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Review: Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

Written by

Katherine Takai

Long Distance Runner, former Sprinter.

This expert review is written by

Katherine Takai

Long Distance Runner, former Sprinter.
Katherine Takai is a consultant and endurance sport enthusiast in constant pursuit of new running adventures and the optimal shoes to take her there.

Over 15 years ago, she was a sprinter who turned long distance event runner. Ultimately, she found her greatest passion in trail running and has spent the past five years running around the mountains of Colorado and her current home near the Tetons in Idaho.

Weight

We usually consider 10 ounces a "medium" weight for a running shoe: less than 10 and we are entering the lightweight category and above 10 the shoes start to be heavy.

Heel-to-toe drop

Heel drop is the measurement in mm of the difference between the height of the heel and the toe of the sole.

A lower drop (0mm - 5mm) promotes running on mid-foot and fore-foot, while higher drops (8mm - 12mm) are more traditional and meant to support a heel-striking gait.
Expert score
9/10

Expert Review: Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

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Quick overview

Best for
Regular training, long, slow training runs, ultra distances, 50 miles and greater
Terrain
Best for moderate trails, technical trails, rocky areas, muddy areas, through creeks and streams, through snowy or icy sections
Grip
The Stinson ATR 6 provides excellent grip and traction on all kind of terrains and surfaces
Lack Traction
Average Traction
Provide Traction
Cushioning
The Stinson ATR 6 is maximally cushioned
Little cushioning
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Weight

11.6

 oz
329 g
Heel to toe drop
Drop

5

 mm

Pros and cons according to our running expert

Pros and cons according to our running expert

  • Maximum cushioning for longer efforts
  • Reliable stability and protection
  • Durable
  • Bulky, despite weight reduction
  • Not built for speed

Our verdict

The Hoka ONE ONE Stinson ATR 6 excels in its niche – a maximal cushioned and stable trail runner with reliable traction, durability, and protection for longer distances and on all types of terrain.

Introduction Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 - Pair

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 – Pair

At $160, the Hoka ONE ONE ATR Stinson 6 improves upon its maximum cushioning trail predecessor by modifying its lug pattern for increased traction.

Enhancing the lace system for a more secure and supportive fit, and reducing its weight slightly (a tenth of an ounce for the women’s version and four tenths for the men’s).

Its price is in the higher range for similar trail shoes. This shoe is generous in its fit, cushioning, and protection and is built for a longer race with varied terrain, and not so much a faster one.

The protection, traction, and stability inspire confidence on variable trail terrain – from dusty dirt roads to icy conditions.

Cushioning Type
The Stinson ATR 6 is plush: provides shock... Read more absorption and comfort over energy return and
Responsive
Plush
Cushioning Amount
The Stinson ATR 6 is maximally cushioned
Little cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
The Stinson ATR 6 is quite rigid and does not... Read more flex easily
Rigid
Flexible
Stability
The Stinson ATR 6 offers great stability for... Read more runners who needs the most support for
Not particularly stable
Very stable

Impressions Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 - Top

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 – Top

The updated design of the Stinson ATR 6 was the first thing that I noticed and liked about it – particularly in the Deepwell/Evening primrose colorway.

The upper material is made from recycled Unifi REPREVE® yarn derived from post-consumer waste plastic materials and it feels higher quality than its predecessor.

The tenth of an ounce weight reduction is an improvement but not as noticeable as I’d hoped.

Weight has always been sacrificed for cushioning, as Stinson is the highest volume shoe in the Hoka ONE ONE lineup.

The Stinson ATR 6 is one of the most maximum cushioning trail runners on the market with a stack height of approximately 38 inches of compressed molded EVA (CMEVA) foam in the heel and 33 in the forefoot.

Not only is the outsole higher, it is also oversized and extends significantly beyond your footprint.

This oversized outsole provides added stability and additional traction, but it increases the overall volume of the midsole and outsole contributing to its weight.

While this sacrifices a bit of speed and responsiveness, it makes this shoe excellent for its specific purpose – running long distances over all types of terrain.

My first run in these shoes were as expected – cushioned and stable on variable terrain; but steps come down heavier and flatter than I might prefer.

Since most of the test miles run in these were in snow and ice, I noticed that the new lug pattern was significantly improved even on some of the most precarious terrain.

In subsequent runs, I was even more impressed with the comfort, stability and traction of this shoe on road to dirt trails and muddy, snowy, and wet conditions.

Protection Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 - Heel

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 – Heel

The upper felt both durable and breathable than previous versions. The Stinson does not use a rock plate, but the high stack outsole provides a thick layer of protection from hazards underfoot.

The TPU reinforced toe cap provided an extra layer of protection of the front and tops of toes.

Further, a gaiter worked well with these shoes to prevent moisture and debris from entry and made them excellent for running winter trails where there were sections of deeper snow.

Rockplate
The Stinson ATR 6 does not have a rock plate.
Not present
Solid protection
Lugs
The Stinson ATR 6 provides excellent grip and... Read more traction on all kind of terrains and surfaces
Lack Traction
Provide Traction
Water resistance
The Stinson ATR 6 is made of a water-proof... Read more material, ideal for extremely wet conditions
Poor
Water Resistant

Durability Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 - Sole

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 – Sole

After over fifty miles of testing, the Stinson has help up remarkably well with very little wear and tear.

The upper shows very minimal wear from abrasions, and the reinforced toe cap would provide an extra layer of durability for the highest impact area of the upper.

Further, zonal rubber strategically used on the outsole performed as expected, offering additional durability in high use areas on the lugs.

The durability of these shoes make it ideal for the marathon or ultramarathon distances.

Responsiveness & Speed Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 - Medial Side

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 – Medial Side

These shoes are built for stability rather than responsiveness and speed. Hoka late stage Meta-Rocker technology positions the heel to toe transition zone closer to front of the foot than early-stage Meta-Rocker.

This increases stability instead of facilitating a smoother and quicker transition to the forefoot.

The weight, height, and bulkiness of the oversized outsole, can make this shoe a feel less agile and maneuverable in general and even more so when navigating rocky or uneven terrain.

The traction on these performed better than on the Stinson 5. The 4mm lugs are larger, more symmetrical and placed closer together; and this update resulted in a much more secure and grippy feel even on ice and snow.

While the outsole performed well, the use of Vibram in the outsole may provide more grip and durability and justify the higher price tag on this shoe.

Comfort and Fit Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 - Closeup

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 – Closeup

If you enjoy a cushioned shoe, the generous amount of compression molded EVA underfoot feels truly superb, especially over longer distances.

The impact of hard surfaces or trail hazards underfoot are absorbed in the mid and outsoles, and you do get the feeling of walking on clouds.

These shoes fit true to size. They are voluminous enough in the toe box to accommodate swelling and toe splay that may occur over longer runs.

“Anatomical support wings” integrated into the eyelets of the lacing system allows each eyelet to provide independent support to lock down, tighten, and adjust the upper for optimal security and comfort.

My foot was not rolling around in extra space inside the shoe or rubbing against the upper uncomfortably, mitigating the formation of hot spots or blisters over the course of testing.

Engineered mesh was breathable during longer winter runs these were tested in, and I would anticipate these to be breathable enough for longer runs in warmer and more humid weather.

Sizing
The Stinson ATR 6 has average sizing: buy the... Read more usual size
Buy size smaller
Buy size bigger

Conclusion Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 - Sole

Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 – Sole

The Hoka ONE ONE Stinson ATR 6 definitely delivers on its mission to be a maximalist “all-terrain” trail runner, and the updates from the Stinson ATR 5 are worth checking out if this is your type of trail runner.

While not the speediest, these shoes maximize reliability, durability and comfort over all types of trail terrain, from dirt road to icy trails.

They are ideal for long training runs, long distance races of marathon distance or higher, or for anyone who is willing to shell out $160 for a high quality maximum cushion trail runner.

Price comparison:
Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6

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Reviews Read what other runners say

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Trent Williamson

I run 20 - 40km per week, I use them primarily for running
I like the cushioning, no issues with the width or grip. I run on dirt to muddy trails and they have handled these conditions well.

George

I run 20 - 40km per week, I use them primarily for running
These shoes are not well made. Even though they are meant for trail I slipped with these shoes and hurt myself. Avoid!

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