Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 vs Saucony Tempus 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Saucony Tempus 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about runners with narrow feet wanting energy return — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #9 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14

4.1

5 sources$121.73as of Aug 1

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is a stability daily trainer that leans plush. Its five reviews cluster tightly, with RunRepeat at 85 out of 100, Road Trail Run 8.4, WearTesters 8.2, Shoe Expert 8.1 and Find My Footwear 8 out of 10, and they agree on the shape of it: a dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole with a full-length medial wedge, a 38 mm stack and an 8 mm drop. It is comfortable, it is heavy at 10.5 oz, and the upper runs warm.

Strengths

— Dual-layer Fresh Foam X midsole provides plush cushioning and stable ride
— Comfortable round fit with more space for feet compared to previous editions
— Durable blown rubber outsole with good traction in wet and dry conditions

Watch-outs

— Upper mesh lacks durability and breathability according to reviewers
— Shoe feels slightly bulky and heavier than expected at 10.5 oz
— Limited appeal for runners who prefer simpler stability designs

$121.73 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Saucony Tempus 2

4.5

5 sources$169.95as of Aug 1

Still one of the lightest stability shoes on the market, the Saucony Tempus 2 runs on energetic PWRRUN PB foam with strong energy return. Reviewers praised the stability and durability, and RunRepeat called it a 'solid choice' for heel strikers who want a responsive daily trainer. The complaints center on a snug fit, particularly through the forefoot, and poor breathability. Doctors of Running noted the tapered toe box can cause minor abrasion, and some users found the laces too short to lock the foot down. Runners with narrow to standard feet who want stability and energy return more than cushioning and airflow are the fit.

Strengths

— Lightest superfoam stability shoe available
— Excellent energy return with PWRRUN PB foam
— Very stable ride with firm PWRRUN frame support

Watch-outs

— Poor breathability in upper mesh
— Slightly heavier than previous version
— Overly snug forefoot and narrow toe box

$169.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 offers more plush cushioning than the Saucony Tempus 2 and better durability than the Hoka Arahi 8, but it's heavier and less breathable than the Saucony Hurricane 25. It's also less stable than the ASICS GT-2000 14 and lacks the energy return of the Saucony Guide 18.

Saucony Tempus 2

The Saucony Tempus 2 is lighter and more responsive than the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 and offers better energy return than the Saucony Hurricane 25, but it's less stable than the Hoka Gaviota 6 and lacks the breathability of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14. It's also more restrictive than the Saucony Guide 18.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14	Saucony Tempus 2
Weight	10.5 oz	9.3 oz
Stack Height	38 mm	38 mm
Drop	8 mm	8 mm
Midsole	Fresh Foam X	PWRRUN PB
Stability	Medial post	Neutral
Arch Support	Moderate	Medium
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh
Outsole	Blown rubber	XT-900 carbon rubber

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