When it comes to long distance running or training for marathon racing, finding shoes with the perfect blend of cushioning and speed is paramount for success. They should help you excel in training sessions while breaking free on race day! The top tempo running shoes offer this perfect balance – so find ones you feel great in during sessions while breaking away on race day!

The Clifton 9 is an ideal shoe for those who value comfort above all else. Durable yet soft-riding, this daily trainer promises durable yet cushiony ride performance.

1. Nike Air Zoom Streakfly

The Streakfly features a full-length block of ZoomX foam with a plastic midfoot shank embedded within it for light yet responsive cushioning, making it an excellent shoe for speedwork or tempo runs up to 10K distances, mile pace intervals and hill repeats. However, runners who specialize in using shoes with more toe spring may find running in them harder due to its flexible forefoot which requires greater extension at the 1st MTP joint than other options.

The Nike Air Zoom Streakfly was specifically created as the lightest racing flat available from their brand, making it the ideal shoe for shorter distance races such as 5Ks or college cross-country events where spikes aren’t necessary. Nike racing shoes like the Vaporfly and Alphafly may offer premium features, but its super-responsive full-length ZoomX foam and Pebax plate make the Vaporfly an excellent tempo running shoe for those seeking speed. The Nike Streakfly boasts a lightweight and fused upper with heel pods for “lightweight heel lockdown”, and an outsole traction pattern designed to grip pavement from contact to toe-off. Men’s size 10 versions weigh just 185 grams for racing shoes of this caliber – extremely light for racers! Additionally, runners have reported covering over 500 miles without significant signs of wear on this racer shoe!

2. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Runners love the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3’s light, responsive feel and fast running performance, which have won them praise since its debut two years ago. Since its launch, it has quickly become one of the leading choices among those searching for lightweight performance trainer/workout shoes capable of supporting workouts, tempo runs and races alike.

The Speed 3 offers top-quality performance with its natural and smooth ride, uncompromising comfort, perfect fit and lock, energetic wide platform and full-length PWRRUN PB foam midsole with its embedded winged nylon plate providing mild stiffness with effective forward propulsion. In addition, there’s a solid forefoot rocker (Speedroll) for effortless transitions as you run.

In its most recent version, the Speed 3 offers enhanced stability thanks to a slightly wider platform in the heel and midfoot with better integration of its nylon plate. Furthermore, its upper features a snug feel when locked down while wrapping around your foot globally for total foot coverage.

Saucony’s reliable XT-900 rubber outsole does a superb job at gripping the road, while still remaining lightweight and durable – meaning these shoes make going the distance easy!

3. Brooks Hyperion Max

Brooks Speed Series’ cushiony and plateless offering is an ideal shoe for tempo runs. Many runners will appreciate its quickness and lightweightness over shoes with carbon or nylon plates; some runners may even find this shoe preferable over carbon/nylon soled options.

Although its name might imply otherwise, this running shoe does not feature max-cushioned comfort; even with its generous amount of DNA Flash foam underfoot. This nitrogen-infused midsole foam is used by Hyperion Elite and trail Catamount models; when coupled with its sturdy outsole and moderate rocker system it makes for an excellent uptempo trainer/racer experience.

Reviewers found the upper to be made from stretch-woven mesh with 3D Fit Print that is lightweight, breathable, supportive on foot and comfortable out-of-the-box – designed to withstand daily training runs while remaining durable enough.

As an added feature, the Hyperion Max has a rocker outsole which helps reduce heel strike by encouraging forefoot landing, making you lighter on your feet while increasing cadence, helping you run faster. In contrast to some of the other shoes listed here, this premium lightweight trainer feels more premium.

4. New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo V2

New Balance recently updated their Fresh Foam Tempo, making it softer, lighter and more responsive than before. Users report that this shoe is ideal for various forms of workouts and distances including long runs, maintenance runs, tempo runs and track workouts due to its flexible segmented outsole design which flexes with your foot for more flexible push off and superior traction.

Though not an exceptionally fast shoe on its own, the low-stack midsole provides soft landing with plenty of ground feel, while its outsole grip provides superior road and treadmill traction with minimal breakdown after extended testing sessions.

The New Balance Fresh Foam Temp V2 boasts a soft and comfortable Hypoknit upper, making the shoe stretchy yet supportive around the foot for runners’ reports of it fitting like a glove. Furthermore, many users appreciate its flexible forefoot which enables softer transitioning and push offs.

This shoe’s sole drawback is its soft and flat outsole lugs; these may not provide lightning-quick transitions and push-offs, since most speed shoes feature numerous small sticky lugs which grab onto roads or treadmills. If you prefer faster options from New Balance try either Hanzo or 1400 V6 shoes instead.

5. Hoka One One Rincon

Hoka One One Rincon 3 is an approachable shoe designed for runners looking to reduce time. Its rocker design ensures smooth transitions during runs, and its 29mm EVA midsole feels incredible as you run.

This version of the Rincon has some subtle changes but remains true to what made this shoe such a success. The biggest update is to the upper which now feels softer and premium compared to previous versions, made entirely out of vegan material with wide wings to prevent tongue slippage and an engineered sandwich mesh thin yet lightweight with airflow slits for optimal airflow. Also notable are non-gusseted tongue wings for added security against tongue slippage; lightly cushioned heel counter and collar and the thinner pull tab that now makes donning this shoe much simpler and quicker!

The Rincon shoe from Hoka is slightly narrower in terms of fit than their Mach 4 and Bondi X models, yet not as tight. For runners with wider feet who require wide shoes, there is now an exclusive wide version for them available for the first time ever! Plus it’s super lightweight yet well cushioned running shoe perfect for tempo training!

6. Diadora Clifton

The Clifton running shoe is an excellent option for runners looking to add extra cushioning and comfort to their running experience. With its plush midsole featuring ample energy return, runners can train hard without feeling exhausted afterward; its cushioned sole may also reduce impact forces on feet and legs, helping prevent injury.

The shoe features a breathable engineered mesh upper that wraps snugly around the foot for added comfort on runs. However, due to being narrower than most daily trainers it may feel too snug for those with wider feet.

Gelindo Bordin is an esteemed running coach and marathoner, known for designing his namesake shoe which boasts both cutting-edge technology and 100% Made in Italy craftsmanship. Utilizing Diadora’s DD Anima foam that provides softness, durability, and responsiveness to make this versatile daily training shoe suitable for everything from easy miles to hill workouts or marathon races.

Like its sister shoe, the Hoka One One Rincon, the Clifton is a neutral running shoe designed for most types and paces of running. Featuring a 5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop that helps relieve pressure from knees and hips as well as an articulated heel that lets your Achilles flex freely during running cycles, helping reduce pain and inflammation in this area.