HOKA Gaviota 5 Road - Running Shoes for Men review
HOKA just came out with this new stability - focused shoe, the Gaviota 5.
Last month, I was at the South Coast store in California, and I tried on the standard - width version. My toes had plenty of room, and the shoe hugged my foot nicely, but right around the arch, it felt a bit too tight. I asked the salesperson if they had a wider version I could try. They said there was some issue with the insoles of the wide - width ones, and they'd been sent back to the factory. So, no wide - width shoes in the store, and they told me the standard - width was fine.
When I got back, I ordered the wide - width version on Tmall. Man, it's really comfortable. It looks wider and feels wider inside than the Bondi. But after walking around my room for a few steps, I felt something off around my arch. It was like there was some slipping going on. I took out the insole, and guess what? I had a US 7.5 shoe, but the insole was for a US 8.5 - 9.5! That's like a size 40.5 shoe with a size 42 - 43.5 insole. No wonder the insole was all wrinkled up around the arch.
I told the customer service about it, and they were really nice. They didn't explain why this happened, but they quickly said I could return the shoes and get a refund.
I'm thinking the Gaviota 5 has this new, wider design, especially the 2E version, but they just didn't get the insoles right in time. I'm kind of confused though. Why don't they sell the standard - width version in China? And is this whole insole situation for the wide - width version even okay? Will it mess with my running?
The Hoka One One Gaviota 5 seems to run small. When you put 'em on, you can feel the arch support. It's because of this H - shaped thing in the shoe. The front and back of your foot sink a little, so you really notice the arch support. They feel springy and comfortable, and when you run, there's this nice rolling feeling. The shoes are wide, so your foot doesn't feel all squished in. But here's the thing, they're expensive, and let's be real, they're not the best - looking shoes out there.
