HOKA Gaviota 5  Running Shoe Review

Reviewed Nov 25, 2025 at 03:14pm
Tested using Methodology v0.8.2 
HOKA Gaviota 5
5.2
Marathon Racing 
4.4
5K/10K Racing 
0.8
Energy Return 
7.0
Cushioning 
7.8
Lateral Stability 
 0

We've tested these running shoes to expand our database and allow users to compare results to help with their buying decisions. We don't expect to write a full review, but if you have any questions about this product, please let us know.

Our Verdict

5.2
Marathon Racing 
4.4
5K/10K Racing 
0.8
Energy Return 
7.0
Cushioning 
7.8
Lateral Stability 
  • 5.2
    Marathon Racing
  • 4.4
    5K/10K Racing

  • Performance Usages

  • 0.8
    Energy Return
  • 7.0
    Cushioning
  • 7.8
    Lateral Stability
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Nov 25, 2025: Review published.
    2.  Updated Nov 24, 2025: Early access published.
    3.  Updated Sep 11, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
    4.  Updated Aug 22, 2025: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
    How We Test Running Shoes
    How We Test Running Shoes

    We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    4.6
    Weight
    Weight
    295.6 g (10.43 oz)
    Stack Heights
    Heel Stack Height
    40.7 mm
    Forefoot Stack Height
    33.7 mm
    Heel-To-Toe Drop
    7.0 mm
    Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
    6.0 mm
    External Shape
    Outsole Heel Width
    105 mm (4.1")
    Outsole Arch Width
    93 mm (3.7")
    Outsole Forefoot Width
    126 mm (5.0")
    Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
    2.58
    Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
    3.74
    Internal Shape
    Internal Length
    280 mm (11.0")
    Internal Heel Width
    67 mm (2.6")
    Internal Forefoot Width
    97 mm (3.8")
    Wide Sizing Available
    Yes
    Other Features
    Tongue Gusset Type
    Semi-gusseted (medial)
    Plate
    None
    Performance
    0.7
    Heel Energy Return
    See details on graph tool
    Heel Energy Return
    62.4%
    0.8
    Forefoot Energy Return
    See details on graph tool
    Forefoot Energy Return
    63.5%
    6.7
    Heel Cushioning
    See details on graph tool
    Energy Absorbed At 550N
    2.64 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1100N
    8.47 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1900N
    15.69 J
    7.3
    Forefoot Cushioning
    See details on graph tool
    Energy Absorbed At 800N
    3.88 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1300N
    7.70 J
    Energy Absorbed At 2050N
    12.66 J
    5.5
    Heel Firmness
    See details on graph tool
    Firmness At 550N
    59.2 N/mm
    Firmness At 1100N
    107.2 N/mm
    Firmness At 1900N
    200.4 N/mm
    7.0
    Forefoot Firmness
    See details on graph tool
    Firmness At 800N
    104.7 N/mm
    Firmness At 1300N
    179.1 N/mm
    Firmness At 2050N
    289.8 N/mm