 This Product
Hoka Transport - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  Best Overall Walking Shoe for Women |  Best Balance of Max Cushion and Support | Best Wide Toe Box |  Best Lace Up Budget Walking Shoe | Best Bang for the Buck |
| Price | $150.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $150.00 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $140.00 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $59.99 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $65 List $45.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A versatile, thoughtfully cushioned walking shoe with a refined balance of comfort and support | A supremely cushioned trainer that manages to blend cloud-like comfort with rock-solid stability, making it an exceptional choice for long walks and all-day wear | A natural-stride walking shoe that combines foot-friendly design with impressive performance, thanks to its anatomical toe box and smooth low-drop platform | A reliable performer that punches above its affordable price point | A comfortable and affordable walking shoe that offers strong performance for the price |
| Rating Categories | Hoka Transport - Wo... | Brooks Ghost Max 2... | Altra Experience Fl... | Ryka Devotion Plus... | Skechers GO WALK Jo... |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Hoka Transport - Wo... | Brooks Ghost Max 2... | Altra Experience Fl... | Ryka Devotion Plus... | Skechers GO WALK Jo... |
| Measured Weight | 8.92 oz | 8.41 oz | 6.75 oz | 7.75 oz | 5.16 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | 10 mm | 9 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack | 34 mm | 37 mm | 30 mm | 31 mm | 29 mm |
| Closure Type | Quick-toggle lace | Lace | Lace | Lace | None |
| Upper Material | Cordura | Engineered air-mesh | Mesh, knit | Mesh, lycra | Mesh |
| Midsole Material | Compression molded EVA and 30% sugarcane | DNA LOFT v3 | EVA | Lightweight EVA | 5Gen |
| Ousole Material | Vibram EcoStep | RoadTack/HPR Heel rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Flexible traction |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop | None | Pull tab | Pull tab | Finger loop |
| Measured Width | 4.3 in. | 4.4 in. | 4.4 in. | 4.3 in. | 4.0 in. |
| Width Options | Regular, wide | Regular, wide, x-wide | Regular | Regular wide | Regular, wide |
| Measured Rocker Angle | 21.5 deg | 26.0 deg | 22.5 deg | 25.0 deg | 19.5 deg |
The Hoka Transport marries comfort, stability, and ease of use, making it one of our favorite all-around walking shoes. It's not the cheapest option, but we think the high quality build and feature-rich design will make it a worthy investment for anyone who spends a lot of time walking.
The Transport diverges from Hoka's signature plushness upon initial wear. However, during a 10,000-step walking test, these shoes provided exceptional comfort right out of the box. I put 5,000 steps on them straight out of the box and had zero hot spots or issues.
The fit runs true to size with a regular width that accommodates most foot shapes comfortably. They are available in regular and wide options, so most walkers should be able to find a pair that fit. Users with very narrow feet may find the regular to be too wide, though.
Another thing that sets the Transport apart is its lacing options. I particularly appreciated the quick-toggle system during testing, finding it offers more precise adjustment than the elastic laces found in competitors. The toggle design allows for easy loosening when putting the shoe on and quick tightening for secure fits during longer walks. Compared to other shoes in our test lineup, the Transport strikes an impressive middle ground. While not as heavily cushioned as traditional Hokas, it offers more padding than more minimalist options, creating what we found to be an ideal balance for most walkers.
A good walking shoe should flex only at the ball of the foot (where your toes bend during stride) while staying firm through the arch. We test this by holding the heel and pressing the toe area down against the ground - any shoe that folds in half or bends in the middle won't provide enough support for healthy walking mechanics. Our rigidity testing revealed the Transport to be one of the most structurally sound shoes in our lineup. This exceptional rigidity translates to superior stability, significantly reducing the risk of ankle rolling during wear.
The shoe also passed our twist test with flying colors. The twist test is one of our key evaluations for assessing a walking shoe's support capabilities. By gripping the heel with one hand and the forefoot with the other, then attempting to rotate them in opposite directions, we can gauge the shoe's torsional stability - its ability to resist twisting forces during normal walking movements. A shoe that twists easily lacks the structural integrity needed for proper support, while one that strongly resists this twisting motion will better control unwanted side-to-side foot rotation during your stride. The Hoka Transport had very minimal twisting, demonstrating minimal torsion that indicates excellent support throughout the footbed.
The lacing system deserves special mention here. During testing, I found the quick-toggle laces particularly effective at maintaining a consistent fit throughout the day. Unlike elastic lacing systems that can create pressure points, the Transport's toggle allows for zone-specific adjustment while maintaining security.
This level of support makes the Transport particularly well-suited for neutral walkers and those with mild overpronation. The balanced platform and rigid structure provide stability without overcorrection, though severe overpronators may want to consider more specialized options.
The Transport utilizes Vibram's EcoStep Natural outsole, which immediately caught our attention during testing for its thoughtful design. Made with 90% oil-free ingredients, this outsole proves you don't have to sacrifice performance for sustainability. During our comprehensive testing across multiple surfaces, we found the strategic lug pattern and rubber compound provide exceptional grip without feeling overly aggressive.
On concrete, where many of us do most of our walking, the Transport truly shines. The outsole's design creates confident contact with the ground, and I experienced reliable grip in both dry and wet conditions. Even during early morning walks with dew-slicked sidewalks, the shoes maintained steadfast traction. I particularly appreciated how the lug pattern promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions without that “sticky” feeling some walking shoes exhibit on smooth surfaces.
Indoor performance proved equally impressive. The Transport strikes an excellent balance here - providing enough grip to feel secure without the squeaking or marking issues we've encountered with some competitors. During my testing in various indoor environments, from shopping centers to medical facilities, the shoes maintained consistent traction without requiring that awkward adjustment to your gait that sometimes happens with too-grippy shoes on indoor surfaces.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the Transport handled gravel exceptionally well for an urban-focused walking shoe. The zonal rubber placement and lug depth proved deep enough to provide stability on loose surfaces without being so aggressive that rocks get permanently lodged in the treads - a common complaint we had with other shoes. This versatility makes the Transport an excellent choice for users who frequently transition between urban and light trail environments.
At 8.92 ounces per shoe (US 6.5), the Hoka Transport falls in the middle of the test lineup, though we found the weight is justified by its durable Cordura upper and substantial Vibram outsole. During testing, we appreciated that despite the higher weight, the shoe maintains excellent stability and comfort - likely due to the compression-molded EVA midsole's efficient shock absorption and weight distribution.
The extra ounces come primarily from performance-enhancing features like the water-resistant upper and robust outsole construction, making the Transport's weight a reasonable tradeoff for those seeking a more rugged, versatile walking shoe. The outsole design also demonstrates careful attention to weight management, using strategic rubber placement rather than full coverage. While other sections utilize lighter materials to keep the overall weight reasonable.
Initial quality assessment revealed premium materials and solid construction throughout. After logging more than 10,000 steps and several months of testing, our test pairs show minimal wear. The padded sections maintain their shape and support, though we've noted that lighter colorways can show dirt more readily than darker options.
Care is straightforward - spot washing works well for minor cleaning, though the shoes should never be placed in a dryer. While our testing period hasn't revealed any significant durability concerns, we'll continue monitoring long-term wear patterns.
The Hoka Transport is an excellent choice for walkers seeking a perfectly balanced shoe that doesn't go overboard with cushioning. We particularly recommend it for those who find traditional Hokas too plush but still want good impact protection. The quick-toggle lacing system and rigid support make it ideal for users who prioritize convenience and stability in their walking shoes. While the price point is premium, the versatility and performance make it a worthwhile investment for daily walkers.
If you prefer maximum cushioning, consider the Brooks Ghost Max 2, which offers more plush comfort. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option with similar versatility, the Ryka Devotion Plus 3 provides excellent value. And if you prioritize hands-free convenience, the Kizik Athens offers the easiest on-off experience we've tested while maintaining good walking performance.
