HOKA Gaviota 3 Review
Max Stability With Even More Cushion
Likes
- Protective cushioning
- Stable support
- Comfortable upper
- Smooth ride
Dislikes
- Low energy return
- Upper can run warm
What's New
The HOKA Gaviota has not been completely overhauled in version 3, but it does feature additional foam in the midsole, an updated engineered mesh upper, as well as a new heel counter design. 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.
The Bottom Line
With an additional 2 mm of foam in the midsole, these max-stability shoes push their cushioning to the max as well. Softer underfoot and incredibly stable, the Gaviota 3 utilizes a J-frame midsole and H-frame upper construction to create an impressively stable ride, ideal for those who excessively pronate. Runners will not want to use the Gaviota 3 for any speed runs; these shoes offer an enjoyably smooth and highly protective ride best suited for recovery runs or slower, long-distance efforts.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 11.1 oz (size 9) | Women's: 10 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 40 mm (Heel), 35 mm (Forefoot) |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Maximum Stability |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
As a max-stacked shoe with copious amounts of underfoot foam, it's no surprise the Gaviota 3 is on the softer side. That said, it is not quite as plush as the Bondi (the Gaviota's neutral counterpart in the HOKA lineup) due to the J-frame's denser rubberized foam, which offers stability and support along the medial side. No matter what, this balance will deliver plenty of comfortable miles.
Ben: "These shoes are soft underfoot and feel very comfortable. I would happily wear these around all day for activities other than running."
David: "While the cushioning may feel softer when compared with other maximum-stability shoes, I found the Gaviota 3 to provide a nice balance between soft and firm. The softness can be attributed to the abundance of underfoot cushioning, and the firmness is necessary to provide support for overpronation."
Ride/Energy Returni
With a high stack of foam underfoot and Late Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry, the Gaviota 3 is a protective long-haul cruiser best for recovery days and long runs when you aren't worried about pace. The rocker design creates smooth transitions that make running easy and efficient. Also, the J-Frame stability system provides worry-free support for even the most excessive pronators.
Ben: "Looking at the size of the soles, one can easily guess that the Gaviota 3 is not the best shoe for speed. These shoes are great for recovery days and long runs at a cruising pace. I pushed for a 5:55 mile as part of a workout but found the midsole to absorb more energy than it returns. For reference, even the Bondi is better at going fast."
David: "With loads of cushioning and a Meta-Rocker design, this shoe offers a smooth ride without feeling firm or mushy. It doesn't provide a ton of energy return, but the Gaviota 3 feels consistently smooth from heel to toe."
Underfoot Protectioni
Stacked with 40 mm of foam in the heel (35 mm in the forefoot), the Gaviota 3 is built for protection. Runners should have no difficulty staying comfortable no matter how long they plan on running in the Gaviota. The J-frame and H-frame stability features offer further protection, helping runners avoid the discomfort caused by overpronation.
Ben: "The Gaviota is famed for its supportive stability and protective cushioning. I ran everything from short recovery runs to 15-mile mountain adventures and always experienced a highly cushioned, stable ride. The Gaviota 3 felt very similar to the Bondi, in my opinion. I think the only thing in question is the durability of the cushioning, but I assume it will last for a while."
David: "The Gaviota offers tons of underfoot cushioning for extra protection. I found that it absorbed a lot of the impact from running on hard surfaces like cement or asphalt, and I experienced less muscle soreness after runs in the Gaviota 3."
Flexibilityi
The Gaviota 3 is by no means a flexible shoe, with its stability features and stacked midsole both contributing to the shoe's rigid feel. To help smooth out the ride, HOKA outfitted the Gaviota's midsole with Late-Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry, which transitions runners from heel to toe.
David: "As a stability shoe with a lot of cushioning, the Gaviota retains a rigid feel which adds stability to keep you from overpronating. There are flex grooves under the forefoot that help create smooth transitions between steps, but overall, the flex is limited."
Joe: "HOKAs tend to emphasize the rocker geometry over flexibility to help transition runners through their stride, and the Gaviota 3 is not a flexible shoe. This rigidity is not a negative attribute at all; it can actually be beneficial to those having issues with arch pain."
Upper Supporti
The Gaviota's upper receives an update in version 3, but the engineered mesh design remains fairly straightforward. The Gaviota offers a secure fit throughout along with a noticeably wide toe box, and runners should not experience any trouble with the lockdown. Our testers did note that the upper was not the most breathable and may not be the best in hot running conditions.
Ben: "The upper provides a secure and comfortable fit from the heel through the midfoot. I noticed that the toe box is wide enough for me, which is not always the case when I wear HOKAs. The upper looks and feels thick, but it still allows for airflow, so my feet did not overheat."
David: "The upper fits well and doesn't allow much foot movement, which aids the overall stability. The main issue I experienced with the upper was that it didn't breathe very well, so my feet would get hot in warmer conditions. Also, the tongue is just too short, so it could shift around slightly and was tough to pull back up."
HOKA Men's Gaviota
HOKA Women's Gaviota
Individual Thoughts
If you are looking to cruise along the Pacific Ocean on an easy long run, or want to do a leisurely recovery run, then the HOKA Gaviota 3 is the shoe for you. The large, cushioned sole provides a moderate degree of padding and stability. Additionally, the upper breathes well and fits securely without being too tight. The Gaviota 3 does not have the highest energy return, so it is not for race day or tempo runs. That being said, this shoe offers a smooth, comfortable ride on everyday runs.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I've run in a lot of HOKAs, but this was my first experience with a Gaviota. I enjoyed the highly cushioned underfoot feel and the extra protection they provided from the roads. They felt much lighter and more comfortable than other comparable stability shoes. I used them mainly for my recovery runs and slow distance days and found them to be comfortable. The Gaviota 3 also provided a smooth ride no matter how many miles I wanted to take on. Although the fit was spot on, my issue with the upper design was that it ran warm on hotter days. The tongue was also too short, making it tough to adjust when needed. Overall, I really liked the Gaviota 3 and would highly recommend it for the runner looking for that extra stability from overpronation and cushioned protection from the roads.
