by If you’ve read any of my other reviews, then you will know that I am a big Hoka fan. 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. The other is a corrective road runner designed to prevent overpronation 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 but not by much. The newest Gaviota is very close in weight to the Bondi, even with the J fame..
- Heel to toe drop on the Bondi is 4mm. Compared to larger 6mm on the Gaviota.
- Hoka considers the Gaviota a balanced cushioned shoe although it is plush for a stability 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.
- Overall, the two shoes very similarly. The biggest differences is the stability offered in the Gaviota.
Hoka Gaviota
MSRP Price: $176
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 10.90 oz
Weight Woman’s: 9.10 oz
Stability: Stable
Drop/Offset Men’s: 6mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 6mm
Cushion: Balanced
Hoka Bondi
MSRP Price: $165
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men: 10.8 oz
Weight Women: 8.9 oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Men’s: 4mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 4mm
Cushion: Plush
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 maximum cushion and support. It 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 11.30 oz. On the road, they feel plush, and I’m 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 is 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 go back to the wider 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 lineup, offering a soft and smooth ride, perfect for long distances. Inside the shoe features a memory foam insole that breaks in noticeably over the first few runs.
Compared to the Gaviota, the Bondi is lighter, but not by much. And the Bondi is 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. 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 looking to run a lot of miles, perfect for marathons, and ultra-marathon distance runners with 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.
