Altra’s FWD Via is the brand’s first venture into the lightweight, high-cushioned trainer market. Known for its zero-drop shoes and FootShape forefoot, the brand now introduces a model (with a 4 mm drop) that combines cushioning with a lighter-weight profile. This review delves into how the shoe performs across different conditions, plus its standout features and a few reasons why you should, or shouldn’t try out the FWD Via this fall.
Specs
Weight: 269 g (men’s 9), 235 g (women’s 7)
Cushioning: Neutral
Drop: 4 mm
Stack Height: 37 mm
Price: CAD $200.00
Availability: Now
Upper
The upper is made from an engineered spacer mesh, designed for breathability and with a streamlined look. It holds the foot securely without feeling restrictive, and the high collar around the heel offers a comfortable, snug fit. While the upper is generally effective, the tongue feels somewhat bulky, which can limit breathability on warmer days. Despite this, I found the shoe’s upper supports a wide range of foot shapes, thanks to the brand’s trademark FootShape Fit for natural toe splay.
Midsole
At the heart of the FWD Via’s cushioning is the brand’s nitrogen-infused EGO FLO midsole foam, which is engineered for a lightweight and responsive feel. This foam provides a cushioned yet bouncy ride, suitable for both short and long runs. The midsole strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness, offering enough cushion for recovery days while remaining light enough for faster efforts.
During testing, I found the shoe excelled on roads and trails, providing a smooth, efficient stride, especially on softer surfaces. However, on longer road runs (past 10K), I experienced hotspots under the ball of my right foot, suggesting that the cushioning might not be as plush as the stack height suggests. For those who appreciate a firmer shoe or are accustomed to Altra’s other models, the transition to the FWD Via should feel natural.
Outsole
The outsole features a durable rubber compound that grips well on various surfaces, from roads to light trails. The rubber isn’t overly aggressive, but the traction is reliable for wet and dry conditions. The shoe’s rocker geometry complements the 4 mm drop, providing a slight forward motion with each step, noticeable on longer runs when efficiency matters most. This design gives the sensation of a smooth toe-off, aiding in maintaining a steady pace.
Verdict
The Altra FWD Via is a welcome addition to the high-cushion category, offering a lightweight build that’s versatile enough for a range of training needs. It’s particularly well-suited for runners who appreciate a spacious toe box and a low 4 mm drop, delivering a more natural stride.
While the shoe’s cushioning is adequate for most runs, it may not feel as plush as some might want, especially during longer sessions on harder surfaces. Additionally, the thicker tongue could be a drawback for those running in warmer conditions. Overall, the FWD Via is a solid choice for runners looking to add a versatile, high-cushioned trainer to their rotation, especially for mixed-surface training and daily runs. If you’re in the market for a lightweight, everyday trainer with a roomy fit and solid cushioning, the Altra FWD Via is worth considering.
