If you’ve read any of my other reviews, then you will know that I am a big Hoka One One fan. And today I’ll be comparing the HOKA Gaviota vs Bondi. One is the brand’s plush road runner. Providing all the padding a runner could want from a shoe. While the other is a corrective road runner. Design to prevent over pronation and inward roll for runners.
But which one is right for you? Let’s break down these two shoes with stats, photos, and more below!
HOKA Gaviota vs Bondi
- Hoka’s Gaviota is a stability running shoe. It features a “J Frame Technology” to prevent inward roll, or overpronation.
- The Hoka Bondi is a not a stability running shoe. And is considered neutral running shoe.
- The Gaviota is a heavy running shoe. And roughly half an once heavier than the Bondi in both the men’s and women’s models.
- Heel to toe drop on the Bondi is 4mm. Compared to 5mm on the Gaviota.
- Hoka considers the Gaviota a balanced cushioned shoe. The Bondi is listed as a “plush” cushioned.
- The don’t list the Bondi’s “volume” or “spring” on the website. That’s shy they are not included on the stats matchup below.
Hoka Gaviota
MSRP Price: $160
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 11.40 oz
Weight Woman’s: 9.30 oz
Stability: Stable
Drop/Offset Men’s: 5mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 5mm
Cushion: Balanced
Volume – The total volume of foam in the mid sole of the shoe.
Men’s: 731 cm3
Women’s: 575 cm3
Spring – Measurement of the curvature of the shoe, how high the heal and toe are off the ground.
Men’s: 36 x 20 mm
Women’s: 32 x 18 mm
Hoka Bondi
MSRP Price: $150
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men: 10.7 oz
Weight Women: 8.9 oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Men’s: 4mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 4mm
Cushion: Plush
Volume – The total volume of foam in the mid sole of the shoe.
Men’s: — cm3
Women’s: — cm3
Spring – Measurement of the curvature of the shoe, how high the heal and toe are off the ground.
Men’s: — x — mm
Women’s: — x — mm
Performance Summary
A lot of cushion vs a whole lot of cushion. Both of these shoes come in as two of the most padded runners on the market. But besides feeling like clouds to run in. There are a few major differences between the two. Let’s take a more in depth look..
Hoka Gaviota
The Hoka Gaviota is designed to deliver max cushion and support. And uses a rubberized foam support (J Frame) to help prevent pronation and inward roll. All of this cushioning and support does come at a price. They are heavy at 11.30oz. In the road they feel plush and am not sure how Hoka doesn’t rate them as a higher cushion value. They may even beat the Bondi when it comes to overall padding.
Besides the weight, the Gaviota are a joy to run in. You won’t feel much on the road and if you’re not looking to go fast, they make great cruisers. And if you’re looking for a stability shoe to prevent over-pronation, this is the shoe for you. On the downside, the Gaviota 3 was a little narrow for me. And I’d like to see them to go back to the wides design of the 1 & 2
Hoka Bondi
Hoka One One’s Bondi is one of the brand’s most popular road runners. Along with the Clifton. The Bondi is the most cushioned road runner in the brand’s line up. Offering a soft and smooth ride, perfect for long distances. Inside the shoe features a memory foam insole that brakes in noticeably over the first few runs.
Compared to the Gaviota, the Bondi are lighter. But not by much. And the Bondi’s a neutral runner, so it’s not going to offer corrective support. What they do offer is a plush landing with enough rebound to make them a joy to run big miles in. These are great trainers if you’re looking to log some big training miles. The one thing that I don’t like about the fit of the Bondi is the arch support. There is just a bit too much for me.
Image Comparison
Check out the Hoka Gaviota vs Bondi side by side in the images below. You can tell from the profile that the Gaviota gets a lot of its design influence from the Bondi.
Hoka Gaviota 4 Profile
Hoka Bondi Profile
Again, from the top you can see how similar they are.
Gaviota Top View
Bondi Top View
The sole is where we can the designs start to become their own. With the difference designs allowing different flew for each model.
Hoka Gaviota Soles
Hoka Bondi Soles
Conclusion – HOKA Gaviota vs Bondi
Two of Hoka One One’s most cushioned shoes. It’s understandable why a lot of people turn to these models when looking for a plush road runner. And beyond the padding, these two shoes have a very similar design. But besides their similarities on the surface the Gaviota and the Bondi are designed with different purposes.
Which road running shoe to buy?
The Gaviota is designed as a stability shoe with an internal supportive frame to prevent overpronation, or excessive inward roll. If you have an issue with overpronation then these shoes are a great corrective option. If you don’t have this issue then you should stay away and look at the Bondi.
I’m a big fan of the Bondi for anyone that’s looking to run a lot of miles. Perfect for marathon, marathon, and ultra marathon distance runners that have a high weekly training volume. I may look for another lighter shoe to actually race in though. But if your choice is between the two, unless you’re looking for a corrective running shoe, go with the Bondi.
