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Altra FWD VIA 2 Multi-Tester Review: A Max-Stack Trainer Built for the Long Run

Name: Men's Altra FWD Via 2
Brand: Altra
Rating: 4.3 (2 reviews)

WeeViews

Posted Nov 03, 2025

The Altra FWD VIA 2 delivers max-stack comfort with surprising smoothness and responsiveness. Testers praised its EGO P35 foam, roomy fit, and durable outsole—calling it a long-run workhorse for daily training and marathon prep.

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Form

Performance

Value

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FWD Via 2

4.3/5

(2)

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Pros

Exceptionally comfortable for long runs and daily mileage
Smooth, stable transitions aided by the 4mm drop and rocker geometry
Altra EGO™ P35 foam feels soft yet responsive, reducing fatigue on long efforts
Roomy, foot-shaped toe box ideal for natural toe splay and wide feet
Secure heel and midfoot lockdown (can be adjusted with runner’s knot for narrow feet)
Durable rubber outsole with strong traction on pavement, gravel, and light trails
Breathable, well-ventilated mesh upper with soft step-in comfort
Excellent durability — minimal wear even after high mileage
Supportive ride without feeling heavy or clunky

Cons

On the heavier side for a daily trainer (~10.6 oz men’s)
Midsole can feel slightly firm
Foam may compress prematurely over time
Not ideal for speedwork or racing due to bulkier build
May fit loose for narrow-footed runners without careful lacing
Premium $165 price tag may deter budget-conscious buyers

Two WeeViews Rising Stars—Abby and Brian—put the Altra FWD VIA 2 through its paces to see if this max-cushion trainer could balance comfort, responsiveness, and long-run durability. Between them, they logged well over 100 miles on everything from pavement and crushed gravel to boardwalks and mellow trails. Both used the shoe primarily for easy and long efforts, incorporating strides and moderate tempo work to test its versatility.

What they found was a daily trainer that lives up to its “max cushion, max comfort” promise—delivering a soft yet stable ride that’s surprisingly smooth for its stack height. With Altra’s new EGO™ P35 foam, a 4mm drop, and the brand’s signature FootShape™ fit, the FWD VIA 2 aims to offer an efficient, natural-feeling stride without sacrificing protection or durability.

In this multi-tester review, we break down how it performs across key areas—upper, midsole, and outsole—and share who this shoe is best suited for (and who might want to look elsewhere).

FWD VIA 2 At-A-Glance

Altra FWD VIA 2 Multi-Tester Review: A Max-Stack Trainer Built for the Long Run

The Altra FWD VIA 2 builds on the comfort-first design of its predecessor with a new EGO™ P35 midsole, improved upper, and a plush step-in feel. Designed for road runners who want a smooth, cushioned ride with Altra’s signature natural fit, it blends max-stack protection with a low-drop platform for efficient miles.

Specs:

Best for: Daily training, long runs, walking
Stack height: 37mm heel / 33mm forefoot
Drop: 4mm
Weight: 10.6 oz (Men’s 9) / 8.7 oz (Women’s 7)
Midsole: Altra EGO™ P35 foam (19% softer, 15% more responsive than original)
Upper: Engineered mesh
Outsole: Durable rubber
Support: Neutral
FootShape™: Original (roomiest toebox)
Price: $165

The consensus? Smooth, cushioned, and dependable for high-mileage days — a comfort-driven workhorse that doesn’t feel sluggish.

The Upper

Both Abby and Brian found the engineered mesh upper to be a standout feature—breathable, soft, and comfortable right out of the box. Abby noted that it required no break-in period with a secure lockdown once she used a runner’s knot to dial in the fit for her narrower feet. Brian echoed that sentiment, praising the snug heel and roomy toe box combination that provided a natural, stable feel even during longer efforts.

The updated plush tongue earned positive marks for its cushioning and step-in feel without adding bulk, while the ventilation across the forefoot kept both runners’ feet cool on warmer days.

Overall, the upper strikes a balance between soft comfort and structural support, giving runners a relaxed but reliable fit—especially for medium to wide feet. Narrow-footed runners may need a bit of lacing finesse, but once locked in, the upper stays put through miles of training.

Brian Rock

“The upper is cushioned and snug around the heel. It’s very roomy in the toe box, and with the snug heel it fits perfect.”

The Midsole

The heart of the FWD VIA 2 is its EGO™ P35 midsole, a new formulation that Altra advertises as 19% softer and 15% more responsive than the original. Both testers praised the foam for balancing soft comfort and springy responsiveness, noting that it feels energetic without being unstable.

Abby described the cushioning as “lightweight and smooth for a max-stack shoe,” saying she often forgot she was wearing them—a sign of natural ride quality. She found it a great match for easy and long runs, where the midsole’s rocker geometry promoted fluid forward motion without feeling clunky.

Brian noted that while the foam felt firm at first, it quickly softened up after a mile and remained comfortable even through 10-mile runs. He appreciated how supportive yet not overly bouncy it felt, ideal for marathon training and recovery days alike.

Abigail Lock

“Altra’s EGO™ P35 foam is a game-changer—responsive, lightweight, and easy to forget once you start running.”

Overall, testers agreed the midsole makes the FWD VIA 2 a go-to daily trainer for high-mileage comfort—plush enough for protection, but still lively enough to keep legs feeling fresh.

The Outsole

Durability and traction were two consistent wins for the FWD VIA 2’s rubber outsole. Both Abby and Brian put the shoe through mixed terrain—from roads and crushed gravel to light dirt—and came away impressed with how well it held up.

Abby noted that even after 40+ miles, the outsole showed virtually no wear, adding that it “shines as another strong attribute of this shoe.” She appreciated the traction on wet roads and mellow trails, which made it a reliable choice for all-weather training.

Brian echoed those findings after passing the 100-mile mark, pointing out that the deep tread pattern provided excellent grip without feeling heavy or rigid. He called it “thick and durable,” remarking that it still looked new despite frequent use across pavement and gravel.

Brian Rock

“After 100 miles, the outsole still looks brand new—thick, grippy, and built to last.”

Together, both testers highlighted the outsole as one of the most durable and confidence-inspiring components of the shoe—grippy in variable conditions and built to last through high-mileage training blocks.

How the Altra FWD VIA 2 Stacks Up

Both Abby and Brian agreed the Altra FWD VIA 2 holds its own among today’s max-cushion daily trainers—but with a few key differences that make it stand out.

Abigail Lock

“It’s a low-drop alternative to the Clifton 9—and I’m here for it.”

For Abby, the FWD VIA 2 felt like a low-drop alternative to the Hoka Clifton 9, a "beefed up version of the Altra Flow 2", offering similar comfort and stack height but with a smoother, more natural transition. She noted that the 4mm drop and FootShape™ fit give it a more grounded, balanced feel than many high-drop competitors.

Brian compared it to his go-to daily trainer, the New Balance 1080, explaining that while the 1080 is a bit lighter and bouncier, the Altra feels more stable and supportive—better suited for runners who prioritize consistency over pop. The tradeoff: a touch more firmness and weight in exchange for long-haul comfort and durability.

Together, the testers positioned the FWD VIA 2 as a comfort-driven workhorse that bridges the gap between plush and practical—ideal for runners who want max cushion without a maxed-out feel.

Who Should Buy the Altra FWD VIA 2?

✅ Best For:

Runners who want a max-cushion daily trainer that can handle big mileage and recovery days
Those training for half or full marathons who value comfort and durability over speed
Runners seeking a low-drop (4mm) alternative to high-stack shoes
Anyone transitioning toward natural foot positioning but not ready for zero drop
Runners with medium to wide feet who appreciate Altra’s roomy FootShape™ fit

🚫 Who Should Skip It:

Runners seeking lightweight, snappy shoes for speedwork or racing
Those who like a firmer, more traditional midsole feel
Runners with narrow feet who may struggle to achieve a locked-in fit without lacing adjustments
Anyone on a tight budget, since the $165 price point sits on the premium end for daily trainers

Final Verdict

With its plush EGO™ P35 midsole, smooth rocker geometry, and roomy FootShape™ fit, the Altra FWD VIA 2 delivers a standout balance of comfort, responsiveness, and durability. Both testers found it to be a reliable partner for long runs and daily mileage—soft enough to protect your legs, yet structured enough to keep the stride efficient and stable.

Abby summed it up as "pleasantly smooth and seriously comfortable," noting how surprisingly responsive it felt despite the high stack. Brian, meanwhile, called it a “perfect marathon training shoe”—comfortable, durable, and built to last through high-volume weeks.

Brian Rock

“Comfort-first, but never sluggish. It’s built for the long haul.”

The consensus? The FWD VIA 2 refines what Altra does best: natural movement and high comfort, now paired with a foam that feels lighter, livelier, and ready for big miles.