Objective <p>To address the vulnerability of traditional Stewart mechanisms under multi-directional shocks caused by uneven load distribution, this study proposes an eight-legged Stewart mechanism (SMEL) and investigates its shock isolation performance.</p> Methods <p>A dynamic shock model of the SMEL was established, with decoupled and solved governing equations. Key geometric parameters affecting shock isolation efficiency were defined. Simulations analyzed the impact of these parameters on isolation performance in different directions. A drop shock test validated the simulation framework.</p> Results <p>Increasing the horizontal deflection angle of SMEL hinge points enhanced horizontal shock isolation efficiency but reduced vertical acceleration isolation.</p> <p>Vertical isolation efficiency initially worsened and then improved with increasing SMEL radius ratio, while the opposite trend occurred in the horizontal direction.</p> Conclusion <p>The SMEL demonstrates direction-dependent shock isolation behavior influenced by geometric parameters. This work provides theoretical and experimental guidance for designing multi-degree-of-freedom shock isolation systems.</p>