The HOKA Stinson 8 has received a substantial update compared with the Stinson 7. It is lighter, more cushioned and easier to use across a wider range of surfaces—but that doesn’t automatically mean everyone needs to upgrade.
The Stinson 7 was already one of HOKA’s most protective trail shoes and a particularly popular option for hiking. However, its considerable weight made it feel cumbersome when running or covering ground more quickly.
HOKA has addressed that weakness with the Stinson 8 while also changing the stability system, rocker, fit and outsole design. Having tested both shoes, I think their use cases are now noticeably different.
HOKA Stinson 8 vs 7: Key differences
| Specification | HOKA Stinson 8 | HOKA Stinson 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight in my US12 | 380 g | 410 g |
| Heel stack | 44 mm | 42 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 39 mm | 37 mm |
| Drop | 5 mm | 5 mm |
| Midsole | Compression-moulded EVA with revised H-Frame | Compression-moulded EVA with original H-Frame |
| Lug depth | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Outsole | Durabrasion rubber with revised road-to-trail layout | Durabrasion rubber |
| Fit | Slightly narrower toe box | Roomier toe box |
| Best use | Hiking, road-to-trail and steady trail running | Primarily hiking and slower trail outings |
The Stinson 8 is considerably lighter
The first major difference is the weight.
My US12 Stinson 8 weighs 380 g, compared with 410 g for the Stinson 7. A 30 g reduction per shoe is noticeable, particularly over longer walks and runs.
The Stinson 7 felt like an absolute tank. That substantial construction provided plenty of protection and stability, but it also made the shoe difficult to move quickly in. It was much better suited to steady hiking than faster trail running.
The Stinson 8 remains a heavy shoe, so I wouldn’t describe it as a fast or lightweight trail option. However, it feels considerably less cumbersome than its predecessor.
What makes that weight reduction more impressive is that HOKA has also added more cushioning.
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More cushioning—but a slightly firmer ride
The HOKA Stinson 8 has 44 mm of cushioning underneath the heel and 39 mm underneath the forefoot, producing a 5 mm drop.
Both shoes use compression-moulded EVA cushioning, but they don’t feel identical underneath the foot. The Stinson 8 feels slightly firmer and more structured despite having the higher stack.
Part of this comes from its redesigned H-Frame.
The H-Frame uses denser material around the platform to increase torsional rigidity and help keep your foot centred as you move through each step. HOKA has made this structure more prominent in the Stinson 8, creating a stiffer and more controlled ride.
This is particularly useful if you want plenty of protection underneath the forefoot. The shoe doesn’t bend excessively around the ball of the foot when walking uphill, climbing steep trails or moving over rocks.
However, anyone expecting the additional cushioning to create an extremely soft or plush ride may be surprised. The Stinson 8 provides substantial impact protection, but the overall sensation is firmer and more controlled than the stack height might suggest.
Stability has changed
The Stinson 7 has a particularly wide platform, giving you a large area of contact with the ground. HOKA has made the heel and forefoot slightly narrower in the Stinson 8, which could initially sound like a reduction in stability.
However, platform width is only one part of the picture.
The Stinson 8 combines its enhanced H-Frame with larger sidewalls around the inside and outside of the shoe. Your foot feels as though it sits within the cushioning rather than directly on top of it.
You also have an excellent lockdown around the heel and midfoot. Once the laces are tightened, I didn’t need to use a runner’s knot to stop my heel from moving.
The stiff heel counter adds more structure around the back of the ankle. Combined with the sidewalls and revised H-Frame, this keeps the foot securely positioned when walking downhill or changing direction.
Therefore, while the Stinson 8 doesn’t have the same broad platform as the Stinson 7, it provides a more integrated feeling of support around the foot.
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Is the Stinson 8 narrower than the Stinson 7?
The Stinson 8 has a redesigned engineered-mesh upper that feels slightly more breathable. However, the toe box also feels a little narrower than it did in the Stinson 7.
Neither shoe has an anatomical or foot-shaped toe box, but the additional space in the Stinson 7 may appeal more to people who liked its roomier fit.
That said, the Stinson 8 still has one of the more accommodating forefoot fits within HOKA’s current trail range. The heel and midfoot remain secure, so the shoe doesn’t feel loose from front to back.
If you already found the Stinson 7 snug around your toes, I would try the Stinson 8 before buying. You should also leave sufficient room in front of your toes if you intend to use it for longer hikes or sustained descents.
The outsole is more road-friendly
Both versions use HOKA’s Durabrasion rubber with 3.5 mm lugs, but the Stinson 8 has a different lug arrangement.
HOKA has redesigned the outsole to make the new version more suitable for road-to-trail use. You don’t feel as though you have large, aggressive lugs underneath your feet when walking or running on tarmac.
This creates a smoother transition between roads, gravel paths and maintained trails. It also makes the Stinson 8 a more practical option if your hike begins with a road section or you walk through towns and villages between trails.
The 3.5 mm lugs provide enough traction for mixed surfaces and straightforward trails, but this isn’t the outsole I would choose for deep mud or particularly technical mountain terrain.
Which is better for hiking?
Both shoes are excellent options for hiking if your priority is cushioning, protection and support.
The Stinson 7 provides a broad, substantial platform, but its 410 g weight in my US12 makes it noticeably cumbersome. That may not be a major concern during shorter or slower walks, but the additional weight becomes more apparent as the distance increases.
The Stinson 8 retains the protection that made its predecessor popular while reducing the weight and adding a more aggressive forefoot rocker. This helps the shoe roll through each step more smoothly and makes it feel less laborious over longer distances.
The updated outsole also performs more naturally on harder surfaces. For hikes combining tarmac, gravel and maintained trails, I would comfortably choose the Stinson 8.
I would only lean towards the Stinson 7 if you already own it, prefer its wider toe box and primarily use it for steady hiking.
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Which is better for trail running?
This is where the differences become more significant.
The Stinson 7 was primarily a hiking shoe for me. You could use it for steady trail runs or longer outings involving a mixture of running and walking, but it lacked the weight, geometry and energy return required for moving quickly.
The Stinson 8 is much more enjoyable to run in.
Its lighter construction and more aggressive rocker make it easier to maintain momentum on runnable trails. The secure upper, sidewalls and revised H-Frame also provide confidence when running downhill or changing direction.
However, it remains a substantial shoe with compression-moulded EVA cushioning. It doesn’t provide the responsive rebound of a faster model such as the HOKA Speedgoat 7.
The Stinson 8 makes the most sense for runners who prioritise cushioning and stability over speed. It could work particularly well for longer, steadier trail runs or outings where you expect to walk the climbs.
Is the HOKA Stinson 8 worth upgrading to?
The Stinson 8 is a clear improvement over the Stinson 7.
It is 30 g lighter in my US12 while providing more cushioning, a stronger rocker and a smoother outsole for mixed surfaces. The redesigned H-Frame and larger sidewalls also produce a secure, controlled ride despite the slightly narrower platform.
The only meaningful drawback is the reduced space around the toe box. If you particularly value the roomier forefoot of the Stinson 7, the updated fit may not feel like an improvement.
If your Stinson 7 still has plenty of life remaining and you only use it for steady hiking, there is no urgent reason to replace it. It continues to offer excellent underfoot protection.
However, if you want one shoe for hiking, road-to-trail use and steady trail running, the Stinson 8 is comfortably the more versatile option. It feels lighter, more enjoyable and less restricted to walking than the previous version.
For me, the Stinson 8 is in a different league from the Stinson 7. It hasn’t become a lightweight or highly responsive trail shoe, but HOKA has retained its protective character while addressing the biggest limitation of its predecessor.
