Hoka Transport Review: Your Comfortable Commute Companion

Design

Given its durable construction, the Hoka Trasport remains lightweight and flexible as well as strong enough to handle extended use in a multitude of environments.

Okay, it’s more of a lifestyle trainer than a functional running shoe, but in a squeeze, I’d manage to run an easy 5k in the Transport.

The Tech

Despite its more general usage, the HOKA Transport remains packed with technical features.

The EVA midsole uses a foam made up of 30% sugarcane, which is a nice nod towards sustainability. Even after several months of daily wear, the midsole is indistinguishable from a regular EVA midsole and remains as comfortable as when fresh from the box.

The sole of the Transport also features similar eco credentials, being a Vibram unit, an EcoStep Natural outsole. The sole unit is made up of 90% oil-free components.

A Cordura upper is used for durability and again, this is made of recycled fibres. A quick-toggle lace system helps with getting the shoes on and off very easily and there are discreet 360-degree reflective details around the upper for added visibility to other road users in low-light conditions.

Who Should Wear the Hoka Transport?

The HOKA Transport is a very comfortable shoe and perhaps even more comfortable than out-and-out running shoes for use throughout the day.

The shoes makes for a nice balance of comfort and support around the foot when worn for extended periods of time, whereas regular running shoe, while much softer, can begin to make the feet ache a little when worn for more than a few hours.

The strong durable upper of my shoes shows zero signs of wear and they’ve been a go-to shoe for several months now.

The easy on-and-off toggle lace encourages me to reach for the shoes first, such is the ease of slipping them on quickly.

This is both a blessing and a curse as, as is usually the case with such shoes, the inner heel padding of the shoes shows signs of wear more so than anywhere else in the shoe. This isn’t a deal breaker for me, but I’m certain some wearers will be disappointed with this and feel it’s a design fault.

It’s a tricky situation if we are being honest. The stretch, toggle laces encourage you to slide your feet in but at the same time it causes excess friction to the inner heel lining of the shoe. I’ve seen this with some On running shoes which featured an elastic lace as well as other shoes where the wearer simply doesn’t undo the shoes properly before removing them.

Size and Fit

As always with HOKA, the USA to UK sizing is just a half size down, whereas most other brands use a full-size difference.

Another consideration regarding sizing should be given to the width of the shoe. Although it’s pretty standard when compared to other HOKA models, the upper material is stronger and less forgiving than other types of mesh. This makes for a slightly narrower fit that’s most obvious in the forefoot.

For me, having a slimmer foot, I have no issues with the fit, but those with a higher instep or broader foot may find the shoe a little tighter.

HOKA Transport vs Transport X

Such has been the success of the HOKA Transport that they took the idea one step further and added a carbon-plated option!

The HOKA Transport X is a crossover shoe with everyday appeal, geared to propel runners through their daily lives. It features a similar construction to the original Transport with the addition of a dual-forked carbon-fibre plate.

While the carbon plate does give the shoe a little more of a responsive feel, it is perhaps more the use of a super-critical midsole foam that gives the shoe that added ‘bounce’.

I think this shoe is a little confusing and really not required. HOKA now have the Rocket X2 that ticks the carbon-plated racer box very well, while the original Transport suits the day-to-day commuter.

Do we need a carbon-plated, super foam commuting shoe for that rare time they may be dashing for a train?

Joking aside, the Transport X is a great shoe, it fits very well and is comfortable and more suited to an occasional run than the Transport, but runners will more than likely already have a range of shoes in their cupboards that can tick the boxes the Transport X is aiming for.

My Verdict

Both shoes are great for everyday use and the Transport for me, with the exception of the wear to the heel, has proved to be a very durable and comfortable shoe for use throughout the day.