Altra
FWD VIA 2 Running Shoe – Women's
$164.95
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The Grivet Take
The FWD VIA 2 is Altra's softer take on the FWD VIA platform. Same 37/33 stack and 4mm drop as v1 but with EGO P35 foam (softer than v1's EGO FLO) and a refreshed upper. Best for runners who want Altra's wider FootShape fit plus a max-cushion daily-trainer ride, customers who liked v1 but found it too firm, and runners wanting Altra fit without committing to zero-drop. Skip it for race-day, runners committed to zero-drop (Lone Peak or Torin), or anyone who specifically liked v1's firmer ride.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.5 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.4 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.5 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.4 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.2 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.2 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
No added support structure
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Standard platform
How it fits
Altra's signature FootShape toe box runs notably wider than other brands' standard fits. Standard (B) width because the FootShape platform inherently fits wider feet. Heel and midfoot are normal-snug; forefoot is roomy. The v2 upper refresh improves breathability and lockdown vs v1.
How it feels
Soft, max-cushion, slightly rocker-assisted. EGO P35 reads notably softer than v1's EGO FLO, which is the most-noticed v2 change. The 4mm drop is more conventional than zero-drop, easier for runners coming from non-Altra brands. The high 37mm stack absorbs impact on long easy miles. Not built for race-day responsiveness; foam wants easy effort.
Quick specs
- Category
- Daily trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 37.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 33.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 4.0 mm
- Weight (women's 8)
- 8.4 oz · 238 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 5 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Standard platform
- Midsole
- Altra EGO P35
- Outsole
- rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- B
Tech, translated
Altra EGO P35 midsole: Altra's softer performance EVA, the same foam used in the Experience Flow 3 and Experience Form. In the FWD VIA 2 it's tuned for max-cushion daily training, distinct from the racier-feeling Experience Flow.
4mm drop: the FWD VIA line abandoned Altra's traditional zero-drop in favor of a 4mm drop that's more accessible to runners coming from non-Altra brands. Customers wanting zero-drop should look at the Torin or Lone Peak lines.
FootShape toe box: Altra's anatomical toe box, wider through the forefoot than non-Altra brands.
What changed from the previous version
The FWD VIA 2 keeps the v1 platform (37/33 stack, 4mm drop, FootShape toe box) and refreshes two things: midsole foam moves from EGO FLO to EGO P35 (softer and more compliant), and the upper is updated for better fit and breathability. Net result is a softer, more cushioned daily-trainer feel; v1 fans who specifically liked the firmer EGO FLO ride may find v2 too soft. v1 fans who found v1 stiff should find v2 a clear improvement.
Frequently asked
How does the Altra FWD VIA 2 compare to the original Altra FWD VIA?
Both share the same 37/33 stack, 4mm drop, and FootShape toe box. The v2 changes are softer EGO P35 foam (vs v1's firmer EGO FLO) and a refreshed upper. Choose the FWD VIA 2 if you want Altra's wider forefoot fit plus a softer max-cushion ride. Choose the original FWD VIA if you specifically liked v1's firmer character or want closeout pricing.
What changed from the Altra FWD VIA?
The FWD VIA 2 keeps the same 37/33 stack and 4mm drop as v1 but moves to softer EGO P35 foam (from v1's EGO FLO) and a refreshed upper for better fit and breathability. v1 fans who found the original too firm will find v2 a clear improvement; v1 fans who specifically liked the firmer ride may find v2 too soft.
Is the Altra FWD VIA 2 good for treadmill running?
Yes, the EGO P35 cushion handles repeated treadmill foot strikes comfortably and the rubber outsole holds up well to belt wear. The wide FootShape toe box and 37mm stack add real comfort on longer steady-state runs. Strong choice for runners doing daily training on a treadmill.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Saucony Ride 17
Choose the FWD VIA 2 if you want Altra's wider FootShape fit and a 4mm drop. Choose the Ride 17 if you want Saucony's neutral 8mm-drop daily trainer.
Compare Saucony Ride 17 →
Brooks Ghost 17
Choose the FWD VIA 2 if you want Altra's wider forefoot and 4mm drop. Choose the Ghost 17 if you want Brooks's traditional daily-trainer fit at 10mm drop.
Compare Brooks Ghost 17 →
Brooks Glycerin Max
Choose the FWD VIA 2 if you want Altra's wider FootShape fit. Choose the Glycerin Max if you want Brooks's DNA Tuned cushion in a wider stable platform.
Compare Brooks Glycerin Max →
Hoka Bondi 9
Choose the FWD VIA 2 if you want the wider Altra forefoot fit. Choose the Bondi 9 if you want Hoka's signature pillowy CMEVA ride and aggressive Meta-Rocker.
Compare Hoka Bondi 9 →
Buyer's guide
Read our running shoes guide
A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
Read the guide