, a shoe that's been making waves in the running community. If you're on the hunt for a versatile, performance-oriented shoe that can handle everything from daily training to tempo runs and even race day, then you've come to the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know about the Tempus, from its innovative design and technology to its fit, feel, and performance on the road. So, lace up your shoes and let's get started!

What Makes the Saucony Tempus Special?

The Saucony Tempus isn't just another running shoe; it's a testament to how far running shoe technology has come. It's designed to provide a unique blend of cushioning, responsiveness, and support, making it a standout option for a wide range of runners. One of the key elements that sets the Tempus apart is its use of Saucony's PWRRUN PB cushioning. This PEBA-based foam is incredibly lightweight and provides exceptional energy return, giving you a bouncy and responsive feel with every stride. Unlike traditional stability shoes that can feel clunky and rigid, the Tempus offers a more dynamic and natural ride. This is largely thanks to its innovative design, which integrates the support features seamlessly into the midsole. The shoe features a contoured midsole and a higher sidewall design that cradles the foot and provides inherent stability. This design helps to guide your foot through its natural motion path, reducing the risk of overpronation and keeping you feeling supported throughout your run. Moreover, the Tempus boasts a secure and comfortable upper that locks your foot in place without feeling restrictive. The engineered mesh is breathable and flexible, allowing your foot to move naturally while providing ample support. The shoe also features a padded heel collar and a gusseted tongue, which enhance comfort and prevent irritation. With its combination of PWRRUN PB cushioning, adaptive support, and comfortable upper, the Saucony Tempus offers a truly exceptional running experience. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a beginner just starting out, this shoe has something to offer. It's versatile enough to handle a variety of workouts, from easy recovery runs to tempo runs and even races. And with its sleek design and eye-catching colorways, you'll look and feel great every time you lace them up.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Initial Thoughts

Okay, so first impressions matter, right? When I unboxed the Saucony Tempus, I was immediately struck by its sleek and modern design. The colorway I got was a vibrant blue with subtle accents, and it just looked fast standing still! But it's not just about the looks. Picking them up, they felt surprisingly lightweight, which is always a good sign, especially for a shoe that's designed to offer both cushioning and support. Slipping them on for the first time, the upper felt incredibly comfortable. The engineered mesh is soft and breathable, and the padded heel collar provided a snug and secure fit. The tongue is also gusseted, which means it's attached to the sides of the shoe, preventing it from sliding around and causing irritation. Walking around in them, I could immediately feel the bounce of the PWRRUN PB cushioning. It's not overly soft or mushy, but rather provides a nice balance of cushioning and responsiveness. I was also impressed by how stable they felt. Even just walking, I could feel the support features working to guide my foot through its natural motion path. Overall, my initial impressions of the Saucony Tempus were very positive. They look great, feel comfortable, and seem to offer the perfect blend of cushioning, responsiveness, and support. But of course, the real test is how they perform on the run. So, let's dive into that next!

The Ride: Performance on the Road

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how does the Saucony Tempus actually perform when you're pounding the pavement? In a word, fantastic. I've put these shoes through a variety of workouts, from easy recovery runs to tempo runs and even a few longer runs, and they've consistently impressed me. The PWRRUN PB cushioning really shines when you pick up the pace. It provides a noticeable energy return that makes you feel like you're gliding along the road. It's not a super-bouncy or trampoline-like feel, but rather a smooth and efficient sensation that helps you maintain your momentum. What's particularly impressive is how well the Tempus balances cushioning and responsiveness. Some shoes that offer a lot of cushioning can feel sluggish and unresponsive, but the Tempus manages to provide ample protection without sacrificing speed or agility. The support features in the Tempus are also noteworthy. The contoured midsole and higher sidewalls do a great job of cradling your foot and providing inherent stability. I never felt like my foot was rolling inwards excessively, even when I was running on uneven surfaces. This is a huge plus for runners who tend to overpronate or who simply want a little extra support. The upper also contributes to the overall ride quality. It's secure and supportive without feeling restrictive, and the breathable mesh keeps your feet cool and dry even on warm days. I experienced no rubbing or hot spots, even on longer runs. One thing I really appreciate about the Tempus is its versatility. It's comfortable enough for easy recovery runs, but also responsive enough for tempo runs and races. It's a true do-it-all shoe that can handle just about anything you throw at it.

Fit and Comfort: Getting the Right Size

When it comes to running shoes, fit is everything. A shoe that fits poorly can lead to blisters, hot spots, and other discomforts that can derail your runs. So, how does the Saucony Tempus stack up in terms of fit and comfort? In my experience, the Tempus runs true to size. I typically wear a size 9 in most running shoes, and the size 9 in the Tempus fit me perfectly. The shoe has a medium volume fit, which means it should accommodate most foot shapes without feeling too snug or too loose. The upper is made of a soft and breathable engineered mesh that conforms to the shape of your foot. It's flexible enough to allow for natural movement, but also supportive enough to keep your foot locked in place. The padded heel collar and gusseted tongue add to the overall comfort of the shoe. The heel collar provides a snug and secure fit around the ankle, while the gusseted tongue prevents it from sliding around and causing irritation. One thing to note is that the Tempus has a slightly wider toe box than some other running shoes. This is a plus for runners who have wider feet or who simply prefer a little extra room in the toe box. The wider toe box allows your toes to splay naturally, which can improve comfort and reduce the risk of blisters. Overall, the Saucony Tempus is a very comfortable shoe that should fit most runners true to size. However, as always, it's best to try the shoe on in person before you buy it to ensure the perfect fit.

Pros and Cons: The Good and the Not-So-Good

No shoe is perfect, and the Saucony Tempus is no exception. While I'm a big fan of this shoe, it's important to be aware of its pros and cons before you make a purchase. Let's start with the pros:

• PWRRUN PB Cushioning: Provides exceptional energy return and a bouncy, responsive ride.
• Adaptive Support: Contoured midsole and higher sidewalls provide inherent stability without feeling clunky or rigid.
• Comfortable Upper: Engineered mesh is breathable and supportive, with a padded heel collar and gusseted tongue.
• Versatile: Can handle a variety of workouts, from easy recovery runs to tempo runs and races.
• True to Size Fit: Fits most runners true to size.

Now, let's take a look at the cons:

• Price: The Tempus is a bit on the expensive side, which may be a barrier for some runners.
• Not Ideal for Muddy Trails: The outsole is designed for road running and may not provide enough traction on muddy or technical trails.
• Not a Maximalist Shoe: While the cushioning is excellent, it's not as plush or maximalist as some other shoes on the market.

Overall, the pros of the Saucony Tempus far outweigh the cons. It's a versatile, performance-oriented shoe that offers a unique blend of cushioning, responsiveness, and support. While it may not be the cheapest option out there, it's well worth the investment for runners who are looking for a high-quality shoe that can handle a variety of workouts.

Who is the Saucony Tempus For?

So, who is the Saucony Tempus really for? I'd say this shoe is a great fit for a wide range of runners, but here are a few specific groups who would particularly benefit:

• Runners who want a shoe that can do it all: If you're looking for a shoe that can handle everything from easy recovery runs to tempo runs and races, the Tempus is a great choice.
• Runners who want a balance of cushioning and responsiveness: The PWRRUN PB cushioning provides ample protection without sacrificing speed or agility.
• Runners who want a little extra support: The contoured midsole and higher sidewalls provide inherent stability without feeling clunky or rigid.
• Runners who want a comfortable and breathable upper: The engineered mesh is soft, supportive, and breathable, keeping your feet cool and dry.
• Runners who want a shoe that looks great: The Tempus has a sleek and modern design that will turn heads.

If you fall into any of these categories, I highly recommend giving the Saucony Tempus a try. It's a fantastic shoe that will help you take your running to the next level.

Alternatives to the Saucony Tempus

If the Saucony Tempus doesn't quite sound like the perfect fit for you, don't worry! There are plenty of other great running shoes out there to choose from. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Brooks Glycerin GTS 20: A stability shoe with a plush and comfortable ride.
• New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13: Another great stability shoe with a smooth and supportive ride.
• Hoka Arahi 6: A lightweight stability shoe with a rocker design that promotes a smooth and efficient stride.
• ASICS Gel-Kayano 29: A classic stability shoe with excellent cushioning and support.
• Mizuno Wave Inspire 18: A durable and supportive shoe that's great for high-mileage training.

Final Verdict: Is the Saucony Tempus Worth It?

So, after all this, is the Saucony Tempus worth the hype? Absolutely. It's a fantastic running shoe that offers a unique blend of cushioning, responsiveness, and support. It's versatile enough to handle a variety of workouts, comfortable enough for long runs, and stylish enough to wear every day. While it may be a bit on the expensive side, it's well worth the investment for runners who are looking for a high-quality shoe that can help them reach their goals. If you're in the market for a new running shoe, I highly recommend giving the Saucony Tempus a try. You won't be disappointed!