Customer Reviews Hoka Gaviota 5

I called Hoka and they said this is a plush shoe with the new H frame and that it should feel similar to the ARAHI 6 which they disconntinued. sole is way too hard - not sure what makes it plush which is supposedly the softest cushion of all offered in Hoka shoes. The new H frame does not work for me. They should should NOT discontinue the J frame. Very disappointed in this shoe. It's like pulling teeth getting anyone at customer service at Hoka that has any expertise at all. A few years back they had very knowledgeable employees - not the case anymore. The person that recommended the Gaviota 5 was terrific in her knowledge and promised that if the Gaviota did not work she would easily be reached by email and work with me until we found the shoe best comfortable for my feet. She sounded super sincere and knows all the shoes over many years going back. Well lots of emails and all of a sudden she is not available and back to the run around. I have been wearing hokas since 2016 24/7 and have a toe joint issue so super disappointed that I can't get the service I need

So hard and rolled my foot inward. I was surprised and disappointed since a podiatrist recommended Hokas.

Shoe was way too wide and as a result felt like it gave me no support. Also contributed to making the shoe look very unattractive

This is not the HOKA shoe I remembered from prior purchases. Inside the sole bed was loosely glued down and since it was protruding into the foot bed caused some instant discomfort. I returned them not being willing to pay such a high price to "maybe" have it correct itself. Unfortunate. In addition the rubber on the outside of the shoe, being so high, caused stress on the outside of the foot not allowing it to move as the rest of the mesh on the shoe.

I wanted so bad to like these. I have now tried 4 different styles to replace my Clifton 8. The clifton 9s are not the same at all., This is my 4th and last try with Hoka. I am sad but it is just a reality. I wish they never changed the Hoka 8. These are too wide. I never thought I would say that, but they are.

Had Gaviota 4 loved them. Ordered a pair of fives same size. Although they look the same the canvas in toe box on these is super tight and no give. Maybe because sole is so thick? There is no give, both big toes are compressed when walking or running. Did two walks and had severe pain in both big toes. Cannot wear them will be giving them away. Size is up 1/2 which is same as the 4’s. But fit Not at all the same as Gaviota 4. Make sure you try these on before buying.

I have plantar fasciitis and a high arch, so good support is very important to me. My DO suggested Hokas for their support and comfort. This is my first pair and due to also having bunions, I had to go with the wide width of the Gaviota 5. They are too wide and look foolish, like clown shoes. My feet swim in them, and I have opted to wear thick socks to take up the extra space. They are comfortable until late in the day. At that point, my feet hurt so badly they throb and I can’t them off fast enough. I am also disappointed in how poorly they are wearing. The soles are already breaking down and cracking and the fabric is starting to pill and fray around the toe box. I’ve only owned them less than two months. I would think a shoe at this price point would wear longer when they are used for daily comfort and activities; I’m not runner, just a person doing everyday activities and looking for a supportive and reasonably comfortable shoe. I really wanted to like these shoes, but they have been an expensive disappointment.