On a scale of 1 to 100, I was 100% excited to try the Saucony Sinister. I’ve mentioned several times how much I miss and like previous racing shoes from the 2016 and before era. The lightweight racers worked for me, and I ran most of my fastest times in them. These shoes have come and gone, and the heavier and more cushioned racers have taken their spot.
The new Saucony Sinister is a brand-new shoe from Saucony. It’s a racing shoe without a plate and with a single-density midsole. Saucony even says the Sinister is a “minimalist’s dream.”
Saucony Sinister Quick Stats:
Weight: men’s 5.45oz
Heel Toe Drop: 6 mm
Cost: $150
Saucony Sinister Fit:
The Saucony Sinister looks fast. The bright yellow upper looks like it was designed for speed, and that’s because…it was. The yellow upper is a thin, nonstretch “ripstop” mesh with an external overall on the front and an internal overlay on the lateral side. Saucony taunts the upper is breathable as well as quick draining and drying. It’s definitely one of the lightest uppers I’ve tried.
The Sinister also has webbing straps that loop and hold the laces entirely down to the midfoot lock. The straps run externally on the medial side down under the sock liner. The straps are asymmetric and only go down about halfway on the opposite side. This allows a better transition and more support on the medial side. I was initially skeptical, but it does a great job at that.
The best uppers disappear off your feet, and for the most part, the Saucony Sinister does just that. The tongue is made from a stretch knit and has no annoyance. I find the heel counter could use a bit more substance, but it fits and feels fine. It’s very thin and light.
I usually wear a size 10-11 wide in running shoes. The Saucony Sinister fits excellent in size 10.5.
Saucony Sinister Ride:
The midsole of the Saucony Sinister is a single piece of Saucony PWRRUN PB, the supercritical expanded pellets of PEBA foam. It’s firmer than the original Endorphin Pro/2. You feel the energy return immediately.
It’s interesting even with the softness and without the carbon plate, the Saucony Sinister remains stable in a natural way. It’s flexible and easier to pick up your feet than heavier, bulky carbon-plated footwear.
One thing that sets the Saucony Sinister apart from other racing flats like the Saucony Type A is even when the foam is compressed; it’s still responsive and durable. I’ve put nearly 100 miles on the Sinister, which still feels good. That is rare in a racing flat because usually most racing flats last between 50-100 miles.
Traction and Durability: Unlike almost every other racing flat, the Saucony Sinister has full coverage on the outsole. That almost seems weird, as it adds weight to a very light shoe. The outsole adds some stiffness but also a lot more durability. I’ve used the Sinister in inclement weather with no issues. In fact, if I was looking for a shoe to race or do a workout in the rain, the Sinister would be one of my first choices.
I figured the Saucony Sinister would be a workout and racing shoe, and that’s precisely what it is. I appreciate I can pick up the pace and feel fast. It might be my favorite racing flat that’s come out in recent years. The Nike Streakfly does this similarly, but I still feel like there is “too much” to that shoe. Running in the Sinister reminds me of running in previous versions of the Saucony Kinvara.
There isn’t another shoe out right now like the Saucony Sinister. Sure, there are plenty of old racing flat models you can pick up but there isn’t another shoe that’s a “racing flat” without a carbon plate and in the more modern era of running shoes.
Saucony Sinister Conclusion:
The Saucony Sinister is a unique shoe that fills a massive void in the running world. There aren’t many other shoes like the Sinister, so it’s exciting to see these shoes making a comeback.
Who should purchase the Saucony Sinister? If you are looking for a racing flat or a workout shoe without a carbon plate.
Who should not purchase the Saucony Sinister? If you are looking for a daily trainer or a shoe with a lot of stack height.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12, Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Saucony Sinister, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro, Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Are you looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Saucony Sinister?
What is your favorite racing shoe?