Altra FWD VIA 2 Review
The Altra Forward Via 2 is a neutral road running shoe designed for the bulk of your training mileage. Like all Altra shoes, the Forward Via 2 is built to give your feet the space to function properly, allowing them to load correctly and spread on impact. In effect, Altra shoes are designed to work with your feet so they get stronger and promote a more natural posture, rather than replacing foot function as many traditional running shoes do.
The Via 2 is built on Altra’s Original last. This is the same last used in the Altra Olympus and Lone Peak and offers the most volume and width in Altra’s range. That said, the Forward Via 2 is not quite as roomy as the Lone Peak or Olympus. It has more volume than the previous version, but it still lacks some of the vertical height into the toe box, which is more noticeable in the women’s version than in the men’s. It is still a very roomy shoe, and if you love the slipper-like feel of the Lone Peak or Olympus on the trail, this is the closest road shoe in fit, although not identical overall volume. For runners coming from more traditional, lower-volume shoes, the Forward Via 2 will feel very spacious.
As the name suggests, the Forward Via 2 is part of Altra’s Forward range. These shoes feature a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop and a slight rocker, rather than Altra’s traditional zero-drop platform. They are designed as an introduction to the brand and do not require the same transition period as a zero-drop shoe. That said, it is always sensible to alternate with your existing shoes and ease into any new pair. Even if the drop is familiar, a new shoe will feel firmer and more supportive than a worn pair, which will change how your feet and muscles work.
The rocker in an Altra shoe is not designed to let you “ride” the shoe. Instead, it encourages the hamstrings and glutes to lift the leg backwards as they would when running barefoot, promoting a more upright posture and a lighter, quicker stride. The firmer midsole allows your feet to recognise ground contact and respond by spreading to absorb impact. As the foot spreads, the plantar fascia is stretched like a large elastic band and then recoils to help propel you forwards. When cushioning is too soft, the foot loses this feedback and becomes a passenger, gradually getting weaker.
This is why brands such as Altra, Topo and Inov-8 continue to question how soft is too soft. The Forward Via 2 introduces a new midsole compound, Ego P35. It is noticeably softer and bouncier than the previous version, with a clear compression and rebound on landing. The feel is similar to the Topo Phantom 4. You still receive far more foot stimulation than in most modern running shoes, but the ride is now more cushioned and plush.
In the previous version you could feel your posture improve, cadence increase and your feet working hard, particularly towards the end of long runs. That was beneficial for strengthening the feet, but could feel tiring. The Forward Via 2 still encourages good posture and lightness, but the slightly softer midsole takes some strain off the feet. This makes it more approachable for runners new to wider toe boxes, while still providing experienced Altra users with a comfortable easy-day shoe.
Stack height is 37 mm in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot. This is low for a max-cushioned shoe, which improves stability and allows the foot to function more naturally.
The upper is softer and more comfortable than before, creating a welcoming step-in feel. The heel counter has a small amount of flex but is firmer than many Altra models. Padding around the heel and collar is well judged, and the tongue is nicely cushioned. Once laced, the upper wraps snugly through the heel and midfoot while maintaining a broad, rounded toe box. There is an additional lace hole for heel-lock or butterfly lacing.
The overall concept promotes a more midfoot-orientated landing, loading the foot in a way that encourages natural spreading on impact. Heel strikers looking to improve posture and feel lighter on their feet will benefit from the rocker geometry.
The Altra Forward Via 2 is designed primarily for easy and long runs. The softer midsole does take away some snap at faster paces, but the improved posture means it still feels comfortable when running slightly quicker. It works well for steady runs, light tempo efforts and fartlek pick-ups without ever feeling dull or sponge-like.
The men’s UK 9.5 weighs 300 g and the women’s UK 6.5 weighs 286 g. They feel lighter than the scales suggest simply because they allow your feet to function naturally.
In summary, the Altra Forward Via 2 delivers a softer, more forgiving ride, a more comfortable upper, and increased overall volume while still encouraging good posture and natural foot movement.
Alternatives to Altra FWD VIA 2
Topo Phantom 4: A similar shoe with a broad rounded toe box and 5mm heel to forefoot drop. The ride is very different. The Phantom has not rocker but, there is quite a bit of toe spring so they give you a bit of a push at toe off. The softness and spring in the midsole is very similar. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-phantom-4-review/
Inov-8 RoadFly Max: A similar broad rounded midsole. 6mm heel to forefoot drop with no rocker. The midsole is initially firmer but, softens up after about 50 miles. The ride feels more natural like you are getting less propulsion from the shoe than you are in an Altra Forward Via 2.
https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-roadfly-max-review/
Brooks Glycerin 23: Now Brooks has split it’s range of road shoes into those that do the running for you and those that allow more foot function it’s easier to decide which is the right Brooks running shoe for you. The Glycerin 23 is 8mm heel to forefoot which promoted more of a heel strike. This doesn’t load the foot as effectively as a midfoot strike but, the midsole is more flexible than it has been for a while with a straighter big toe line and no rocker. So, the runner is required to run in these rather than ride the midsole in the way that they would in a Brooks Glycerin Max. The Brooks Glycerin 23 is available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-glycerin-23-review/
361 Centauri 3 : Available in two widths. A soft feel to the midsole with a noticeable rocker. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-degrees-centauri-3-review/
Saucony Triumph 23: Cushioned but, not too soft. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/saucony-triumph-23-review/
Hoka Clifton 10: A very soft feel and 8mm heel to forefoot with a pointed toe box. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-clifton-10-review/
Karhu Mestari 1.5: A rocker and the Karhu Fulcrum provide some propulsion. The big toe line is straight. The midsole is well cushioned but, has a firm feel in comparison to the Altra Forward Via 2. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-mestari-run-1-5-review/
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