The Gaviota is Hoka’s max cushion, max stability daily trainer. Think of it as the supportive sibling to the Hoka Bondi, their max cushion neutral daily trainer.
So, if you love the Bondi but need a bit more guidance, the Gaviota is your perfect match.
For those craving Hoka’s stability with a slightly lower stack height than the Gaviota, check out the Arahi 6, which is essentially the stability counterpart to the wildly popular Hoka Clifton.
Here’s our comparison of the Hoka Bondi vs. Clifton if you’re interested.
In today’s article, we’re diving into the release date of the Hoka Gaviota 6. We’ll compare the Gaviota 5 to the Gaviota 6 and discuss what Hoka needs to keep or update in the new model.
Let’s get started!
Hoka Gaviota 6 Release Date
The Hoka Gaviota 6 is launching in August 2024. Following the impressive Gaviota 5, we expect Hoka to elevate the support system even further, making it more seamless and less intrusive.
Let’s quickly compare the Hoka Gaviota 5 and 4. Should you get the 5, or stick with the 4? If you’ve been enjoying what the Gaviota 4 offers, should you consider updating to the 5 because it’s a totally different shoe.
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Hoka Gaviota 5 vs. 4
While the Gaviota 5 is still in the same category, the fit, ride, and stability have been completely reimagined. So, for runners looking for a fresh experience, the Gaviota 5 actually delivered.
In terms of specs, the Gaviota 4 weighs in at 11 oz for men’s size 9 and 9.9 oz for women’s size 8. The Gaviota 5 is significantly lighter at 9 oz for men’s size 9, and you can definitely feel the difference.
When it comes to stack height, the Gaviota 4 features 40mm in the heel and 35mm in the forefoot, giving you a 5mm drop. The Gaviota 5 has a 38.5mm heel and 32.5mm forefoot, resulting in a new 6mm drop. However, the Gaviota 5 doesn’t feel dramatically different in terms of heel-to-toe drop.
The stability is done completely differently…
Stability & Ride
The Gaviota 4 had Hoka’s traditional J-Frame support system, where the entire medial and lateral length of the midsole forms a large post that looks like a “J”.
The Gaviota 5, however, introduces a new approach with the H-Frame. Hoka has removed the J-Frame post and replaced it with the H-Frame, which provides support differently.
The midfoot has more material, with extensions in the forefoot and heel that aim to keep you more centered, rather than focusing on just one side.
With the Gaviota 4, you feel a lot of medial pressure and some lateral pressure on the heel, giving it the feel of a posted shoe along the full length. In contrast, the Gaviota 5 feels more centered and softer. There’s still a noticeable arch, but it feels more balanced.
The Gaviota 4 had a firmer ride, which was surprising given its substantial stack height. While this worked well for some, the combination of firmness and weight made it feel clunky for running.
The Gaviota 5 offers a softer ride, akin to a more stable Bondi, which is also what Hoka says, too. The foam is a bit softer, providing a smoother ride despite being a lower stack by a millimeter or so. The ride feels more centered and less aggressive, with a higher arch still present.
So, if you prefer a strong post feeling throughout the shoe, the Gaviota 4 is your best bet. But if you want integrated support with guidance from both the lateral and medial sides, the Gaviota 5 is a better choice.
If you want that prominent posting and weight isn’t an issue for you, stick with the Gaviota 4. However, if you want a lighter shoe with a highly cushioned and slightly bouncy ride, the Gaviota 5 is the way to go.
The other area that’s super different is the upper…
Related:
Upper & Fit
The Gaviota 4 has a fairly tapered toe box, which isn’t super comfortable for folks with wider feet. The rest of the fit is pretty normal, maybe a teeny bit wide in the midfoot.
Now, the Gaviota 5 completely changes things. It actually has a wide forefoot, which is surprising because Hoka usually fits narrow.
I can easily spread my toes out in these shoes. There’s plenty of room, making them great for longer runs and long days on your feet when you need space for swelling. I did have to tighten the laces in the midfoot for a bit more security, but it’s not a big deal because there’s still enough toe room.
For those who want a wider fit, the Gaviota 4 does come in a wide version, but the Gaviota 5 takes the win here. The upper material feels lighter too, and it’s just nice not to have my toes crushed.
If you have a narrower foot, the Gaviota 4 might work better for you. If you have a wider foot, the Gaviota 5 is going to be the better choice.
At the end of the day, one isn’t necessarily better than the other, but I personally like the Gaviota 5 more because it fits better and is lighter.
Related:
How the Hoka Gaviota 6 Should Be
Based on everything we’ve covered about the Gaviota 4 and 5, here’s what I think Hoka should keep and improve for the Gaviota 6.
Keep the Wider Forefoot
First off, I think Hoka should definitely keep the wider forefoot from the Gaviota 5. It’s a game-changer for runners with wider feet or who just want more room for their toes. The ability to spread your toes out and have that extra space for long runs or long days on your feet is a huge plus.
Maintain the Softer Ride
I also love the softer ride of the Gaviota 5. It’s more comfortable and less clunky compared to the 4, which can feel a bit too firm and heavy.
Refine the H-Frame
Now, let’s talk about improvements. While the H-Frame in the Gaviota 5 is a step in the right direction, I think Hoka can refine it even more. The idea of keeping you centered is great, but it should feel even more balanced. Some people still feel that medial pressure, and reducing that without compromising stability would be fantastic.
Improve the Midfoot Fit
I also think Hoka should work on the fit in the midfoot area. In the Gaviota 5, I found myself tightening the laces quite a bit to get a secure fit. If they could make the midfoot fit more snugly without having to adjust the laces so much, that would be ideal.
Further Reduce the Weight
Another thing I’d love to see is an even lighter shoe. The Gaviota 5 is already lighter than the 4, but any additional weight reduction without sacrificing cushioning and support would be amazing. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the shoe feels light but still offers the stability and comfort we need.
Fine-Tune the Arch Support
Lastly, keeping the higher arch support is crucial, but it should feel natural and not too aggressive. The Gaviota 5 does a better job here, but there’s always room for improvement to make that arch support feel just right.
Final Thoughts
So, in a nutshell, Hoka, keep the wider forefoot, the softer ride, and the balanced feel. Improve the midfoot fit, reduce weight even further, and fine-tune the arch support.
If Hoka can nail these aspects, I think the Gaviota 6 will be a huge hit. What do you think? Anything else you’d like to add?
