HOKA Stinson 8 Review 2026: Max-Cushion Trainer Tested After Launch
HOKA’s Stinson has always sat between road trainer and trail shoe — one shoe for mixed-terrain athletes who want road comfort with enough grip for gravel and packed trails. The Stinson 8 is now officially out, and it’s the lightest version of the shoe yet.
What’s New
The 2026 update brings a newly formulated dual-density midsole — a thicker, shock-absorbing bottom layer under a reworked H-Frame layer for stability and smoother heel-to-toe transitions. The upper switches to a more breathable woven construction, and the outsole lugs are trimmed by half a millimetre and reshaped for a smoother road-to-trail transition. HOKA lists men’s weight at 320g and women’s at 272g, with a 5mm heel-to-toe drop.
Price and Availability
UK pricing lands at £159. HOKA’s own UK product pages for the Stinson 8 (men’s and women’s) are live, but as of writing every size shows sold out direct from HOKA UK, with a waitlist in place of a buy button — a similar first-week pattern to several other 2026 shoe launches. Third-party UK retailers are starting to list it, so it’s worth checking current stock before assuming it’s unavailable.
Check HOKA Stinson 8 stock direct at HOKA UK
Who It’s For
The Stinson remains the right call for triathletes who train on a mix of road and light trail — brick sessions that finish on a towpath, off-road long runs, or anyone who wants one shoe rather than separate road and trail pairs. The added cushioning suits higher-mileage, lower-impact training rather than fast trail racing.
Buying Tips
- If HOKA UK is sold out in your size, join the waitlist directly — first restocks tend to go to waitlist subscribers before general sale.
- Our best HOKA running shoes for triathletes roundup covers current in-stock alternatives, including the Clifton 11 and Mach 7, if you need a shoe today.
- Break in gradually if you’re moving up from a firmer trainer — the thicker midsole changes your ground feel more than a like-for-like resole.
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