The new New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo v2 boasts a completely different look compared to the previous model. Amongst other things, the upper has undergone a makeover and now features HypoKnit. Are you looking for a fast shoe with good ventilation and an incredible midsole? Then the New Balance Tempo v2 is definitely for you!
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Lightweight shoe – but still comfortable
New Balance have designed a new version of their popular Fresh Foam Tempo shoes. If you know the different New Balance's models, then this is a really lightweight version of the New Balance 1080. And since it features the same type of foam in the midsole, you still get a great level of comfort, even though the shoe only weighs 200 grams in women's size 37 and 240 grams in men's size 42.5!
When looking at other shoe models, this shoe can be compared to the Saucony Kinvara 13, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo, the Mizuno Wave Shadow 5 and the Asics Gel-Noosa Tri. In other words, we are talking about a lightweight neutral shoe that features a low midsole, has good contact with the surface, and a good level of comfort.
Do you need a fast New Balance shoe that also offers support and stability? Then the New Balance Fuelcell Prism Energystreak 2 is the shoe you should go with. This shoe, however, has a midsole made from Fuelcell material. Despite this, you still get a fast shoe with a lot of comfort!
New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo V2 vs. New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo - what is the difference?
As mentioned above, there is quite a difference between the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo and the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo v2. If we start from the bottom:
The outsole has been made a bit smaller on the Tempo v2. On this latest edition, the outsole has been reduced to only cover the places where it is essential. This helps to cut down on unncessary weight.
The midsole material is exactly the same, i.e. the soft and comfortable Fresh Foam X, and there is the same amount of it in the shoes. It has been shaped in a slightly different way than the previous model, but otherwise there are no real changes here.
The upper has definitely undergone the biggest change. On the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo v2, the entire upper has been made using the soft and ventilating HypoKnit. This ensures good breathability and a really good level of comfort - in terms of feeling, the upper just sits really well and snugly around the foot. This is a definite advantage if you want to run fast. With this upper, the shoe has achieved a softer but more streamlined look, which sums up pretty well what this shoe is all about: Speed and comfort.
New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo V2 - What does it offer?
So what should this shoe be used for? I have mainly worn it on my very short tempo sessions, as well as for interval training. If you are going to run much further than 10 km, then personally I think that the shoe lacks a little midsole under the feet. But it would be perfect for 5 km and 10 km competitions.
Another thing I want to wear the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo v2 for is when I do technical running exercises; e.g. high knees, heel kicks or running jumps. Here the shoe is absolutely brilliant! Due to the relatively low midsole, I get great contact with the ground, which is important when doing such exercises, if you are to achieve the optimal effect. And seeing as the foam is Fresh Foam X, there is still plenty of comfort. Win win!
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the shoe is also a really good shoe for the gym. There is enough comfort to be able to run on a treadmill wearing the shoe, yet little enough to allow you to be able to do some strength training safely and comfortably.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo v2 is a super shoe for the shorter tempo sessions, interval training and for your more technical exercises. It is lightweight and responsive, but still features a high level of comfort!
If you love New Balance Fresh Foam 1080, but want a lighter and firmer alternative for the days when you really need speed, then the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo V2 is the obvious choice.
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