Saucony Tempus: Wide Sizes, Fit, and Why It Matters

Do Saucony Tempus come in wide?

Yes, the Saucony Tempus is available in wide widths for both men and women, addressing the needs of runners requiring additional volume and space in the forefoot and midfoot for optimal comfort and performance.

Understanding the Saucony Tempus and Its Importance in Footwear Fit

The Saucony Tempus is a notable entry in the stability shoe category, engineered to provide a blend of responsive cushioning and inherent support for daily training and longer runs. It features a unique combination of Saucony's energetic PWRRUN PB foam for propulsion and a structured PWRRUN frame for guidance and stability. For any runner, regardless of their gait mechanics, the fit of a running shoe is paramount. An improperly fitting shoe can lead to discomfort, reduce performance, and significantly increase the risk of various foot and lower extremity injuries. Among the critical aspects of fit, width often receives less attention than length, yet it is equally vital for foot health and biomechanical efficiency.

Availability of Wide Sizes for the Saucony Tempus

For individuals with wider feet, finding a running shoe that accommodates their foot shape without constricting it is essential. Saucony, recognizing this need, offers the Tempus in wide sizes.

• Men's Wide: The Saucony Tempus is available in a 2E width for men.
• Women's Wide: The Saucony Tempus is available in a D width for women.

These wide options provide additional volume and width across the shoe's toebox and midfoot, ensuring a more accommodating fit for those who experience pressure or discomfort in standard-width footwear. Runners seeking these wider versions should check Saucony's official website or visit specialty running stores, as availability can vary by retailer.

The Biomechanical Imperative of Wide Footwear

The human foot is a complex structure designed to adapt and absorb impact. During the gait cycle, particularly in the stance phase, the foot naturally splays and expands. This "forefoot splay" is a crucial biomechanical function that allows the foot to absorb ground reaction forces and distribute pressure effectively.

• Consequences of Ill-Fitting Shoes: When a shoe is too narrow, it restricts this natural foot expansion. This can lead to a cascade of issues:

  • Pressure Points and Blisters: Constant rubbing and compression can cause skin irritation.
  • Numbness and Tingling: Nerve compression, particularly in the metatarsal area, can lead to conditions like Morton's neuroma.
  • Toe Deformities: Over time, narrow shoes can exacerbate or contribute to bunions, hammertoes, and ingrown toenails.
  • Compromised Stability: A foot that is squeezed cannot fully engage its intrinsic muscles, potentially leading to reduced stability and an increased risk of ankle sprains.
  • Reduced Performance: Discomfort and altered biomechanics can hinder natural stride and overall running efficiency.

• Optimized Performance and Comfort: Wide shoes allow the foot to function more naturally, supporting its anatomical structure and biomechanical actions. This translates to enhanced comfort, better force distribution, and a more stable platform for propulsion.

Identifying Your Need for Wide Running Shoes

Many runners unknowingly wear shoes that are too narrow. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward finding the right fit.

• Physical Indicators:

  • Pressure or Tightness: A feeling of compression, especially across the ball of the foot or the toes.
  • Numbness or Tingling: Sensations in the toes or forefoot during or after runs.
  • Redness or Blisters: Irritation on the sides of the forefoot, little toe, or bunion area.
  • Foot "Spilling Over": If the upper material of the shoe bulges significantly over the sole, your foot may be too wide for the standard size.
  • Black Toenails: While often attributed to length, a narrow toebox can also cause toes to jam against each other or the shoe's upper, leading to bruising.

• Measurement: The most accurate way to determine if you need wide shoes is to have your feet professionally measured for both length and width. Specialty running stores use a Brannock device or similar tools to provide precise measurements. It's advisable to measure both feet, as one foot is often slightly larger than the other.

• Common Foot Conditions: Certain foot conditions, such as bunions (hallux valgus) or a naturally broad forefoot, predispose individuals to needing wider footwear. Flat feet, while primarily related to arch support, can also be associated with a wider forefoot splay.

Ensuring the Optimal Fit for Your Saucony Tempus

Even with wide options available, proper fit goes beyond simply selecting "wide." It's a holistic process.

• Professional Assessment: The gold standard for shoe fitting is a visit to a specialty running store. Trained staff can analyze your gait, measure your feet, and recommend appropriate shoes, including wide options like the Saucony Tempus.
• Timing of Purchase: Try on shoes later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen from activity or natural daily expansion. This ensures the shoe will be comfortable even when your feet are at their largest.
• Key Fit Checks:
  • Length: Ensure there is about a thumb's width (approximately half an inch) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
  • Width: The shoe should feel snug but not tight across the widest part of your foot (the ball of your foot). Your foot should not feel compressed or spill over the sides.
  • Heel: Your heel should feel secure with minimal slippage.
  • Midfoot: The lacing should allow for a comfortable, secure fit without creating pressure points.
• Test Run: Walk or jog around the store to assess how the shoes feel in motion. Pay attention to any rubbing, pressure, or discomfort.

Beyond Width: Other Fit Considerations

While width is critical, it's part of a larger equation for optimal running shoe fit.

• Arch Type and Support: The Saucony Tempus is a stability shoe, designed to provide support for overpronation. However, individual arch structure and needs vary. Some runners may still benefit from custom orthotics or specific lacing techniques to fine-tune the support.
• Volume: Width refers to the side-to-side measurement, but shoe "volume" relates to the overall space inside the shoe, including height. A wide shoe generally offers more volume, but some individuals may have high insteps requiring even more vertical space.
• Lacing Techniques: Different lacing patterns can help customize the fit. For example, skipping eyelets over a high instep or using a "runner's knot" for heel lock can address specific fit challenges.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Foot Health and Performance

The availability of the Saucony Tempus in wide sizes is excellent news for runners who require extra room. By offering this option, Saucony helps ensure that more individuals can experience the shoe's blend of stability and cushioning without compromising on comfort or foot health. Remember that proper shoe fit is an investment in your running longevity and overall well-being. Take the time to assess your needs, measure your feet accurately, and try on shoes carefully to ensure your Saucony Tempus provides the optimal platform for your runs. Prioritizing correct footwear fit is a fundamental step toward injury prevention and maximizing your potential as a runner.