Altra
FWD VIA 2
Product Judgment
Strong
8.2
Category: Max Cushioned
Release year: 2025
Price Judgment
Reasonable
Common retail price: ~$165
Availability: Widely Available
Description
Altra’s most cushioned road trainer, positioned as a max comfort daily and long-run shoe. Features new EGO P35 foam, broad anatomical fit, and plush upper. Expert reviews consistently highlight its comfort and stability focus.
Ride is smooth, steady, and forgiving, emphasizing fatigue reduction over speed. Wide platform and soft foam create a stable, cushioned feel ideal for easy and long runs. Lacks snap at toe-off, with some forefoot fatigue on extended efforts. Dependable and easy to enjoy for comfort-focused training.
Best suited for runners seeking maximum comfort and protection on daily, long, or recovery runs. Ideal for medium to wide feet and those prioritizing natural foot shape. Not recommended for tempo or race efforts, but excels as a reliable, fatigue-reducing trainer for high mileage.
Performance Scores
Comfort
9Plush cushioning, broad toe box, and padded upper deliver standout comfort for long runs.
Energy Return
6Soft EGO P35 foam feels smooth but lacks a lively or snappy rebound.
Stability
8Wide platform and structured sidewalls provide reliable, unobtrusive stability.
Durability
8Reinforced upper and deep outsole rubber ensure good long-term durability.
Fun to Ride
6Ride is smooth and forgiving but not energetic or exciting.
Run Fitness
Daily
9Excels at daily mileage with comfort and fatigue reduction as main strengths.
Long
9Max cushioning and stable platform support long, steady runs.
Tempo
5Lacks snap and feels heavy for faster-paced efforts.
Race
4Weight and muted energy return limit suitability for racing.
Recovery
9Soft, protective ride is ideal for easy recovery sessions.
Pros & Cons
- Plush max cushioning
- Stable, wide platform
- Roomy anatomical toe box
- Durable outsole
- Lacks energy at toe-off
- Can cause forefoot fatigue
Soft EGO P35 foam and high stack provide excellent comfort and impact protection.
Moderately wide base and sidewalls deliver reliable stability without feeling intrusive.
Original FootShape toe box allows natural toe splay and suits wider feet.
Deep rubber coverage and reinforced upper enhance durability for high-mileage use.
The ride feels smooth but lacks a lively or snappy toe-off, making faster running less enjoyable.
Some runners report forefoot fatigue on longer runs due to the soft foam.
Specifications
Best for paces
5:30-7:30 min/km
Drop
4 mm
Stack height
37 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
Weight
267 g
Drop
4 mm
Stack height
37 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
Weight
267 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
wide
Terrain
Road
Technologies
EGO P35 midsole, Original FootShape toe box, Inner Flex outsole grooves
Plate
no
Best for paces
5:30-7:30 min/km