Hoka One One Stinson ATR 5 – Pair

As its name suggests, the Hoka One One Stinson ATR 5 is a $160 running shoe that can handle “all-terrains” from road to rocks to trails.

This maximalist shoe features one of the thickest outsoles on the market, which contributes to the 9.90 oz. to shoe weight.

For a neutral runner, like myself, these shoes offered reliable stability over most types of terrain except for over very rocky terrain (where missteps felt a bit more consequential).

Out of the box, these shoes felt comfortable during my first try-on and running in the first time.

My initial observation was that they were bulky, heavier, and had a higher stack than any other shoe that I have previously run in.

The thick sole was stiff but cushioned and plushy, so it felt comfortable to run on but limited in responsiveness and speed.

I quickly learned that this shoe could have a place in a training regimen over longer, slower efforts.

The plush of this shoe will protect your foot and keep it comfortable for miles; but I would not expect to PR in this shoe.

Performance on a variety of terrain, including road, dirt, grass, snow, ice, and most rock, was reliable.

On more technical rocky sections, the high stack and flared shape of the outsole made for some slower going. The 4mm lugs provided sufficient traction on all surfaces that I ran in these on.

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 5 – Closeup

While this shoe does not have a rock plate, the cushioning and thickness of the compression molded EVA (CMEVA) midsole and outsole offers as much underfoot protection as you’ll need on any trail.

Overlay throughout the upper provides additional protection for the top of the foot and stability to hold the foot in place.

After over 50 miles in this shoe, I am seeing only slight signs of wear on the outsole where there is some fraying and erosion of the lugs. These shoes have endured some tough mountain terrain and miles.

The cushioning is forgiving, and I am confident that these shoes have a good number of miles still left on them.

There is very little wear on the upper, so I expect these shoes will continue to provide excellent protection from impact for runs to come.

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 5 – Sole

Hoka’s signature Meta-Rocker technology is a key feature of this shoe designed to facilitate a smooth roll from heel to toe and allowing you to push off at the toe.

Despite a good amount of drop (5mm), I did not enjoy this feature in this shoe as much as I did in the Evo Mafate. (4mm drop).

This shoe is also heavier than similar ones at 9.9 oz., which made it feel more clunky and less responsive on all terrains, including road, dirt, sand, mud, and snow.

Thus, I’d use this shoe extensively in training or for a longer run but would opt for a different model for a faster race.

This is a maximalist shoe with the most cushion of any shoe that I have ever worn, so it felt plushy and very pleasing run and walk in.

The toe box is wide enough to be comfortable and accommodating of swelling that may occur over longer runs.

For a shoe that initially appeared wide, the upper felt secure without being too tight. Breathable mesh kept my feet sufficiently dry and ventilated throughout my run.

The flat lace system was secure and stayed reliably tight.

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 5 – Heel

Overall, the HOKA One One Stinson ATR 5 can be practically integrated into a running regimen; however, I would not consider wearing this shoe for any race of marathon length or shorter.

The lack of responsiveness and the heaviness of this shoe limit its speed; however, it would be practical for a longer, slower race or for training.

They are very comfortable and plushy and inspire confidence on a variety of terrain (from road to most trails and feel great even for every day walking).

The durability and comfort of this shoe make it ideal for going the distance – so long as you’re not primarily focused on how fast you’ll get there.