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

Hoka Arahi 8 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 narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about runners with wide feet needing maximum stability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Hoka Arahi 8
Ranked #3 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet
Hoka Arahi 8
4 sources1 derived$109.99as of Jun 7

RunRepeat says the Hoka Arahi 8 finally feels modern again after a long-awaited refresh. Reviewers praised the softer foam, wider fit, tall stack, and higher drop, all of which help heel strikers. It now borrows the H-Frame stability system from the Gaviota for steady support. RunRepeat also noted a small price increase and poor breathability in hot weather. Jordan Levy from Prevention.com found the Arahi 8 supportive, comfortable, and stable, though the rocker design makes it awkward for walking. Runners who want mild stability and cushioning are the fit; anyone training in hot climates or needing superior traction should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Impressively lightweight for its size
  • — Strong shock absorption with 138 SA in heel compared to 106 SA in previous version
  • — Wider fit than previous versions
Watch-outs
  • — Very poor breathability
  • — Grip needs to improve, especially on wet surfaces
$109.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Hoka Gaviota 6
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet
Hoka Gaviota 6
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.comFull 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

Hoka Arahi 8

The Hoka Arahi 8 is more lightweight than the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 and offers better stability than the Saucony Guide 18, but it suffers from poor breathability compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14. Unlike the Hoka Gaviota 6, it provides better shock absorption but lacks the roomy fit of the Gaviota.

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

SpecHoka Arahi 8Hoka Gaviota 6
Weight9.1 oz10 oz
Stack Height39.4 mm39mm heel / 33mm forefoot
Drop5 mm6mm
MidsoleCMEVACMEVA and PROFLY+
StabilityH-FrameJ-Frame
Arch SupportJ-Frame StabilityModerate
UpperJacquard meshEngineered mesh
OutsoleDurabrasion rubberRubber
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