Hoka Gaviota 4
Buy Hoka Gaviota 4 at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The Hoka Gaviota 4 is a running shoe designed for maximum cushioning and stability. This shoe is known for its plush comfort and supportive ride, making it a top choice for runners who prioritize foot protection and support during their runs.
Key Features:
- Plush Cushioning: A thick bed of foam provides a soft and protective underfoot feel.
- Dynamic Stability: The J-Frame technology offers support for overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) without being intrusive.
- Redesigned Upper: The ventilated mesh upper is lighter and more supportive, with added padding for a luxurious feel.
- Meta-Rocker Geometry: This design feature promotes efficient heel-to-toe transitions.
The Hoka Gaviota 4 is an ideal choice for runners who need a stability shoe for marathon or ultramarathon training. Its plush cushioning offers a comfortable ride, while the dynamic stability features ensure a supportive experience. Part of the Hoka Gaviota family, it stands out as a premium option within the Hoka lineup.
With an average review score of 85%, it's in the highest rated 30% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Hoka Gaviota 4
The Hoka Gaviota 4 has established itself as a reliable shoe for runners seeking a combination of plush cushioning and stability. It's particularly well-suited for long-distance runs, where comfort and foot protection are paramount. The shoe's J-Frame technology provides dynamic stability, engaging only when necessary to support overpronation. The redesigned upper, with its breathable mesh and added padding, enhances the overall comfort and fit. While the shoe does require a break-in period, it ultimately delivers a smooth and supportive ride. The Gaviota 4 is not designed for speedwork or setting personal records, but it excels as a daily trainer for marathon or ultra distances. For runners in need of a stable and cushioned shoe, the Hoka Gaviota 4 is a top contender that promises comfort mile after mile.
Updates to Hoka Gaviota 4
The Hoka Gaviota 4 introduces a redesigned upper for improved fit and breathability, along with additional padding in the heel collar and tongue for enhanced comfort. The J-Frame support system has been updated with a softer foam compound for a more cushioned feel without sacrificing stability. These updates build upon the solid foundation of the Hoka Gaviota line, maintaining its reputation as a max-cushioned stability shoe.
7 Hoka Gaviota 4 Pros & Cons
4 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Hoka Gaviota 4 features a redesigned upper that employs a lighter and more breathable mesh compared to its predecessor. The added padding in the heel collar and tongue enhances the step-in comfort, creating a snug and luxurious feel. The upper's H-Frame, now integrated beneath the mesh, allows for an adjustable fit, ensuring a secure and stable experience. This update has been well-received by runners who appreciate the improved fit and breathability, especially during long runs.
Midsole
At the heart of the Hoka Gaviota 4's comfort is its midsole, which boasts a high stack height of 40 mm in the heel and 35 mm in the forefoot. The CMEVA foam provides a soft landing with a hint of firmness for added structure. The J-Frame technology, updated with a softer foam compound, offers stability without being intrusive, making it suitable for runners with overpronation. The shoe's Meta-Rocker Geometry aids in smooth transitions, contributing to the overall supportive ride.
Outsole
The outsole of the Hoka Gaviota 4 is designed with Durabrasion Rubber, strategically placed to withstand high abrasion areas. This durable material ensures the outsole can handle hundreds of miles without compromising on flexibility or traction. Runners can expect a reliable grip across various surfaces, contributing to the shoe's versatility and longevity.
Size/fit
The Hoka Gaviota 4 offers a medium fit from heel to toe, with a medium toe box that accommodates a range of foot shapes. The H-Frame in the midfoot allows for a customizable fit, ensuring that runners can achieve a secure and comfortable lockdown. While some runners may find the fit slightly roomy, the shoe generally runs true to size.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the Hoka Gaviota 4, with its plush cushioning and supportive design. The additional padding in the heel collar and tongue, along with the soft engineered mesh upper, contribute to a cozy and comfortable feel. The shoe's balanced ride, with a mix of softness and firmness, ensures comfort during long runs and recovery days.
Cushioning
The Hoka Gaviota 4's cushioning is characterized by its generous stack height and the use of CMEVA foam. This combination results in a protective and cushioned ride that absorbs impact effectively. The shoe's cushioning is particularly beneficial for long-distance runners who require consistent underfoot protection throughout their training.
Breathability
Despite its thick cushioning, the Hoka Gaviota 4 excels in breathability. The engineered mesh upper features numerous ventilation holes that allow for ample airflow, keeping feet cool even during warm runs. This breathability is a significant advantage for runners who train in hotter climates or prefer a well-ventilated shoe.
Stability
Stability in the Hoka Gaviota 4 is provided by the J-Frame technology, a denser foam that supports the foot's natural gait. The wide base and flat waisted geometry through the midfoot offer a stable platform, making the shoe an excellent choice for runners who require additional support due to overpronation.
Durability
Durability is a key aspect of the Hoka Gaviota 4, with its robust upper and resilient outsole. The shoe's materials are designed to withstand the rigors of daily training, ensuring that it can last for many miles without significant wear and tear. This makes the Gaviota 4 a reliable option for runners who value longevity in their footwear.
Who should buy the Hoka Gaviota 4?
The Hoka Gaviota 4 is best suited for runners who require a stability shoe with ample cushioning for long-distance runs. It's ideal for those training for a marathon or ultramarathon, as well as runners with overpronation seeking a supportive ride. The shoe's plush comfort and durable construction make it a solid choice for daily training and recovery days.
Who should not buy the Hoka Gaviota 4?
Runners looking for a lightweight, responsive shoe for speedwork or racing should consider other options. The Hoka Gaviota 4, with its focus on cushioning and stability, may not provide the agility needed for tempo runs or personal best attempts. Those who prefer a minimalist or less cushioned shoe might find the Gaviota 4's plushness to be excessive.
Hoka Gaviota 4: What's it good for?
The Hoka Gaviota 4 is well-suited for long-distance running, recovery runs, and daily training. Its cushioning and stability features make it a strong candidate for runners with overpronation or those who prefer a supportive ride. The shoe's durability and comfort also make it a good option for runners who spend extended periods on their feet.
4 Hoka Gaviota 4 FAQs
How does the Hoka Gaviota 4 accommodate runners with overpronation?
The Hoka Gaviota 4 features the J-Frame technology, a denser foam that provides support and guides the foot, along with a wide platform for added stability. This design is beneficial for runners with overpronation, as it helps to control excessive inward rolling of the foot.
Is the Hoka Gaviota 4 suitable for marathon training?
Yes, the Hoka Gaviota 4 is an excellent choice for marathon training due to its plush cushioning, supportive stability features, and durable construction. It's designed to provide comfort and protection over long distances.
What updates have been made to the Hoka Gaviota 4 compared to the previous model?
The Hoka Gaviota 4 has a redesigned upper for a better fit and increased breathability, additional padding in the heel collar and tongue, and an updated J-Frame support system with a softer foam compound for a more cushioned feel.
Can the Hoka Gaviota 4 be used for daily training?
Absolutely, the Hoka Gaviota 4 is well-suited for daily training. Its combination of cushioning, stability, and durability makes it a reliable choice for everyday runs.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | |||
| released | ReleasedApr 2022 | Sep 2019 | Nov 2022 | Feb 2020 | Sep 2021 | Dec 2022 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 323 g W: 264 g | M: 422 g W: 318 g | M: 275 g W: 235 g | M: 366 g W: 312 g | M: 346 g W: 315 g | M: 303 g W: 244 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot35 mm | 28 mm | 24 mm | 24 mm | ||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop5 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm | |
| Heel | Heel40 mm | 28 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | ||
| Brand | BrandHoka | New Balance | Altra | New Balance | Brooks | Mizuno |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeBreathableComfortableMaximalist | BreathableLow dropMaximalistZero drop | Maximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | ||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Techs | Techs | Altra EGOGuideRail | Brooks BioMoGo DNAGuideRail | Mizuno Enerzy | ||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | |||||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningMotion controlStabilityOverpronationSevere overpronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeLow archBreathable |
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