About a year ago, I tested the first Altra FWD VIA, which came out around this same time. If you’ve followed Altra for a while, you know the VIA line has had a complicated history.
Way back when, there was a shoe called the Altra Duo, a max-cushioned, zero-drop model that some of us still miss. It was big, soft, and surprisingly light for its size. Then Altra scrapped it. A few years later, they introduced the VIA, meant to fill that gap as a high-stack, max-cushion neutral trainer. It was fine—big and bold—but not a runaway hit.
The VIA 2 tried to fix things with a softer midsole and new materials, but it still didn’t quite land. We’ve tried several versions of the VIA here in the shop, and none of them really stuck with our customers. People just weren’t that excited about them.
Then came the FWD VIA, a 4mm-drop, max-cushion shoe that was supposed to bring something new to the table. While it looked promising, the VIA line just hadn’t built much momentum for us.
A Soft Reset, Literally
The big focus this time around was softness. Altra completely reworked the midsole and gave the FWD VIA 2 a new EGO Max P35 foam. That same direction continues in upcoming models like the Flow and Form lines, with bouncier, lighter, and more responsive foams that have a bit of spring to them.
And I’ll give credit where it’s due: it worked. The new VIA is noticeably softer and has a smoother, more rolling feel through your stride. You can feel the difference right away, even walking around. I ran in both the old VIA and this new one, and the improvement is obvious.
Now, is it like slipping on a New Balance 1080 or the old Duo? Not quite. But it’s definitely softer than the previous FWD VIA and much closer to what you’d expect from a modern high-cushion shoe.
We Almost Passed on It
To be honest, we weren’t even planning on bringing this shoe in. The VIA line hadn’t performed well for us in the past, and we didn’t have much reason to believe the new one would be different.
But after testing it, we decided to give it a shot, and we’re glad we did. The feedback from customers has been surprisingly positive. Runners are liking the softer feel, and it’s finding an audience that might not have been into the previous versions.
Interestingly, most of the people who’ve enjoyed the new FWD VIA 2 aren’t long-time Altra runners. They’re folks looking for a max-cushion, neutral trainer, not necessarily the zero-drop crowd.
Some Trade-Offs
The shoe did get a bit heavier. My size 12 came in around 12.5 ounces, up from the 11–12 ounce range of the old version. Stack height and drop are basically the same at 4mm, but you can feel a little more weight underfoot.
Personally, I’d still love to see a zero-drop version of this shoe—something that sits above the Torin for people who want that same geometry but in a softer, higher-cushioned build. Right now, the Torin kind of tops out the zero-drop neutral line, and this new 4mm VIA sits just outside that lane. It’d be nice to have both options.
Fit and Feel
The upper is another bright spot. It’s softer, more forgiving, and has better volume through the forefoot. Compared to older VIA models, it feels more cushioned and relaxed without the stiff or narrow feeling we’ve seen before.
When I first wore the original VIA, it felt like something was still stuffed inside, even after I’d broken it in. This new version feels more natural and plush overall.
Final Thoughts
The FWD VIA 2 is easily the best VIA Altra has made so far. It’s softer, smoother, and just more fun to run in. Yes, it’s a little heavier, and it’s still not zero-drop, but it’s a real improvement. For the first time, it feels like this shoe has found its footing.
If you’ve tried past versions and walked away unimpressed, this one might surprise you. It’s not a game-changer, but it’s the first VIA that feels like it’s finally living up to its potential.
Want to try the new Altra FWD VIA 2 for yourself?
Stop by Run Moore in Westminster or check it out online. We’ve got it in stock and ready for some soft, easy miles.
