Customer Reviews Hoka Gaviota 5

I wish I could give these shoes a five because they worked like magic for their intended purpose, but I've owned these shoes for about six months now, and when I tell you they cured my plantar fasciitis, I mean completely. It happened so fast that I didn't even notice I just woke up one day without pain and basically forgot I ever had an issue. These shoes were a miracle, honestly. Sadly, about three months in, I started to notice some minor craftsmanship issues. The sole began to chip and tear at the edges, and the entire sole started to crease horizontally. I didn't notice any difference in comfort or function, but it was definitely an eyesore and pretty crazy for shoes I paid $190+ for after only three months. Then one day, I went to put my shoes on and used the tongue to pull them on and it ripped right out of the back of the shoe with very little effort. I assume it was a stitching issue. I submitted a warranty form online and never heard back from Hoka, and with work and my busy schedule, I never got around to following up. Fast forward to six months in, and the other tongue has also ripped out of the other shoe. I don't know if I just got a bad pair or what, but there were definitely craftsmanship issues. I wanted to love this shoe so much, and it genuinely changed my life when it comes to plantar fasciitis and pain, but it's just not living up to the hype quality-wise. Shoes starting to fall apart after just 36 months is unacceptable when I paid $190+. I don't think I'm going to pursue the warranty any further because being ignored the first time felt disrespectful, and after reviewing their warranty process which includes paying for shipping, having them evaluate the shoe in-house, and only getting a replacement if approved it feels extremely tedious and honestly sneaky, like it's meant to discourage people from even trying. Well lol

The left shoe squeaks when I walk on a hard surface

It was a very nice looking shoe, I ordered it as a Christmas gift for someone. I ordered a size 13 regular with an unfortunately was delivered a 13 wide. I didn't realize it until two days ago. I'm not sure if I can make an adjustment. The shoe was great, the size is wrong and I paid expedited shipping on it.

3

I ordered a wide but the toe box is still tight and cannot wear due to pain.

I purchased Gaviota 5 feeling they would be what I wanted but they just didn't fit. Previous purchases have worked out great. I'll look for another type.

I have been buying Hoka shoes for several years now with the Clifton 9 currently my favorite. I tried the new Clifton 10s but found them to be so thick in the sole that it made me unstable when walking. A very strange phenomenon. I think the soles can be too thick for those wanting a plush cushion that it creates an unstable shoe. I want a plush cushion on the inside of my shoe (like Oofos), not the outer sole. As for the Gaviota 5, I just ordered the regular width, but the shoe is very wide. Oddly, the outside of the shoe at the ball of the foot is also too wide, such that it interferes with my driving when I switch my foot from the brake pedal to the gas pedal. So I do not like driving with them either.

I returned the shoes because they didn't fit. I had hoped that they would fit but they didn't.

I've been using Gaviota 5 for the past 3 years. I LOVE these shoes and they definitely helped with my overpronation. However, the insoles are terrible and don't last. The shoe itself only lasts 3 months, tops.

A little different from my 2 year old G5's. Not as cushy, toe box seems smaller and front sole not as wide. Would try other models next time to find shoe best for me.

I thought these would fit like the Gaviota 4, but they were much wider and I had to send back.

Hoka says these are good for over pronation. Not really. Though they are comfortable, my ankles and feet hurt all the time. I was wearing Bondi 8 for women. They were wonderful. They truly helped. I was pain free for over 2 years. But they have decided to discontinue those. I guess these are the second best. Only other thing to note is the inside heel wears out fast. All Hoka seem to do this though.

They are comfortable, I would try on a smaller size next time.

I was having ankle problems and the neutral highly cushioned hoka models made my ankles worse. This shoe does a good job along with my orthotics in supporting my ankles. I miss the cushioning but it's a solid, supportive shoe.

I'm 63 and have some balance issues. Bad enough that I go to a neurologist. I had hoped that the so called H support would be a benefit verses other Hoka's. I've owned lots of pairs in the past and still have many in the closet. For the price this purchase was just ok. I would not purchase these again at the price I paid.

The new model has widened to toe box so much that you look like you have clown shoes on! Please go back to the 4.

This is my 4th pair of Gaviota 5, and all have the same issue. The tongue doesn't lie centered. Shoes are fine, but decided not to buy another pair this time. Been with hola for at least 8 years. Will try a pair of Nike's, reluctantly.

Once I get the shoes on they are incredibly comfortable, but the tongue is too short and jams closer to the toe. I need help to pull the tongue straight. I've called hoka and got no suggestions. I tried sewing the tongue to the inside sides, , shoe horn, etc. nothing seems to work. I have limited mobility so I can't bend down easily to pull the tongue. I purchased the tongue less hoka shoes but they do not have the the stability of the gaviola 5.

They're ok but for the price I could buy a cheaper brand and have just as much comfort. The only reason I went with a style other than Bondi 9's is because I was looking for a more toned down color other than white. It would be nice if you would make Bondi's in something other than extremely bright colors.

I wore out my last pair of Gaviota 4 and alas, they were no longer available. I ordered the 5 in my normal size (8W) -- way too long. Returned them for the 7.5 W and although the fit is better, they still don't feel as comfortable and supportive as the Gaviota 4 did. Tried other styles and sizes in a retail store and stuck with these because everything else felt worse. Bring back the Gaviota 4!!!

Used for walking but after several months it seems the cushion is much less.. Does not feel as supportive and it's only been a few months.

I bought them for work, thinking that would be a little bit more stable, but they weren't as comfortable as I thought they would be. I think that if you need more stability this might be the shoe for you, however, during my work day being on my feet 9+ hours, they just don't feel comfortable. I'm not a runner so I can't comment about that but I bought them since the drop wasn't as large and that might have been my downfall. Do try them and see if you like them