Hoka One One Gaviota 2 Review
Hoka One One is a young running shoe company. They started in 2009. They are known for their massive midsoles that are incredibly lightweight. This makes them recognizable when you see someone wearing them.
The Gaviota 2 is the 2nd edition of Hoka One One maximum stability shoe. Hoka One One offers two stability options: the Arahi and Gaviota. The Gaviota provides more cushioning and stability than the Arahi.
The Gaviotas retail for £120-£150, which puts them in competition in terms of price, stability and cushioning with Asics Kayano, Brooks Beast, Saucony Hurricane Iso, and the New Balance Rubix.
When I opened the box I immediately thought these shoes look like tanks. They have the biggest midsole I have ever seen on a running shoe. I enjoy the various shades of gray on the upper.
The accents of seaport blue and orange are just right and add visual appeal to the shoe. One outstanding aspect of the uppers is the variation in materials used, like suede on the heels.
I expected them to feel like tanks when I first slipped them on. I was pleasantly surprised by how light they felt. They do feel bigger than most other running shoes, but not in an overbearing way.
The amount of cushioning felt like a comfortable pillow. The first run out of the box was a 3 and a half mile relaxed pace run. The shoes felt stable and light on my feet while providing me with the stability I need.
Hoka One One Gaviota 2 Review Contained
Hoka midsoles are what set them apart from other running shoe brands. The size and weight of the midsole make the Gaviota 2 stand out. The midsole is dual density and is comprised of RMAT: rubber and EVA.
This mixture allows for more cushioning and less weight. This dual density midsole feels incredibly plush yet remains remarkably responsive on runs.
Hoka employs proprietary J-Frame technology for stability. The J-Frame is a denser midsole cushioning. It starts at the forefoot and runs down the medial side of your foot before wrapping around your heel.
The J-Frame is similar to Brooks’ Guard Rails technology. There are no medial posts and it steers your foot on both sides of the heel.
I was aware of the J-Frame technology on my first few runs because I could feel the guidance on both sides of my heel. I found it to be highly effective in providing stability for my foot and ankle, once I got used to it.
Another midsole technology Hoka employs with the Gaviotas is Meta-Rocker. This is a combination of a 5mm heel to toe drop along with a uniquely shaped midsole. I am used to much larger heel drop.
My lower legs — calves, achilles and ankles — took a few runs to adjust to the drop. My feet ached slightly due to the feeling of the J-Frame midsole applying pressure where I was not used to it.
Once I adjusted, the soreness went away and I was back to enjoying myself. This lower drop resulted in a more natural stride with more frequent midfoot landings.
The bottom tread of the Gaviota 2 handled all weather conditions, dry and wet, including ice and snow. They use a denser rubber in the high wear areas along the forefoot.
This made for a responsive toe-off on every stride. It also provides the shoe with the right amount of flexibility and durability.
Verdict from research into Amazon's and other companies reviews.
5 reasons to buy
- One runner mentioned that he was able to run in the Hoka One One Gaviota 2 without experiencing any pain. He also felt that his recovery time might lessen because of the shoe's stability features and cushioning.
- Some testers mentioned how great the shoe felt. Unlike other shoes, it did not aggravate their knee and foot issues. A lot of reviewers appreciated the level of comfort delivered.
- A lot of reviewers appreciated the level of comfort delivered.
- According to one user, the shoe felt stable during her runs.
- One female user was happy about how the wide version fit her foot.
3 reasons not to buy
- One male user mentioned that the midfoot section was as tight as the one on the first version. Even though he loosened the laces, the area under the tongue still felt constricted.
- Some female reviewers weren't happy that there were not enough colorways for the wide version of the Hoka One One Gaviota 2.
- Almost all female testers commented negatively on the color selection available. It would have been better if there were more vibrant options, they said.
Bottom Line
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Table of Contents
Available in the Below Colours
FEATURES
CATEGORY: OVERSIZE
META-ROCKER: EARLY STAGE ( SUPPORT )
Provides forefoot support
WIDTH FIT: MEDIUM
CUSHIONING: 4/5
RESPONSIVENESS: 4/5
STABILITY: 5/5
WEIGHT
245g in 6.5USW
297g in 9USM
MIDSOLE
– ~1.8x Volume EVA with Late Stage Meta-Rocker for forefoot support
– Flat-Waisted Geometry provides Inherent Stability
– Moderate Heel Bevel Provides Smooth Heel Transition
– 23mm under forefoot
– 28mm under heel
– Drop: 5mm
OUTSOLE
– RMAT J-Frame for Support, Rebound and Durability
– Zonal Rubber Placement for Durability
UPPER
– Arch-Lock Wings for Superior Mid-Foot Support
– Padded Tongue for Additional Comfort
LACING
– Traditional laces
INSOLE
– 3mm Ortholite
SIZES
– Women: 5 – 11 USW
– Men: 7.5 – 14 USM
– All Women’s shoes have a specific women’s last
Hoka One One has engineered a unique performance midsole geometry that features a higher volume, softer density, and greater rebounding foam than standard running shoes. Along with maximal cushioning, this provides runners of all types with an energizing, stable ride. Hoka One One understood from the beginning that natural foot motion was extremely important for uniformity of stride. Hoka One One running shoes incorporate minimum drop geometry along with a rolling rocker design to promote consistent rhythm in the runner’s foot strike.
ROCKERING PROFILE
OVERSIZE CUSHIONING
Engineered midsole volume which is up to 2.5X the volume of performance-specific cushioning material compared to standard running shoes. Benefit: Unsurpassed shock attenuation, a sense of weightlessness, and an inherantly stable ride which is designed to reduce the fatigue in your feet, legs and body.
ACTIVE FOOT FRAME
Uniquely engineered Active Foot Frame midsole geometry allows the foot to sink into the shoe as opposed to sitting on top of the midsole.
A new midsole material with new characteristics: increased rebound, better durability, and exceptional outsole grip, even on wet surfaces. It provides state-of-the art resilience to breakdown, underfoot stability and durability.
META-ROCKER
The Meta-Rocker midsole geometry, specifically engineered with a low heel-toe differential encourages a guided foot gait cycle.
Benefit: Designed for active recovery by supporting a runner’s form and efficient running mechanics.
Lightweight, no sew construction, support frame designed to provide security between the foot and the upper on any terrain.
HOKA SIZING
