HOKA Gaviota 3 vs. 4 vs. 5: Differences and Reviews 2025

HOKA Gaviota 3 Review

Release Year: 2021

Official Price: $160

Hoka Gaviota 2 is a good shoe in terms of performance, fitting, and durability. Nevertheless, it has its shortcomings, and HOKA had to make some changes. In the HOKA Gaviota 3, HOKA designers made some updates that may look small but very significant.

Gaviota 3 has a few more millimeters of cushion than last year’s model.It features additional foam in the midsole, an updated engineered mesh upper, as well as a new heel counter design. With an additional 2 mm of foam in the midsole, these max-stability shoes push their cushioning to the max as well.Engineered with a J-Frame design to help guide the foot without rigid materials, this new iteration delivers more durability than ever before, fortified with rubber coverage on the outsole.It has a redesigned upper that really contours to the shape of your foot for excellent lockdown, and works to lift hot air up and away from your foot. The real star of the Gaviota 3 show is the incredibly thick dual density RMAT midsole that takes plush cushioning to a whole new level.Bursting at the seams with comfort, the Gaviota 3 is plushness on steroids.

Softer than ever and outfitted with a more secure upper, the Gaviota 3 continues to be a premium stability shoe ideal for anyone who needs high levels of support and cushioning.

HOKA Gaviota 3 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy HOKA Gaviota 3?

• Amazon

HOKA Gaviota 4 Review

Release Year: 2022

Official Price: $170

The Hoka Gaviota 4 is an updated version of the Gaviota 3, with a redesigned upper that is lighter and more supportive than the previous version. Also, the Gaviota 4’s midsole has a more elevated energy return than the Gaviota 3.

Delivering the same maximal cushioning and J-Frame-enhanced support, it’s been reworked with a plusher collar and tongue. Updated with a hidden eyestay reinforcement and single-sided tongue gusset to reduce slippage, no detail has been overlooked.HOKA retooled the upper of the Gaviota to make it more luxurious and comfortable than ever. The ventilated mesh upper is lighter and more supportive compared to previous versions of this shoe. Additional stability is offered by the midfoot H-frame, which provides a solid lockdown and snug fit. However, there are some users who found the midfoot to be too snug.

The HOKA Gaviota 4 is a plush stability shoe that’s perfect for those who overpronate and love a lot of cushion. It’s great for beginner or experienced runners as well as people who are on their feet all day.

HOKA Gaviota 4 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy HOKA Gaviota 4?

• Dicks Sporting Goods

• REI
  

• Road Runner Sports 

• Amazon

• Walmart (up to 4% super cash back)

HOKA Gaviota 5 Review

Release Year: 2025

Official Price: $175

The Hoka Gaviota 5 is the brand's stability max cushion training shoe. The latest model is a major update from top-to-bottom.

Version 5 breaks tradition for the first time by removing Hoka's signature J-Frame in favor of a new H-Frame system that provides a more universal-oriented form of stability.The H-Frame sits on the top layer, forming an figure-8/letter H-ish shape through the shoe to create stability through both sides. The midsole features a softer CMEVA midsole than past models to create a highly comfortable cruising ride thanks to Hoka's signature early rocker design.Along with the introduction of the stabilising H-Frame technology and the use of the softest foam to date in this model, overpronator runners will be delighted with this significant change in the shoe.

The Gaviota 5 is lighter than the previous version and features a slightly higher heel-to-toe drop (one millimeter, to be exact). A higher heel-to-toe drop can help reduce pressure on your calves and achilles while lower heel-to-toe drops tend to reduce the load on your knees and hips.The shoe will have reinforcements in the heel area to offer extra protection and comfort while running, although it won't feature the characteristic high heel seen in some of the brand's prominent models, which is designed to protect the Achilles tendon. The HOKA Gaviota 5 includes a pull tab on the back of the shoe to facilitate the process of putting it on.The Gaviota 5 fits wider than previous versions of the shoe, which is something to keep in mind if you have narrow or low-volume feet.

HOKA Gaviota 5 Pros and Cons

Where to Buy HOKA Gaviota 5?

• Hoka Official Website(3% super cash back)

• Backcountry(4% super cash back)

• Scheels(up to 10% super cash back)
  

• Dicks Sporting Goods

• REI

• Road Runner Sports 

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HOKA Gaviota 3 vs. 4 vs. 5: Comparison Side by Side

1. Shoe Specs

2. Upper

Gaviota 3 - The Gaviota's upper receives an update in version 3, but the engineered mesh design remains fairly straightforward. The engineered mesh upper has perforations extending up to the midfoot areas for increased breathability.  The major updates are in the collar, heel counter, and tongue.There are loops connected to the upper and loops of sturdy support material on the tongue. You have to alternate between the two sets of loops to tie the laces. This new enclosure system is what securely locks down the midfoot.Sturdy lacing system that runs from the top-downwards into the midsole of the shoe.Hoka added more cushioning to the tongue and collar and reinforced the heel counter with a plastic heel cup.

Gaviota 4 - Keeping up with tradition, the Gaviota 4 updated the material used for the upper. It is a stylish and flexible engineered mesh.This new mesh is designed to provide better ventilation and a more comfortable fit, which makes the hot burning sensation go away to an easily noticeable level.The ventilated mesh upper is lighter and more supportive than in previous versions of this shoe.HOKA added more padding and plushness to the heel collar and tongue, making for a luxuriously soft step-in feel.In the midfoot of the upper you will find the H-Frame. This used to be on the outside of the upper, it has now been placed under the engineered mesh.In the back there is a heel pull tab making it easier to slip them on for your run.

Gaviota 5 - The upper part of the Gaviota 5 shoes is made from breathable materials, so your feet stay cool even during intense workouts or sweltering summers.It’s not only comfortable and breathable, but also eco-friendly and durable. Hoka shows that they care about the environment and sustainability by making the upper mesh with recycled materials.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. A handy heel pull tab in the back makes it easy to slip the Gaviota 5 off and on.

3. Midsole

Gaviota 3 - This super-thick midsole is composed of dual-density RMAT foam that walks that fine line between plush and responsive. While the foam is incredibly thick, it won’t turn your gait cycle into mush like other stability shoes. It helps to absorb the impact when running on hard surfaces but still adds an extra spring to your step to keep your gait cycle light and snappy.HOKA added 2mm extra foam into the midsole of Hoka Gaviota 3 to enhance cushioning and plush ride. The midsole has a 5mm Heel drop. With the late-stage Meta-Rocker, HOKA ensures that you have more landing surface at the midfoot.The high cushioning and low drop are unusual for a stability shoe, but it really works to keep your gait natural and springy, yet protected.

Gaviota 4 - It has a big midsole without feeling bulky. This is a result of the foam they use, CMEVA foam. It has a balanced ride that leans on the plush side of feeling. Initially the bounce stands out from the ride.Underneath all the bounce is a hint of firmness that gives the midsole structure. These two sensations come together to provide a comfortable ride. Since the midsole is big, the Gaviota works best on recovery and long runs.

Gaviota 5 - The midsole is made of  RMAT which is a material that Hoka claims to be more durable and resilient than standard EVA.RMAT also has some rubber-like properties that improve the grip and traction of the outsole.The Gaviota 5 features HOKA’s new H-frame technology, built on the same ideas that created the J-frame but with a more accommodating shape. While the J-frame focused on reducing excessive inward motion, the H-frame offers the same level of stability without limiting correction to the medial side. The result is a smoother ride that can be enjoyed by runners with all gait patterns.

While the Gaviota 5 doesn’t feel too soft, it’s quite a bit softer than previous iterations of the shoe thanks to a dual-layer midsole construction. Both layers of compression-molded EVA foam are more flexible and less dense, making the shoe feel both softer and lighter.

4. Outsole

Gaviota 3 - The build of the outsole of this shoe is designed to really take a beating and will last for hundreds of miles. The outsole is composed of rubberized EVA foam that is light and bouncy, and it is reinforced with rubberized pods on high-impact areas.The extra rubber at the center of the forefoot provides some additional protection against wear, adding to the G3s longevity.It also boasts Hoka’s patented J-frame technology that works to guide the foot into a nice and even gait cycle. Overall, the outsole of this shoe is incredibly versatile and performs quite well in the gym, out on the trails, or simply when you need to stand on your feet all day.

Gaviota 4 - The outsole of the Gaviota is covered with Durabrasion Rubber. It has two different colors and thicknesses, which identify where the high abrasion areas are.The thickness of the outsole doesn’t deter from the flexibility. The outsole is meant for hundreds of miles and the traction it provides handled all the conditions I ran in.

Gaviota 5 - There is a lot of strategic rubber on the outsole of the shoe.A durabrasion rubber rounds out the shoe, adding traction and durability where you need it most—the heel and the forefoot, areas that typically see the most wear and tear.

5. Size and Fit

Gaviota 3 - Many runners found that this shoe runs true to size.  If you are a size 9 in previous Hoka shoes, the same can be said for the Gaviota 3.These shoes are soft underfoot and feel very comfortable. You will happily wear these around all day for activities other than running."The soft plush padded heel collar and tongue molds nicely around the foot, and they combine well with the heel counter to establish a locked-in. The foot feels supported in the midfoot because it sits exactly into the shoe.

Gaviota 4 - True to size! The HOKA Gaviota 4’s reengineered, vegan upper mesh securely hugs your foot, keeping it from flopping around during walks and runs. The forefoot is wide too, giving you ample room for toe splay. For the Gaviota 4, HOKA added more padding to tongue, ankle and Achilles areas of the shoe. Due to the additional padding, Ryan felt more secure in the shoe.  

Gaviota 5 - The Gaviota 5 fits wider than previous versions of the shoe, which is something to keep in mind if you have narrow or low-volume feet.The toebox has a good amount of width for toe splaying.The heel counter is rigid about halfway up the heel and finished out with generous padding. The insole is removeable.The shoe's depth accommodates different foot shapes, making it a favorable choice for individuals requiring orthotic inserts.While the Gaviota 5 offers standard and wide-width options, the absence of a 4E option for men might pose limitations for those with wider feet.

6. Breathability

Gaviota 3 - This upper offers modest breathability that may run a little hot in warmer climates, but it’s great on those cooler mornings.  If you are worried about your feet overheating during your run, then this may not be the shoe for you.

Gaviota 4 - The Gaviota was reviewed during a steamy midwestern summer and had no problems allowing the feet to breathe. These aspects of the new mesh build on the comfort of the trainer.

Gaviota 5 -  The upper part of the Gaviota 5 shoes is made from breathable materials, so your feet stay cool even during intense workouts or sweltering summers.

7. Performance

Gaviota 3 - Due to all the padding in the upper and midsole, these shoes are significantly heavier than normal racing shoes. As such, they aren’t the best piece of kit for helping you keep up a high pace, but they are very responsive.The blend of the plush midsole, low drop, and rubberized outsole keeps your stride nice and bright. It’s a heavy shoe that weighs in at just over 11 ounces, so it is built more for long distances and less for speed. This shoe is so comfortable that many users wear it as a casual shoe when they need to stand on their feet all day.Overpronated testers said the sneakers were very stable and kept their heel in place when they hit the ground.

Gaviota 4 - The new Elevon foam and the engineered upper unit make the Gaviota 4 way better for comfort, balance, and breathability.Also, the Gaviota 4 is slightly lighter than the Gaviota 3. Which may make it easier to carry for your feet.So, combining all these features naturally improves the performance scale of the Gaviota 4.It’s great as a marathon or ultramarathon training option but works pretty well for casual running too. Besides, it will please heavy runners looking for a lot of protection from the ground.

Gaviota 5 - The cushioning and stability technologies of the Hoka Gaviota 5 set it apart as a premier choice for runners and walkers seeking comfort and support.These shoes are like all-in-one tools. They’re not just for running; they’re your go-to for walks, hikes, and any workout you throw at them. They’re the Swiss Army knife of athletic shoes.Though much lighter than past versions, the Gaviota 5 still has a bit of weight underfoot. It's balanced well from front-to-back so it doesn't feel tedious though.

8. Durability

Gaviota 3 - Hoka running shoes are more expensive than many running shoes, but their build, performance and overall quality are what sets them apart from cheaper shoes. Gaviota 3 is a stable, comfortable, durable shoe, hitting above expected in all categories.

Gaviota 4 - If you are worried about durability, just relax! The upper is really durable, and because of that, the midsole is highly likely to lose its magic long before the sturdy upper shows any signs of damage. This applies even to those of you who often make big toe or pinky toe holes in their shoes.The outsole is meant for hundreds of miles and the traction it provides handled all the conditions you ran in.

Gaviota 5 - Hoka Gaviota 5 shoes are built to last. They’re made with top-notch materials and solid construction, so they’ll stick with you for the long haul.While the $175 price point might seem steep, the shoe's durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment, offering excellent value for its features.

Conclusion: Which is Best for You?

Gaviota 3 is one of the most solid running shoes in the market. It may feel bulky for runners, more so those into speed runs.However, Gaviota 3 is the right shoe to go for if you are an overpronator due to its maximum cushioning and excellent medial support. The soft cushioning allows short-distance running up to 10k at a slow pace. It makes running easy and exciting because of the bounciness under the foot.

The Gaviota 4 is the perfect shoe for runners and walkers who require long-lasting comfort and stability. The shoe is plush to the max but also firm, providing its wearers with a stable underfoot feel. On paper, the HOKA Gaviota 4 and 3 look the same, save for an extra .1 ounce in the men’s shoe. The biggest update is the newly redesigned upper in the HOKA Gaviota 4, offering a lightweight, supportive fit. HOKA also added more padding in the heel collar and the tongue, adding to the maximally plush feeling.If you liked the previous version, these seem nearly identical,” Kate says.

The Gaviota 5 is a significant upgrade over the Gaviota 4, featuring enhanced cushioning, refined stability, and a more stylish design.For runners looking for a stable neutral max cushion trainer, this is an option to consider. It has a comfortable, fairly well-fitting ride for easy, easy miles and recovery days. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Hoka Gaviota good for?

For everyday running or leisurely walking, the Gaviota is your go-to shoe. This is the definition of a premium stability shoe with its plush cushioning.

Is Gaviota good for walking?

For walkers, I found the Gaviota to be very comfortable for all-day use if you like having a max stack height shoe. The generous fit makes it extra comfortable.

Is HOKA Gaviota good for overpronation?

The Gaviota contains J-Frame(TM) technology designed to prevent excessive inward roll, or overpronation, without overcorrecting your gait.

Is Hoka Gaviota good for knee pain?

The Gaviota shoes have garnered nearly 400 five-star reviews from shoppers on the Hoka One One site, with many—from pregnant women to amusement park enthusiasts to runners with injuries—claiming that they help keep them comfortable for many hours on their feet while easing knee pain.

What is the purpose of Gaviota 4?

Hoka's  Gaviota 4 stability running shoe delivers maximum cushioning and stability in a lightweight shoe. Featuring Hoka's signature J-Frame, the Gaviota 4 are engineered to prevent overpronation and underpronation without compromising your natural gait.

Is Hoka Gaviota 4 a stability shoe?

A premium stability shoe, the Gaviota 4 returns this season, as plush as ever. Delivering the same maximal cushioning and J-Frame-enhanced support, it’s been reworked with a plusher collar and tongue. 

Is Gaviota 4 good for plantar fasciitis?

With a midfoot H-frame, J-frame technology, and a heel pull tab, you don't have to worry about these shoes sliding around or fitting loosely. Overall, the Gaviota 4 is a great shoe if you're dealing with plantar fasciitis pain.

What makes the Hoka Gaviota 5 different?

Its H-FrameTM technology provides stability without sacrificing cushioning. It is an exceptional choice for runners who want support and comfort.

Is Hoka Gaviota 5 for running or everyday use?

You can wear the Hoka Gaviota 5 for walking and running, both.

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