Starting its year strong after a superb 2024, HOKA has already come in hot with some promising new silhouettes, such as the loafer-hiker hybrid slip-ons and, now, the Project Transport. Taking on its standard Transport, which debuted in 2023, the footwear company has now made its commuter sneaker even more streetwear-friendly.
Same Comfort, New Look
While the Transport is a solid shoe with some of HOKA’s signature comfort, it was never the most attractive shoe in their catalog with busy uppers and aggressive branding. However, the new Project Transport aims for more accessibility.
Retaining a similar EVA midsole (made here from 35% sugarcane) and Vibram Ecostep Evo outsole, the Project Transport now features a shroud that zippers over the shoe for extra protection. This is made of a ripstop material with synthetic leather overlays — notably not Cordura like the standard Transport. However, this material is given a PFC-free water repellant finish, reflective detailing, and hotmelt webbing detail. All around, this is more fine-tuned for durability.
Zipadee-Shoe-Dah
The zipper also boasts a semi-automatic lock, meaning that it won’t move when it’s in a flat position, preventing it from unzipping and allowing debris to get inside when out and about. Underneath the zipper, there’s the quick-toggle lacing system, which makes lacing and unlacing a breeze, while also allowing you to fine-tune the fit in seconds.
Currently, the Project Transport is only available in three colorways (black, gray, and olive) — which is much less than the currently nine variants of the regular Transport. However, we can assume that more are to come. And even so, the intention of the Project Transport is versatility, not necessarily color blocking. We personally love the stealthy black on black show here, which gets a dash of style with the brown textured toe cap in front, extending to the outsole.
Spec Sheet
Uppers: Ripstop material with synthetic overlays and PFC-free DWR finish
Midsole: EVA foam
Outsole: Vibram Ecostep Evo
Lacing: Quick-toggle with zippered shroud
Pricing & Availability
Best of all, the Project Transport is only $10 more than the standard Transport. For just $160, the new sneakers are now available from HOKA’s website.
Recap
Hoka Project Transport
Hoka’s commuter shoe, the Transport, now gets a more accessible, streetwear-forward version with a zippered shroud ripstop upper with water-resistant elements.
