HOKA Gaviota 4 Shoe Review

Updated: June 24, 2022

HOKA's Max Stack, Max Stability Shoe Remains True

The HOKA Gaviota 4 highlights comfort and support with minimal updates

Likes

Dislikes

What's New

The Bottom Line

The Gaviota is HOKA's max stack, max stability offering, well known for providing a soft, protective, and supportive ride. Over the years, the Gaviota has established itself as a go-to option for walkers, beginner runners, as well as those who need the additional support of a max stability shoe, and the Gaviota 4 continues on these traditions.

What separates the 4 from its predecessor is an updated upper as well as a retooling of the shoe's J-Frame support system. The additional padding in the heel collar and tongue help further highlight the Gaviota's characteristically plush feel, while the new semi-gusseted design helps eliminate slippage for an even more stable feel than previous models.

The Gaviota 4 retains a 40-mm stack height, but HOKA has added a softer CMEVA compound, which promises softer landings with the same highly-stable ride. Our testers initially found the Gaviota 4 firmer than expected, and the shoe even required a short break-in period before it settled in and provided that trademark HOKA cushy feel. Don't let this discourage you, as the Gaviota 4's ride is super-smooth, offering seamless heel-to-toe transitions that keep your feet comfortable and protected even over the longest of distances. Our testers were even impressed by the shoe's subtle energy return, which helped add a lively spring to their step.

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Shoe Performance

Shoe Softnessi

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Returni

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protectioni

LowHigh

Flexibilityi

RigidElastic

Upper Supporti

StructuredAdaptable

Specifications & Fit

How It Fits

Toe Box	Medium
Midfoot Volume	Medium to low
Heel Width	Medium
Arch Height	Medium

Shoe Specs

Weight	Men's: 11.0 oz (size 9) \| Women's: 9.9 oz (size 8)
Stack Height	40 mm (Heel), 35 mm (Forefoot)
Terrain	Road
Stability	Max Stability
Sizing	True to size

HOKA Gaviota 4 Shoe Review Left shoe side image

HOKA Gaviota 4 Shoe Review Left Angled Image

HOKA Gaviota 4 Shoe Review Overhead view

HOKA Gaviota 4 Shoe Review Outsole Image

Our In-Depth Look

Shoe Softnessi

Brycen: "The large stack and foam contribute to a soft underfoot feel, but while I was running, I would have appreciated a softer, more absorptive ride. It wasn't a major issue, but I felt there was room for improvement in this area."

Ben: "I thought the Gaviota 4 offered a soft feel, but only after I had the chance to break it in. At first, the Gaviota 4 did not feel soft at all and was borderline uncomfortable for me. Fortunately, the harshness subsided once the midsole had broken in. After that, the Gaviota was comfortable at nearly any distance."

Ride/Energy Returni

Brycen: "During my first run, I was impressed by how smooth and bouncy the ride felt, especially on tired legs. I was also surprised by the versatility of the shoe, as it was able to handle a variety of groomed surfaces without any issues."

Ben: "The Gaviota 4's midsole has a surprising amount of spring, and I noticed a much higher energy return than the Gaviota 3. The Gaviota remains a recovery-day or long-run option, but the ride has been greatly improved."

Underfoot Protectioni

Brycen: "The description states maximum underfoot protection and this shoe has the most underfoot protection I've ever run in. I did not feel the ground in the slightest when running. I ran on the track, asphalt, boardwalk, treadmill, and grass. The cushioning was perfect for all forms of running."

Ben: "The foam in the midsole and elsewhere absorbs much of the jarring from the ground. I was able to run 20 miles in these on pavement and dirt and felt fine afterward. These were especially nice on recovery days."

Flexibilityi

Brycen: "These are heavy shoes, and it was tough to feel the bend during the gait cycle. They felt like I was carrying a straight board instead of moving naturally with my foot."

Ben: "HOKA shoes are not known for their flexibility, but I did not find these Graviotas to be inflexible for training runs. My feet went through the full range of motion while running in the Gaviota 4s. However, at very fast paces while running 200s, I found them to be too inflexible."

Upper Supporti

Brycen: "These shoes had a neutral upper with a decent hold that was fairly adaptable. My only complaint would be about the mishits on my steps where my foot didn't land perfectly on the sole but rather part of my foot would be off to the side. Other than that, the upper support did not stand out or reduce how much I enjoyed the run."

Ben: "The heel in the Gaviota 4 provided a comfortable fit and support for me, and I found the rest of the upper to be plenty spacious. Over the years, I have found the uppers in some HOKAs to be too narrow or too wide, but the Gaviota 4's upper fit me very well."

Men's HOKA Gaviota Running Shoes

A high level of stability without all the extra bulk, the HOKA ONE ONE Gaviota redefines maximum stability running shoes by offering a lightweight and cushioned motion control experience.

Individual Thoughts

BrycenOverall Score: 9/10

Overall, this Gaviota 4 does what it's supposed to, so I gave it a 9 out of 10. The only two faults I could find that weren't just a matter of personal preference would be how the shoe absorbs step impact and missteps on the sole causing discomfort. The fit was great, and it only took about a mile for the shoes to break in. These shoes were a little heavier than I liked, but it was worth it for the knee protection. The Gaviota 4s are perfect for the casual runner who wants protection but is not looking to set records.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable

BenOverall Score: 8.5/10

Having liked the earlier model, I was happy to try out the HOKA Gaviota 4 for several weeks. The cushioning makes these ideal candidates for recovery days and long runs. In addition, the Gaviota 4 has enough energy return to be used for a slower workout. Whatever the distance, you will find that the uppers provide a blend of comfortable support without being too restrictive. Although the Gaviota 4 does take a few runs to break in, it is a good choice for the runner looking for a solid go-to trainer.