HOKA  Transport 2 Shoes - Men's

This is a nice redesign of the original Transport. REI's Expert Advice page has a good in-depth review of the Transport 2 that I recommend you read. I agree in general with that review. My impression is that while the additional cushioning and more comfortable lining of the Transport 2 is a good and needed improvement, the Transport's quirks are still there, albeit somewhat softened: - The sole is stiff and the rocker is late-stage (forward of the metatarsals), so as you walk the foot will rise and then abruptly hinge onto the toes. Other "road-to-trail" or general-use Hokas, like the Challenger or Kawana, have a much smoother transition that makes them feel more axially stable. -The upper is snug starting at the midfoot and is made from Cordura, which is rather inflexible and won't break in that much with use. Cordura was used to make the upper more durable, but I quickly noticed some uncomfortable compression of the metatarsal arch which didn't go away. The fit reminded me of the Speedgoat's, not a shoe I'd wear all day, -The speedlaces - a "lifestyle shoe" feature, need some rethinking. I needed to use the lace-lock eyelets to lock down the heel, but the speedlaces can't be removed and relaced without cutting them off. Thanks for the extra conventional laces, Hoka, but it should be easier to switch lace types if needed. Overall, this a really promising daily-use shoe. It's got an all-conditions grippy and long-wearing vibram sole, a durable upper, a nicely low heel drop, and a modern urban design. But I find the Kawana and Challenger to be more comfortable and versatile shoes - the Kawana for improved surfaces, the Challenger for road-to-trail. Given that the Challenger 8 has gone max-cushioning with high heel drop, the Kawana 3 would be my choice for daily use.