If you are looking for the best sports shoes for men, there are a large number of options in the UAE market. But in the last few years, one name has remained at the top, among both casual runners and elite athletes — Hoka Running Shoes.

Those who run regularly on both roads and trails in Dubai, I chose to put Hoka shoes to the test. After months of running in the heat, on different surfaces, and through long training sessions, here is my honest review of their Cushion, Comfort, and Performance.

First Impressions

The first thing you notice about Hoka running shoes is their oversized sole, what they call the "maximalist" design. At first peek, it might seem bulky, especially if you are used to more elegant running shoes. But once you lace them up, everything starts to make sense.

I tried the Bondi 9 for my road runs and the Speedgoat 6 for trail running. Both came in striking colour options and had a lightweight feel despite the thick sole.

Cushion: Like Running on Clouds

This is where Hoka truly shines. The cushioning is nothing short of exceptional. With every stride, I felt less impact on my knees and hips — a major plus for someone who’s had minor joint issues in the past.

The Clifton 9, in particular, delivered a soft landing with enough responsiveness to keep up a good pace. Even after 15km runs on Dubai's hot asphalt, my feet didn’t feel battered, which is a common issue with stiffer running shoes.

Rating for Cushion: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Comfort: All-Day Wear Approved

Whether it was a short jog or a long weekend run, the comfort of Hoka running shoes remained consistent. The inner padding hugged my feet without overheating or causing blisters. The shoes also have a roomy toe box — a detail many brands overlook — allowing natural foot splay.

One day, I even wore them casually during a family day at Dubai Marina. No soreness, no complaints — just all-day comfort.

Rating for Comfort: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Performance: Built for Real Runners

Performance is where the debate begins. Hoka shoes aren’t the lightest on the market, and some elite racers may prefer a more minimal design. But for the majority of runners, including beginners and mid-packers like me, the performance is outstanding.

The Clifton 9 gave me consistent pace and stability on road runs, while the Speedgoat 5 handled rocky, uneven terrain in Hatta like a beast. The grip and traction on the trails were especially impressive.

That said, I’d recommend breaking them in over a couple of runs to let your feet adjust to the rocker-style sole.

Rating for Performance: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Final Verdict

If you're looking for reliable, high-performance sports shoes for men, Hoka running shoes should be on your radar. They’re ideal for anyone who values cushion, comfort, and support — especially during longer runs or recovery days.

Are they for everyone? Maybe not. If you're into super-minimalist racing flats, Hoka might feel overbuilt. But for the average runner or someone dealing with joint stress, they could be a game-changer.

As someone based in Dubai — where road conditions vary and the heat can be brutal — I can confidently say Hoka has earned a permanent spot in my shoe rack.

Pros:

• Exceptional cushioning
• Lightweight despite thick sole
• Great for recovery and long runs
• Ideal for both road and trail use

Cons:

• Takes time to adjust to the rocker sole
• A bit pricey, but justifiable for the quality

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Conclusion:

Whether you're a casual jogger or training for your next marathon, Hoka Running Shoes deliver in comfort, cushion, and performance. I highly recommend trying them out — your joints and feet will thank you.