Hoka Bondi 8 vs. Hoka Gaviota 4

The Hoka Bondi 8 is one of their most popular shoe models and compares well to most of their other running shoe models. It is a medium-weight shoe that is well cushioned with a full-length EVA midsole and has a high stack height and Rocker style sole.

The Hoka Gaviota 4 is a heavy, and big running shoe that is very durable, well-cushioned, and offers plenty of stability. It is highly breathable and has a very high-stacked sole.


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Hoka One Bondi 8 or Gaviota 4


Price Range

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 will be around $200 depending on the model and size of the shoe.

Hoka Gaviota 4

I have seen the Gaviota 4 at different price ranges from $140 up to $250, which I believe will depend on the retailer, the model, size, and width of the shoe, as it is quite a substantial shoe.


Quality

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 is a good quality running shoe, that has quality materials and is well constructed with many comfort and support features.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota 4 is a well-balanced stability shoe with excellent quality features. It is durable and of exceptional quality in its price range.


Durability

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 as a road running shoe will be very durable with durable construction, and a durable rubber outsole. It does not do well in wet environments though.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota 4 is said to be able to go hundreds of miles. It is extremely durable and has a very durable sole that will not wear out fast.


Comfort

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 is comfortable. It is well-cushioned, balanced, and breathable with a soft memory foam collar. However, the Gaviota is more comfortable.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota is well padded inside, it is lightweight and has plush cushioning with stability features. Most people say that they can almost not feel the shoe on their feet.


Arch Support & Pronation Control

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 is generally a neutral shoe. It is suitable for high and neutral arch types and is slightly flexible.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota 4 features the J-Frame technology and has a more locked-in fit for stability. It is ideally a stability shoe for low to flat arches and overpronation. The shoe also has a very high stack height for ample impact absorption.


Surface & Terrain

Hoka Bondi 8

The Hoka Bondi 8 is a running shoe for roads and hard surfaces. It is not ideal for wet surfaces and trails.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota 4 is much similar. It is suitable for roads and hard surfaces, offering much impact protection. It is also extremely durable for long distances and daily running.


Outsole

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 has a Meta-Rocker outsole that has a more beveled design heel than a flat heel. It has a durable and high-traction outsole.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota has a very high-stacked sole. The outsole is quite grippy and ideal for various surfaces. It is also very durable for running miles, and miles.


Midsole

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 has a full compression-molded EVA midsole. It offers plush high-energy cushioning and comfortable padding.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota 4 has light stability features in the midsole and a thick foam midsole. It also has a fully padded, removable insole for comfort.


Upper

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 has engineered mesh uppers that are light and breathable, with TPU overlays for structure. It comes in neutral and more colorful options.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota has engineered highly breathable mesh uppers. It is well-padded inside, with a padded collar.


Heel Height

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 has a heel height of 33 mm and 31 mm for women. It has a Rocker style sole and a medium-high stack height.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota has an extremely high stack height. The heel is 40 mm high for men and 37 mm high for women.


Forefoot Height

Hoka Bondi 8

The Forefoot height of the Bondi 8 is 29 mm for men, and 27 mm for men.
It has an average forefoot height.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota 4 has a very high 35 mm forefoot for men and 32 mm forefoot height for women.


Heel-to-Toe Drop

Hoka Bondi 8

There is a 4mm heel-to-toe drop in the Bondi 8. The heel-to-toe drop is quite average for this range.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota 4 has a regular 5mm heel-to-toe drop. The drop is average and ideal for the high-stacked sole.


Fit and Sizing

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi 8 offers a medium to wide fit with width options available. It has a snug heel fit with a memory foam collar.

Hoka Gaviota 4

The Gaviota has a well-padded interior and thick tongue for a comfortable and soft fit, with a padded collar. It has a wide platform and roomy toe box fit, There are also more width options available.


Weight

Hoka Bondi 8

The Bondi weighs 303 grams for men and 252 grams for women. It is an average weight for a durable neutral running shoe.

Hoka Gaviota 4

It is quite heavy as a stability running shoe with a high platform sole. The Gaviota 4 weighs 323 grams for men and 264 grams for women


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Buy Hoka One Bondi 8 or Gaviota 4




About the Author

David Alegeta

David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.