Details
Brand
Hoka One One
Heel To Toe Drop
5 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• Meta Rocker midsole promotes a natural movement by propelling the foot forward• Speedframe construction cradles the foot and provides added support• Ortholite sockliner gives the shoe an added layer of cushioning and support• CMEVA midsole foam offers the highest level of cushioning of all the Hoka brand shoes• Lug-covered outsole for added traction and grip
Upper
The upper of this shoe now comes with a more breathable mesh to increase comfort and ventilation. In general, the comfort of the Hoka has traditionally been attributed to the midsole of the shoe, but in this model, runners can expect to find a more much more breathable, comfortable upper because of the newer material and the addition of powerful overlays. The overlays create a more customizable fit for each athlete. It adds a snugness without feeling restrictive.
Midsole
Hokas are known for their superior midsole cushioning. In the Hoka One One Stinson ATR 4, runners can expect to get the most CMEVA foam of any shoe in the Hoka line. The CMEVA foam is lightweight but offers superior cushioning. There are 30 millimeters of cushioning in the forefoot and 36 millimeters of cushioning in the heel. The midsole of this shoe was compared to a marshmallow by some runners, and it provides superior shock absorption which removes the risk of injury. The midsole technology features what Hoka calls the Meta Rocker. The Meta Rocker creates a rocking movement the moves the foot forward and promotes a natural stride through a toe-off approach.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe has a redesigned underfoot specifically designed to tackle the trail. In order to raise the traction and grip of the outsole, a more aggressive lug system has been put in place. The entire underfoot is outfitted in snuggly packed lugs, yet has been designed to create a smooth feel on the roads and more grit and traction on the trails. Additionally, the outsole is wider and creates a more stable cradle for the foot.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe has a new design that allows for much more breathability than earlier models. The upper is made from a lightweight mesh and its design is unique to its all-terrain capabilities. The upper is designed to be breathable on for the road but the reinforced overlays make it tough and protective on the trail. On the trails or the roads, the design of the shoe will keep your feet dry and cool.
Comfort
There is nothing that runners love more about this shoe than its high level of comfort and support. The midsole offers the highest level of cushioning of any Hoka shoe. The upper is made from a reinforced open mesh that allows for maximum air flow. Since these are shoes that are designed for distance runs, is very useful that the upper is designed to keep the foot cool and dry. The wider splay of the outsole gives the runner a solid landing point.
Style
Hoka shoes have a very unique look to them. Some runners commented that they don’t love the very obvious midsole thickness. However, runners who love the feel and the above average cushioning are incredibly willing to compromise aesthetic appeal for the added support. This particular Hoka model comes in two distinct color combinations. This might not be the shoe for runners whose key focus is style.
Durability
The reinforced mesh material of the upper is covered in durable overlays to protect your feet from the debris and dangers of the trail. The lugged outsole is designed to create a more durable ride and create added grip. This all-terrain outsole is hearty and designed to tackle the elements of the trail and the pounding of the pavement too. Yes, this shoe is pricey, but it should be noted that runners reported that it lasted longer than other highly cushioned shoes that are similar to this brand and model.
Protection
The Hoka One One Stinson ATR 4 protects the runner through the superior cushioning it provides. The extra thick midsole keeps the runner safe from impact-related injuries. In addition to this, the outsole of the shoe is completely lined with lugs that protect the shoe from wear and tear. The upper of the shoe is also covered in reinforced overlays to keep the foot stable and secure.
Responsiveness
Although this shoe does have a lower drop, the added cushioning of the midsole keeps the shoe from responding quickly to the road below it. Runners reported that although these shoes offered superior cushioning, they didn’t feel very closely connected to the road below them.
Support
This shoe offers the runner added support through a wider platform and the inclusion of Hoka’s Meta Rocker. Both of these elements promote a more secure and efficient stride. It propels the foot forward, giving the running great energy return. The powerful cushioning of the shoe keeps the foot in place and limits unwanted movement, even across the potentially dangerous terrain of the trail.
Terrain
The Stinson STR 4 is an all-terrain powerhouse of a shoe. Reviewers reported that whether it was the trail or the road, they felt comfortable and confident logging long miles. The forefoot and toe of the shoe feature a wider flair that provides a solid base for more stability and support. This enables the runner to feel stable on uneven or rocky terrain. Furthermore, the design of the shoe features more lugs that are tightly lined on the underfoot. It can tackle tough trails or the city roads because of its all-terrain design.
Price
Hoka is a brand that utilizes some of the newest technologies to provide their runners with unique feeling shoes. Because of these added design elements to the shoe, the Hoka brand, particularly, the Hoka One One Stinson ATR 4, is not an inexpensive shoe. There are lots of great option for the runner whose primary concern is cost, but with an MSRP of $160, this is not that shoe.
Drop
The heel drop of the Hoka One One Stinson ATR 4 is a mere 5 mm. It is a unique combination to find a shoe that offers this much support, stability and cushioning. In general low-drop shoes are associated with minimalist running, but this brand goes against that precedent. This offers the runner a unique experience to achieve a low drop, natural running feel, but still, provides the added support and cushioning of the high volume CMEVA midsole foam.
Stability
This is a great stability shoe. The shoe has a unique midsole design that promotes a forward movement and keeps the foot stable and supported even across long distances and trail running as well. The Speedframe construction cradles the foot and keeps it from unwanted lateral movement.
Flexibility
The outsole of this shoe is lined with lugs for added traction and durability. This cuts down on the ability of the shoe to move easily. This shoe is not known for its flexible outsole or midsole, but what it lacks in flexibility, it more than makes up for in support, stability and cushioning.
Traction
The fully lugged bottom of these shoes gives them a superior grip. These are the first Stinson model that is specifically designed for the trail, and because of that Hoka redesigned the underfoot. Now the shoe offers larger lugs which left runners feeling extremely safe and protected while running on any terrain. Reviewers noted that because the traction of the shoe was so powerful, they felt safe on steep uphills and even slick downhills.
Bottom Line
The bottom line here is that Hoka knows how to make a comfortable shoe. They have gone against the minimalist fad and doubled down on the pillow-soft midsole. The meta rocker construction propels the foot forward and improves the overall gait of the runner. These shoes are expensive, but the added durability in the upper, the midsole, and the outsole help justify the cost, as do the cushioning and stability features. Runners who love a comfortable shoe and are looking for more support and stability fell in love with these road and trail running shoes.
