HOKA Transport 2 review: the everyday shoe that can effortlessly leave the sidewalk

The HOKA Transport 2 sits in a really specific (and genuinely useful) lane: one shoe that’s meant to handle daily life first, with enough trail and weather-ready details to keep you moving when the route isn’t perfectly paved.

HOKA positions it for walking, light hiking, and lifestyle wear (I call these travel shoes), and the brand’s own “what’s new” notes make the intent clear: higher stack for more cushion, a softer/bouncier sockliner, and more plush around the collar for improved step-in comfort.

Key specifications

• Price: $155 at REI.com (I recommend buying here for the best price and colorway options)
• Weight: 11.0 oz / 312 g (US Men's 9 - my pair)
• Drop: 5 mm drop
• Upper: 100% recycled polyester vamp + Cordura® mesh tongue; plus water-repellency treatment (PFC-free/PFAS-free)
• Midsole: 30% sugarcane EVA; “cushy, responsive sockliner”
• Outsole: Vibram EcoStep Recycle outsole (30% regrind materials)
• Extra attributes: Quick-toggle stretch lace + traditional laces included; 360° reflectivity; American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance

Sizing and fit

True to size for me, with a medium width that feels “normal” rather than narrow. It’s the kind of fit I can wear all day without thinking about it, and I’m not fighting the shoe for space or heel lockdown.

Performance review

A “just right” midsole for real life use

The midsole balance is the reason I keep reaching for the Transport 2.

It has enough cushioning to take the edge off long days, but it doesn’t go soft to the point where you feel wobbly or disconnected.

For a walking / city-to-trail hybrid, that’s exactly what I want: comfort that doesn’t cost you control.

If you’re used to super-plush max cushion shoes, the Transport 2 won’t feel like that type of pillow-soft ride.

But that’s also why it stays composed. It’s protective without getting mushy, and the overall feel encourages a smooth, consistent stride rather than a squishy, sink-in experience.

Stability that feels natural, not “corrective”

What I notice most is stability that shows up quietly in the background. The shoe feels controlled underfoot, which is especially helpful when you’re moving through a full day and your form gets a little lazy - or you plan to take a little hike on light trails.

On the design side, HOKA features a symmetrical bed of cushion without additional prescriptive technologies. It does have a wide base and Active Foot Frame for built-in stability, even though it's a neutral shoe at heart.

In practice (for me), that translates to “easy confidence”: I’m not thinking about support features, I’m just getting a stable platform that doesn’t feel stiff or bossy.

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Grip and surface range

The Transport 2 is clearly built for mixed surface. The Vibram EcoStep Recycle outsole is a big signal that HOKA expects these to leave the sidewalk regularly.

It will provide strong traction on pavement, gravel, light trails, and it will eat up sloppy city weather no problem. The caveat is that it’s not a technical-trail specialist, like a road-to-trail running shoe, think everyday versatility first, serious hiking routes second.

Upper feel, weather protection, and heat management

The upper is clearly designed to take some abuse (Cordura tongue, lots of recycled textiles), and HOKA adds a topically applied PFC-free/PFAS-free water repellency treatment.

That combo makes sense for commuting/travel where you might hit puddles, grime, or surprise weather.

The tradeoff, is breathability. If you live somewhere hot and humid, this is the one potential friction point; more structure and protection often means less airflow.

Personally, I’d consider these a better “most of the year” shoe than a peak-summer heat shoe as they'll just get too hot.

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Lacing and daily usability

HOKA’s quick-toggle lace is part of what gives the Transport 2 its identity, easy on/off, quick tensioning, plus they include traditional laces if you prefer a classic setup.

I like that they included an elasticated loop to stow the excess laces when done up too; keeps everything nice and tidy.

The weight is real, but it fits the job

At 11.0 oz / 312 g in my size 9, these aren’t the most lightweight. That said, the weight feels appropriate for what the shoe is: a durable, stable, do-it-all daily option with protective materials and a grippy outsole.

My verdict

The Transport 2 feels like a smart refinement of the concept: city-first comfort, with enough underfoot structure to stay stable and enough outsole/upper intent to handle the messy edges of real life.

This version seems to improve comfort and security in the places that matter, while keeping the whole commuter-to-trail idea well and truly intact.

I’d recommend the Transport 2 if you want:

• One versatile shoe for walking, commuting, travel, and light trails
• Cushioning that stays stable and controlled (not overly soft)

It’s probably not for you if:

• You only want max-soft cushioning
• You need a super-breathable shoe for hot/humid climates
• You’re heading into technical trails where a dedicated hiking shoe or trail runner makes more sense

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