Saucony Tempus First Run Review: A Stability Shoe That Rides Like a Neutral Trainer

Introduction

Stability shoes have long had a reputation problem: they tend to feel heavy, firm, and generally less fun than the neutral trainers most runners enjoy. The Saucony Tempus sets out to change that. Priced at £165 or $160, weighing 263 grams (9.3 ounces) for men in a size 8, and with an 8mm drop, it aims to balance performance features with stability elements, giving runners who want a supportive ride the versatility to train comfortably across different sessions.

That support comes from a combination of a contoured PWRRUN frame and a deeper midsole design that holds the foot in place, while the PWRRUN PB midsole delivers soft, bouncy cushioning alongside the supportive geometry. Add a formfit upper, an XT-900 outsole, breathable mesh, and an adaptive lacing design, and you have a shoe that promises a lot on paper. We took it out for a first run to see how it actually performs.

Who this product is for

The Tempus is aimed squarely at runners who want a bit of stability and support without going all the way to a hard-focused stability shoe. It is part of a growing category of subtle stability shoes: put them on and they feel like a fairly normal, well-cushioned neutral shoe, with the support working quietly in the background rather than dominating the ride.

This makes it especially appealing for runners coming back from hard efforts, those in the final weeks of a marathon build who want to protect the body, or neutral runners who appreciate a touch of stability on easy days. If you have always wanted the performance benefits of a neutral shoe but still need some support, this is exactly the kind of shoe that category exists for.

Main strengths

The standout impression after a first 10k interval session is just how un-stability-like the Tempus feels. On the run, which included repeats at faster-than-marathon-pace down to around 3:55 per kilometre, the shoe handled quicker turnover without feeling sluggish or awkward. It is not as fast as a dedicated tempo shoe, but it could comfortably pick up the pace, which is rare for a stability shoe.

The PWRRUN PB foam delivers just the right level of softness, with a plush-but-not-overwhelming feel and a nice toe-off. It feels efficient enough for longer distances, and on a follow-up 45-minute easy run the ride felt softer and more cushioned than expected from a shoe with stability elements, rolling through smoothly rather than feeling slappy. For a stability shoe, the weight is also refreshingly reasonable.

Fit is true to size with a good amount of room in the toe box, a secure hold around the heel and midfoot, and just enough padding to cradle the foot without overwhelming it. It felt comparable to a premium neutral cushioned shoe the moment it went on.

Things to consider before buying

The one clear weak point is grip. The XT-900 outsole felt a little slippy on asphalt paths, with the rubber feeling a touch hard and not offering a huge amount of coverage. On dry park paths it was workable, but if you run in wet or slippery conditions regularly, this is worth weighing up.

Sizing is another small consideration. While the fit was bang on in normal size, some wearer feedback suggests the shoe runs slightly small, with some choosing to go up half a size. That was not necessary here, but it is something to keep in mind if you are between sizes or worried about a snug fit.

It is also worth setting expectations on the level of support. The stability here is subtle by design, and it is definitely not comparable with more aggressive stability shoes. If you need heavy-duty correction, look elsewhere; if you want just a touch of support, that subtlety is a feature rather than a flaw.

Buying advice

The Tempus sits nicely between extremes in the current stability market. Compared with something like the heavily supportive Asics Gel-Kayano 29, which is a very noticeable stability shoe even though its updated foam has softened the ride, the Tempus is far more understated. The New Balance 860 v12 is the closest philosophical match, offering a similarly subtle level of support and stability.

If you are a stability runner who has always wanted a shoe for race day or faster sessions that keeps a bit of support without going completely neutral, the Tempus is a genuinely compelling option. It also works well as a comfortable daily cruiser for easy runs late in a training block. The main caveat remains the outsole grip, so factor in the surfaces you typically run on before committing.

Conclusion

The Saucony Tempus marks an interesting shift in what stability shoes can be: supportive enough to matter, yet light, bouncy, and comfortable enough to feel like a genuinely good neutral trainer. For runners who want a little stability without sacrificing performance or enjoyment, it is an exciting addition to the Saucony line and a shoe that should fare very well in longer-term testing.