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

Hoka Gaviota 6 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14

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 (4.7 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about runners with wide feet needing maximum stability — read the strengths below before deciding.

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— Outdated CMEVA foam delivers disappointing shock absorption and energy return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 →

Ranked #9 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14

4.1

5 sources$121.73as of Aug 1

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 is a stability daily trainer that leans plush. Its five reviews cluster tightly, with RunRepeat at 85 out of 100, Road Trail Run 8.4, WearTesters 8.2, Shoe Expert 8.1 and Find My Footwear 8 out of 10, and they agree on the shape of it: a dual-density Fresh Foam X midsole with a full-length medial wedge, a 38 mm stack and an 8 mm drop. It is comfortable, it is heavy at 10.5 oz, and the upper runs warm.

Strengths

— Dual-layer Fresh Foam X midsole provides plush cushioning and stable ride
— Comfortable round fit with more space for feet compared to previous editions
— Durable blown rubber outsole with good traction in wet and dry conditions

Watch-outs

— Upper mesh lacks durability and breathability according to reviewers
— Shoe feels slightly bulky and heavier than expected at 10.5 oz
— Limited appeal for runners who prefer simpler stability designs

$121.73 · Check Price on Amazon 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

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.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 offers more plush cushioning than the Saucony Tempus 2 and better durability than the Hoka Arahi 8, but it's heavier and less breathable than the Saucony Hurricane 25. It's also less stable than the ASICS GT-2000 14 and lacks the energy return of the Saucony Guide 18.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Hoka Gaviota 6	New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14
Weight	10 oz	10.5 oz
Stack Height	39mm heel / 33mm forefoot	38 mm
Drop	6mm	8 mm
Midsole	CMEVA and PROFLY+	Fresh Foam X
Stability	J-Frame	Medial post
Arch Support	Moderate	Moderate
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh
Outsole	Rubber	Blown rubber

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