A few months ago, I’d never worn a pair of Hoka shoes, but I am now the brand’s biggest fan and consider myself an expert. I own six different styles–ranging from the ultra-plush Bondi 9, popular Clifton 10, sleek Arahi 8, and even hiking-friendly Anacapa 2 GTX—and have loved them all for different and specific reasons. However, I recently started running and am still on the hunt for my perfect running shoe that’s lightweight, breathable, and supportive. I had never heard of the Hoka Gaviota 6, but was excited to have the opportunity to put them to the test, as they claimed to be the brand’s most stable and smooth everyday runner. Here’s how it went.
How I tested
Due to the freezing cold weather, it has become increasingly difficult to walk and run outside. But that did not stop me! Over the course of a month, these Hokas became my go-to gym shoe. I wore them while running and walking (at various inclines) on the treadmill for countless miles.
I also wore the Hoka Gaviota 6 while lifting weights, where they felt stable and supportive. All-in-all, I logged more than 100 miles in them and got a good sense of how they hold up in the gym.
The fit and feel
I typically wear a size 6.5 in athletic shoes, and the Gaviota run true to size. It offers great plush cushioning while remaining lightweight (just over 8.5 oz!). My feet never felt cramped and the shoes provided excellent support with stability while running. I was able to run and walk consistently on the treadmill without experiencing foot pain or cramping. My toes had plenty of room to breathe, and the lightweight feel was ideal for running, as my feet never felt weighed down. In terms of comfort, they scored high marks for my particular foot.
What I like
The Gaviotas are exactly what I was searching for; they are supportive, lightweight, and breathable. The updated technology, which features a mesh upper, plush collar cushioning, and enhanced stability, made the shoe feel extremely supportive for running and walking. I also appreciated that this model does not have a rocker outsole (the Clifton 10s and Arahi 8s do); without that design feature , I found walking to be much more comfortable. Overall, this shoe performed well for both walking and running and felt exceptionally comfortable and versatile. They have really become my go-to.
What I don’t
I loved everything about these shoes and honestly don’t have any notes. Their comfort levels and support are ideal for both walking and running. And no matter how hard I pushed, my feet never hurt after walking on the treadmill—it felt like they were made for me. The one thing I could see some people not loving is that the shoe is a bit bulky, but most Hoka shoes are. In fact, most Hoka fans I know love the chunky aesthetic. I haven’t tested them on concrete due to the snowy and freezing conditions in NYC, so I have no gauge as to how they perform on the streets, but as a gym shoe, they received top marks.
The bottom line
Overall, I think these shoes are definitely worth adding to your sneaker lineup, especially if you’re consistently into walking and running. They are extremely supportive, comfortable, and lightweight, and I found them to be just as comfortable for everyday walking–not solely for running. I’ve tested the Clifton 10s and Arahi 8s for running, and this shoe stood out as the best in comparison because it doesn’t have a rocker style, is extremely stable, and features plush cushioning.
SHOP HOKA GAVIOTA SNEAKERS NOW
Read the full article here