Individual Thoughts
BrycenOverall Score: 9.5/10
The HOKA Gaviota 5 finally made me believe in all the HOKA hype I have heard about for years from family or social media. Honestly, I put the Gaviota 5 right up there with my other favorite in the stability category, the Saucony Tempus, in terms of comfort and performance.
No matter the distance of the test run, the Gaviota 5's midsole remained pillowy soft, delivering the protection I needed to keep my knees feeling good and ready to run. Furthermore, the Gaviota 5 was excellent for days when my legs were tired, and it took some extra motivation to get out the door for a run. I knew I could rely on the Gaviota to keep me comfortable and that the smooth cruising ride would not beat up my body. From testing mile 1 to mile 30, the Gaviota 5 provided all the features I needed; protection, stability, and comfort, and I always had fun while wearing the shoe.
The shoe's aesthetic is not my favorite, and like Bondi, the Gaviota is a lot of shoe with its max stack midsole. That said, the aesthetic does not overshadow the shoe's fantastic performance, and I am more than happy to sacrifice looks for the ultimate comfort that the Gaviota 5 provides. If I am being even more nit-picky, then I would also love to see the Gaviota shed a little weight moving forward, but again, I had to dig to find things that could be improved, and I loved testing this shoe. I could go on for days complimenting these shoes and highly recommend the Gaviota 5 to anyone looking for a highly cushioned trainer for daily, long-distance, and recovery runs.
BenOverall Score: 9.5/10
For the runner doing serious road training and needing extra stability support, the Gaviota 5 is an excellent option. With a max stack height and max stability support, you have all the protection you need to collect all your training miles.
The midsole's rocker geometry and resilient foam performed great at any pace and always delivered a smooth ride with a bounciness that kept runs engaging. That said, I would not recommend the Gaviota 5 for tempo runs or speed workouts. Also, the H-frame stability system is seamless, and neutral runners, as well as those who struggle with overpronation, will benefit from the Gaviota 5.
I was impressed with the traction provided by the outsole, and even in wet conditions, I could run confidently. Also, I have not noticed any signs of wear, which, after countless miles in preparation for the Boston Marathon, is impressive. Furthermore, the upper remained comfortable throughout testing, and I had no issues with rubbing, overheating, or general fit.
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Brycen: "The upper was nearly perfect on this shoe. It was soft and easy to lock down with no points of irritation. I know it is a little thing, but it is a detail I fully appreciate, but the laces never came untied during my runs. I could set them and forget them, which is how it should be. The engineered mesh provided fantastic breathability in the high humidity and elevated temperatures Georgia in the spring."
Ben: "The upper provided an excellent heel lockdown and support for the foot all around. It was secure while being spacious enough through the midfoot and toe box for toe splay. The upper is breathable, but it was not the best when stuck in the rain for several hours, tirelessly trekking through puddles. That said, I do not think there is any shoe that would excel in such conditions. Also, the Gaviota 5 is easy to take on and off, making it easy to grab and go."
Midsole
Brycen: "With every mile in Gaviota, the underfoot sensation got softer and softer as the shoe became more broken in, and the shoe only became more comfortable over time. Surprisingly, the level. of energy return also remained consistent throughout testing. Typically, I stay in the 5k to 10k range for my daily runs, but I decided to take the Gaviota on an 11-mile run, and the bounce of the midsole with smooth rocker geometry comfortably carried me the whole way. Furthermore, the support from the Gaviota's H-Frame stability system was seamless. It provided excellent stability but was seamless through the gait cycle. It almost felt like a neutral shoe."
Ben: "The HOKA Gaviota 5 transitions smoothly from heel to toe. In terms of underfoot feel, I thought the Gaviota was well-balanced while leaning a tad firm, which helped make the shoe so stable and protective. Also, despite the high stack height, the shoe was not clunky, which I have experienced with some HOKAs, in the past. After testing, I think the midsole is lively enough to support any daily runs at a 7-minute mile pace or slower. I would find another option for tempo workouts or pure speed training."
Outsole
Brycen: "The outsole provides one of the best grips I have had the pleasure of testing. The running routes around me can quickly transition from wooded boardwalks to hard concrete streets and even to some dirt segments, but no matter the surface, I could run confidently and let my mind wander as I simply enjoyed the run. I encountered some rainy conditions throughout the testing period, and even wet surfaces could not slow the Gaviota's outsole down."
Ben: "The outsole grips the pavement really well. I ran on several rainy days, as we have received a lot of wet weather in California this winter, and I had no issues keeping good traction on the roads. I was also impressed with the outsole's durability. I received the Gaviota amid my Boston Marathon training and put a significant amount of miles on the shoe, and I have not seen any concerning signs of wear."
Comparable Models
Brycen: "The Saucony Tempus has been my favorite shoe for a while now, in terms of comfort plus performance, but I think the HOKA Gaviota 5 has taken the podium from the Tempus. It is still a close race between the two, and the Gaviota and Tempus are definitely on my Mount Rushmore of favorite running shoes. Comparing the two, the Gaviota provides an overall more comfortable running experience, but both models offer similar levels of stability support, with the slight edge going to the Saucony. I also think both shoes provide a similar energy return."
Ben: "The Gaviota is HOKA's stability offering to compliment the neutral Bondi, and though I think the Bondi provides more midsole protection, the Gaviota is lighter and more versatile with the ability to cover nearly every daily training run.
Compared to other stability shoes, I think the Gaviota is one of the best. The shoe is light, and the stability support is seamless. Furthermore, the ride is highly protective without being mushy or clunky, and runners can get a lot of running out of this shoe."
