Hoka Gaviota 5 vs Hoka Gaviota 6:
Which to Choose

Structurally these two are close cousins: both are true stability shoes (6/6) with an embedded H-Frame, both use full-length CMEVA with no plate, and both carry roughly the same heel stack (36mm heel on each, with a 30mm forefoot on the 5 versus 29mm on the 6). The most concrete win for the 6 is weight — it drops to 283g in a men's US9 against the 5's 310g, about a 27g saving that you can feel on longer efforts. The 6 also gets a more pronounced rocker for a slightly more assertive forward roll, and a snugger, closer-wrapping upper versus the roomier, more relaxed fit of the 5. Where the 5 holds an edge is cushioning character: our data rates it at maximum, plush protection (6/6), while the 6 lands at a firmer, moderate-plus level (4/6) — supportive and controlled, but less soft and less forgiving on tired legs. That difference in feel shows up in intended range too: the 5 is genuinely comfortable stretching out to a full marathon, whereas the 6's firmer ride settles into a sweet spot at 10K and half-marathon distances. Neither is a speed shoe — responsiveness is low on both (the 5 slightly ahead at 3/6 vs the 6's 2/6), and both go flat if you push much past ~5:15 min/km. The drop nudges up a touch, from 6mm on the 5 to 7mm on the 6.