HOKA Transport 2 review

Full review

The Transport 2 is HOKA's commuting and everyday walking shoe, designed to move from city pavements to gravel paths. HOKA lists it as best for walking, hiking and everyday wear, and it looks more like a smart outdoor trainer than a running shoe.

The outsole is Vibram EcoStep Recycle rubber, the kind of grippy, hard-wearing sole you normally find on hiking footwear. The upper is recycled polyester mesh with a Cordura tongue and a PFAS-free water-repellent treatment. That will keep a passing shower out, but HOKA does not call it waterproof, so it is not the shoe for long walks through wet grass.

HOKA lists a 5 mm drop, 320 g for the men's version and 275 g for the women's. The midsole is a sugarcane-based EVA, and while HOKA says the stack is higher than the original Transport, it does not give exact figures. It comes in Regular and Wide fittings, and the quick-toggle stretch laces make it easy to slip on and off, with standard laces in the box.

One caution: HOKA's page describes the support in two different ways, mentioning a J-Frame to limit inward roll but also calling it a shoe for neutral feet. If you need firm support, the ASICS GT-2000 15 is the clearer choice.