Altra FWD Via 2
Road Daily Trainer · Road Easy Recovery

Altra FWD Via 2

Nathan considers the FWD Via 2 his top pick for versatile walking and easy-run wear, praising the genuinely soft P35 foam and improved open upper that makes it one of the most comfortable Altra options available. — Doctors of Running

Physical blueprint

Where this shoe sits

Weight 281 g
Heel stack 37.0 mm
Drop 4.0 mm
Cushioning High

Best for

Daily TrainingRecovery & Easy
Suits Forefoot, Heel, Midfoot strikers
Pronation Neutral
Surface Road

Specifications

Weight (M9)
281g (9.9 oz)
Stack (Heel)
37.0 mm
Stack (Forefoot)
33.0 mm
Drop
4.0 mm
Midsole
Altra EGO P35 (35% OBC / EVA blend)
Outsole
Full-coverage rubber
Upper
Engineered mesh
Lacing
Traditional

Fit Profile

Length
True To Size
Forefoot Width
Wide
Midfoot Width
Roomy
Heel Width
Wide
Lockdown
Good
Toe Box
Wide
Sizing
True To Size

Ride Characteristics

Cushioning
High
Stability
Neutral

Expert reviews · 4 reviewers · grouped per channel

DO
Doctors of Running Youtube

Nathan considers the FWD Via 2 his top pick for versatile walking and easy-run wear, praising the genuinely soft P35 foam and improved open upper that makes it one of the most comfortable Altra options available.

Best for: All-day comfort shoe that can handle easy running and walking; top pick for conferences or work shifts on feet

RM
Run Moore Youtube

The softest and most successful FWD Via to date — finally hits the soft max-cushion brief Altra has been chasing across Duo/Via/FWD Via iterations, though it weighs more than its predecessor.

Best for: Runners specifically looking for a max-cushion neutral 4mm drop trainer — not classic Altra fans who want firmer, more responsive feel

TR
The Run Testers Youtube

A meaningful upgrade over the original FWD Via — softer, more flexible, more modern-feeling foam makes this Altra's most interesting daily trainer in a while, though still not as lively as mainstream rocker daily trainers.

Best for: Altra fans wanting a more modern, lively, plush low-drop daily trainer with a roomy toe box

8 miles tested · source
TR

Best for: Runners curious about Altra's foot-shaped design without committing to zero-drop

Frequently asked questions

How does the Altra FWD Via 2 fit?

Reviewers note: Upper has opened up from recent Altra iterations that had lacing bite; fit is very comfortable

Per Doctors of Running.

How much does the Altra FWD Via 2 weigh and what is its drop?

The Altra FWD Via 2 weighs about 281g (men's 9), has a 37.0mm heel stack and a 4.0mm heel-toe drop.

What shoes is the Altra FWD Via 2 compared to?

Reviewers compare the Altra FWD Via 2 to Altra FWD Via, Altra Torin, New Balance 1080, Brooks Glycerin Flex.

Per Run Moore, The Run Testers.

How many experts have reviewed the Altra FWD Via 2?

Next Pair aggregates 4 expert reviews of the Altra FWD Via 2, including Doctors of Running, Run Moore, The Running Channel.

Per Doctors of Running, Run Moore, The Running Channel.

Where it sits among similar shoes

Compared to other road daily trainer in the same lane.

Weight · lower = lighter Men's size 9
Altra FWD Via 2
281g
Kiprun Kipride Max
278g
Saucony Hurricane 25
295g
On Cloudmonster Hyper LightSpray 3
264g
Heel stack · higher = more cushioning mm
Altra FWD Via 2
37.0mm
Kiprun Kipride Max
44.0mm
Saucony Hurricane 25
41.0mm
On Cloudmonster Hyper LightSpray 3
46.0mm
Drop · higher = more heel-leaning mm
Altra FWD Via 2
4.0mm
Kiprun Kipride Max
6.0mm
Saucony Hurricane 25
6.0mm
On Cloudmonster Hyper LightSpray 3
6.0mm

Altra FWD Via 2

Data-driven recommendation backed by expert reviews.

Ask the advisor
Methodology. Specs come from manufacturer data and authoritative third-party catalogs. Reviewer verdicts are summarized from named, linked sources — never copied verbatim. We weight clinical and lab-tested sources more heavily than community commentary, but the specific weights stay internal. Never sponsored, never paid placement.
Last updated 2026-08-13