Hoka Gaviota 5

Review Score
85%
πŸ… Highly Rated
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Hoka Gaviota 5: Review

β€œA stability shoe offering maximalist cushioning for daily road running.”

Overview


The Hoka Gaviota 5 is a trail shoe from Hoka. It's part of their mission to revamp their product line for 2023, with innovations in foams, stack heights, and stability technology. The shoe's name, "Gaviota," which means seagull in Spanish, represents an area of pristine and undeveloped California coastline.

Key features:

Innovative H-Frameβ„’ Stability: The Gaviota 5 introduces an innovative H-Frameβ„’ stabilizing system, replacing the traditional J-Frame, which provides inherent stability without sacrificing cushioning.

  • Breathable Upper: The shoe features a creel jacquard upper that promotes breathability, keeping your feet comfortable during your runs.
  • Ultra-Plush Collar: An ultra-plush collar enhances comfort and provides a secure fit, allowing you to focus on your run.
  • Signature HOKA Cushioning: Building on HOKA's reputation for cushioning, the Gaviota 5 offers Bondi-level cushioning for a plush and responsive ride.

In summary, the Hoka Gaviota 5 is an evolved successor to its predecessor, featuring a refined weight, enhanced cushioning, and improved ventilation. While the lower drop may be a unique challenge for some runners, the shoe's focus on stability and modern features makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a comfortable and supportive running experience.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 85%. This puts it in the highest rated 30% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 30% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Hoka Gaviota 5


The Hoka Gaviota 5 is a remarkably stable shoe, ideal for daily running. It offers a comfortable and breathable upper, and despite its size, it is surprisingly lightweight. The shoe is plushier than ever, providing excellent cushioning for long runs. However, its low drop might pose issues for heel strikers, and it may not perform well in colder conditions. It is also not suitable for runners with narrow feet. Overall, the Gaviota 5 is a solid choice for runners seeking a comfortable and stable shoe for everyday training.

Updates to Hoka Gaviota 5


The Hoka Gaviota 5 is lighter than the Gaviota 4 and features a slightly higher heel-to-toe drop. The latest model features a new and improved midsole design with softer foams and more accommodating stability features, resulting in a seamless ride. The new H-frame support system offers more holistic support than the previous J-frame, which focused only on reducing inward pronation.

Comparable Shoes


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If you prefer a firmer and more natural feel for your runs, the Saucony Tempus is a strong contender. It's also cheaper than the Gaviota 5, making it a more budget-friendly option.

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The Hoka Gaviota 4, the previous iteration of the Gaviota 5, is well-regarded for its firm and natural feel. However, it's heavier than the Gaviota 5, so if you don't mind the extra weight, it might be a good alternative.

10 Hoka Gaviota 5 Pros & Cons


7 Pros

Remarkably stable
Breathable and comfortable upper
Lightweight for its size
Plushier than ever
Good stability option for forefoot strikers
Ideal for wide feet
Excellent for long runs

3 Cons

Low drop might pose issues for heel strikers
Performs poorly in colder conditions
Not for narrow feet

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Hoka Gaviota 5 is made of mesh, providing excellent breathability. It wraps firmly around the foot, offering both comfort and support. The plush heel collar and gusseted tongue provide a gentle hug, ensuring a secure fit. The upper is also orthotic friendly, accommodating custom insoles.

Midsole

The midsole of the Gaviota 5 features Hoka's new H-frame technology, offering a smoother ride for runners of all gait patterns. This technology provides the same level of stability as the previous J-frame, without limiting correction to the medial side. The midsole also features softer foams, resulting in a plushier feel.

Outsole

The outsole of the Hoka Gaviota 5 is designed for road running. It provides reliable traction, ensuring a secure grip on various road surfaces. The outsole is also durable, capable of withstanding daily training.

Size/fit

The Gaviota 5 is designed with a medium toe box, making it ideal for runners with wide or high-volume feet. However, runners with low-volume feet may need to try a half size down for a better fit.

Comfort

The Hoka Gaviota 5 is praised for its comfort. The plush midsole, combined with the breathable mesh upper, provides a comfortable ride. The shoe is also orthotic friendly, allowing for custom insoles.

Cushioning

The Gaviota 5 is a maximalist shoe, offering ample cushioning. This makes it ideal for long runs, as the cushioning helps to reduce impact and provide a comfortable ride.

Breathability

The mesh upper of the Gaviota 5 provides excellent breathability. This helps to keep the feet cool and dry during runs, enhancing comfort.

Stability

The Gaviota 5 is a stability shoe, designed to support runners who overpronate. The new H-frame technology provides a smoother ride, offering stability without limiting correction to the medial side.

Durability

The Hoka Gaviota 5 is a durable shoe, capable of withstanding daily training. The outsole is robust, providing reliable traction and longevity.

Grip

The outsole of the Gaviota 5 provides a secure grip on various road surfaces. This ensures a stable and confident run, regardless of the road conditions.

Who should buy the Hoka Gaviota 5?


The Hoka Gaviota 5 is an excellent choice for runners who need a stability shoe for wider feet. It's also suitable for those looking for a comfortable yet stable shoe with nice arch support. Hoka fans wanting a cushioned, low-drop, long-distance shoe in their collection will also find value in this model.

Who should not buy the Hoka Gaviota 5?


The Hoka Gaviota 5 may not be the best pick for runners who aren't keen on very low drop shoes. It's also not suitable for runners with narrow feet. If you favor a firmer and more natural feel for your runs, you might want to consider other options.

Hoka Gaviota 5: What's it good for?


Long runs are where the Hoka Gaviota 5 truly shines. Its maximalist design and plush cushioning make it ideal for these types of runs. It's also a good choice for daily training on road terrain.

4 Hoka Gaviota 5 FAQs


Is the Hoka Gaviota 5 suitable for long runs?

Yes, the Hoka Gaviota 5 is ideal for long runs. Its maximalist design and plush cushioning provide a comfortable ride, reducing impact and fatigue.

Is the Hoka Gaviota 5 a stability shoe?

Yes, the Hoka Gaviota 5 is a stability shoe. It's designed to support runners who overpronate, providing a smoother ride with its new H-frame technology.

Is the Hoka Gaviota 5 suitable for wide feet?

Yes, the Hoka Gaviota 5 is designed with a medium toe box, making it ideal for runners with wide or high-volume feet.

Is the Hoka Gaviota 5 breathable?

Yes, the Hoka Gaviota 5 is breathable. Its mesh upper provides excellent ventilation, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs.

Hoka Gaviota 5 alternatives

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Released
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Expert Review Score
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Weight
Weight
M: 309 g
W: 252 g
M: 278 g
W: 227 g
M: 269 g
W: 221 g
M: 269 g
W: 235 g
M: 272 g
W: 218 g
337 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
M: 30 mm
W: 28 mm
30 mm
27 mm
22 mm
23 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
8 mm
8 mm
5 mm
12 mm
Heel
Heel
M: 36 mm
W: 34 mm
30 mm
35 mm
30 mm
28 mm
Brand
Brand
Hoka
AltraSauconyASICSTopo AthleticBrooks
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableLow drop
Low dropZero dropComfortableComfortable
Breathable
Breathable
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
Altra EGO MaxSaucony PWRRUNASICS Gel
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
SustainableSustainableVegan β“‹
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Hoka Gaviota 5: what the experts say (4 reviews)

Hoka Gaviota 5: 3 Expert video reviews

Hoka Gaviota 5 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2046)
TerrainRoad (+1361)
UsagesDaily running (+1131)
BrandHoka (+107)
Support TypeStability (+212)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1112)
Shoe TypeComfortable (+238)Low drop (+277)
FitWide toe box (+271)
FeaturesBreathable (+751)Orthotic friendly (+452)Removable insole (+435)
MaterialsMesh (+938)Reflective (+181)Vegan | Reflective (+20)
Events10k (+715)5K and 10K (+135)Half marathon (+715)Marathon (+715)Obstacle course racing (+168)
ColorwaysAiry Blue / Sunlit Ocean, Bellwether Blue / Evening Sky, Black / White, Bluesteel / Stone Blue, Citrus Glow / Sunlit Ocean, Deep Lagoon / Sherbet, Harbor Mist / Rose Gold, Limestone / Diva Blue, Nimbus Cloud / Steel Wool
Specificationsvs Average
Model
5
Released
Apr 2023
Measurements
Weight
M: 309 g
W: 252 g
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
Heel
M: 36 mm
W: 34 mm
Forefoot
M: 30 mm
W: 28 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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