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Weight
9.31 oz / 264g for men’s US9
Stack height
33-37mm stack height
4mm drop
Made for
Transitioning from a conventional shoe such as Hoka or Nike
Fit
Average volume
Average wide midfoot
Wide Toe box
True to size
Feel
Very soft under foot
No ground feel
Stiff
Pros & Cons
+ Lightweight soft cushion
+ Wide toe box
– Massive stack height
With a high stack height and a 4mm drop, Altra’s new super shoe? I hope not.
But the Altra FWD Via is a bold step forward with a new lightweight midsole foam and a heel measured at 37mm!
This shoe certainly keeps those legs turning over, but is it the right direction for the company?
I wanted to test this shoe because I felt I couldn’t have an opinion on the new Experience line of Altra shoes if I’d never tried them. So here’s what I found.
The fit of the Altra FWD Via is something you want to get right. Running true to size for the most part, this shoe provides a snug yet accommodating fit, suitable for many foot types. If you’ve tried the Olympus or Olympus Via in the past, you’ll know this fit well. If you need a little more depth in the shoe, you can always switch out the insole for extra room.
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The toe box is the real MVP, offering plenty of room for natural toe splay. This design is a dream for those who prioritize foot health, allowing your toes to spread comfortably with each step reducing the risk of discomfort or injury. And that’s where the FWD Via shines. If your choice is between this and a Hoka, the toe box makes this shoe a no-brainer.
The side walls of the midsole foam curl up around the foot, which could be uncomfortable for those with flat feet. While this might seem limiting for those with wider or flatter feet, most runners will find it quite comfortable. Unlike the narrower midfoot in the Rivera and Escalante models, the Altra FWD Via’s midfoot offers moderate width, providing a reliable option for average foot widths.
The heel fit is all about stability, thanks to the high side walls creating a bucket-like feel. This design locks your heel in place during runs, minimizing rolling of the ankle and offering a secure, locked-in sensation. However, the footbed’s molding might feel bumpy for some, requiring an adjustment period. I would argue that this design is not foot health-promoting and should be used in very specific cases. But frankly, I’d be arguing against a whole industry here!
A lace-lock (runner’s loop) is a must with this model. While the heel lock isn’t the worst, I still found it necessary to use a lace lock to secure my heel. The extra eyelets toward the heel are placed perfectly, and I had no issues with the heel collar rubbing.
Altra FWD Via
The high stack height is all about cushioning, offering a plush underfoot feel. Ideal for long-distance, faster runs, this 4mm drop eases the transition for those used to higher-drop shoes, reducing calf strain while maintaining a natural stride. However, the elevated stack diminishes ground feel, affecting stability due to a disconnection from the ground. For those transitioning from traditional shoes, the stack height strikes a balance, though I suggest progressing into lower stack heights for some training runs.
The midsole may be soft, but the shoe is inflexible. It feels like a Hoka, offering a stable platform with some squish. Unlike more flexible models like the Altra Torin, the FWD Via’s stiffness creates a rocker motion during the ride, causing the foot to do less work. In the short term, this is fine, but if used chronically, I’d be concerned about foot health.
The outsole rubber resembles a compound similar to that used in the Torin and Escalante. Wet or dry, I felt I had enough grip. Rubber covers the forefoot, lateral, and heel areas of the outsole, leaving some foam exposed, which could affect overall traction and durability.
If you’ve used any other zero-drop Altra in the past, it’s not worth jumping on this shoe. While trying an Altra with a new foam compound is interesting, I’m sure this foam will trickle down to the zero-drop models eventually. I believe the larger stack height and 4mm drop are not worth the transition.
Altra FWD Via
There’s little concern regarding the durability of the FWD Via. Considering this isn’t a rugged trail or gym shoe, the design has little to go wrong. The outsole is good enough, the upper is okay, and the midsole is the only potential question mark.
The rubber outsole is a key player, designed for traction and longevity. Rubber extends along the heel and outer foot, ensuring surface stability and grip. However, exposed foam areas may raise concerns about longevity, particularly in wet or abrasive conditions. The rubber segments offer commendable durability, but if you take these shoes on trails (don’t), you’ll see substantial wear.
While the midsole foam excels in comfort and responsiveness, its softness poses questions about long-term durability. The EgoFlo midsole might compress over time, impacting support and stability for those preferring structured shoes. As this foam is new from Altra, it’s tough to judge, but my experience with softer foams in the past hasn’t been great.
The upper construction is reinforced to boost durability. Made from tightly woven mesh, it combines lightweight breathability with a robust structure, preventing stretching over time. Strategically placed overlays around the lacing ensure the upper is secure during intense runs. The raised toe cap is also a welcome design, further enhancing durability and adding volume to the toe box.
Altra FWD Via
So, what’s the final word on the Altra FWD Via?
For me, it’s a no… but of course, I’m a barefoot runner. A 37mm stack height and a 4mm drop shoe will never satisfy me.
So who is this for?
If you’ve been in Hokas for a decade and want the freeing feeling of a wide toe box, this is a great shoe for you. It’ll help you dip your toe into Altra waters while still offering a performant shoe.
If you’re an original Altra lover, I’d say stick with the Torin or even the Escalante if you want a lower stack. Both of these options favor foot health in the long run.
Altra FWD Via
