New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo v2 Review: A Sporty Tempo Trainer With One Big Caveat

Introduction

The New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo v2 sits in a familiar spot in the lineup: a lighter, sportier trainer meant for faster days rather than easy mileage. Visually, it draws clear comparisons to the La Zente/Pursuit family, with a similar upper and full-coverage rubber outsole. Underfoot, though, this version of Fresh Foam is noticeably softer than previous Zante-era foams, which changes the character of the shoe considerably.

We looked at both a standard D width and a 2E wide fit, and the split in opinion was meaningful. One of us came away impressed with the midsole; the other ran into comfort issues with fit. Here’s how it breaks down.

Who This Product Is For

The Tempo v2 is aimed at runners who want a nimble, responsive shoe for tempo runs and quicker training days. If you liked the original Nike Epic React’s soft-but-balanced foam feel, this shoe delivers a very similar vibe: cushioned enough to be comfortable, firm enough to feel the ground and stay responsive.

It also suits runners who value durability in a daily-capable faster shoe, thanks to the generous rubber coverage on the outsole.

Upper: Stretchy HypoKnit With a Locked-Down Midfoot

The upper uses a hypo knit material, the same family of stretchy knit found on the Vongo and the 1080. The toe box is very stretchy and accommodating, then the weave tightens as it moves toward the midfoot to help lock the foot down. A gusseted tongue, thick enough to protect against lace pressure, rounds out a tidy construction, and the heel collar has light padding.

Opinions differed here. One tester found the material grew on them over time; the other prefers a more traditional mesh and found the stretchy upper super accommodating but not ideal. The intended fit is slimmed down, and for standard-width feet the fit was fine.

Midsole: Soft, Responsive Fresh Foam

The midsole is the highlight. It runs a six millimeter drop and uses a Fresh Foam formulation that is much softer than previous Zante Fresh Foam versions. Despite the soft feel, the lower stack keeps a pleasant firmness to it, so the shoe stays responsive rather than mushy.

One tester called it one of their favorite uses of Fresh Foam this year: nice balance, good energy return, and a sporty feel that suits an up-tempo shoe. If you prefer higher-stack shoes, though, this one may feel like a middle ground rather than a first choice.

Ride and Performance

On the run, the Tempo v2 lives up to its name. In a fast ten-mile session at mid-seven-minute pace, it had enough bounce and responsiveness to feel light and nimble. The low-ish stack keeps you connected to the ground while still delivering real cushioning, which is exactly the sporty balance you want from a tempo trainer.

The comparison that kept coming up was the original Epic React: that same soft, pleasant foam feel underfoot. Against something like the Kinvara 13, this shoe offers a softer, more flexible ride, which addressed a common complaint that the Kinvara’s sole ran a little too firm.

Outsole and Durability

The outsole carries plenty of rubber, with coverage wrapping over the edges of the midsole. That should translate into pretty good durability for the price point, and it is one of the reasons both testers felt the shoe itself is well constructed. Fit, cushioning, and outsole all earned praise on the standard-width side.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The biggest caveat is width. Even in the 2E wide version, the midsole platform felt too narrow. A wide-foot tester reported the forefoot and midfoot hanging over the edge of the platform, hot spots developing on runs, and general discomfort. For runners with bunions or a wide midfoot, this is a genuine problem, and the recommendation for wide-fit runners leaned negative despite New Balance’s general reputation for catering to that audience.

Weight comes in at 8.14 ounces (about 260 grams) in a men’s size 10.5, with a 2E pair registering around 9.1 ounces. That is reasonable for a tempo trainer, though not featherweight.

Buying Advice

At around $120, the Tempo v2 is well positioned. It is a well-built shoe with a soft, responsive midsole, solid outsole durability, and a pleasant up-tempo character. If you have standard-width feet and enjoy a lower-stack, softer-but-sporty ride, it is easy to recommend. If you have wide feet, bunions, or a wide midfoot, the narrow platform is likely to outweigh the appeal of the midsole.

Conclusion

The New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo v2 is a well-constructed tempo trainer with one of the nicest Fresh Foam rides we have tried this year. Its soft yet responsive midsole and durable outsole make it a strong option at $120 for standard-width runners, but the narrow platform makes it a poor pick for wide-foot runners who need genuine volume through the midfoot.