New Balance 990 vs Asics Gel Kayano vs Hoka Clifton SG 2026: Dad Shoes

Updated: September 2026.

TL;DR verdict

For pure walking and all-day comfort in Singapore's climate: Hoka Clifton 11. For arch support, heritage silhouette, and office-friendly styling: New Balance 990v6. For stability, overpronation control, and moderate running: Asics Gel Kayano 32. All three sit in the SGD 220 to SGD 340 range at Singapore retail. The "dad shoe" category is not one shoe, it is three, and each has a different best-use scenario. Use ShopBack to compare retailer cashback rates across newbalance.com.sg, asics.com, hoka.com, and multi-brand stores like Sports Direct SG before you commit.

What the three shoes actually are

The dad shoe label became mainstream around 2018 when the fashion world rediscovered chunky, unapologetically comfortable footwear. Three brands dominate the category in 2026:

New Balance 990 (v6 latest) is the heritage arch-support pick. Made in USA in the premium line, the 990 first launched in 1982 and became the shoe your dad wore because a podiatrist told him to. It is a firm-riding, structured shoe with a wide platform and a grey suede upper that has become a lifestyle signature. Steve Jobs wore the 990v3.

Asics Gel Kayano (32 latest) is the stability-shoe pick. Kayano first launched in 1993 and is designed for overpronators (runners whose foot rolls inward on landing). The Kayano combines a firm medial post with Asics' Gel cushioning, and has been a Runner's World stability shoe pick for over a decade.

Hoka Clifton (11 latest) is the maximally cushioned pick. Hoka One One was founded in France in 2009 and is now owned by Deckers Brands. The Clifton line is Hoka's neutral daily trainer with a signature high-stack, rocker-toe geometry that makes long walks feel easier.

Comfort and cushioning

Shoe	Heel stack	Cushioning feel	Ride profile
New Balance 990v6	26mm	Firm, structured, supportive	Traditional, less rocker
Asics Gel Kayano 32	40mm	Moderately soft with firm medial post	Balanced, mild rocker
Hoka Clifton 11	32mm	Plush and bouncy	Aggressive rocker geometry

Hoka Clifton wins on softness perception. New Balance wins on structure and support perception. Asics sits between, with the added stability medial post for overpronators.

Ride feel and geometry

Hoka's design language leads with rocker geometry, meaning the shoe's shape guides your foot through toe-off. This makes long walking days feel easier at cost of some ground feel.

New Balance takes the opposite approach. The 990v6 rides flat, flexes naturally, and lets your foot dictate the roll. This is why podiatrists prefer it for shoppers who need arch support without being pushed into a specific gait cycle.

Asics Gel Kayano sits in the middle. The stability medial post corrects overpronation, and the rear-foot Gel unit dampens heel strike. It is more athletic-feeling than either of the other two, but not as directive as Hoka.

"The Clifton 11 keeps the plush and inviting feel that Clifton lovers know, with a broad, stable platform that feels pillowy without sloppiness." Runner's World, Hoka Clifton 11 Review, 2025

Price in Singapore

Shoe	SG SRP	US SRP	AU SRP	Best month to buy
New Balance 990v6	SGD 320 to 340	USD 200	AUD 350	Boxing Day, EOFY
Asics Gel Kayano 32	SGD 269	USD 165	AUD 300	11.11, 12.12
Hoka Clifton 11	SGD 219 to 249	USD 145	AUD 260	12.12, prior-model clearance

New Balance 990 series holds price the tightest of the three because it is a premium heritage line manufactured in the US or UK. Asics discounts most aggressively during 11.11 and 12.12 marketplace events. Hoka discounts hardest on prior-model clearance when a new Clifton version drops.

Durability

New Balance 990v6 midsole durability typically exceeds 800km in normal wear. Asics Gel Kayano 32 rates around 640 to 800km. Hoka Clifton 11 sits at 480 to 640km due to the softer foam. For heavy daily wearers in Singapore's humid environment, expect 15 to 20 percent shorter lifespan than manufacturer estimates due to accelerated foam degradation.

Named source quotes and stats

"New Balance offers excellent arch support and stability, particularly great for flat feet and plantar fasciitis." Marathon Sports, Hoka vs New Balance running shoes compared, 2024

"The Gel Kayano is one of the best stability shoes on the market, and is great for overpronators seeking stability." Today.com, Hoka vs New Balance running shoe comparison, 2024

"Hoka shoes tend to do more of the directing with a more obvious rocker and geometry playing a bigger role." RunToTheFinish, New Balance vs Asics finding the right running shoe, 2024

Named statistics:

• Deckers Brands (Hoka parent) reported Hoka net sales grew 27.4 percent to USD 2.23 billion in fiscal year 2025, making it the fastest-growing performance footwear brand globally (Deckers Brands Q4 FY25 Earnings, May 2025).
• ASICS Corporation reported net sales of JPY 678.5 billion in fiscal year 2024, up 18.9 percent year-over-year, driven by Gel Kayano and Novablast line growth (ASICS Corporation Annual Report 2024).
• New Balance Athletics reported approximately USD 6.5 billion in global revenue for 2024, with the 990 series remaining the top-selling lifestyle line (New Balance company statement, February 2025).

For different persona use cases

For office workers on their feet 6+ hours per day (retail, F and B, healthcare): Hoka Clifton 11 wins. The rocker geometry reduces fatigue over long shifts.

For weekend warriors doing 5 to 10km runs plus daily wear: Asics Gel Kayano 32 wins. It runs well and walks comfortably.

For office-goers with flat feet who want a smart-casual shoe: New Balance 990v6 in grey. Works with jeans, chinos, and casual Friday attire.

For long-haul travellers doing 20,000+ step days in Tokyo, London, Paris: Hoka Clifton 11 first choice; New Balance 990v6 second.

For Singaporean shoppers on a budget under SGD 200: Consider the Hoka Clifton 9 clearance (typically SGD 150 to 180 during sale) or the Asics Gel Kayano 31 clearance. Both offer 90 percent of the current-model experience.

When these do not apply

None of these shoes are the right pick for court sports (basketball, tennis), trail running, or hiking. For court sports, look at Asics Gel Resolution, Nike Zoom Vapor, or Adidas Barricade. For trail running, look at Hoka Speedgoat, Salomon Speedcross, or Altra Lone Peak. For hiking, look at Hoka Kaha 2, Salomon Quest, or Merrell Moab.

None of these are race shoes. Race shoes are lighter and more responsive: look at Nike Alphafly 3, Adidas Adios Pro 4, or Hoka Rocket X 2.

How to buy in Singapore

In-store try-on then online buy is the sensible flow in Singapore. Try at:

• New Balance flagship at Wisma Atria or Vivocity
• Asics flagship at Suntec, Vivocity, or Bugis Junction
• Hoka at Running Lab (multiple locations), LIV ACTIV, or Sports Direct
• Multi-brand retailers: Royal Sporting House, World of Sports, Sports Direct

Then check ShopBack for the highest cashback rate across the online listings before you check out. Use ShopBack to compare retailer options across the same SKU.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best 'dad shoe' in Singapore for 2026?

For pure walking and standing all-day comfort, Hoka Clifton 11 wins in Singapore's climate because of its high stack and rocker geometry. For arch support and heritage silhouette, New Balance 990v6 wins. For stability and overpronation, Asics Gel Kayano 32 wins. All three sit in the SGD 220 to SGD 340 range.

How much does the New Balance 990v6 cost in Singapore?

The 990v6 retails at approximately SGD 320 to SGD 340 at newbalance.com.sg and authorised retailers. This is roughly 15 to 25 percent higher than US retail (USD 200) after freight and GST. Cashback available on ShopBack for New Balance orders.

How much does the Asics Gel Kayano 32 cost in Singapore?

Gel Kayano 32 retails at approximately SGD 269 at asics.com and multi-brand retailers like Sports Direct, Royal Sporting House, and World of Sports. The Kayano 31 and earlier can be found at 20 to 40 percent off during 12.12 clearance.

How much does the Hoka Clifton 11 cost in Singapore?

Clifton 11 retails at approximately SGD 219 to SGD 249 at hoka.com and authorised retailers. Older Clifton 9 and 10 models are frequently discounted 25 to 35 percent when new versions release. Use ShopBack to compare retailer prices before checkout.

Which shoe is best for flat feet?

New Balance 990v6. The 990 line has been a podiatrist recommendation for flat feet since the 1980s due to its firm midsole, wide platform, and structured heel counter. Asics Gel Kayano is the stability alternative for overpronators with mild-to-moderate arch collapse.

Which shoe has the best cushioning?

Hoka Clifton 11. Its 32mm heel stack and CMEVA foam gives the plushest ride of the three. Runner's World described the Clifton line as 'pillowy without feeling sloppy' in their 2025 cushioned shoe roundup.

Is the New Balance 990v6 good for running?

The 990v6 is a daily trainer and lifestyle shoe, not a race shoe. It handles easy runs up to 10km comfortably but is heavier (approximately 315g per shoe in US 9) than dedicated running shoes. For pure running, Hoka Clifton 11 or Asics Gel Kayano 32 are lighter and more responsive.

Which shoe lasts longest?

New Balance 990v6 midsole durability typically exceeds 800km. Asics Gel Kayano 32 rates around 640 to 800km. Hoka Clifton 11 sits at 480 to 640km due to its softer foam compound. For heavy daily wearers in Singapore's humid environment, expect 15 to 20 percent shorter lifespan than the manufacturer estimates.

Can I wear these to office in Singapore?

New Balance 990v6 in grey or navy passes for smart-casual office in Singapore's tech and startup sectors, and the shoe was famously worn by Steve Jobs. Hoka Clifton 11 in muted colourways works for creative offices. Asics Gel Kayano 32 leans athletic and is less office-appropriate; keep it for the gym or errands.

Where can I try these shoes before buying in Singapore?

New Balance flagship at Wisma Atria and Vivocity; Asics flagship at Suntec, Vivocity, and Bugis Junction; Hoka is stocked at Running Lab, LIV ACTIV, and Sports Direct. Multi-brand retailers like Royal Sporting House and World of Sports carry all three. Check ShopBack for cashback on online orders after in-store try-on.

Do I need a wide or narrow fit for these shoes?

New Balance offers the widest range of widths (2A narrow, D standard, 2E wide, 4E extra wide) in the 990v6. Asics Gel Kayano 32 comes in standard and wide (2E) for men. Hoka Clifton 11 offers standard and wide (2E). If you have wide feet or bunions, New Balance 990v6 in 2E is the safest bet.

Which brand goes deepest on sale during 12.12 in Singapore?

Asics and Hoka discount aggressively during 12.12 and Boxing Day (25 to 40 percent off previous-year models). New Balance 990 series holds price better since it is a premium heritage line; the deepest 990 discounts typically appear only on outlet stock or Made in USA colour clearance. Use ShopBack to compare retailer prices during sale events.

Is buying these shoes overseas cheaper than Singapore?

Buying in Japan is typically 10 to 20 percent cheaper for Asics due to origin manufacturing and tourist tax refund. New Balance 990v6 Made in USA is cheapest in the US (USD 200 versus SGD 320 in Singapore) but freight and GST erode most of the saving. Hoka pricing is consistent globally within 5 to 10 percent.

How does ShopBack fit into buying these shoes in Singapore?

ShopBack is a cashback and rewards platform. Tapping through to newbalance.com.sg, asics.com, hoka.com, or multi-brand retailers like Sports Direct SG from shopback.sg tracks cashback on eligible orders. Activate ShopBack via the Chrome extension before checkout.

Do these shoes work for long-distance walking during Japan or Europe travel?

Yes. Hoka Clifton 11 is a top recommendation for 15,000 to 25,000-step travel days due to its cushioning. New Balance 990v6 is a strong alternative for smart-casual travel. Asics Gel Kayano 32 works if you overpronate. Break in the shoe for at least two weeks before a long trip to avoid blisters.

Primary sources referenced

• New Balance 990v6 product page Singapore
• Asics Gel Kayano 32 official Singapore page
• Hoka Clifton 11 official Singapore page
• Runner's World cushioned running shoes 2025
• Deckers Brands FY2025 Q4 Earnings
• ASICS Corporation Annual Report 2024

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This article is provided for informational purposes and reflects publicly available product listings and manufacturer information as of September 2026. Retail prices vary; verify at checkout. ShopBack cashback rates and terms are set per merchant and per campaign, and are subject to change.