By Paul Freary
While the Gaviota 5 is HOKA’s premium cushioning and control type running shoe, the new Arahi 8 sees improvements that make it a very close competitor from very close to home.
I really enjoyed running in the Gaviota 5 from its launch, but is the Arahi 8 the new king of control, or does the Gaviota 5 still rule the roost?
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Stats
HOKA | Arahi 8 | Gaviota 5 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Runners requiring mid-level support in a good value daily trainer | Runners requiring mid-level support in a plush, cushioned daily trainer |
Support | Stability | Stability |
Cushion | Mid/High-level Cushioning with Support | Mid/High-level Cushion with Support |
Stack Height | 40mm heel | 36mm heel |
Drop | 8mm | 6mm |
Weight | Men 276g (9.7oz) | Men’s 310g / 10.9oz Women’s 251g / 8.8oz |
Suggested Retail Price | $140 | $175 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 8.5/ 10 | 9/ 10 |
Shared Support and Cushioning
Both the Arahi 8 and Gaviota 5 now share the H-shaped support frame. This H-shaped framework sits along both the medial and lateral edges of the shoe’s cushioning. Held together in the midfoot by the cross-section of the ‘H’. The firmer H-frame sits around the softer CM-EVA cushioning and essentially provides stabilization for the foot sitting in the centre of the cushioning.
The H-shaped frame provides support in both shoes, while CM-EVA foam makes up the cushioning in both models.
When the Gaviota 5 was introduced, it was compared by the brand to having similar cushioning qualities to the most cushioned neutral shoe in their range, the Bondi 8. At the time of its launch, I shared this opinion, with the Gaviota offering a plush, cushioned feel with the addition of support. I certainly enjoy the cushioned yet supportive ride it provides.
I certainly felt the control the Gaviota 5 offered, working in a similar way to Brooks GTS models, sitting my foot ‘within the support and on the plush cushioning.
While the comparison to the Bondi is true, the Bondi 8 has since been superseded by the new Bondi 9, which was upgraded to a supercritical foam that far excels the performance of CM-EVA-based midsole cushioning materials.
The Arahi 8 has a higher stack of midsole, but I find the Gaviota 5 still feels just a little softer!
The midsole base of the Gaviota is also broader than the Arahi. This contributes to the stability, making it feel a touch more stable and the softness; the foot can ‘sink’ into the midsole a little more.
Arahi 8
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Gaviota 5
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Fit
Both the Gaviota 5 and Arahi 8 fit true to size in terms of length and width compared to other models from the brand. The Gaviota is a little broader in the forefoot/toe box area, but not so much so that it becomes too roomy or baggy.
My feet are slim to regular in width, and I find both shoes a good fit, with the Gaviota having a little more ‘wiggle room’ for me.
As always, if in the UK, HOKA’s conversion between the US and UK sizes is just half a size, compared to many other brands that use a full-size difference. For example, a HOKA US10 is equal to a UK9.5. (Other brands US10=UK9)
Performance
Both these models now feel very similar in terms of support. I have enjoyed running in the Arahi 8 much more than its previous version, the Arahi 7.
Where they differ is in the feel of the cushioning. The Arahi 8 feels a definite improvement over its predecessor, but despite having a slightly deeper stack, not as soft and smooth as the Gaviota 5, which I find a much plusher ride.
CM-EVA can be a vastly varying material, and that is the case here, with the Gaviota having a softer and smoother ride. The Arahi 8 is by no means a poor ride; it’s just that the Gaviota 5 feels just a touch smoother.
The Gaviota is a little roomier in the forefoot, and this allows the toes to splay a little. This is a fit often used by brands to aid stability, and it does the trick here too, making the Gaviota feel as stable as the Arahi while having a softer overall ride.
Again, the Gaviota being a little broader in the midsole footprint contributes the softer feel and more stable overall ride.
My Verdict
The gap between these two models has closed somewhat with the introduction of the use of the same H-shaped support frame in the Arahi.
The improvement in the stack height of cushioning in the Arahi 8 also closes the gap to the Gaviota 5.
While the improvements to the upper of the Arahi are neat and welcome, I still don’t find that they match the super-plush upper of the Gaviota. Its creel jacquard design feels luxurious, and its more padded ankle collar makes for a more premium fit.
The Gaviota 5 also manages to just about retain the lead in terms of overall cushioning feel. The sheer volume of midsole cushioning is what makes the difference, and this comes from a broader base.
While the Arahi 8 is much improved over the Arahi 7, the Gaviota 5, even at the slightly more expensive price, takes the crown. Its plush, supportive ride feels stable and altogether plusher for a smooth, long run experience.
I feel we are reaching a point when lots of running shoes offer great value, features and running experience. It’s the case with the Arahi 8 and Gaviota 5. I find they both are really great shoes to run in, and I’m mixing them both into my rotation of models.
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