Altra FWD Via Review: Interruption to the FLO

What You Need To Know

Introduction to the Altra FWD Via

AUSTIN: I’ve spent the past three weeks deciding whether or not I like the Altra FWD Via. The Experience Line, now without FWD in the name, includes the Experience Flow, Experience Form, and Experience Wild. Basically, a bunch of daily trainers with 4 mm heel-toe drops, generous toe boxes, and rocker geometries. So, where does the FWD Via fit into this lineup besides having the wrong naming scheme? And what does it mean for fans of the Via Olympus 2? I reviewed that model last December, so an update should be approaching, right? Well, friends, I’ve got good news and bad news.

What we like about the Altra FWD Via

AUSTIN: First, the bad news: if you loved the Via Olympus 2, snag another pair (or two), as the FWD Via is taking over for that plush tank. Now, the good news: if you loved the original Via Olympus but wanted less weight and a higher drop like the Experience Flow and Experience Form, the FWD Via checks both those boxes.

Altra added its new EGO FLO compound to the FWD Via, a supercritical midsole (TPU/EVA blend) that sounds soft in name but feels firm underfoot. Outside of that, though, the overall comfort is excellent. As an Original FootShape model, there’s ample room for my toes to splay, and there’s a bit of give in the midfoot (more on that later).

Runners with wider feet will dig this model, no doubt about it. The modestly padded, fully gusseted tongue matches nicely with the engineered mesh upper, a secure heel counter, and a pull tab. Rubber along the outsole in high-wear areas adds durability and traction. I can’t complain too much about the fit or the grip. Good work, Altra.

What we don’t like about the Altra FWD Via

AUSTIN: A supercritical midsole in an Altra shoe? I like the idea on paper, but the execution could have been better. I longed for some responsive bounce that I kept reading about, but easy runs and tempo runs alike felt heavy and a bit clunky. Moreover, I expected Altra’s EGO FLO to mimic the plush EGO MAX in the Via Olympus 2, but alas, it skews firm. Is the shoe bouncy? Somewhat, but I didn’t notice the rocker or the bounce. It’s kind of like trying to cruise in a souped-up golf cart that still has a speed limiter.

Along with the flat ride, I had trouble with midfoot lockdown. I pulled the laces tight before heading out and still had to stop on multiple runs for some extra pull. I’d blame this on my narrow feet and the Original FootShape fit, so it wasn’t a complete dealbreaker. After securing the fit, I finished the run without stopping again.

Final thoughts on the Altra FWD Via

AUSTIN: According to Altra, the FWD Via is a max cushion shoe. Maybe it is in their book, but I happen to think that gauging comfort is a deeply personal experience. To me, this is a firm shoe, albeit one with a maximum amount of cushioning. It’s a stark contrast to the Brooks Glycerin Max and Puma MagMax Nitro, both of which are max cushioned but far, far softer. I hoped the FWD VIA would be a continuation of the Via Olympus 2 (which I liked), but it feels more like the OG Via Olympus (which I didn’t like).

Like the OG Via Olympus, there’s a disconnect again. The upper is comfortable and the stack height is impressive, but the EGO FLO midsole ride undercuts the max cushion marketing message. This time around, I’m not going with the FLO.

You can pick up the Altra FWD Via for $160 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.