HOKA Gaviota 5 vs Gaviota 6

The HOKA Gaviota 6 and HOKA Gaviota 5 are two iterations of HOKA's premium support shoe, and after a long gap between versions, the newer model brings meaningful improvements. The HOKA Gaviota 6 is lighter, better cushioned, a bit more responsive, and even a touch more stable overall, which makes it the more effective execution of the concept. The HOKA Gaviota 5 sits a bit higher, so it creates a larger physical buffer between your legs and the road, but the Gaviota 6's midsole does a better job actually absorbing shock, so it ends up feeling more protective in practice. The HOKA Gaviota 5 also uses a semi-gusseted tongue on the medial side, which is absent in the sixth iteration, making for a more accommodating feel at the arch in the newer one.