Hoka's Softest Stability Running Shoes Just Went on Sale, and They're Recommended by Podiatrists
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Why We Love This Deal
At Men’s Journal, we know that modern runners demand advanced running shoes. Whether it's the best running shoe from Saucony or the best runner from On, what matters most is finding the right shoe for your foot shape and running style. If what you need is midfoot stability and soft cushioning, then Hoka's latest Gaviota runner is the one to try, and now, you can get a pair for 20% off.
The Hoka Gaviota 5 is marked down to $140, which is 20% (its first markdown) off the normal price of $175. The one exception to this is the Frost/Gold colorway, which is actually 30% off, albeit with extremely limited size availability. Due to the incredibly versatile nature of this shoe—think running, jogging, walking, and standing—we expect sizes to start disappearing. If the one you need isn't available at Hoka anymore, you could also check Zappos or REI.
Hoka Gaviota 5 Running Shoe, $140 (was $175) at Hoka
What Shoppers Should Know
- Sizes Available: From 7 to 15
- Stability Tech: H-Frame
- Design Goal: High mid-foot stability and high comfort.
- APMA Seal of Acceptance?: Yes
- Best For: Overpronators or anybody who needs extra support
This is one of Hoka’s finest stability running shoes, doing something that sounds easy but isn’t necessarily so: providing the highest levels of support and cushioning at the same time.
The secret to this trick comes from a mixture of Hoka’s latest frame tech layered into an incredibly soft EVA foam midsole. This tech, called the H-Frame, is named for the ‘H’ shape of the layout, which has a mid-foot bar. It’s a departure from the older J-Frame, which left the middle part of the foot less supported.
But this isn’t the only place where we’re seeing the new H-Frame. The Arahi 8, for instance, has an “enhanced” H-Frame. What makes this shoe special is just how soft it is despite the extra mid-foot strength. The foams, in fact, are the softest Hoka has ever used in a stability shoe, delivering what the brand describes as “Bondi-level cushioning” in reference to the popular high-stack Bondi shoe line.
And, altogether, it really works, too. The shoe has been awarded an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which recognizes this shoe as beneficial to foot health.
Related: Brooks' Bestselling Stability Running Shoes Are $30 Off Ahead of Black Friday
What Shoppers Are Saying
Overpronators and people with flat feet adore this shoe. “The Gaviota 5 is a dream come true for someone with severe overpronation like me,” said one shopper who also admitted that this shoe gave them the hope that they could begin running longer distances again after years of painful jogs.
Another shopper recounted, “I got the wide version shoe after visiting the podiatrist; these shoes are the most comfortable I've ever had, coming from On Cloud shoes.”
This 20% off is the first wave of markdowns for the Hoka Gaviota 5 as the sixth iteration waits in the wings. If you want a pair, it's a good idea to get it now instead of waiting for the next wave—we've seen popular sizes in Hoka shoes past sell out well before they make it to this point.