HOKA Transport 2 Walking Shoes Review
the best city-to-trail crossover we've tested
February 28th, 2026
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Our verdict
The HOKA Transport 2 is the most versatile walking shoe we've tested—equally at home on Denver sidewalks and Front Range non-technical singletrack. It's the shoe we reach for when we don't know exactly what terrain the day will bring. If you’re looking for a versatile walking shoe that crosses from city to trails with ease, you’ll want to check out the HOKA Transport 2.
These shoes balance cushioning and support for all-day comfort, the Vibram outsole handles a wide range of technical terrain with ease, and they’re simple and stylish enough for casual wear, and are the best trail-to-city crossover shoes we’ve tested.
HOKA Transport 2 Walking Shoes
Women's
men's
We tested the HOKA Transport 2 walking shoes throughout the summer, fall, and winter months in Colorado and Michigan. We wore them for walks around the city in Denver and on dirt roads in rural Northern Michigan, on hikes in the Front Range of Colorado, and even for shifts at a brewery. We also tested the Transport 2s alongside other walking shoes, road running shoes, trail running shoes, and hiking shoes to directly compare features and performance.
The HOKA Transport 2s stand out from the rest with their grippy Vibram outsole with lugs that aren’t too bulky and sticky for city walking and travel. These shoes are also well cushioned and supportive for long days on your feet, whether you’ll be walking around the neighborhood, hiking on the trails, commuting to work, or traveling.
Because this shoe is versatile and designed for both city wear and the trails, it’s not the best option for those looking for either a trendy, casual walking shoe or a technical trail shoe. There are walking shoes designed for more casual wear, road running shoes better suited for active city walking, and trail running shoes and hiking shoes better suited for technical terrain.
However, if a comfortable, versatile, city-to-trail shoe is what you’re looking for, the HOKA Transport 2 is a great option.
For more of our favorite walking shoes, check out our Best Walking Shoes guide.
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HOKA Transport 2 Specifications
Price: $155
Weight (per shoe): 11.3 oz (men’s), 9.7 oz (women’s)
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 5 mm
Stack height (heel/forefoot mm): 36-31 mm
Cushion level (Minimal/Moderate/Maximum): Moderate
Support type (Neutral/Stability/Motion Control): Neutral
Upper materials: 100% recycled polyester vamp and Cordura mesh tongue
Midsole foam type: 30% sugarcane EVA
Outsole material: Vibram EcoStep Recycle outsole made with 30% regrind materials
Available sizes and widths: 7-15 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s); regular and wide
Suitable for vegans: Not stated
Best for
Mixed-terrain walking
Non-technical trail hikes
Walking for exercise
Comparison table
| WALKING SHOE | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (PAIR) | MEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | HEEL/ TOE STACK | DROP | CUSHION | OUTSOLE | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA Transport 2 Women's Men's |
1 lb, 2 oz | 1 lb, 6.2 oz | Not listed | 4 mm | Balanced | Vibram EcoStep | $150 |
| HOKA Bondi SR Women's Men's |
1 lb, 7.4 oz | 1 lb, 11.8 oz | 41/ 35 mm | 6 mm | Maximum | Rubber | $180 |
| On Cloud 6 Women's Men's |
15.2 oz | 1 lb, 2.8 oz | 28/20 mm | 8 mm | Balanced | Rubber | $160 |
| HOKA Bondi 9 Women's Men's |
1 lb, 2 oz | 1 lb, 5 oz | 40.5/ 35.5 mm | 5 mm | Maximum | 80% rubber/20% EVA | $175 |
| On Cloudaway 2 Women's Men's |
1 lb, 0.8 oz | 1 lb, 4 oz | 25/31 mm | 6 mm | Moderate-Maximum | Missiongrip | $160 |
What we liked
Vibram outsole has excellent grip
Comfortable midsole with a great balance of cushion, support, and fit for all-day wear
Quick-Toggle Stretch Laces are easy to adjust (with optional laces included)
Versatile for casual wear, walking for exercise, work, gym, and hiking
Wide variety of sizes and widths available
What could be better
It's possible you don't need this much traction for urban use, though it also works on slippery sidewalks and linoleum or tile floors.
Vibram outsole might feel too technical for only casual wear
As a versatile, do-it-all walking shoe, not the best for hiking, city walking, or lifestyle wear
How we tested
We tested the women’s HOKA Transport 2 in regular width throughout the summer, fall, and winter. We wore them on city walks around Denver, CO, hikes in the Front Range of Colorado, and walks on dirt roads in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Walking surfaces ranged from flat sidewalks to rolling single-track rocky trails and gravel-dirt roads. Most hikes and walks were around 3 miles.
Additionally, we wore these shoes for 7-hour shifts at a brewery to test all-day comfort and support, even while just standing for long periods.
The Vibram outsole offers enough traction for walking or hiking on lightly snowy paths.
The Transport 2s handled trails surprisingly well, and we really enjoyed wearing them for hikes that weren’t overly technical. While they weren’t our favorite walking shoes for paved paths (the Vibram outsole felt unnecessary in those cases), they weren’t distractingly grippy.
We tested these shoes alongside other walking shoes for our Best Walking Shoes guide to directly compare comfort, support, traction, cushion, durability, and other features. Since the Transport 2 is also built for trails, we tested them alongside other shoes we like to wear on the trails, like trail running shoes and hiking shoes. This allowed us to directly compare grip, protection, durability, and comfort over long miles and varied terrain.
Performance in the Field
With the single-pull toggle lacing, you can easily slip these shoes on and off, and tighten them enough to feel secure for a casual hike.
Fit and feel
The HOKA Transport 2 shoes fit true to size and are comfortable right out of the box. We tested the women’s shoe in regular size 7.5, but wide sizes are also available.
The fit feels plenty roomy without feeling too bulky. Our feet didn’t feel restricted over the course of a hike. However, our main tester has narrow feet, so if you have wide feet it may be worth trying on a wide version.
We found the Quick-Toggle lacing allows for a secure enough fit for casual hiking, but if you prefer a tighter, more precise fit, you may want to swap out the toggle lacing for traditional laces (which come included). While our main tester generally prefers traditional lacing, she came to appreciate how much quicker this pull-tab system was for getting shoes on and off.
The Transport 2 has been updated with a softer sockliner and a plusher collar. While not notably plush, the shoe's interior is comfortable.
We never noticed any hot spots or discomfort while wearing the Transport 2s. We also didn’t hike further than 3 or 4 miles in them. You certainly could hike farther than that in them, especially on gentler, non-technical trails, but for longer or more technical hikes, we’d probably prefer either more agility from a trail running shoe or more protection from a hiking shoe.
Ride and responsiveness
The ride HOKA Transport 2 feels somewhere between the sturdiness of a hiking shoe and the responsiveness of a trail running shoe, though probably closer to the sturdier, more stable end of the spectrum. There’s enough bounce to feel energizing while you walk, but a firm stability suited for hiking. We found this balance to be ideal for walking and hiking at any pace, from casual strolls to fast-paced speedwalking.
With the higher stack height and hardy outsole, you don’t get much ground feel with these shoes. If you prefer feeling the ground underfoot while hiking or walking, we recommend a more minimalist shoe with a lower stack height, like the Altra Lone Peak 9+ (25mm stack) or the Notace Yama T1 (15mm stack).
Cushioning
HOKA considers the Transport 2 a “balanced” shoe, meaning the cushioning is relatively moderate compared to other HOKA shoes, but is still quite cushioned. We felt comfortable on our feet during many hours of wear, including long hikes and 7-hour shifts at a brewery. The moderate cushioning held up without bottoming out, and we didn't experience the achy arches that thinner-soled shoes tend to cause during long standing sessions.
HOKA updated the Transport 2 to increase stack height for a more cushioned and comfortable all-day experience. With 36/31 mm of stack, this is a moderate-to-maximum cushioned shoe. While not as plush as some road running shoes, it’s plenty comfortable and well balanced, so it feels sturdy and supportive while walking.
This shoe is also hardier and more durable than road running shoes, which tend to have more exposed midsoles, so it’s durable and should last you at least 300 miles of wear.
Traction and grip
The Vibram outsole offers enough traction for walking or hiking on lightly snowy paths.
The Vibram EcoStep outsole is the Transport 2's biggest differentiator from other walking shoes. On wet rock and loose gravel, we felt planted in a way that typical walking shoe rubber simply can't match. The lugs are shallow enough that they don't collect mud or click awkwardly on tile floors, but deep enough to bite on moderate trail terrain. Since they’re a city-to-trail walking shoe and lack the reinforcements of traditional hiking shoes, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for super technical terrain, but they grip well enough for moderate hiking.
The lugs on the Transport 2 provide traction without feeling too big and cumbersome for city walking. We found these shoes equally comfortable for walking on sidewalks and on trails in the Front Range. The Vibram lugs gripped well on loose gravel without the clunky, heavy feel you get from a full hiking shoe. It felt more like wearing a light hiker than a walking shoe—a pleasant surprise given how normal they feel on pavement.
We also appreciate that the Vibram EcoStep Recycle outsole is made with 30% recycled regrind materials.
Breathability and upper
The 100% recycled polyester mesh upper is breathable enough for most conditions, and the topically applied PFC/PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR) treatment offers some weather protection. If you’re looking for a waterproof option, the Transport comes in a GTX version, though it would be significantly less breathable.
The shoe as a whole seems durable, and we have had no issues with wear in the upper.
Stability and support
The Transport 2 is a neutral shoe, meaning it doesn’t offer specific arch support or motion control, but it is generally stable and supportive. While hiking, we noticed they felt like a super lightweight hiking shoe–almost like a cross between a hiking shoe and a trail running shoe. As long as you pull the toggle lacing tight enough for a secure fit, your feet should feel stable in these shoes.
Weight and efficiency
The HOKA Transport 2 is versatile enough to wear to the gym.
The weight of these shoes falls between the average weight of a trail running shoe and the average weight of a hiking shoe. They’re lightweight, and the everyday walker, traveler, or hiker shouldn’t feel noticeable fatigue during all-day wear.
Durability and longevity
These shoes are plenty durable and should last at least the average shoe lifespan of 300-500 miles . After several months of testing, we haven’t noticed signs of wear. Since the midsole isn’t exposed and the materials are durable, the shoe is hardy. With a $155 price tag–similar to the price of most trail running shoes but more durable in design and construction–this is a pretty great value.
Features
Drop measurement and impact
The 5mm drop makes these shoes a mid-drop shoe, which means they’ll be a great fit for most people.
Stack height philosophy
HOKA updated the Transport 2 to have a higher stack height for more cushion. In testing, this didn’t feel particularly bulky, and the cushioning felt comfortable for all-day wear.
Lacing system
We appreciated that the Transport 2 comes with traditional laces if you want to swap out the single-pull toggle.
The HOKA Transport 2 has a Quick-Toggle Lace pull-tab. This is easy to adjust, but if you prefer traditional laces for a more precise fit, the shoes come with a set of laces.
Heel tab design
The heel has a hook tab to help with pulling the shoe on and off.
Reflective elements
The HOKA Transport 2 shoes have 360-degree reflectivity, which helps keep you visible in low-light settings. If you’ll be walking in the dark, we recommend checking out our Best Reflective Gear for Running in the Dark guide for more tips on staying visible.
Colorway options
Both men's and women's Transport 2 regular width comes in six colorways, while the wide width shoes only come in five. All the colorways are pretty neutral, rather than flashy, which makes them easier to style as an everyday, lifestyle shoe.
Who should buy the HOKA Transport 2
Buy if you want a versatile walking shoe that can transition seamlessly from city to trail and can still be worn casually.
Skip if you want a dedicated hiking shoe or trail runner, or a walking shoe more suited for casual city walking or travel.
Where to buy
The Hoka Transport 2 are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
Hoka
Pros: If you purchase from HOKA you have a Fly for 30 Guarantee so you can try a pair of shoes & even wear them, and you’re not satisfied, you can return them within 30 days for a full refund.
Returns and advice on where to buy
In general for shoes, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns like REI or Zappos. Trying on shoes is an important way to get the sizing right. With both those retailers, if your funds allow, you can buy two sizes and easily return one. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar products
HOKA Bondi SR
Weight: 1 lb, 2 oz (women’s), 1 lb, 5 oz (men’s)
Drop: 5 mm
Support: Neutral
Cushioning: Maximum
The HOKA Bondi SR walking shoes are the best overall pick in our Best Walking Shoes guide for their incredible comfort, cushion, and support. They’re slip resistant and versatile as a work shoe (particularly for those who work in healthcare and the service industry), commuter and travel shoe, and walking shoe, and are trendy enough for casual wear. The Bondi SRs are not suited for a lot of trail use, though, so if you’re looking for a shoe that can handle more varied terrain, you’d want to opt for the Transport 2 instead. If you'll rarely leave pavement, get the Bondi SR.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the HOKA Bondi SR walking shoes.
HOKA Bondi SR
Women's
men's
On Cloud 6
Weight: 15.2 oz (women’s), 1 lb, 2.8 oz (men’s)
Drop: 8 mm
Support: Neutral
Cushioning: Balanced
The On Cloud 6 is a walking shoe designed for walking, commuting, and traveling in style. This is less of an active walking shoe and more of a casual, trendy shoe that still offers enough cushion and support for all-day wear. This shoe is a better option for those looking for a comfortable, supportive lifestyle shoe rather than a walking shoe for exercise. Learn more in our in-depth review of the On Cloud 6 walking shoes.
On Cloud 6
Women's
men's
Weight: 15.2 oz (women’s), 1 lb, 2.8 oz (men’s)
Drop: 5 mm
Support: Stability
Cushioning: Balanced
The HOKA Stinson One7 is a high-stack crossover running shoe, intended for gravel, road, and non-technical trail running. It's also a stability shoe, which means there’s extra support at the arches to help stabilize your feet (so if you have high arches, this is not an ideal shoe for you). This shoe is stable like the HOKA Transport 2 and performs well on the same surfaces. It also has the same toggle lacing system (with traditional laces included) as the Transport 2. However, the Stinson One7 is less nimble than the Transport 2, and has more of a “running shoe” look rather than a lifestyle look.
HOKA Stinson One7
Why you should trust us / About the Author
After being diagnosed with hip arthritis in 2020, long-time runner Becca Downs began incorporating more walking and hiking into her daily routine. And after recently receiving hip replacement surgery, she walks several times a day as part of her recovery plan. On top of all that, she loves traveling and finding the best versatile footwear for her trips, which typically include long days on her feet and a variety of activities.
Becca Downs ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!).
After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, crewing, writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, snowshoeing, and running as much as her hip allows. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the Mile-High MFA Program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado.
You can find her at her website, Instagram, and her Treeline Review author page.
