Altra FWD VIA Review
The Altra FWD VIA is a neutral, max-cushioned road running shoe designed for everyday miles and long runs. It replaces the Altra VIA Olympus but differs significantly from the previous model, rather than simply upgrading the VIA Olympus 2.
Altra was originally created to make running shoes that allow feet to function naturally inside them. They featured wide, rounded toe boxes to give feet space to spread on impact, allowing shock absorption, stabilizing the runner, and propelling the next stride. To encourage a more midfoot landing, which enables proper foot loading, Altra shoes were zero-drop or flat. Altra still produces many running shoes with these attributes. In these shoes, the runner has to generate movement; the feet must function to push off, and the hamstrings and glutes must lift the legs.
Since Altra’s inception, however, the running market has developed shoes that assist the runner. These shoes have a curved or rocker-shaped midsole, helping keep the foot moving upon contact with the ground and reducing the work for the hamstrings and glutes. The midsole cushioning is soft, absorbing much of the shock that the feet would usually handle. For beginners with weaker feet, hamstrings, and glutes—often due to wearing narrow shoes and prolonged sitting—these shoes can make running easier than those that allow the body to function naturally.
To meet this demand, Altra has developed the ‘Forward Range,’ which includes a 4mm heel-to-forefoot drop and a curved or rocker midsole. These shoes maintain a broad, rounded toe box to support foot function and are designed to introduce more runners to the benefits of strong, functional feet. The new Altra FWD VIA is part of this range.
Unlike the original and VIA Olympus 2, the FWD Via has a 4mm heel-to-forefoot drop. While previous models had a slight curve, the FWD VIA features a more pronounced rocker, similar to the Forward Flow, Forward Form, and Forward Wild models. Altra’s rockers are subtle compared to other brands; they provide a slight lift to assist heel-off without completely replacing the work of the hamstrings and glutes. This makes the rocker barely noticeable, giving the FWD VIA a more natural feel without impeding control on downhill or uphill terrain. The shoe subtly promotes good posture, allowing the body to function as intended while facilitating forward movement.
The FWD VIA has a stack height of 37mm in the heel and 33mm in the forefoot. Its midsole is made of Altra’s new supercritical foam, called Ego Flow, which is nitrogen-infused to seal in air and keep out water and dirt. This foam rebounds faster than others, providing a bouncy feel and greater durability. Supercritical foams are often used in ‘Super Shoes,’ helping runners achieve quicker speeds with the same effort. However, supercritical foams vary in softness and bounce. Foams that are too soft reduce foot function, as the foot doesn’t register ground contact, and excessive bounce can hinder form, causing an uncontrolled forward movement. Ego Flow is firmer, with minimal compression and a slight bounce, enabling feet to spread and function naturally, maintaining upright posture and promoting a light, efficient stride.
The previous VIA Olympus was a sturdy workhorse ideal for recovery and easy runs but not built for speed. In contrast, the FWD Via feels much more versatile, allowing for a range of paces without feeling restricted. The shoe’s low heel-to-forefoot drop and my midfoot landing under my center of gravity make it easy to avoid the heel’s braking effect. The FWD VIA is comfortable for easy, steady, or tempo runs, and it’s even suitable for hill repeats or long intervals, unlike many max-cushioned shoes that feel cumbersome.
The upper is crafted from engineered spacer mesh. It’s breathable yet not overly open, so my feet stay warm on cooler mornings. The heel cup, collar, and tongue offer a comfortable amount of padding, typical of daily trainers. The gusseted tongue has a lace loop to keep it in place, with an extra loop available for a snugger heel fit or butterfly lacing. The heel cup includes a flexible plastic insert for structure, providing a secure fit without limiting the upper’s adaptability. I found the heel and midfoot fit to be snug, more so than in other Altra models with a looser fit.
Altra produces shoes in three different lasts. The broadest last, Original Fit, is used for popular models like the Lone Peak, Olympus, and Escalante. The FWD Via was intended to use this Original Fit, but it’s narrower and closer in volume to Altra’s standard fit.
Weighing in at 272 grams for men’s UK 9.5 and 233 grams for women’s UK 6.5, the FWD VIA is lightweight for a max-cushioned daily running shoe. Altra shoes tend to feel light, largely because of the natural range of motion they allow. Altra shoes are comparable in length to Topo, Brooks, Saucony, and 361. If you wear New Balance, Hoka, Inov-8, or La Sportiva, consider going down half a UK size in Altra for a similar fit.
In summary, the Altra FWD VIA is a versatile, highly cushioned running shoe suited for everyday runs, long runs, and some faster training. It features a broad, rounded toe box to support foot function, a low drop for a midfoot landing, and encourages good running form.
Other Considerations
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5: The More uses a much softer foam and has a more pointed toe box. The rocker is more noticeable. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-more-v5-review/
Brooks Ghost Max 2: A nitrogen infused midsole that is softer than the Fwd Experience midsole but not really soft. The rocker is more noticeable and the toe box more pointed. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-ghost-max-2-review/
Topo Athletic Atmos: A similar firm-ish feel to the cushioning. More volume in the toe box which is a similar rounded shape to Altra as Topo is also a brand that promotes foot function. The rocker is more noticeable. Available in two width men’s and one width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-atmos-review/
Karhu Mestari: A more pointed toe box but, with a straight big toe line. The cushioning has a similar firm feel but a more pronounced rocker and Karhu’s fulcrum system gives the shoes a noticeable level of propulsion. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-mestari-run-1-0-review/
Hoka Bondi 8: A narrow pointed toe box and soft feel to the cushioning with a noticeable rocker. Available in three width men’s and two widths for women. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-bondi-8-review/
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