Hetta Alma Tempo Review: The Best Women’s Long-Run Shoe You Haven’t Heard Of Yet
GEAR & SHOE REVIEWS
If you’re looking for a high-performance running shoe designed specifically for women, I’ve been impressed by the Hetta Alma Tempo. It delivers an excellent blend of support, stability, and female-focused engineering. As more runners seek footwear created for women’s biomechanics—not just scaled-down men’s shoes—Hetta has become a brand I pay close attention to.
Tested by 60 women over 22 runs during the prototype phase, the Alma Tempo is part of Hetta’s three-shoe lineup created entirely from female-centered research. Here’s my full, in-depth review of this promising new endurance trainer. For more gear reviews of women’s running shoes, you can check out our other in-depth reviews.
What Is the Hetta Alma Tempo?
The Hetta Alma Tempo is a women’s endurance running shoe designed for long runs, steady mileage, and even race day. It sits between the softer Alma Cruiser and the more aggressive Alma Speed, offering a balance of responsiveness, firmness, and long-run comfort. If you’re looking for a shoe that works for both training plans and race prep, this is one I would recommend considering.
Hetta Alma Tempo: Key Specs
Shoe Type: Women’s long-distance running shoe
Drop: 10 mm
Weight: 8.9 oz listed / 9.2 oz tested
Price: $198
Midsole: Dual-density supercritical foam + PEBAX plate
Upper: Ultra-light see-through TPU mesh
Outsole: LWP rubber
Fit Options: Two interchangeable insoles
Upper: Breathable, Minimal, and Built for Women
The Alma Tempo’s translucent TPU mesh upper is extremely breathable and lightweight, making it perfect for warm-weather runs. Inside, a micro-suede lining gives a smooth, barefoot-friendly feel—something I really appreciate for long runs.
Key upper features I love:
Dual side tabs for stability
Pull loop for easy on/off
Reflective accents for visibility
Midsole & Ride: Firm, Stable, and Responsive
I found the midsole impressive. The dual-density supercritical foam paired with a PEBAX plate makes the shoe feel stable, responsive, and surprisingly lively for long runs. Compared to the Alma Cruiser, the Alma Tempo feels more responsive and more stable than many traditional cushioned trainers.
Two Insoles = Two Ride Experiences
One of my favorite features of the Alma Tempo is the interchangeable insole system:
Thicker Supercritical Foam Insole:
Provides more cushioning
Snug fit
Perfect for long runs or recovery days
Thinner EVA-TPU Insole:
Adds more interior volume
Firmer, more responsive feel
Ideal for faster runs
I love that this system allows me to adjust the shoe for my run type, something I haven’t seen in many women-specific running shoes.
How the Hetta Alma Tempo Performs on the Run
On long runs, I noticed:
Softness and comfort with the thicker insole
Firm, efficient feel thanks to the PEBAX plate
Responsiveness during strides and race-pace efforts
The shoe’s lightweight construction and stiffness make it function well as a hybrid trainer–racer. If you want one shoe for both daily mileage and race day, this is one that works.
Who Should Buy the Hetta Alma Tempo? I recommend this shoe for:
✔ Women who prefer a firmer, more responsive long-run shoe
✔ Runners who want a durable, high-mileage daily trainer
✔ Athletes who love women-specific design
✔ Runners who want one shoe for both training and racing
✔ Anyone who benefits from customizable insoles
Final Verdict: A Standout Women’s Endurance Shoe
For me, the Hetta Alma Tempo stands out as one of the most thoughtfully engineered women’s running shoes I’ve tested. With its breathable upper, customizable insole system, stable midsole, and efficient long-run performance, it delivers a versatile ride that balances comfort and performance.
If you’re a female runner seeking a premium endurance shoe that can handle training and race day, the Alma Tempo is absolutely worth adding to your rotation. Check out more women’s running shoe reviews and training tips to see how it stacks up against other shoes in your rotation.