The Saucony Tempus 2 and the Saucony Guide 19 are two stability shoes in the Saucony lineup, but they are not aimed at the same runner. The Guide is the everyday safe bet, the Tempus the new generation of stability, built to go fast.
The Tempus 2 is noticeably lighter, with 30 g / 1.1 oz less on the scale. The platforms are close in height, with a slightly higher drop for the Tempus.
The major difference is in the foam: the Tempus 2 packs PWRRUN PB, the PEBA foam from Saucony’s racing shoes, framed by a support frame that guides your stride without a plate. The Guide 19 relies on the standard PWRRUN, reliable and comfortable, but noticeably less responsive. A generation of technology separates them.
In use, the Guide 19 rolls through easy runs and endurance work with discreet, confidence-inspiring guidance: it is a one-mission shoe, and it does that mission well. The Tempus 2 covers a much wider spectrum: daily training, tempo and up-tempo long runs, with a level of responsiveness no other stability shoe offers.
Both uppers are comfortable, with serious lockdown. The Guide is the more breathable of the two and favors room, while the Tempus, a bit more fitted, stays in the performance spirit.
The budget gap is reasonable: the Tempus 2 costs about $20 more.
Tempus 2 or Guide 19: Which Should You Choose?
If you overpronate and want a shoe that can do it all, easy runs and workouts alike, the Tempus 2 is the better investment: its PWRRUN PB foam raises the bar for the stability category.
The Guide 19 remains the simple choice: less expensive, it is perfect if your runs stick to easy endurance.
