HOKA Gaviota 6 vs Gaviota 5
Gaviota 6 or Gaviota 5? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
The Gaviota 6 replaced the Gaviota 5.
Slightly lighter, a sleeker midsole, a higher heel collar to stop slipping, new internal lacing and a stronger support frame.
What changed
- Foam: Still compression-molded EVA, but a softer formulation.
- Support: The H-Frame carries over, reinforced.
- Shape: More pronounced rocker.
- Outsole: Much grippier outsole.
- Upper: Higher heel collar to stop heel slip, and new internal lacing.
- Price: $5 more at launch.
- On the run: Softer and more flexible up front. Bounce and fit about the same.
- Measured: 0.5 oz lighter and drop up from 2.2mm to 7.3mm. Heel stack about the same.
Still like the Gaviota 5? It’s $40 less than the Gaviota 6 while supplies last, with 3 colors in stock.
On the run
Gaviota 6: Max cushion, max support. Protective cushioning with a long rocker, and softer than you’d expect from a max-support shoe, though it firms up in the cold. The support frame runs the full length, so it’s one of the most stable shoes we carry.
Gaviota 5: Wide, low-drop stability. Remarkably stable, with a wide, low-drop platform that suits midfoot and forefoot strikers. The foam feels firm and flat, with very little bounce.
Specs side by side
| Gaviota 6 | Gaviota 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $180 | $139.95 (was $175) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 40 / 35mm* | 36 / 30mm* |
| Drop | 6mm | 6mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 10.25 oz | 10.9 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 8.62 oz | 8.9 oz* |
| Support | Stability | Stability |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Gaviota 6. Wider-fitting than most HOKAs, with a roomy toebox and a secure midfoot. Narrow feet may need thicker socks.
Gaviota 5. True to size and wide-fitting, with a roomy toebox. Not for narrow feet. Wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Gaviota 6 · Shop the Gaviota 5 · Compare other running shoes