Hoka Transport Multi Tester Review: My absolute (non) running shoe favorite! (2023)

Articles by Peter Stuart and Dominique Winebaum

Hoka-Transport($140)

introduction

Peter:The Hoka Transport is a brand new everyday, lifestyle and lightweight hiking shoe from Hoka. On their spec sheet, Hoka says, "As a crossover shoe with everyday practicality, the Transport is designed to get runners through everyday life." That pretty much sums it up. It also seems like a way to get the same Hoka comfort that people love about their running shoes in a less running-focused package. For all other Hoka dads who don't want to look like you're wearing your running shoes with your jeans or Rhones, this is the shoe for you.

Advantages:

Insanely comfortable Peter

Not too soft - doesn't drain energy after a full day on your feet. Peter

Durable ripstop Cordura fabric built to last Peter/ / Dominique

Great low profile, grippy Vibram outsole. Peter / Dominic

Elastic laces (I also came with regular laces) plus pull tab = you'll never have to tie your shoes again! Peter

High protection toe protection - Dominique

Strong focus on sustainability: 30% cane EVA midsole, a Vibram® N-OIL outsole made of 90% petrol-free components and Cordura® upper with 100% rPET: Dominique / Peter

True to size unlike some Hoka for me: Dominique

360 degree reflective details: Dominique

Disadvantages:

Breathability can be an issue. Hard to tell if it's winter here, Peter/Ryan/Dominique

The statistics

Sample Weights: Men's 12.5 oz/g US11, Women's oz/g

Stack Height: Men's mm heel / mm forefoot :: Women's mm heel / mm forefoot

Available $140

First impression, fit and upper

Peter:I was hoping for the very cool looking green color but ended up with the slightly bland but still highly reflective gray.

They say hoka on them, but they're a far cry from what we would have thought a hoka just a year or two ago. You look... normal.

The Hoka Transport comes with elastic laces and a spare pair of regular laces if you decide to swap them out. There's a nice, subtly looped pull tab at the back - so between that and the elastic laces, this is a lazy person's dream. The tongue is nicely padded and has a gusset to keep it in place. The fit is true to size and extremely comfortable from the first step. It will be interesting to see how these feel day by day.

Dominik:The Transport is part of a new line of HOKA footwear and apparel that defies established categories, even as a high-performance hiking shoe, because it's "city savvy and commuter friendly."

Beautifully crafted with a streamlined and polished look suitable for walking around town - it's a smart shoe that will take you anywhere - along with an extremely comfortable and impressively sustainable platform with a 30% cane EVA midsole, a Vibram® N-OIL outsole that uses 90% petrol-free components and Cordura® upper with 100% rPET

My transports are true to size and fit perfectly and I personally find the toe box to be quite roomy.

The upper made of recycled Cordura rPet is very protective and resistant, if perhaps at the expense of breathability.

Yet this is winter, and on a four-mile walk in a temperature of 16°F that feels like 6°F, my feet stayed warm and dry as I hopped from snow-covered sidewalk to dry sidewalk. Both the collar and tongue are generously padded for a comfortable and secure fit.

I am very happy with the quick switch lace as one pull is enough to tie the lace securely in place, although it takes a few wraps to keep the lace from hanging loose. Regular laces are also included.

360° reflective details are strategically placed to increase your visibility in low light conditions and include Hoka branding, lace eyelets and heel.

The women's version of the Transport is available in 4 different colorways - Eggnog/Eggnog, Raisin/Wistful Mauve, Trellis/Mercury and Black/Black.

midsole

Peter:Walking, light jogging, fast sprinting as your child runs toward traffic? Check, check, check. Works great. Feels good. While I wouldn't really call it a running shoe (for me), it's certainly a shoe you'll be happy to run in when you unexpectedly need to run. I don't know if that makes sense, but in comparison I usually wear Adidas Stan Smiths as my casual everyday shoe. If I suddenly have to run after a child or play football quickly, my shoes feel flat. In the Hoka transport I had to sprint here and there and felt like I was wearing running shoes.

Dominik:The Transport are welted hiking shoes that serve many functions but are not meant for running in my opinion. The CMEVA midsole (compression molded EVA) with 30% cane in the mix is ​​very protective and comfortable but not overly plush. Comparing the transport to its "cousin", the Deckers X Lab X-Scape NBK Low (RTR review), the latter had a plusher midsole, but the toe box and fit were more snug. I prefer the Transport for its superior comfort zone due to the perfect fit and roomy toe box.

outsole

Peter:About 75-80% of the outsole is covered with a flat and very grippy Vibram rubber. There are V-shaped cutouts in the heel and forefoot that allow the shoe some flex, and there's some exposed EVA under the arch. All this results in a stable and grippy outsole.

Dominik: The Vibram rubber outsole has 3mm multi-directional lugs that provide grip on a variety of surfaces. I tested them on snowy pavements and the grip was good, although I much prefer going at a higher speed on dry pavements. Very stable and well designed outsole with exposed EVA under the arch which helps reduce weight. As mentioned above, the Vibram® N-OIL outsole is sustainable as it consists of 90% petrol-free components

journey

Peter:So not seeing this as a running shoe makes me think differently about the ride. For me, Hoka Transport is all about all day, every day comfort and the ability to effectively walk, hike and yes, even run around town in one shoe. The Hoka Transport is perhaps the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. One of my first outings was a soccer game. We parked about 1.5 miles from the stadium and I walked all the way back and forth with a 5 year old on my shoulders. Once we got to the stadium we had to climb lots and lots of stairs up and down and there were the occasional moments when I had to motor it to catch up with a bunch of 10 year olds who were sprinting across the stadium. The Hoka handled all of that and left me feeling completely fresh. It was as good a test as I could have had and they passed with flying colors.

Dominik:I like having a pair of shoes that are specifically designed for walking. I usually walk 4-5 miles and could definitely add to my mileage by wearing my transport as they are so comfortable and protective. In Peter's opinion you would be well equipped when hiking on gentle trails, especially when transitioning from road to trails.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Peter:The Hoka Transport is a perfect shoe for everyday use. It's durable, comfortable, doesn't scream "RUNNING SHOE" and will work for a lot of people. If you want Hoka comfort without looking like you forgot to pack your work shoes in your gym bag, these are the shoes for you. You can run in a pinch, but I'd save them for everyday use and light hikes.They have the comfort of a running shoe in a durable and subtly stylish package. Hoka may just have carved its own little niche. I think these could be a big hit for them.

There really isn't anything not to like about the Hoka transport - except maybe the green or white instead of the greyish color of mine.

Score 10/10. I really love them for what they are.

😊😊😊😊😊 For everyday use and comfort, smiles all day long.

Dominik:I believe there is a market for hiking shoes like transport as they offer more comfort and performance while blending in and serving well as footwear, whether you're briskly walking in Lululemon tights, commuting to work in black pants, or with your E-bike pedaling .

I agree with Peter, but with a twist, they don't derogatorily scream "sneakers." They're a reasonable price at $140 for a well-made shoe with a strong, sustainable platform. My previous experience with Transport's "cousin," the X-Scape by Deckers X-Lab, makes me appreciate a purpose-built hiking shoe, especially one that doubles as a lifestyle shoe. I plan to do a lot of walking in my transport - I've just started!

Score: 9.7/10

😊😊😊😊

The Hoka Transport is expected to be released in March 2023

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