ALTRA FWD VIA 2 - First Impressions

Posted on January 30 2026

This Season sees the release of the latest iteration of ALTRA max cushioned road shoe the FWD VIA.

We have been running it them for a while and can now give you the first impression.

When Altra released the original FWD VIA, it marked a clear shift for the brand. Known for zero-drop platforms, the FWD VIA introduced a low-drop, rocker-driven road shoe designed to appeal to runners who wanted Altra’s foot-shaped fit with a more traditional forward-rolling ride. While the concept was exciting, the execution left some runners wanting more.

Enter the ALTRA FWD VIA 2.

What Stayed the Same

Both versions stay true to Altra’s core philosophy: a roomy toe box that lets your toes splay naturally, a stable base, and a pronounced rocker that helps move you smoothly through each stride. The FWD VIA line is clearly built for easy miles, long runs, and daily training, rather than speed work or racing.

What’s Improved in the FWD VIA 2

The biggest and most noticeable upgrade in the FWD VIA 2 is the midsole feel.

The big news is the all new P35 midsole. ALTRA have experimented with midsole compositions for a number of seasons and this latest formulation is by far the best. It rides soft, plush but also delivers good energy return at toe off.

One of the most common criticisms of the original FWD VIA was that it felt surprisingly firm for a max-cushioned shoe. Early feedback on the FWD VIA 2 points to a much softer, more forgiving ride, making it more comfortable over longer distances and easier on tired legs

Subtle refinements to the upper and overall fit also aim to address comfort concerns from the first version, particularly around long-run wear and step-in feel. Rather than reinventing the shoe, Altra focused on smoothing out the rough edges.

The FWD VIA 2 is designed to bring a level of plushness, comfort and ease wherever your run takes you.

The FWD VIA family was born out of a desire to bring the success of the mass cushioned Olympus trail shoe to the road, first as the VIA OLYMPUS now to this latest version which sees the shoe claim its rightful position and a true, long distance, comfortable, plush road shoe.

It is one of the few models that has ALTRA "Original" FOOTSHAPE fit which is the most roomy of all of the FOOTSHAPES.

It is the FOOTSHAPE FIT that differentiates ALTRA from other brands. This should not be confused with a wide fitting. FOOTSHAPE is specifically designed to give space for your toes to spread. The midfoot and heal are normal fittings to ensure a snug fit around the midfoot to hold your feet in place.

This approach of allowing toe spread, particularly of the big toe is endorsed by podiatrists and physiotherapist around the world. It is a particularly healthy way for your feet to be positioned through your gait.

With 37mm and 33mm of stack, the shoe offers 4mm drop which has become a popular compliment to many of ALTRA's shoes that have zero drop. This zero to low drop offered by ALTRA is based on science and how to best protect and develop your running gait.

The FWD VIA 2 gets a redesigned upper with engineered mesh. For Hong Kong's climate this is great as it allows a nice wrap around feel, but also a level of breathability and drainage that will ensure your feet stay as cool and dry as possible during our hot summer months.

So running is very easy in these shoes, you stay comfortable, and cool mile after mile.

If you also spend a lot of time on your feet during the day, this shoe is a great everyday wear. with a women's triple white and a men's triple black you get a shoe that is at home in the office or on the ward or just to take you to the coffee shop.

CHECK OUT THE COLLECTION HERE

https://gone.run/collections/altra-fwd-via-2