Hoka One One Gaviota Shoe Review

Hoka One One Gaviota Review

Hoka One One Gaviota

image courtesy of JackRabbit.com

The train of new Hoka shoes continues to move forward! A few weeks ago I posted a review of the first stability Hoka shoe, the Hoka Arahi. This week I’m writing a review about another stability/motion control Hoka shoe, the Gaviota.

I was excited to try this she out for a few reasons. First, my neighbor recently picked up this shoe and said the fit was great except for a little rubbing on the outer toes. Secondly, I read a number of great shoes about the fit of these shoes.

I have recently been running in the Asics GT-2000 and continue to be on the hunt for a Hoka shoe to mix in the rotation. I was really hoping the Gaviota could be that shoe.

Hoka used to be my favorite running shoe brand, but feel they have digressed over the past few years. Between the Arahi and Gaviota, I am hoping to have some restored faith in Hoka.

Below is my review of about the Hoka One One Gaviota and my experience running in them.

The Hoka One One Gaviota men’s and women’s model each have three colors to choose from. All of the colors available are solid choices.

Hoka One One Gaviota Verdict

If you are looking for a responsive, lightweight stability shoe, I would recommend giving the Hoka One One Gaviota try.

This shoe offers a balance of support and cushion. The forefoot was wider than expected and the heel held my foot perfectly, something that I struggle to find with running shoes.

If you want a motion/stability shoe, give the Hoka Gaviota a try. The wider forefoot and responsive feel make this a great shoe for daily or long runs.

Where to Buy the Gaviota »
Pros Cons
  • Lightweight Support
  • Responsive Feel
  • True Sizing
  • Durability
  • Expensive ($150)
  • Color Options

Here are a few pictures of the Hoka One One Gaviota that I wore for this review.

Hoka One One Gaviota Initial Thoughts

When I opened the box, I really liked the bright orange color scheme. The first time I put the shoe on, I was really impressed with the fit. Plenty of room in the forefoot and a secure fit in the heel.

The shoe was lightweight and very comfortable. I immediately thought these were similar to the Hoka Arahi, just a few ounces heavier.

I started walking around the house in these shoes and really noticed the arch support. The overall support and feel of this shoe made me excited to give this shoe a try.

Hoka One One Gaviota Shoe Details

  • Weight: 10.1 Ounces (Men’s size 9)
  • Shoe Category: Stability
  • How It Fits: True to Size (based on normal D width)
  • Offset: 5mm heel to toe offset
  • Forefoot Width: Medium (wide model available)
  • Forefoot Height: 27mm forefoot height
  • Heel Height: 32mm heel height
  • Previous Model: First version

Hoka One One Gaviota Overview

The Hoka One One Gaviota is another one of the new Hoka stability shoes, weight right around 10oz.

The Gaviota is built upon the RMAT J-Frame, which reduces over pronation by using a new EVA J-Frame Construction.

The upper of this shoe is comfortable, lightweight and offers excellent breathability. The Gaviota is an excellent shoe that can be used for daily or long runs. While this shoe is supportive, I probably would race in it.

Hoka One One Gaviota Sole

One of the first things I noticed about the Gaviota was the wider forefoot and secure heel. I really liked the Early Stage Meta-Rocker sole as it helped propel me forward with each step.

Similar to the Hoka Arahi, the Gaviota is built with new EVA J-Frame shoe technology. This lightweight sole has a firm EVA foam along the medial side of the shoe and around the heel to support and guide the foot.

The sole is made of high abrasion rubber will improve durability and traction on most surfaces. I would recommend wearing these shoes on the road or paved trails.

If you are unfamiliar with the Early Stage Meta-Rocker technology, Hoka One One describes it as being “specifically engineered with a low heel-toe differential and a sculpted outsole radius in the heel and toe, creates a unique fulcrum effect and encourages a guided foot gait cycle.

Below are a few pictures of the Gaviota sole.

Hoka One One Gaviota Upper

The printed mesh upper felt great and looked great. Many of the latest Hoka shoes have an almost a seamless upper and this shoe continues that trend.

The tongue on this shoe was padded and comfortable than some of the other shoes I have recently worn.

The Molded Ortholite Sockliner helps with odor management and provides extra support. These shoes really felt great from the first time I put them on.

The Gaviota had a wider fit due than the traditional Hoka D width. Something I was appreciative of.

Where to Buy the Hoka One One Gaviota

JackRabbit.com » | JackRabbit.com (Womens) | Amazon.com | Holabird Sports | REI.com | Road Runner SportstheActiveGuy.com Shoe Finder

Running and Fitness Discounts

Let me know what you think of the Hoka One One Gaviota running shoe!

If you need help finding deals on this shoe, contact me.

Please note: Most purchases on this site help support theActiveGuy.com.

Hoka One One Gaviota Ratings
  • 9.3/10
    Overall Rating - 9.25/10
  • 9/10
    Upper - 9/10
  • 9/10
    Sole - 9/10
Sending
User Review
3.16 (45 votes)

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32 comments

  • How would you compare these to the Arahi, since you’ve tried both? More motion control/stability? More cushioning? Similar fit (I noticed you went with the wide fit on the Arahi review, but stuck with the regular width on the Gaviota; did that work okay)? I have a pair of Clifton 2s that I really like except the common complaint that they’re a bit too narrow, and the stability/support isn’t that great (both characteristics become very noticeable after about 6 or 7 miles). Trying to decide whether to try the Gaviota or the Arahi, and wondering what drives the $20 price difference. Thanks for the reviews!

    • Chris, appreciate the question and the comment. If you are a big fan of the Clifton then I would definitely go with the Arahi. I did try the Arahi in the 2E model, but also tried the width D model. I just uploaded pictures tonight (gray/yellow model). I prefer the wider model, but didn’t like the navy/gold colors. I ran into the same issue with the Cliftons around the 5-8 mile range, definitely too narrow. If you like the feel of the Clifton, go with the 2E model and if those don’t feel great I would try the Gaviota. Not only will you save a few bucks, but I think you will like the Arahi better.

      Let me know if you have any questions or need help finding a deal. Would be happy to help!

    • I just tried the models Gaviota, Arahi and Clifton 3 in a shop at noon. I have the Clifton 2 since a year and I love these shoes. But … the Clifton 2 quickly lost their effectiveness. I was surprised by the Arahi insole, especially under the heel. The impression of falling back. The Clifton 3 are substantially identical with the Clifton 2. Maybe a little firmer and a wider toebox. The Arahi are as firm as the Clifton. I didn’t feel any difference. The Gaviota are really, really very comfortable. The cushioning is impressive. Nothing to compare with the Clifton or the Arahi.
      I also have the Hoka Tracer for short distances and sprint, but for training or long distances, I think I will choose the Gaviota.

      • Thierry, thanks for the comment! I haven’t tried the Tracer, but am glad to hear you ended up going with the Gaviota Definitely a comfortable shoe and agree are different from the Arahi. Based on my experience, the Arahi felt more like the Clifton model.

        Let me know how things go with the Gaviota. Thanks again!

  • The Hoka One One Gaviota Really delivers on support & Cushioning.The amount of Cushioning & Comfort delivered from this Running Shoe is Totally Off the Scale!Throw in the fact that it Looks Fantastic as well and Hoka One One are onto a Winner!Warning if you put this running shoe on you will NOT want to take it off..

  • Would you be able to compare these to the Saucony Redeemer, aside from being lighter? I went from the Saucony stabil cs3 to the redeemer and have no complaints. Apparently I require max motion control for severe over-pronation and these two got it done. I wouldn’t mind lighter weight though, so any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

    • Ken, unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to try the Saucony Redeemer yet. Based on what I have read, they have great reviews for those looking for a motion control shoe. If you read the other comments and reviews on the Gaviota, people are really liking the shoe and how they feel. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for the question!

      • Thank you for the reply. Now get this craziness! I went to a local running store today to try out the Gaviota. The owner suggested trying that and the Arahi. I tried both as well as another pair of Redeemers and did a gate analysis with all 3. The Gaviota is rated as a mod motion control, Arahi as max support, Redeemer as max motion control. Watching my analysis rating from most stability to least…. Arahi, Gaviota, Redeemer. All of us in the store were blown away! If people truly need a motion control shoe, don’t discount the Arahi because it is not in the motion control catagory.

        • Ken, appreciate the comment. That is crazy about the Arahi, but glad to hear you found something that worked for you! Best of luck running them. Let me know what you think.

  • What a great review! Thank you. I also appreciate reading the comments as I had the same questions. I found a pair of Gaviota’s on EBay for $60 that had only been tried on so I purchased them. I currently run in the Clifton 2 and the ATR for trails. Used to run in Asics Kayano till the 22 model changed so much for me from the 21. I tried my first pair of Hoka’s and haven’t looked back since. I don’t seem to have the same issues with width in the toe box. I have narrow feet. I tried the Hoka Infinity and hated them. They felt like bricks on my feet. I was worried the Gaviota and Arahi would be similar since they are supportive shoes but this review and the comments are making me excited for my first run in my Gaviota’s. I hope when the Clifton 4’s come out in July you review them! Oh and men have it so much better for color way choices. Women’s color ways are terrible. If my foot was bigger I would buy a men’s shoe instead.

    • Lizze, thanks so much for the comment! I will definitely be reviewing the next Clifton model. Can’t wait to give it a try. I agree with your comment about the Infinity. Not a big fan at all. Let me know how the Gaviota work out for you!

  • Hi. I love the Clifton 3 and don’t have much of a fit issue. Possibly could do with more toe room but it’s not a problem. I use my Clifton for half and full marathon races. Like another who posted here I also have the Tracer for interval training and 10k races. But I’m looking for a well cushioned, plush daily trainer. I had the Bondi 4 but found toe box too small and they seemed to overheat my feet very quickly so feeling a little hesitant about the 5. Tried a Vanquish 3 which I really wanted to like but too narrow. So now considering Gaviota or Arahi. But I dont overpronate or particularly need the support. I have high arches and if anything I underpronate. So would this cause me a problem running in them? Your views would be greatly appreciated, thanks

    • Thanks for the question Wes. The Arahi in my mind is similar to the Clifton. I pronate a little bit, but not much and really like the feel of the Arahi. If I were you, I would go try them on or order online and see how they feel. I had trouble with the Clifton 3 because they were too narrow in the forefoot area, but didn’t have that issue with the Arahi.

      Let me know what you decide. Good luck!

      • Thanks for response. Looks like I’ll order the Arahi in that case, although need the Challenger ATR 3 first…. Shoe obsession 🙂

        • Haha, nothing wrong with that. I have a similar problem so I totally understand. Let me know how they both work out for you as I haven’t tried the ATR 3 yet. Thanks again for the question!

  • Hi, looking to get into a pair of Hoka’s for comfort, having run the last 2 years in Asics GT1000-4’s which are a size 8, what size Gaviota’s would you recommend? went to a local shop and was advised try a size bigger?

    • Paul, thanks for the question! I have read a few different things about the sizing of the Gaviota. Road Runner Sports says that you should order a 1/2 size up while Running Warehouse says they run true to size. For this review, I used the same size as my other Brooks, Asics, and Hoka shoes. You may want to try them on locally if you can so you can figure out what is best. Let me know if you have any other questions!

  • I have recently tried the Clifton 3 and really liked it. My problem is I supinate and have worn the outer portion of the heel completely off in less than 2 months. Do yo feel like the Arahi or Gaviota would be better suited for this problem? Thanks!

  • I have been running in the Arahi, and like them, but I recently also started running some in the Gaviota. I’ve only run in these a few times, and they feel great to start, but a mile or two in, my toes on both feet go numb. I don’t feel like I have them laced too tightly, and I even have them laced to not go the middle top of my foot. I really like these, but the numbing has to go!!! I run with a Superfeet insert….had to go to a lower one (light blue) with these since the Gaviota has so much arch support. I’m wondering if it’s: A.) just part of breaking in new shoes, B.) something with the J-frame that causes it? (the numbing feels like it comes from the bottom of foot, not top….not sure how to explain that….I don’t have Morton’s neuroma), C.) maybe I shouldn’t be using the insert (but I have to be really careful with my knees, which I think the inserts help with), or D.) something else? I really want these shoes to work! Please advise!!!

    • Jane, hey thanks for the comment! Knowing that you really like these shoes, I would try running in these without the inserts. I have been wearing the Superfeet orange inserts and noticed the height of some of the toe boxes vary by shoe. If I were you, I would try a few different combinations and keep track of how they feel. I haven’t had the issue with numbness before so I can’t help you there. Let me know what you find out. Good luck!

    • I had the exact same numbness after mile two. Did they break in? I’m hoping this is just and adjustment to the new shoes.

      • Andy, thanks for the question. The shoes did break in but would pick the Arahi (wide + 1/2 size up) over the Gaviota. Are you running in any other shoes?

  • Hi, i use to run with hoka Arahi. love the cushion and the ride. But i feel a bit loose and didnt really wrap my midfoot. also i feel discomfort on my small toe on the right foot. which one do have more room in the forefoot?? Gaviota or Arahi? hope to hear your reply. thanks

    • Mart, thanks for the question. I thought the Gaviota had a little bit more room than the Arahi. The one thing I would say is that the Arahi has a wide version which I liked but felt a little loose in the heel. If you aren’t sold on the Arahi, then I would certainly try the Gaviota! Let me know if you have any other questions.

  • HI, I run 2 marathons per year, I have being using hoka conquest (1,2,3) now they stopes making them. I’m 6.2 tall and weight 200 pouds, what would you suggest me to get, Arahi or Gaviota ? or any other hoka models ?

    • Angelo, thanks for the question. If you want to stick with Hoka, I would check out the Arahi 2. A few nice updates from the original shoe and I like it better than the Gaviota. If you aren’t sure which one works best, you may want to check out at a local store before ordering online. Let me know if you have any other questions!

  • Hi, could you tell me which shoe has best arch support? Gaviota? Arahi? Clifton 3? I have a high arch feet :/

  • Pingback: Hoka One One Gaviota 2 Shoe Review | The Active Guy

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