Repeat after me: The Hoka Transport is not a running shoe. It is designed as a commuter shoe for those who walk a lot. It’s a lifestyle shoe—a shoe designed for looks. Please don’t go run in it. Not one mile or a marathon. Now that we got that out of the way, we can get to the shoe review.
The Hoka Transport represents Hoka getting more into the lifestyle world. It has the cushion and maximal stack height of the brand. Some cool features include a new EVA foam made with 30% sugarcane EVA foam and featuring many different sustainability features.
Somehow, Hoka has managed to break into the lifestyle and “cool kid” shoe. The big chunky soles are in style, and somehow the brand rose to the top during this era. Many runners don’t realize that Hoka running shoes are being sold to people wanting casual and good-looking shoes.
Hoka Transport Quick Facts:
Weight: 9.1 oz
Heel Toe Drop: 5 mm
Cost: $140
Hoka Transport Fit:
The Hoka Transport fits true to size, but it’s important to note it does provide more narrow than many other Hoka models. But then again, it’s not like you are running hundreds of miles in the Hoka. However, if you walk a lot in the shoe, your feet may swell and it might be too narrow.
The upper of the Hoka Transport is not entirely weather resistant, but it did handle rain and weather well. Unlike most running shoes, the upper is made from Cordura, a synthetic fabric that is durable and tough when touched. Cordura is breathable but still provides some warmth in the colder months.
The Transport does come with the quick tie shoelaces. I’m not against them but I am a normal type of shoelace type of gal and I’ve replaced mine with the regular ones.
The best shoes disappear off your feet; for the most part, I find the Hoka Transport does just that. As mentioned, it does run more narrow, which is just something to keep in mind. I prefer nothing touching my toes, even casual shoes, so I like my shoes a little bigger.
I tend to wear between a size 10-11 wide in running and lifestyle shoes. I found the size 11 of the Transport to fit the best.
Hoka Transport Ride:
The Hoka Transport is made from a compression model and 30% sugarcane EVA. This makes it firmer than many of the Hoka models. If you are looking for a soft, pillowy ride like the Clifton, you probably won’t like the Transport as much.
Traction and Durability: The Hoka Transport has both. Immediately when you put the Transport on, you’ll notice the Vibram outsole, which is sticky. It actually sticks to the ground!
It has a ton of traction and can handle inclement weather well. Which if you are walking around the Northeast in the winter months, you want that. Regarding durability, it probably has some of the best of any walking shoe. I’ve already put about 50 miles on mine, and it has no signs of slowing down.
The Hoka Transport is designed for walking, and that’s precisely what. I use it for. At this moment, I’m not walking too far via foot (Idk walking 100 miles to Los Angeles doesn’t do it for me). But I have found it super comfortable, and my feet are happy. There are a lot of uses for the Transport: walking around, living life, or even if you are going on vacation and need a good walking shoe.
Hoka Transport Conclusion:
I’m a huge fan of the Hoka Transport. I hope in the future; we will see more running shoe brands make a completely lifestyle/walking shoe (but without leather). There is definitely a market for that.
Who should buy Hoka Transport? If you walk a lot (especially in a city), the Transport is a great option. It’s durable, has a lot of cushion, and looks sleek.
Who should not buy Hoka Transport? It’s not a shoe for running. Hoka has plenty of running shoes for almost every foot type. If you want a highly cushioned running shoe, consider the Hoka Bondi. For a Hoka running shoe with support, consider the Arahi. For a lightweight and fast Hoka shoe, consider the Rocket X 2. For a weightlifting and short-run shoe, consider the Solimer.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12, Saucony Triumph 19, Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra, 361 Centauri
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Are you looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried Hoka Transport?
What is your favorite walking around shoe?