Details
Brand
Hoka One One
Breathability
7.5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• Highly cushioned midsole• Seamless and breathable mesh upper• Late-stage, meta-rocker design for better running form• Lugged outsole provides good traction• Lightweight and comfortable all terrain shoe
Midsole
The full-length EVA rubber of the Stinson 3 ATR midsole offers impressive cushioning, stability, and increased impact protection. Runners reported that the midsole felt “squishy”, but not to the point where they could not control the movement of their foot. The late-stage meta-rocker geometry technology supports the forefoot and makes a more stable base. Unlike the Hoka Clifton model which uses a technology which is an early stage meta-rocker, the Stinson’s rockered portion is more forward in the shoe which can be felt in the final phase of the running gait. Runners described a subtle rolling feeling in the Stinson 3 and said it was much less pronounced when compared with other Hoka models they have owned. They were also pleasantly surprised by the flexibility of the shoe despite the thick outsole.
Outsole
The Stinson 3 ATR’s outsole is wider than a traditional running shoe which gives it a very stable base. The sticky EVA rubber compound and 4 mm ATR lugs give the shoe excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The outsole also provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition which also helps with traction on everything from wet roads to moderate trails. The flex grooves on the outsole provide stability while still allowing for natural foot movement.
Breathability
The shoe’s mesh upper which is breathable allows for airflow in the foot to keep it cool and dry. Although thin, the mesh is durable and able to provide protection for the foot. The thin Ortholite insole additionally aids in the breathability of the shoe. The foot stayed comfortable on hot and cold days.
Comfort
The extreme cushioning of the midsole makes the Stinson 3 ATR a very comfortable running shoe. The upper also does a great job of hugging the foot in a stable, sock-like manner, especially in the area of the midfoot. The improved heel cup and ankle padding, as well as no seams on the inside of the upper, add to the comfort of the shoe. The padded tongue was found to be comfortable for some but added to the tightness of the shoe for others. This Hoka One One shoe, like others in the highly-cushioned line, was said to alleviate some foot and knee pain for chronically injured runners. Runners prone to plantar fasciitis praised the shoe for allowing them to run again. Some flat-footed runners said the arch support was too high and created blisters while others said it was fine. The shoe got high praise for its comfort on longer runs and recovery runs.
Style
The Stinson 3 ATR is available in seven different color options with “Hoka” in small letters on the shoe’s forefoot. A colored stripe through the center of the bulky midsole breaks up the size of the midsole and creates an illusion that the midsole is smaller than it is. The flat pin-striped laces are matching to the color scheme of the shoe.
Durability
The massive midsole of the Stinson 3 ATR provides not only cushioning to the runner’s foot but extra durability to the design of the shoe. The EVA outsole is comprised of soft rubber but has a capacity to be abrasion resistant. An abundance of lugs on the sole are designed for traction, but also help the outsole hold up to harsh conditions. The no-sew construction also gives added durability to the shoe’s upper. A toe bumper across the front of the shoe protects the forefoot from snags and trail hazards.
Protection
The EVA foam midsole of the Stinson 3 ATR does a great job absorbing a significant amount of impact. The high stack height also helps minimize blows to the sides of the foot. Although it is trail shoe, there is no rock plate. The full-width toe bumper helps protect the runner’s toes to some extent but is not designed for rocky trails. The plastic overlays also provide some protection.
Responsiveness
The midsole of the shoe features Hoka One One’s Active Foot Frame Technology which allows the foot to sink into the midsole rather than ride on top of it. The result is an increase in responsiveness and energy. This technology works with a variety of different runners, with different running styles and foot shapes.
Support
Runners with a need of arch support or mild stability will probably find the Stinson 3 ATR to their liking. Although listed as a neutral shoe, the midsole and outsole material offer some moderate pronation control. Albeit flexible, the upper provides a secure, sock-like fit of the foot. The late-stage meta-rocker technology was designed to provide a more stable base, especially in the forefoot area, which adds to the overall support. Lugs on the bottom of the shoe ensure a safe ride. Security and a plush fit of the heel are provided by the heel construction which is form-fitting and prevents slipping.
Terrain
The Stinson 3 ATR is listed as a “varied trail” shoe. The lugged outsole offers traction on anything from moderately technical trails to roads. Runners commented that the shoe excelled on mild terrain and smooth pavement. The high heel stack height did not perform well on tight turns or rocky descents. Some runners described the shoe as “clumsy” on highly technical trails. The lugged sole did well on soft, dry, trails but clogged up quickly and lost some grip on wet, muddy trails.
Price
The suggested retail price (MSRP) is $160, which is fairly expensive for a running shoe. This is $30 more than the previous model. Runners unafraid to shop online will find the shoe for under $100. With many websites offering free returns, finding online bargains might be the way to go. Ordering two or three sizes and returning the ones that don’t fit is a common practice.
Drop
The heel-to-toe drop is 6mm. For men, the height is 28mm in the forefoot, 34 mm at the heel. For women, it’s 26mm in the forefoot and 32mm in the heel. A lot of runners favor low drop shoes as they tend to prevent heel strikes. Heel strikes usually lead to poor form and high milage injuries. With a low drop, improved form and soft landings are also noticeable. Low drop shoes are also the go-to choice for long-distance runners.
Stability
Part of the upgrade to the Stinson 3 ATR is the enhanced and more balanced late-stage, meta-rocker midsole. This update gives additional forefoot support and stability on trails. Some runners feared their ankle would roll due to the stack height and softness of the foam, but were pleasantly surprised by the stability of the shoe and also enjoyed the soft ride. The midsole cushion is designed to wrap around the foot. The midsole aids to the stability of the shoe and also provides shock absorption. The extra width of the midsole and outsole also helps with stability by giving the shoe a wide base. The outsole’s lugs give the shoe the ability to grip almost any surfaces which helps keep runners upright while on the run.
Flexibility
The Stinson 3 ATR is not a very flexible shoe due to the massive midfoot construction. The midfoot cushioning lacks flexibility, however it works wonders for the stability of the shoe. What ensures a better flexibility is the early-stage, meta-rocker geometry. The geometry is there to provide an efficient toe-off and a natural rolling motion of the foot. Longitudinal flex grooves in the outsole allow the foot to move freely and help eliminate some of the stiffness of the midsole.
Traction
The 4 mm lugs on the bottom of the outsole offer decent traction on light trails, but runners did not give the shoe a high score as a trail shoe when compared to other equally-priced trail shoes. Only sections of the outsole are lugged which leaves sections of the soft EVA rubber outsole exposed to the ground. Hoka One One claims this design provides stability on uneven terrain because the sole is able to “morph and bend around” the terrain it is covering. The high stack height of the midsole also made the shoe feel a little difficult to maneuver on an extremely rocky terrain. On smooth roads, the shoe did well and also excelled on wet surfaces. Serious, long-distance trail runners will probably be disappointed by the overall performance of the shoe.
Bottom Line
The Hoka Stinson 3 ATR is a decent all-terrain shoe that is designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride. This shoe was built for going long distances and did not disappoint many runners in that regard. Despite its high stack height, runners quickly adapted to the feel of the shoe and enjoyed the forward propulsion of the meta-rocker design. The 6mm heel drop also encourages a midfoot strike on flat trails. Downhill running was pure joy according to some runners. Many runners reported less fatigue in the feet and legs after a long run and recovery time was minimal. The maximalist design of the shoe entails protection of the underfoot and ample cushioning that leads to great performance on any kind of run.
