For those that have been around HOKA long enough, they will recognize the Stinson ATR as the cruise ship of trail shoes boasting 37mm of total stack height. The newly updated Stinson ATR 6 is designed to float across both the roads and the trails and this version cuts some weight, adds stability, gets a whole new upper, basically a pretty big overhaul. Whether it is too much of a shoe is really up to the user, they are definitely on the heavier side, but most of the big trail brands have one now so it is worth a look.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- HOKA’s big comfy trail runner gets a well thought out update.
- Weighs in at 11.7oz or 332g for a US Men’s 9.
- Has 37mm of cushion and a 5mm heel/toe drop.
- Retails at 160.00 USD and comes in 3 colors for Men and Women.
Run Test
I will preface this by saying I am not the fastest runner and I definitely value distance over speed when it comes to trails. I like to take in my surroundings and enjoy the journey instead of going crazy fast. Also, my knees definitely like a little more cushion probably due to soccer injuries and MCL issues when I was younger. All that being said, the Stinson is right up my alley and I was excited to test it out.
The first time I put these on I was impressed by the roominess in the upper. I felt like I could really open it up and I didn’t notice any pinching in the toebox which I struggle with on many trail shoes. The shoe is definitely plush, it even left me a little guarded because I think it’s the highest stack I have ever tried. That being said, I didn’t feel unstable at all probably because they angled the midsole outward providing a wider landing platform, most noticeably in the heel, but it extends all the way up. Last first impression, loved the color option!
On the trail, my concerns about the amount of cushioning fell away a bit. With Hoka, you kind of sink into the shoe and it cradles you after a bit. This prevents a lot of spilling over or rolling your ankle when you run into weird surfaces or debris. They also put mid-foot supports in the upper and this helps with that as well. They also gripped really well especially on climbs, but even downhills felt pretty solid. I found I could wear these for a good while without the shoe ever acting up at all or my legs getting too sore which is a nice change.
There always has to be some bad to go with the good. For me, the shoe is a touch too heavy to be my go-to trail shoe all the time. The weight also does make it a bit slower and while I am slow to start with, these are definitely not performance-oriented. Lastly, the stack height will put some people off as it is quite a bit. It isn’t a huge knock because that is the target market, but it takes some getting used to if this is your first go. In my opinion, if you are a slower distance oriented trail runner or are even looking for a capable light speed hiker, The Stinson ATR 6 is a solid choice.
Construction: Upper
The upper on the Stinson ATR 6 uses an engineered mesh that is primarily composed of REPREVE yarn which is made from post-consumer waste plastic. In all our tests, there was no real difference that we can tell in terms of durability and breathability so this trend is here to stay and that is a great thing. There are new support wings along the lacing column for better lockdown and integrated eyelets for better support. HOKA has also added a TPU reinforced toe cap to protect you on the trails and then they tapered the heel collar for a better fit.
The engineered mesh upper and TPU cap 
The lacing system with two tie downs 
Nicely paddED tongue and heel with a pull 
Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 from the front 
Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 from the back
Construction: Midsole
As we mentioned earlier, this stack at 37mm is the highest in the HOKA lineup and it is plush. The midsole also widens as you move from the upper to the sole giving you a larger landing platform and theoretically a more stable and comfortable ride. The drop on these is 5mm and like all HOKA shoes, it uses their Meta-Rocker design to help with a smoother take-off. Make no mistake about it, the midsole on these things is a monster.
Midsole – lateral front 
Midsole – lateral rear 
Midsole – medial rear 
Midsole – medial front
Construction: Outsole
First off, the ATR stands for All Terrain so you know they are going to put some decent tread on here. The lugs are 4mm deep and much broader than more aggressive trail shoes. HOKA has added rubber to various spots to improve outsole durability, but there is still a decent amount of exposed EVA.
Outsole – front 
Outsole – rear
Style & Aesthetics
HOKA has been killing it lately with a lot of the new color options and the Stinson is no exception. Several great options for men and women and all of them are strong. The only knock here is that the midsole is just a monster so that can be off-putting for some, but at this point… whatever, they’ll get over it.
Hoka One One Stinson ATR 6 7
Overall Conclusion
The HOKA ONE ONE Stinson ATR 6 is a solid update to the Stinson platform. The updates alone make it worth the upgrade if you are a prior fan. It is a TON of midsole so it is going to feel like a lot for anyone who hasn’t experienced this prior so something to keep in mind AND it is A LOT. If you are really taking your time on a trail and putting in some decent miles, then there is a lot to like here. If you want something fast and responsive, then probably better off looking elsewhere.
Learn more on the HOKA website
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
