Customer Reviews Hoka Gaviota

I had high hopes for Hoka Gaviota based on reviews. Cushioning did help with "ball of foot" pain; however, I did not anticipate the extreme calf pain/strain caused by switching from Brooks Glycerin shoe differential drop of 10 mm to Hoka Gaviota shoe differential drop of 5 mm. I was never able to adjust to these shoes and the calf pain worsened. I researched my problem and learned from Runner's World that the average shoe differential drop is 10 mm to 12 mm. Runner's World said runners reported injuries and severe pain from wearing a shoe with a low differential drop. Apparently I am one of those people that can't wear this type of a shoe. In the future, I will stick to shoes with a differential drop of 10 mm. Thanks to Zappos for their return policy.

I love the look but unfortunately this model of Hoka is too shallow for my orthotic insert. I used to wear their Constant model because it had a deep toe box with lots of room. But they discontinued it. Too bad - I love Hokas and they came highly recommended by my Pediatrist after Morton’s Neuroma surgery.

These were comfy right out of the box but we're just a little too stiff so I sent them back

Great cushion and support esp. on work days when I am on my feet mostly 12 hours at a time.

Please make this Gaviota in a WW, I have 1 pair in 10W that I previously purchased that I have worn out and they fit great. I ordered the same size (tried different colors to be sure) and the width is definitely smaller, there is not enough room in the toe box and the area for the arch in the middle of the foot is narrow and digs into my arch and is painful. I love these for the cushion and support and they are excellent if you have bad knees or feet issues, I am sad I have not been able to get them again.

First experience with Hoka brand purchased May 2018, Clifton. Lost my ability to walk well, right leg buckles, no balance. 2010 fall broke foot in several places, leaving weakness to ankle and pronation. Liked the Cliford, yet needed more stability. Went on their site to review for stability. Was concerned, for past "stability" shoes way too stiff. The GAVIOTA has great stability! Not stiff. But felt as though I could not push off, felt difficult to get foot moving off the ground. Kept trying, staying away from Cliford which has great roll forward, helped. Pressed through, and now I am pleased with the shoe. I usually wear 6 in sport shoe, and bought 6 in Gaviota. If you want to wear thick socks and orthotics, may be snug. Not much arch support with their own insert, but I made up the difference with my own insert. The color, Paradise Pink/Neon Orange is what i hoped it would be in person, different and unique. Much brighter than shows on my screen! Only kind of down-side is shoe has the appearance of being a tad bulky, but that is to be expected when you need more rubber-meets-the-road. Hope this helps someone.

Compared to Clifton - something just didn't feel right around the top tongue. Not as strong sole support either.

I am a runner with overpronation, a recent ankle fracture, and Mortons neuroma. So far, this shoe is great! It fits true to size (I am 8.5 in normal shoe and 9.5 in running shoe), is secure at the ankle, and provides a wide enough to box to avoid toe compression which can really aggravate the neuroma. They are comfortable out of the box, but it takes a while to get used to them if you over pronate as the shoe helps correct that. I have not had to use orthotics in this shoe. Formally, I ran in Brooks but did use an orthotic.

I have acute on chronic plantar fasciitis and both my doctors and some friends recommended trying Hoka. I had avoided them due to the clunky appearance, but they've improved that and I was at a point that I was willing to try anything. The shoes fit well and were comfortable from the start. I will buy them again when I need another pair of athletic shoes. Full disclosure: I have custom orthotics so I can't speak to the support.