A few months ago, Salomon hiking shoes started appearing on every foot in New York City, and I had a moment of déjà vu. This exact same moment had happened nearly a year prior with Hoka, whose transition from outdoor gear to stylish activewear was impossible to ignore. Both brands offer podiatrist-approved walking shoes that have appeared on our lists of best walking shoes for women over 50 to best shoes with arch support and more. Which brought me to the question: Are Salomons the new Hokas?
After previously testing the popular Salomon XT-6, the brand’s best-selling slip-in, I decided to see how it fared in a head-to-head with Hoka’s newest terrain-friendly slip-in, the Transport 2. Here is how the Hoka vs. Salomon walking shoe battle went.
Hoka vs. Salomon: Key Differences
| Sizes | 5-11 |
| Widths | Medium, Wide |
| Weight | 9.7 oz |
| Heal-to-toe drop | 5 mm |
If you are in the market for a solid walking shoe, you will likely be pointed toward Hoka. The top-rated shoe brand has surged in popularity for its chunky aesthetic and well-cushioned, supportive insole that provides all-day comfort. You’d be hard-pressed to find any one of our best-of shoe lists that doesn’t include one of its popular silhouettes. The Transport 2 is a versatile option that offers more traction than its other models for superior stability, and a quick lace system that makes getting it on and off a breeze.
| Sizes | 5-14 |
| Widths | Medium |
| Weight | 13 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10 mm |
I previously reviewed the Salomon XT-6 back in October of 2025 after they started appearing on the feet of young New Yorkers more and more frequently on my commute—much like how Hokas suddenly sprang up about a year prior. The hiking shoe has since become a favorite of mine for its unmatched traction on slippery subway surfaces, especially on unpredictable weather days. Similar to the Hoka Transport 2, they feature quick laces for easy on-off and a weather-resistant upper, but that’s where the similarities end.
Fit and Design
Both the Hoka Transport 2 and the Salomon XT-6 are sturdy shoes designed with durability in mind. They are both chunky silhouettes with roomy toe boxes, but their fits are quite different. I typically order a half size up in athletic shoes, but my usual 9.5 ended up being a bit too wide for me in the Hokas, while the Salomons were slightly too long. The Hokas ended up making a bit of a squeaking noise with each step because of the slight gap on the sides of my feet, but the Salomons’ padded collar helped keep my foot from sliding around. They both feature the same quick-lace system that makes sliding them on and off a breeze, which makes them ideal for those with mobility issues or anyone who would benefit from a hands-free experience coming in and out the door. I did prefer the Salomons’ lace pocket on the tongue to stow away any excess. The Hokas threaded back down through the laces and stuck out somewhat awkwardly—not nearly long enough to ever risk tripping on, but visually it’s not as neat.
Feel and Cushion
Like pretty much every single Hoka shoe, the Transport 2 did not disappoint in terms of cushion. Despite the slightly too wide fit, I found walking around in these shoes nothing other than comfortable. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) granted the Transports a Seal of Approval for their foot health benefits, and I agree. The balanced cushion offered just the right level of softness to keep my foot feeling buoyant without feeling weighed down and offered a good amount of shock absorption to keep my joints pain-free, even wearing them for long hours. It also helps that they are lighter weight than most heavy-duty walking shoes, clocking in at 9.7 oz (on par with their Clifton models).
Hoka Transport 2
The Salomons are quite different. Because they were originally designed for all terrains, they offer a much sturdier and more solid feel, so it’s unsurprising they are significantly heavier, too—13 oz. I thought the firmer and heavier ride would feel a little harsher, but it actually didn’t. The cushioned orthotic sock liner made my foot feel totally cocooned in softness with each step, despite the firmer insole. Kind of like putting a pillow top on a firm mattress—it gives a really nice balance of support and comfort that actually keeps my foot pain-free for long distances.
Performance and Support
The Hoka’s neutral support is super balanced, which made it extremely versatile. I wore this pair in all kinds of circumstances—to and from the office, grocery shopping, and through upwards of 50 miles of walks—and it was equally as useful for all of them. They are light, comfortable, and can be used for virtually any activity. Given their comfort, I bet that they would also be really excellent during workout classes and any type of cardio, too.
Salomons
But when it comes to maximum support and stability, the Salomons remain unmatched. This pair is built to keep you feeling totally secure, even on the rockiest of terrains, and it shows. First, the outsole is so insanely grippy: its sharp, lug sole allowed me to defeat rainy subway platforms, gravel, potholes, and an active construction zone with not even so much as a stumble. In addition to being super grippy, the brand’s stability system, Agile Chassis, works to dampen any kind of shock to reduce strain on your joints, and the EnergyCell midsole works in concert to keep you secure while helping propel you forward with each step. I am not a hiker, and I likely will never take this pair of shoes on the terrain it is intended for, but as someone who benefits from added support, I really appreciate how secure they make me feel.
How I tested
I have been wearing my Salomon XT-6s for the last six months, and alternated wearing them with the Hoka Transport 2s for long walks, short walks, running errands, and commuting for the last month.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a durable slip-in walking shoe that is aesthetically pleasing enough to wear every day, both the Hoka Transport 2 and Salomon XT-6are worthy choices. However, if your primary focus is versatility, the lightweight cushion of the Hokas makes them ideal for long hours, long distances, and up for almost any kind of activity. Those who are focused on getting some extra stability, support, and structure in their walking shoes, though, should opt for the Salomons. They are so far unmatched (and I have tried a lot of sneakers!).
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