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

Hoka Gaviota 6 vs Saucony Tempus 2

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

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  • — Outdated CMEVA foam delivers disappointing shock absorption and energy return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 →
Saucony Tempus 2
Ranked #2 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet
Saucony Tempus 2
5 sources$169.95as of Aug 1

Still one of the lightest stability shoes on the market, the Saucony Tempus 2 runs on energetic PWRRUN PB foam with strong energy return. Reviewers praised the stability and durability, and RunRepeat called it a 'solid choice' for heel strikers who want a responsive daily trainer. The complaints center on a snug fit, particularly through the forefoot, and poor breathability. Doctors of Running noted the tapered toe box can cause minor abrasion, and some users found the laces too short to lock the foot down. Runners with narrow to standard feet who want stability and energy return more than cushioning and airflow are the fit.

Strengths
  • — Lightest superfoam stability shoe available
  • — Excellent energy return with PWRRUN PB foam
  • — Very stable ride with firm PWRRUN frame support
Watch-outs
  • — Poor breathability in upper mesh
  • — Slightly heavier than previous version
  • — Overly snug forefoot and narrow toe box
$169.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull 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.

Saucony Tempus 2

The Saucony Tempus 2 is lighter and more responsive than the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 and offers better energy return than the Saucony Hurricane 25, but it's less stable than the Hoka Gaviota 6 and lacks the breathability of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14. It's also more restrictive than the Saucony Guide 18.

Specs side-by-side

SpecHoka Gaviota 6Saucony Tempus 2
Weight10 oz9.3 oz
Stack Height39mm heel / 33mm forefoot38 mm
Drop6mm8 mm
MidsoleCMEVA and PROFLY+PWRRUN PB
StabilityJ-FrameNeutral
Arch SupportModerateMedium
UpperEngineered meshEngineered mesh
OutsoleRubberXT-900 carbon rubber
← See the full ranking of best running shoes for flat feet