Hoka Transport 2 - Women's Review

The Hoka Transport 2 is among the most impressive walking shoes we have tested. Built for just about anything, these will take you from the grocery store to the walking path around the lake. They have steady traction on various surfaces, and their support will keep your feet happy for hours on end. Though they have a short break-in period, they are exceptionally comfortable and secure.

Comfort

During our walks in the Transport 2, we were impressed with how secure and supported our feet felt. The thick cushion underfoot isn't plush, but it's still comfortable. This offers more stability on mixed ground types instead of a pillow-like cushion that can be unsteady, but is more reliable on hard surfaces. They felt great when walking on dirt and gravel paths, but we were still comfortable on pavement too.

As for out-of-the-box feel, the first day we wore the Transport 2, we weren't sold. The upper squished our toes and felt too stiff. However, we are glad we didn't give up on them. On our second walk in them, they loosened up significantly, and the toe box became more accommodating for a neutral foot. After this very shortbreak-in period, they became one of the most comfortable shoes in our lineup. These shoes are available in wide, should you need the extra wiggle room.

They have a light rocker design that starts around the balls of the toes, which gently propels you forward during your stride. It is gentle enough that we didn't feel unbalanced when standing still. We enjoyed the gentle feel of this shoe, especially compared to the previous version, which had a much more aggressive taper from the heel to toe.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

Support

Because of their rigid design (which breaks in nicely over time) and arch support, these made a great shoe for standing and walking for extended periods. They are very stable, and thanks to the snug heel cup, we felt secure in place the entire time.

The quick-lace system is one of our favorite designs of this shoe. We were even able to slip them on without our hands when the laces were loosened. We were able to get a snug and secure fit with the quick lace system, but if you prefer standard laces, Hoka includes a set in the box.

That said, these are stiffer than other shoes in our lineup, which could be a con if you like more athletic-style shoes that allow your feet to move more freely. Still, we liked this for extended standing and walking off-road, where more stability was needed.

As shown in our twist test, the shoe has a flexible forefoot for a natural-feeling stride. Meanwhile, the midfoot and heel are much stiffer, which aids in the feeling of stability, especially on mixed ground types.

Durability

The Transport 2 is a very durable walking shoe. The upper is made from Cordura, which is both scratch and poke-resistant. They are also treated with a PFC-free water repellent. While not waterproof, this helps avoid wet feet after rain or when walking through dewy grass. We also noticed the uppers resisted picking up dirt, even though they were white, which kept our shoes looking new for longer.

The midsole is thick, which can sometimes wear away more quickly. However, the midsole on the Transport 2 is a dense sugarcane EVA that didn't show signs of compression after miles of walking. The Vibram outsole is also very durable and held up under many miles of testing. Depending on your walking routine, these should last you a few walking seasons.

Traction

If you need a versatile shoe that can handle any walking path, this is it. The traction on the Transport 2 is unmatched due to the exposed lugs and Vibram outsole.

The Vibram outsole is very grippy on all surfaces, even wet. All surfaces were no problem, especially dirt. We used these shoes on a handful of light trails around town with mixed rock and occasional tree roots, and they held up great.

Weight

At 8.9 ounces per shoe (US 6.5), these are about average in terms of weight. These aren't considered lightweight, which makes sense due to the thicker materials used. The materials hold up better for outdoor use, which we think is a fair tradeoff for the weight increase.

A downside to the thicker upper is that they are less breathable compared to others in the lineup. The Cordura upper doesn't breathe as easily as mesh. Still, we found this to be a fair tradeoff, especially when walking outdoors where twigs and rocks can cause wear and tear faster.

Should You Buy the Hoka Transport 2?

If you find yourself walking outdoors or a combination of inside and out, these are worth your consideration. They have unmatched traction on various surfaces due to the Vibram outsole. Still, they handle indoor walks with ease and offer support for long hours upright. While not plush and lightweight like other athletic shoes, these are a stable option that's versatility is hard to beat.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?