When it comes to running shoes, finding a pair that delivers both performance and comfort, especially tailored to the female foot, can feel like searching for a unicorn. Luckily, I have been introduced to the Hettas Alma Tempo, a running shoe designed by women, for women, and built for the demands of everyday training and long-distance effort.
Hettas is a relatively new brand with a mission: to create performance gear that truly fits women’s needs. The Alma Tempo is their flagship daily trainer, featuring thoughtful design, solid materials, and tech-backed performance—all with women’s biomechanics and preferences in mind.
At first glance, the Alma Tempo appears sleek and even narrow, but looks can be deceiving. When I slipped them on for the first time, I was surprised. Despite my initial concern over their shape (I always need a wide toe box), the fit was perfect.
The midfoot hugged my arch securely, while the toe box offered generous space for my toes to splay and move freely. No squishing, no discomfort—just the right amount of structure where I needed it, and room where I didn’t expect it.
The details in the design really shine here. The lower heel collar reduces rubbing on women’s ankle bones—a small but significant tweak that makes a huge difference in comfort over longer runs. And the rounded instep creates a snug fit through the middle of the shoe, shaped to match the natural curvature of a woman’s foot.
These elements give the Alma Tempo a distinctly tailored feel that stands out from most unisex trainers.
The Alma Tempo was made to be your go-to everyday trainer—capable of handling daily mileage, long runs, and even workouts with ease. It delivers a smooth, stable ride that performs consistently whether you’re doing easy recovery miles or picking up the pace for a tempo session.
The shoe features Hettas’ VeloPropulsion technology, built around a Pebax plate between dual-density Super Critical foam layers. Pebax is a lightweight, flexible thermoplastic used in high-performance shoes to provide energy return and propulsion without adding bulk or stiffness.
Unlike carbon plates that can feel overly aggressive for daily use, the Pebax plate in the Alma Tempo gives a steady, supportive boost while still allowing for a natural stride.
With a stack height of 33 mm, a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop, and a weight of 235 grams (size 8.5), the Alma Tempo hits that sweet spot of mid-firm cushioning—not as pillowy as a HOKA, but not as minimal or harsh as a stripped-down racing flat. It’s that just-right Goldilocks zone for runners who want a responsive yet comfortable experience over longer mileage.
One of the most unique features of the Alma Tempo is its insole system. Each pair comes with two sets of insoles:
The first option is a thicker, more cushioned insole that provides a softer, plusher feel. Meanwhile, the thinner insole in the box creates an extra ½ size of room, ideal for those who prefer a firmer ride or need more space.
This kind of customization is rare and especially helpful for women, whose feet often don’t match up perfectly with standard sizing or width assumptions.
The upper is a technical TPU mesh—lightweight, breathable, and supportive—with reflective details for visibility on darker runs. Underfoot, the LWP outsole delivers reliable traction without adding unnecessary weight.
After two weeks of testing these on a mix of easy runs, strides, and a threshold workout, I can confidently say: they delivered.
The ride feels steady and reliable, with just enough snap from the Pebax plate to pick up the pace if I need to. The foam is medium-firm, offering solid support without feeling flat or overly soft.
My feet felt fresh even after back-to-back training days, and I appreciated how well they held up on both pavement and gravel paths.
The Hettas Alma Tempo is more than just a daily trainer—it’s a thoughtfully engineered shoe designed for women who want comfort, performance, and fit that actually makes sense. With its customizable fit, responsive ride, and everyday versatility, it’s earned a spot in my rotation.
If you’re looking for a trainer that bridges the gap between soft and snappy—without compromising fit or style—the Alma Tempo is absolutely worth trying.
