HOKA Clifton PRO vs HOKA Gaviota 6
We haven't tested HOKA Clifton PRO or HOKA Gaviota 6 yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
These do different jobs: HOKA Clifton PRO is a daily trainer, HOKA Gaviota 6 a stability daily trainer. The question is which fits your rotation, not which is better.
HOKA
Clifton PRO
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 75/100
Reviewers praise the cushioning and upper and split on the ride and grip.
HOKA
Gaviota 6
Check priceReview Pulse · Mostly positive · 80/100
Reviewers praise the stability and durability and split on the ride and cushioning.
The differences that matter
- HOKA Clifton PRO has 3 mm more foam under the heel.
- HOKA Clifton PRO has the higher drop (8 mm vs 6 mm).
- HOKA Gaviota 6 is the more supportive of the two.
- HOKA Clifton PRO costs $15 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
HOKA Clifton PRO
Divisive
A smooth, rockered max-stack ride that rolls easily through easy and long miles; one tester finds it heavy and lifeless once the pace rises, and it is not a fast shoe.
HOKA Gaviota 6
Divisive
A smooth, rockered stability ride that feels planted and easy on daily miles, but heavy and dull when the pace rises.
Cushioning
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
The tall PROGLIDE+ stack is protective and stable for easy miles, though lab energy return is only average and the ride is not plush.
HOKA Gaviota 6
Divisive
The tall CMEVA stack is protective at easy paces, though lab testers find shock absorption average and protection fades over long runs.
Upper
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
A padded, breathable mesh upper with a secure heel and gusseted tongue; the toe box is still pointy and the midfoot runs snug.
HOKA Gaviota 6
Divisive
A roomy, padded upper with wide sizing options, but the midfoot lockdown is loose for some and the toe box is shallow.
Durability
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
Outsole rubber and lab abrasion results are good, but the thin knit toe box is a weak point.
HOKA Gaviota 6
Praised
The upper, heel padding and rubber outsole hold up well, with only modest wear in high-abrasion areas.
Grip
HOKA Clifton PRO
Divisive
Most testers find the podular rubber confident on wet roads, while lab wet traction is only average.
HOKA Gaviota 6
Praised
The redesigned outsole grips wet and dry roads well, and lab traction is clearly above average.
Stability
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
A broad base, sidewalls and stiff platform make the high stack unusually stable for a neutral trainer.
HOKA Gaviota 6
Praised
The full-length H-Frame and broad platform deliver strong, unobtrusive guidance for overpronation.
Value
HOKA Clifton PRO
Praised
At $165, reviewers see a fair price for the upgraded foam and Clifton comfort, though some think it should be discounted.
HOKA Gaviota 6
Divisive
At $180 it is expensive for a shoe with dated foam, though its stability and durability justify some of the cost.
Which one to choose
Choose HOKA Clifton PRO if…
- you want more foam under you
- you like a higher drop
- price matters
- its cushioning is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Easy and recovery road miles
- Runners wanting max cushion with stability
- Clifton fans wanting more bounce
Choose HOKA Gaviota 6 if…
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- you like a lower drop
- you want more support
- its grip is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Daily training
- Easy and long runs
- Walking and standing
Specifications
- Category
- Daily trainer
- Stability daily trainer
- Price
- $165$15 less
- $180
- Weight
- 275 g8 g lighter
- 283 g
- Drop
- 8 mm
- 6 mm2 mm lower drop
- Stack
- 42 / 34 mm3 mm more stack
- 39 / 33 mm
- Plate
- Not reported
- Not reported
- Stability
- Neutral
- Stability
- Foam
- SCF foam
- compression molded foam
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE