Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 vs Hoka Gaviota 6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Hoka Gaviota 6 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.2 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about runners with wide feet needing maximum stability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #7 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

4.2

6 sources3 derived$154.95as of Aug 1

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 refines a long-standing stability shoe, adding cushioning without changing what it is for. Reviewers pointed to the 10mm drop and smoother heel transition as the meaningful improvements. Fit is secure and medial support is consistent, which suits daily training and long runs. Speed work is not the assignment: reviewers describe the ride as plush but unresponsive, and the updated DNA LOFT v3 foam adds comfort at the cost of responsiveness, which makes it better for slower, recovery runs than fast workouts. Runners who want moderate stability and cushioning, especially over longer distances, are the fit.

Strengths

— More cushioning added with 3mm forefoot and 1mm heel upgrade for smoother ride
— 10mm heel-to-toe drop for improved heel transition compared to previous models
— Secure fit with thick upper and stiff heel counter for stability

Watch-outs

— Not responsive, with midsole feeling less bouncy than other models
— Forefoot firms up over longer mileage, reducing plushness
— Average durability expectations for daily training shoe

$154.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Hoka Gaviota 6

4.7

6 sources1 derived$180as of Aug 1

After a long wait, the Hoka Gaviota 6 updates a popular stability shoe with a better fit and more support. Reviewers noted the roomy, wide-fit design and excellent medial support, plus an engineered mesh upper that feels comfortable and secure. Lab tests were less kind to the CMEVA foam, which is dated enough to deliver poor shock absorption and low energy return. It is lighter than most maximal stability shoes, but for many runners the performance doesn't justify $180. Runners who need maximum stability and room for wide feet are the fit; anyone after a livelier ride should look at the Saucony Hurricane 24 or Nike Structure Plus.

Strengths

— Roomy fit compared with most HOKA models, especially accommodating for wide feet
— Excellent stability with full-length H-frame support that provides strong medial stability
— Light weight for a maximal stack height stability shoe at 10 oz

Watch-outs

— Outdated CMEVA foam delivers disappointing shock absorption and energy return
— High price for the performance offered, especially when compared to newer alternatives
— Heel bevel angled medially, which may cause slight firmness in ride

$180 · Buy at footwearetc.com Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 offers more cushioning and a smoother ride than the Saucony Hurricane 25, but lacks the energy return and lighter weight of the Saucony Tempus 2. Unlike the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, it provides a more balanced cushioning experience without the overly thick midsole that feels bottom-heavy.

Hoka Gaviota 6

The Hoka Gaviota 6 provides a roomier fit and better stability than the Saucony Tempus 2, but its outdated CMEVA foam delivers poor shock absorption compared to the ASICS GT-2000 14. It's also more expensive than the Saucony Guide 18 despite offering less energy return.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25	Hoka Gaviota 6
Weight	10.6 oz	10 oz
Stack Height	37 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot	39mm heel / 33mm forefoot
Drop	10 mm	6mm
Midsole	DNA LOFT v3	CMEVA and PROFLY+
Stability	Moderate	J-Frame
Arch Support	GuideRails	Moderate
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh
Outsole	RoadTack rubber	Rubber

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