One year after the introduction of the Gaviota 4, Hoka releases what is a quite significant update to the popular stability shoe.

One of the biggest complaints about the Gaviota in the past has been its high weight; the 2023 version loses a tiny bit of weight; it is still not a lightweight shoe by any stretch of imagination since it's still almost 11 ounces - but with that level of cushioning and support you can't realistically expect a much lower weight.

Changes happened both to the upper and the sole unit, the latter being a complete redesign which changes the position and functioning of the meta-rocker and slightly increases the drop, from 5 to 6mm.

The sole unit of the Gaviota is still a max-cushioned one, with J-frame foam that wraps around the foot to add stability to the stride. Heel is still 40mm – which if you haven’t seen a picture yet, it mean it’s very high.

The main difference between the sole of the Gaviota 4 and the 5 is the movement of the Meta-Rocker.

Meta-Rockers function like a fulcrum, making the shoes roll like a rocking chair. Early-stage rockers place the transition zone of the shoe behind the metatarsal heads (closer to the midfoot), while late-stage Meta-Rockers have the transition zone in front of the metatarsal heads (closer to the toes).

While the Gaviota 4 was sporting a late-stage meta-rocker, the 5th version has changed to an early stage one. White the late stage is arguably more stable, as it does not roll forward as quickly, late-stage gives a nicer and smoother ride.

In our testing the change of the rocker geometry did not negatively affect the stability, but indeed made the run much more enjoyable in the Gaviota 5.

The upper materials for both shoes is engineered mesh. Tested through the summer months, it’s breathable and not too constricting for either shoe.

A few things that have changed in version 5:

• the internal heel counter is no longer supported by a plastic cup around the heel (which we never found that useful in the first place;
• the tongue is now gusseted, meaning that it attaches to the side of the shoe for a better fit;
• the H-frame, a plastic insert around the eyelets that allowed for custom fit in the midfoot is now gone.

There is no doubt that the Gaviota 5 is an improvement of the 4, which was already one of our recommended stability shoe.

This said, the Gaviota 5 increases its price of $5 in 2023 – going to $175 which is quite significant, for example comparing it with what I believe being its biggest competitor in 2023: the Asics Kayano 30 that costs $160.

So let me summarise this for you:

• if you run in the 4 and loved it, the 5 will be a welcome upgrade;
• if you are on a budget you might want to try and find the Gaviota 4 on sale, it will be great value for money;
• if you want to try a different premium, max-cushioned stability shoe you should give the Kayano 30 a try too.

Have you run in both the Gaviota 4 and the Gaviota 5? Let us know what you think!