Altra FWD Via 2
Road Daily Trainer

Altra FWD Via 2

A meaningful step forward for Altra's max-cushion trainer, the FWD Via 2 delivers the softest iteration yet with its new P35 Ego foam, though it trades some responsiveness for plushness and gains noticeable weight compared to its predecessor.

"the most interesting Altra I've run in for a long time" — The Run Testers
Physical blueprint

Where this shoe sits

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

Best for

Daily Training
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 · 3 reviewers · grouped per channel

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

Is the Altra FWD Via 2 good for daily training?

A meaningful step forward for Altra's max-cushion trainer, the FWD Via 2 delivers the softest iteration yet with its new P35 Ego foam, though it trades some responsiveness for plushness and gains noticeable weight compared to its predecessor.

How does the Altra FWD Via 2 fit?

Reviewers note: Great fit, voluminous forefoot, plush new upper that feels puffier and more forgiving than previous Via versions; runs wider through the forefoot.

Per Run Moore.

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 3 expert reviews of the Altra FWD Via 2, including Run Moore, The Running Channel, The Run Testers.

Per Run Moore, The Running Channel, The Run Testers.

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
HOKA Skyward X 2
283g
On Cloudmonster Hyper 3
264g
New Balance 880 15
281g
Heel stack · higher = more cushioning mm
Altra FWD Via 2
37.0mm
HOKA Skyward X 2
49.0mm
On Cloudmonster Hyper 3
46.0mm
New Balance 880 15
38.0mm
Drop · higher = more heel-leaning mm
Altra FWD Via 2
4.0mm
HOKA Skyward X 2
5.0mm
On Cloudmonster Hyper 3
6.0mm
New Balance 880 15
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 2026-06-14