HOKA
Which should you buy?
Choose the Arahi 9 if you want reliable, moderate support for everyday miles at a fair price.
Choose the Gaviota 6 if you need the most stability HOKA makes, for long easy runs or all-day comfort.
The Arahi 9 is 5 g lighter than the Gaviota 6. Its drop is 8 mm against 6 mm. It costs £30 less at full price.
Side by side
| Spec | Arahi 9HOKA | Gaviota 6HOKA |
|---|---|---|
| Review score | 82/100 (1 review) | 84/100 (1 review) |
| Type | Stability | Stability |
| Weight (men's UK 8.5) | 278 g | 283 g |
| Heel stack | 39 mm | 39 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 6 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced | Soft |
| Bounce | Calm | Calm |
| Plate | No plate | No plate |
| Support | Stability / support | Stability / support |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Widths | standard, wide, extra wide | standard, wide, extra wide |
| Waterproof version | No | No |
| UK RRP | £140 | £170 |
Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.
What the critics say
Arahi 9
- Stable without feeling stiff
- Smooth transitions for easy miles
- Very durable outsole with improved wet grip
- Heavier than the Arahi 8 and a little pricier
- Muted, low-energy ride
Scores from RunRepeat.
Gaviota 6
- Excellent full-length stability that feels well integrated
- Roomy toe box and comfortable for all-day wear
- Lighter than the Gaviota 5
- Firm-ish, unresponsive foam for the price
- Clunky heel landings until it breaks in
Scores from RunRepeat.
Paraphrased from published reviews.
What's new in each
HOKA Arahi 9: Mainly a new engineered-mesh upper with more toe-box height, plus better wet grip and a later forefoot rocker; slightly less stack and a little heavier than the Arahi 8.
HOKA Gaviota 6: A redesigned H-Frame now supports the full length of the foot, the heel collar sits higher to cut slippage, and the shoe is slightly lighter than the Gaviota 5.
Prices for the Arahi 9 Prices for the Gaviota 6
More comparisons
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