A date with the SINISTER

I had a date with the SINISTER this morning for a 6k run. While I always wanted to get a pair of light weight trainer cum racer for myself, I watched a video pre-launch of this shoe sometime in mid 2007. The video and the preview got me really excited about the SINISTER at that time.

As I was not in a hurry to get it and my pace is not as fast as I wanted, I can actually afford to wait for its customer release in USA sometime during the August time frame. It reaches the Malaysia soil sometime in Sept/Oct period and I decided to purchase it since the distributor that I am dealing with got the stock and is able to ship it down to KL.

Street price of the shoe is RM280 after discount and I would said this is a wonderful light weight trainer for me after today's workout. The color of metallic blue was also very striking and give me the roar of a light weight trainer cum racer. Weighing just a bit over 10 oz, the SINISTER is the ideal light weight trainer cum racer for me in running future 10ks and 21ks, and maybe taking it for a stroll in a 42k race!!!!

Although the shoe does not look too cushy, but once I ran in it I actual felt the solid cushioning as I landed on the tarmac. It gives me just the right cushioning for my run and just not add extra weight to it. With the introduction of Flexion Ride Technology, it actually gives me the lift off in a very much more responsive manner. The SINISTER also gives a good fit feeling and does not have too much unwanted space in between my feet and the shoe itself. That is actually extremely important for a light weight trainer cum racer to give one that good fit feeling and the responsive transition from the heel to toe. I will definitely take the shoe out for a longer run (20k) to test out how it perform and its responsiveness when I am on the road longer. But I have this confidence that it will still pass with flying colors.

Overall I am very happy with the SINISTER and will dare to make recommendation to anyone out there who is on the lookout for a new pair of light weight trainer cum racer.

Technology writeups
Introduction Flexion Ride Technology from Saucony. Sinister, a lightweight training shoe, incorporates a flexion plate to naturally propel runners onto their forefoot. The Sinister combines a great fit and responsive cushioning for a more efficient running gait. The injection molded EVA provides shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and durability. The visible rearfoot grid system provides superior cushioning and stability by centering the heel on impact. Breathable, moisture wicking, anti-odor and anti-microbial Ortholite® insole provides improved step-in comfort with rebound properties. The HRC Strobel board increases cushioning and step-in comfort.


Runner's World BEST DEBUT: Saucony Grid Sinister
RW: The new Sinister features a full-length plastic plate in the midsole that provides a smooth transition from heel-strike to toe-off. This design helps move you through the gait cycle more quickly for a more efficient toe-off. The plate and the durable carbon-rubber outsole makes the shoe firm, but the Sinister is not as stiff as you would expect, according to RW Shoe Lab tests. We recommend the Sinister as a racing shoe or trainer for efficient, average-weight runners.
Wear-testers Say: "Just enough cushioning for long runs but not so much that it added weight or bulk." --Cristen Miller, 24, Allentown
"The best tempo shoe I've ever worn." --Jose Brown, 50, East Lansing

Widths: Standard
Weight: 10.4 oz (M) 8.9 oz (W)
Contact: 800-365-4933; www.saucony.com