I must admit I am intrigued by the Sinister… but I love my Type A’s so much I fear the Sinister will disappoint. Has anyone who runs in Type A’s tried the Sinister? Any comments on durability? I usually get 400 miles out of my Type A’s and do all training and racing in them.
Matt
I have - I do most of my long runs in my Type A’s and just got my sinisters last week. I did my first long run in them this week and loved them. My calves were sore for a day after, which doesn’t happen with the Type A - but I also ran 16 mi at just under 7 min/mi while thinking I was running 7:15s. I was thinking about my foot strike, trying to keep it lighter and slightly more to the front, and it could have been my brain, could have been the shoe, or could have been a combination of the two…
Can’t tell you anything about the durability, I rotate through 6 pairs of runners and it’ll be a while before I know how the Sinister holds up. It seems every bit as durable as the type A, and my Type A’s are in great shape after 300 mi.
Hope that helps!
RR
I also have - but only on 2 runs now. They feel pretty similar to the older Tangents and not that different from the newer Fastwitch 2s. The type A is still lighter and somehow amazingly a durable shoe as MANY have reported. I’m going to give it a few more tries, but I still like the type-A better. I have heard from the local rep that Saucony is finally “updating” it in/around Jan '08 - lets hope it is mostly color only as it is really a great shoe. Taking the stupid “Saucony” off the medial side of the shoe would be a nice start.
LOL! I could do w/o the “Saucony” on the side, too. My kids LOVE them, though. “Are you going to wear your Spiderman shoes today???”
Steve
A little off topic but if you’re thinking of alternatives to the Type A, try the Mizuno Precision. I really like the Type A but the Precision seems to offer a bit more cushioning and is only slightly heavier. I’m logging some big miles right now and they’re working well for me. My one problem with the Type A is that the top of the heel rubs my achilles and causes a bit of bleeding. It eventually stops as I break the shoe in, but it’s unpleasant for a while!
Matt-
You racing the Northern Columbia Tri tomorrow ???
Mike from the Y
LOL! My son also commented on the “Spiderman” shoes!
Yes, I have also had a little achilles rubbing (common with Saucony shoes heel counter), but nothing major.
I also run in Mizuno Wave Precisions - however, I do NOT find them similar to the type-As at all. They are VERY similar to the new Fastwitch Endurance though and last about as long (that is, not very long).
Hey, I haven’t tried the Type A’s but have run in a TON of shoes including the Tangents and the Fasttwitch. Just got the Sinisters and haven’t done a real run in them but they sure are different looking and have a very unique ride.
Ride is very firm in the forefoot, firm yet with a touch of cushion and very responsive. Heel to toe feels a bit weird, well not weird but the lack of midfoot support means you don’t get the smoothest heel to toe transition but as you pick up the pace a bit and move to the midfoot/forefoot the shoe feels damn fast! Will write up a report soon but these are definitely pretty cool.
In what way do you find the Type A and Precision different?
Wow, lots really.
My size 9 type-As are 8.5 oz, Wave Precisions are 10.8 oz, Fastwitch Endurance 8.80z. Over 2 oz is an immediate big diference.
Different EVA rubber on the outsole of the type-A (probably why this shoe is lasting so long for everyone - like 300 to 400 miles out of an 8.5 oz shoe!)
Tongue is centered with different loop fittings on the type-A. Has drain holes in the center with minimal sockliner. Precision has a completely sewn in slip last.
About the only “similar” thing is that the uppers are both very open mesh type! Now, they are likely marketed the same (neutral or lightweight trainer), but they are not.
Interesting stuff. I usually differentiate between shoes based on how they feel on my foot and how they perform when running, not based on how they’re constructed. I agree that the Precision feels more cushioned and a touch heavier than the Type A. Are you wearing the latest model (Precision 8)?
Yeah - actually, Mizuno has NOT changed the Precision for a while (they have a good shoe and they know it). They have only changed the color (the bottom/outsole for mens from yellow to orange to blue). Saucony has also not changed the type-A for awhile either (they will early next year I’m told). They did just change the Fastwitch line quite a bit - and as usual, some like the change (me) and many don’t.
Asics is the most famous company for making VERY big changes in shoes that drive people nuts (as they as a company have a loyal following). The difference between the latest and last years DS trainers was shocking!
I used to run in Triumphs, but since trying the Sinister I love them. I did IM CdA in theSinister with no problems whatsoever. Now the Triumphs are just for short training runs.
Looks like I am not racing the Northern Columbia tri. I didn’t even know it was this weekend. I wasn’t ready for it anyhow. I’m about to go do my first ride since IMLP. I’ve been running a descent amount but have not been back on the bike (or in the pool). Did you end up racing this morning?
Maybe I’ll just have to give the sinisters a try. I was sort of hoping people would say they suck and don’t get them so I could just go along with my Type A’s and not have to drop $75 on a new pair of shoes. But it sounds like they may be pretty nice so I’ll have to give them a try.
Yeah-
Raced it this morning. Bumped into a few friends who also did Placid. Great race. Got a little hot on the run, but overall there was a solid turn-out.
I had to leave before the results got posted , but I think I placed well in my AG.
In all honesty- I still felt some residual fatigue from LP, but DNF’ing a few weeks ago was enough fuel for me to HTFU today ; )
I just received my Sinisters via UPS today, and just padding around the house, they seem extremely unforgiving in the forefoot (due to the plastic plate, I assume). These make my Tangent 2s feel like pillows. Does the forefoot soften up any after a few miles? I’m hesitant to take them on the road tomorrow & voiding the return option if not.
Also considering the new Mizuno Precisions. Anyone give them a go yet?
Yes, the Sinisters do “loosen up” a little. The Wave Precisions are much softer, but also a MUCH heavier/bulkier shoe entirely that feel completely different then the type-As. It is better compared to the new Fastwitch2s.
Hmm. I’m looking to put down some heavy mileage in whatever shoe I go with. I have been running in Elixers & Tangent 2s, both of which were up to the task, so I was looking for a lightweight neutral trainer that could handle longer runs. The Sinisters feel much too light on the cushioning for their category (almost like a racing flat) but still carrying the extra weight of a trainer. Not sure these would go 20 miles at a stretch without pummeling my feet.
Have you tried the newest Precision model? I don’t think they’re much heavier than the Sinisters, if at all. I’m certain there’ll be more forefoot cushioning.
I’m not sure if Mizuno changed the latest precision, but I’ve run in the past 2 (they have only changed colors each year from yellow, to orange to blue) since it has been an excellent shoe. I like them - but they don’t last long AT ALL. Not really a good big mileage training shoe because of that. The type-As last much longer, despite being a more minimal/lighter shoe. Very similar to the older DS trainer in that the forefoot outsole wears very quickly. Also, you can’t go by published weights from the manufacturers as they are often WAY off. I’ve weighed all my shoes on a digital scale and I happen to wear the size they quote (size 9) and they are usually WAY off.