By Paul Freary
Unlike many HOKA models, which aren’t to everyone’s taste due to their oversized midsoles and distinctly "running shoe" appearance, the Transport 2 looks far more refined. It has a modern outdoor aesthetic that works equally well with casual clothing, travel wear or even smart-casual outfits.
The shoe manages to look practical without appearing overly technical. That's important because many walking and travel shoes sacrifice style in pursuit of comfort. The Transport 2 feels like a shoe that people will genuinely want to wear every day.
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Picking it up for the first time, it feels substantial. It isn't ultra-lightweight, but it never feels heavy. Instead, it gives the impression of being durable and capable of handling a wide range of conditions.
Stats
HOKA | Transport 2 |
|---|---|
Best for | Day to day use |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Balanced cushioning |
Stack Height | 36mm heel 31mm forefoot |
Drop | 5mm |
Weight | Men’s 320g (11.3oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $155 |
Fit | True to size for HOKA models |
Rating | 9/ 10 |
Design
Despite ‘only’ being a commuting shoe, the Transport 2 is packed with tech and features.
The upper is a 100% recycled polyester and Cordura construction. This makes the upper very hard-wearing and durable in any conditions.
The Quick-toggle stretch lace is designed for easy on and off.
The midsole remains a 30% sugarcane EVA to enhance the eco-friendly nature of the shoe.
A new Vibram EcoStep Recycle outsole is made with 30% regrind materials.
The water repellency applied to the upper is PFC and PFAS-free and topically applied, again to boost the eco-friendly construction.
Transport 2
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Fit
The fit of the Transport 2 is true-to-size with other HOKA styles with a slightly more generous toe box, which allows a little wiggle room and is perfect for all day use.
Performance
Softer than the original version, as soon as you step inside, the Transport 2 has an increased stack height and a thicker sockliner. As a purely walking shoe, the cushioning, heel drop and natural rocker all combined to create a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
As a runner and running shoe reviewer, cushioning is always one of the first things I notice. The Transport 2 delivers a familiar HOKA experience, although it feels slightly firmer than many of the brand's dedicated running shoes.
If you're expecting the marshmallow-like softness of a Clifton or Bondi, you'll find the Transport 2 more controlled and stable. That is entirely appropriate for the intended purpose of the shoe.
The new Vibram outsole offers a little more traction than the previous model, which means the shoe can tackle light off-road paths and tracks with ease.
As a running shoe, the ride is acceptable but a little compromised due to the aspects of the shoe which make it more durable: a hard-wearing outsole and upper. In this respect, it really is a case of choosing a shoe for the job in hand. For running, there are better shoes, but for commuting and all-day versatility, the Transport 2 is perfect.
Although this isn't a dedicated hiking shoe, it performs surprisingly well on light trails and gravel paths.
I’ve tested the shoes on woodland tracks, canal paths and mixed terrain routes where surfaces frequently changed from pavement to dirt and loose gravel. The outsole provided reliable traction throughout.
The Transport 2 isn't designed for technical mountain trails, deep mud or scrambling over rocks. If that's your primary use case, you'll be better served by a specialist hiking shoe or trail running model.
However, for casual outdoor adventures and countryside walks, it offers more than enough grip and protection.
The easy-on, easy-off stretch lace with toggle means you can quickly slip the shoes on and for me, they live next to the door and quickly become a ‘do-it-all’ option, from walking the dog to running errands.
Shoes Like the Transport 2
Being designed as a commuting shoe, there aren’t any specific competitors, but there are several running models that also work well in a day-to-day role.
Brooks Ghost 18
The new Brooks Ghost 18 continues to be a versatile daily running shoe that offers a good combination of comfort, durability and support in a neat, good value for money package. The Ghost is also available in a waterproof, Gore-Tex version if weatherproof protection is a requirement.
New Balance 880v15
New Balance’s 880v15 again provides a good combination of all the qualities required of a shoe suitable for a variety of uses.
My Verdict
The HOKA Transport 2 is a great update to the original. My first pair of Transport served me well for a couple of years, and I probably wore them every day for everything from walking the dog to doing jobs around the house and garden and running errands. The plain black design (they are available in three colors) proves to be a versatile and subtle look, making them a discreet option in any scenario.
The combination of running shoe comfort and work shoe durability means you can wear these for anything, and they tackle daily use with ease.
The materials feel premium and well assembled. After several weeks of regular use, the upper shows minimal signs of wear. The outsole also appears highly durable, particularly in the high-contact areas that often wear down quickly on softer shoes.
This is important because the Transport 2 is likely to attract buyers looking for a single do-everything shoe. Durability becomes far more important when a shoe is expected to handle daily wear rather than occasional exercise sessions.
The Transport 2 sits in the premium end of the walking and lifestyle market, and there is no escaping the fact that it represents a significant investment.
However, value should be judged by versatility as much as price, and if you are buying separate shoes for commuting, travel, walking and casual outdoor use, costs quickly add up. The Transport 2 effectively combines all of those roles into one package.
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