The Saucony Tempus and Saucony Guide 17 are two of Saucony’s newest running shoe models that provide varying levels of stability and cushioning. The Tempus is best for runners who need moderate stability, while the Guide 17 is designed for runners who overpronate and require more correction.
Both shoes utilize Saucony’s latest midsole foams to deliver a responsive, smooth ride. The Tempus and Guide 17 also feature breathable engineered mesh uppers and durable outsoles.
Read on to see how these two Saucony shoes compare when it comes to stability, fit, cushioning, and overall performance.
Similarities And Differences Between Saucony Tempus and Guide 17:
| Feature | Saucony Tempus | Saucony Guide 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched In | 2022 | 2024 |
| Stability | Moderate | Medial support |
| Flexibility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Sizing | True to size | Runs slightly small |
| Weight | 10.4 oz (men’s), 8.8 oz (women’s) | 10.6 oz (men’s), 9.2 oz (women’s) |
| Cushion | PWRRUN PB | PWRRUN |
| Outsole | XT-900 rubber | XT-900 rubber |
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB | PWRRUN+ |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
| Retail Price | $160 | $140 |
Features Comparison:
Materials:
The Saucony Tempus uses a PWRRUN PB midsole which provides a responsive, energetic ride with plenty of cushioning. The outsole uses durable XT-900 carbon rubber. The upper features a flexible engineered mesh for breathability.
The Saucony Guide 17 utilizes a PWRRUN+ midsole to deliver a soft, plush ride with mild medial support. The outsole also uses XT-900 carbon rubber in a tri-flex design for traction. The upper is made of breathable engineered mesh.
Durability:
Both the Tempus and Guide 17 are built to last, thanks to their XT-900 rubber outsoles. Reviewers found the outsoles showed minimal wear after several miles of use. The PWRRUN midsoles are also quite durable, providing consistent cushioning for the lifespan of the shoe.
The Guide 17 may have slightly better durability due to its medial post and overlays which provide structural support. But overall, both shoes are evenly matched when it comes to lasting many miles.
Fit:
The Saucony Tempus fits true to size for most runners, with a roomy toe box that allows for natural toe splay. The heel locks in securely for a snug rearfit. The engineered mesh upper is flexible and moves naturally with the foot.
In contrast, the Saucony Guide 17 runs slightly small according to some wear-testers. It has a more snug fit throughout the upper, including a slightly shallow toe box. The snug heel can cause some slippage until broken in.
Those with wider feet may need to size up in the Guide 17 for a comfortable fit. Overall, the Tempus accommodates more foot shapes with its true-to-size fit and roomier toe box, while the Guide 17 has a narrower, higher-volume fit.
Stability:
The Saucony Tempus utilizes a medial support frame in the midsole to provide moderate stability for runners who overpronate slightly. While not a motion-control shoe, it offers enough correction to guide neutral runners who need some support.
In contrast, Guide 17 is made specifically for moderate to severe overpronators. It has an updated medial post design for better rearfoot control and smoother transitions.
Cushioning:
Underfoot, the Tempus features Saucony’s plush PWRRUN PB foam which gives soft, elevated cushioning without losing responsiveness. Testers found it comfortable even over long distances.
The Guide 17 uses a PWRRUN+ midsole that has a slightly firmer, responsive feel. While cushioned, the PWRRUN+ doesn’t have quite as plush of a feel as the PWRRUN PB. However, it provides adequate shock absorption for heel strikers.
Value:
With a retail price of $160, the Saucony Tempus offers excellent value for neutral runners seeking a comfortable, cushioned daily trainer. The Energized PWRRUN PB midsole provides a smooth, responsive ride that holds up mile after mile, while the durable rubber outsole shows minimal wear.
At $140, the Guide 17 is a stand-out value for stability runners who need support for overpronation. The medial post and PWRRUN+ foam work together to prevent excessive inward rolling motion, giving overpronators the corrective features they need at an affordable price point.
Considering their innovative midsole foams, durable builds, and reasonable prices, both the Tempus and Guide 17 deliver strong value. However, the Tempus edges out the Guide when it comes to value for neutral runners.
performance comparison:
For Walking:
The Saucony Tempus provides plush cushioning that makes walking comfortable for short or long distances. The flexible upper moves naturally with the foot. These qualities also make the Tempus a good choice for standing all day.
The Guide 17 feels slightly stiffer due to its stability features. As a result, some wear-testers found it wasn’t as comfortable for casual wear and walking. The snugger fit also reduces flexibility.
For Running:
Runners reported the Tempus provided a smooth, cushioned ride at various paces. The Energized PWRRUN PB midsole gives energetic toe-offs while remaining comfortable. It works well for tempo runs, long runs, and daily training.
The Guide 17 is a dependable stability running shoe that moderate to severe overpronators love. It corrects excessive inward rolling while delivering responsive cushioning for any type of run.
For Plantar Fasciitis:
The Tempus offers ample underfoot cushioning to help reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The soft foam absorbs shock evenly across the foot, with some users noting the shoe relieved their PF symptoms.
The Guide 17 is fairly rigid due to its stability features. While it does have a plush sockliner, some wear-testers felt the overall firmness aggravated their plantar fasciitis – especially in the heel.
For Standing All Day:
The Saucony Tempus is an excellent option for jobs that require standing for prolonged periods. It has more cushioning than the average running shoe which keeps feet comfortable. The roomy toe box prevents pain or numbness as feet swell.
While the Guide 17 works for standing, its snugger fit and reduced cushioning don’t make it as ideal for all-day wear. The shoe is stiff out of the box and requires more break-in time to soften up.
Final Verdict:
The right choice between the Saucony Tempus and Saucony Guide 17 depends on your pronation needs.
The Tempus is the better pick if you’re a neutral runner who needs moderate stability or has slightly flat arches. It provides responsive cushioning and support in a comfortable, flexible package.
Severe overpronators who require motion control will benefit more from Guide 17. It has better rearfoot stability and medial support to prevent excessive inward rolling.
Both shoes utilize similar midsole foams and outsole materials for a smooth, energized ride. The Tempus has more cushioning while the Guide 17 fits most feet snugger. Take your gait and comfort preferences into account when deciding between these two great stability options from Saucony.