Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01: Are the new “retractable studs” worth the hype? The Hakkapeliitta 01 uses temperature-responsive rubber beneath its studs to change how they contact the road—but does that actually make it better than the proven Hakkapeliitta 10?
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Results : Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01
The results were taken from Moottori 2026 studded winter tire test. The graph below shows the comparison between Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 vs Nokian Hakkapeliitta 01 based on the relevant performance category. The older generation Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. The handling criteria shown in the test are evaluated objectively through lap times.
The tire size of interest is 205/55R16 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Corolla. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle of choice is a Volkswagen Golf.
Ice
The Hakkapeliitta 01 accelerates 0.42 seconds faster than the Hakkapeliitta 10, delivering 12% better ice acceleration. It also stops 0.27 meters shorter, giving it 3% better ice braking. Around the ice handling track, the 01 finishes 1.41 seconds faster, translating to 2% better performance.
Overall, the new Hakkapeliitta 01 improves all three areas, with its biggest advantage coming in ice acceleration.
Hakkapeliitta 01 :
- +3% in ice braking
- +12% in ice acceleration
- +2% in ice handling (lap time)
Snow
The Hakkapeliitta 01 accelerates 0.05 seconds faster than the Hakkapeliitta 10, delivering 1% better snow acceleration. It also stops 0.43 meters shorter, giving it 2% better snow braking. On the snow handling track, the 01 completes a lap 1.72 seconds faster, translating to 2% better performance.
Overall, the Hakkapeliitta 01 offers a small but consistent improvement on snow, with clearer gains in braking and handling.
Hakkapeliitta 01 :
- +2% in snow braking
- +1% in snow acceleration
- +2% in snow handling (lap time)
Wet
The Hakkapeliitta 10 stops 0.46 meters shorter than the Hakkapeliitta 01, giving it 1% better wet braking. However, the 01 completes the wet handling lap 0.37 seconds faster, delivering 1% better performance.
Overall, the two are closely matched in the wet: the 10 has a slight braking advantage, while the 01 is slightly faster through corners.
Hakkapeliitta 01 :
- -1% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling
Dry
The Hakkapeliitta 01 stops 0.20 meters shorter than the Hakkapeliitta 10, giving it 1% better dry braking. This is a very small difference, so both tires deliver effectively similar stopping performance on dry roads.
Hakkapeliitta 01 :
- +1% in dry braking
Noise
At 80 km/h, the Hakkapeliitta 01 produces 0.8 dB(A) less noise than the Hakkapeliitta 10. This equals roughly 17% less measured sound energy, although it does not mean 17% less perceived loudness.
Overall, the 01 offers a small noise improvement over its predecessor.
Hakkapeliitta 01 :
- +1% in interior noise
How do the “retractable studs” actually work?
The stud protrusion is the same for both tires at both summer & winter temperatures. What actually changes is how firmly the studs press against the road. As the rubber beneath them warms and softens, the studs give way more easily under load.
| Tire | Force at −2°C | Force at +20°C | Reduction when warmer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hakkapeliitta 01 | 128 N | 121 N | 5.5% |
| Hakkapeliitta 10 | 155 N | 149 N | 3.9% |
Measurements attributed to Tehnikamaailm 10/2026, show that warming from −2°C to +20°C reduces the Hakkapeliitta 01’s stud force from 128 N to 121 N—a 5.5% reduction. The Hakkapeliitta 10 drops from 155 N to 149 N—a 3.9% reduction.
The 01 shows a slightly greater response to warming, with a reduction 1.6 percentage points larger than the 10. These results demonstrate a change in stud force, rather than studs visibly extending and retracting.
Conclusion
From my perspective, this test raises a simple question: why would you buy a studded tire? The Hakkapeliitta 01 still has a clear advantage where studs matter most — ice braking — and for drivers who regularly face polished ice, that extra stopping grip can be worth paying for.
But everywhere else, the VikingContact 8 is incredibly hard to ignore. It matches or beats the Nokian across snow, wet, dry, comfort and efficiency, while also costing much less. Unless maximum ice braking is your absolute priority, I would choose the VikingContact 8. It shows just how far the best modern studless winter tires have come.
Dr Edwin Pang