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

Hoka Gaviota 6 vs Saucony Hurricane 25

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 4.3). 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  • — Outdated CMEVA foam delivers disappointing shock absorption and energy return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 Hurricane 25
Ranked #6 in Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet
Saucony Hurricane 25
5 sources$99.95as of Aug 1

RunRepeat's lab tests show real gains for the Saucony Hurricane 25 in energy return, cushioning, and comfort, and it sheds a full ounce along the way. Doctors of Running praised the bouncy, soft ride and the lighter profile against previous versions, while noting the softer midsole can feel mushy and less stable. The redesigned midsole and improved geometry make for a smoother ride than the Hurricane 24, which suits daily trainers who want plush comfort with stability. Reviewers criticized the breathability and the bulk, both of which count against runners chasing agility or a lower price. It fits people who value maximal cushioning and stability over lightweight responsiveness.

Strengths
  • — Fantastic energy return with PWRRUN PB foam
  • — Lighter than previous version at 10 oz
  • — Excellent cushioning for long miles with 151 SA heel shock absorption
Watch-outs
  • — Price hike from previous version at $169.95
  • — Poor breathability due to flat knit upper
  • — Lacks agility and feels clunky for transitions
$99.95 · 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 Hurricane 25

The Saucony Hurricane 25 delivers better energy return than the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and provides more stability than the Hoka Arahi 8, but it's heavier and less breathable than the Saucony Tempus 2. Compared to the ASICS GT-2000 14, it offers a more responsive ride but less consistent support.

Specs side-by-side

SpecHoka Gaviota 6Saucony Hurricane 25
Weight10 oz10 oz
Stack Height39mm heel / 33mm forefoot40.2 mm
Drop6mm7.1 mm
MidsoleCMEVA and PROFLY+PWRRUN PB foam
StabilityJ-FrameGuidesole
Arch SupportModerateMedium
UpperEngineered meshEngineered mesh
OutsoleRubberXT-900 carbon rubber
Tech—CenterPath stability
← See the full ranking of best running shoes for flat feet