Customer Reviews Hoka Stinson Tarmac

The shoes are great. As other comments have said the only issue with these shoes is the paint falling off the sole of the shoe. It is not a big issue for me so I can live with it.

These shoes are replacing a pair of Hoka Bondi 2's which I've had for about 8 months and are in pretty poor shape even though I've used them only 3 days a week. But they're so comfortable what else could I order? I'm hoping these new ones last a little longer. Initial impressions are that while the sole is the same width as the Bondi's the top shoe area is considerably narrower. which makes it not quite as comfortable. The tongue isn't padded, possibly due to the no-tie laces, so I can't wear ankle socks as they dig into the front of my foot where the tongue meets the foot. They are also much firmer in the foot-bed (even though they use the same insert), than the Bondi's losing some of that much sought after cushioning, honestly if they get much firmer they won't be worth purchasing. I would really prefer the Bondi's for comfort if they were still available. I don't know if the other shoes in the Hoka line have more/less cushioning, which would be good to know. I'm tempted to order all the models in size 13D (and return the ones I don't like), but I don't think Zappos would appreciate that. :)

I really like these shoes quite a bit...they are my third pair of Hoka's. My first two pairs were Bondi 2s and now I have a pair of the Stinson Tarmacs. My only complaint with these shoes is that one of the upper eyelets on the right shoe was defective (not a complete circle and it had a chip in the metal eyelet) so the shoelaces frayed considerably over the period of a month...Zappos is standing behind the shoe and is shipping me a new pair today. Overall these shoes are fantastic and can't say enough positive things about the Stinson Tarmacs. If you liked the Bondi 2s, I think that you will really like the Stinson Tarmacs...the fit, form, and function are truly remarkable. I used to be an "angry runner" (never liked running but did it anyway because of the benefits from running) but these shoes have actually made running enjoyable for me I'm a 20-25 mile a week runner.

On a positive note these shoes are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. The mid-foot support is so well done my high arches don't feel high at all and yet my feet don't sink deep into the shoe during a run. On the negative side there are serious quality problems. Within a week the color coating started to flake off. Within a month there was noticeable wear on the soles and within three months there were holes on the outer fabric at the front of the foot. By comparison I usually get 6 months or more out of standard Asics or Brooks. In short if you are looking for extreme comfort then these are the ticket. But be prepared to replace them every three months!

Hoka's manufacturing seems lower quality every year, even though prices go up. This show is no exception. The green paint on the side literally peeled off after my second run, and after 10 the rubber grip on both speed laces started slipping. Their lasts between models are completely incongruous, so while the good old Mafate fit me perfectly in the same size, this one starts cramping the side of my toes halfway through a run. It's almost unfortunate that they're still more comfortable than the competition, because the cheap quality and astronomical price will make buying this brand hard to swallow ever again.

I got really excited by these running shoes after reading reviews in the press and from customers. I'm an experienced runner with some podiatric challenges (orthotics, etc) currently happily running in Brooks PureCadence 2's that are near end of life. I decided to pull the trigger on the Hoka One One Stinson Tarmac on a whim rather than order yet another pair of Brooks. They felt amazing when I tried them on-- huge amount of cushion. Fit was great. I loved the lace system. I'm really not one to get hung up on style when it comes to athletic gear, but these sneakers look absolutely ridiculous. My wife actually made fun of me, making all kinds of terrible remarks. They just look odd with the oversized sole design. I couldn't do it-- they have been returned.

These shoes take some getting used to. The size is a little skimpy as my 13.5's feel like only 13's. The thickness of the sole makes you feel elevated and it's somewhat spongy. Perhaps they need more breaking in.

I got a great recommendation to try these for running the NYC 2013. Bought 'em. It's spendy but I hoped they would be worth it for finishing my training and the race. I ran 3 times in these shoes. They have a fold and a bad pinch in the big toe areas on the front top of the shoe. Quite disconcerting. I had to put on my Adidas again to finish training and will run the marathon Sunday in new Adidas. These Hokas are crazy cushy. I will run in then tip they are shot later. Good luck!

I like the cushion and the feel of the shoe striking the pavement and trail. BUT - A BIG BUT! The Shoe is too narrow for my feet and they hurt the side of my right foot. I have been wearing the Brooks Beast for years in 10.5 EE so I wanted to like these shoes but they are too narrow for me. When is the company going to offer the shoe in a wider width? I will not buy anther pair until they offer it in a wider width at least an EE. I also hope the company reads these reviews.

I am a female with wide feet. I wear mean's running shoes in order to get the proper width for my feet because women's running shoes are not available in my width. I usually wear Mizuno men's shoes, size 8.5 EE. So I ordered a pair of Hoka One One Stinson Tarmac, and was disappointed that they did not work for me. They were much too narrow in the toe bed, also they ran small. I did not like the way the laces work in this style; it is hard to adjust tightness. I am returning these. I also ordered the Hoka One One Bondi 2 shoe in the same size. This fit very well, and the laces are normal and easy to adjust for tightness.

I think these shoes are junky. They are filled with foam and are probably three times thicker than typical running shoes. They make you think you are going to have less impact and be more comfortable but actually they change your mechanics - your stride and strike - and I ended up hurting myself first 2 miles out of the box. On top of that they have cheapo closures and are hideously ugly.