Altra FWD VIA 2
Altra's most cushioned daily trainer for road running, the FWD VIA 2 features updated foam and refined comfort for regular weekly runs, big miles, and all-day wear.
Best Use
Surface
Stability
Cushioning
All Men's Road Shoes
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Daily TrainersDaily Trainers
As the broad base of the running shoe pyramid, daily trainers are the definition of a go-to running shoe. They prioritize dependable comfort, support, durability, and routine versatility. They're a staple in every runner's closet. If you're newer to running shoes, you can confidently start your journey here.
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Performance TrainersPerformance Trainers
Performance trainers (or "super trainers") blend elements of daily trainers and super shoes, often giving you the benefits of advanced foams and plates while being adapted for daily training. They make fast runs faster and long runs easier. Their high versatility also makes them great choices as accessible racing shoes.
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Super ShoesSuper Shoes
The pinnacle of the pyramid, super shoes are the fastest running shoes you can buy. They're designed to race your absolute best and are the apex of running-shoe technology and innovation. Often built with carbon-fiber plates and cutting-edge superfoams for the highest energy return, they're made for ultimate racing speed.
Men's Running Shoes by Surface
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Roads & PavementRoads & Pavement
Road running shoes feature smooth outsoles that are designed for running on paved surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and bike paths.
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Smooth Trails & FireroadsSmooth Trails & Fireroads
Designed to handle most trail runs, these shoes prioritize comfort and a smooth ride. These shoes are great for anything from smooth singletrack, park trails, and fireroads making them ideal for those who run from their doorstep on streets before hitting the trail.
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Rocky & Technical TrailsRocky & Technical Trails
These shoes are best used for hard, rugged trails such as shale, granite or sandstone where grip on smooth surfaces and underfoot protection are important.
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Soft & Muddy TrailsSoft & Muddy Trails
Designed for use in muddy, soggy conditions, these shoes feature very aggressive outsoles that dig deep into soft ground for exceptional traction.
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Snowy & Icy TrailsSnowy & Icy Trails
These shoes feature technical outsoles designed to grip snowy and icy trails making them ideal for winter trail running.
Cushioning Level
Cushioning level, or stack height, refers to how much shoe is between your foot and the ground. For this category, we reference the amount of cushioning below the forefoot as the heel height will be equal to or greater than the forefoot height.
Learn more about stack heights and how we measure them.-
Barefoot
0-13mm. The Shoe generally does not have a midsole and feels like there is no cushioning. This shoe is all about feeling the ground underfoot.
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Minimal
14-18mm. The shoe has a thin midsole that allows for a natural running experience. Racing shoes and minimalist shoes are common here. These shoes offer a feeling of being connected to the road or trail.
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Low
19-23mm. The shoe has a slightly cushioned feel and may feature added cushioning technologies. Performance training shoes and some trail shoes are common here. These offer protection during footstrike but prioritize a lightweight, grounded experience.
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Medium
24-28mm. These shoes have a stack height that fall near the middle of the spectrum.The shoes in this category are verstaile and great for all types of runs and distances.
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High
29-34mm. The shoe has a thick midsole and ample cushioning. These shoes are highly protective and absorb more impact than the body.
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Maximal
35mm plus. The shoe has an extremely thick midsole and extra cushioning. The focus is on protection and soft foam underfoot with hardly any ground feel.
Stability Level
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Neutral Running Shoes
Neutral shoes support the foot through a normal range of arch collapse and generally do not have built-in technology to correct movement.
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Stability Running Shoes
Stability shoes are a great option for those who overpronate or need added support. These shoes help to limit the inward rolling motion of the ankle while running or walking and assist in guiding the foot straight through the gait cycle.
Product Highlights:
Max out your miles in the FWD VIA 2, Altra's most cushioned road running shoe for daily training, long runs, and lasting comfort when you spend all day on your feet. The key update here is a switch to EGO P35 midsole foam. Compared to the previous EGO FLO, P35 offers gentler comfort while retaining highly runnable efficiency and relatively low weight. This means feeling improved impact absorption, keeping your soles and joints happier for longer.
Continuing the theme, the engineered mesh upper has a finer feel and a softer plush tongue for an improved on-foot experience. Its modest heel-to-toe drop and subtle rocker shape encourage easy-rolling strides without straying from Altra's focus on your natural foot shape and biomechanics. To finish, a full coverage outsole of thick rubber creates long-lasting durability.
Step into the Altra FWD VIA 2 and take on your biggest training weeks—or your longest days on your feet—with comfort that lasts from the first mile to the last hour of your day.
What You'll Love:
- Updated plusher foam—Altra's most cushioned road running shoe
- Refined upper for a softer on-foot feel
- Long-lasting comfort and durability for miles and all-day wear
Model Number: AL0A85SR161
Specs & FitLearn More
Shoe Specs
| Weight: | 9.9 oz 281 g |
| Heel Stack: | 37 mm |
| Forefoot Stack: | 33 mm |
| Heel-Toe Offset: | 4 mm |
How We Measure Our Shoe Specs
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We measure every shoe in-house to provide accurate and consistent details.
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Weight
The weight is based on a Men's size 9 for Men's and Unisex shoes or Women's size 8 for Women's shoes. The weight listed is for a single shoe, including the laces.
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Heel Stack
The heel stack refers to how high your heel sits above the ground when wearing shoes. Based on Men's size 9 as the standard.
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Forefoot Stack
Forefoot stack refers to how high the ball of the foot sits above the ground when wearing shoes. Based on Men's size 9 as the standard.
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Heel-toe Offset
Heel-toe offset (drop) is the difference in height between the heel stack and the forefoot stack. We use the number given to us by the brand.
How We Measure Shoe Fit
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All measurements are based on Medium width.
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Fit (width) options are Narrow - Snug - Average - Roomy - Wide.
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Sizing (length) options are Short - True - Long. Note: fit is relative to the "average" running shoe.
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We partner with SmartLast, a program by Heeluxe, to use advanced shoe-measuring technology, to provide objective measurements for toe box, midfoot, and heel widths as well as overall length.
Cushioning Level
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BarefootBarefoot
0-13mm. The Shoe generally does not have a midsole and feels like there is no cushioning. This shoe is all about feeling the ground underfoot.
-
MinimalMinimal
14-18mm. The shoe has a thin midsole that allows for a natural running experience. Racing shoes and minimalist shoes are common here. These shoes offer a feeling of being connected to the road or trail.
-
LowLow
19-23mm. The shoe has a slightly cushioned feel and may feature added cushioning technologies. Performance training shoes and some trail shoes are common here. These offer protection during footstrike but prioritize a lightweight, grounded experience.
-
MediumMedium
24-28mm. These shoes have a stack height that fall near the middle of the spectrum.The shoes in this category are verstaile and great for all types of runs and distances.
-
HighHigh
29-34mm. The shoe has a thick midsole and ample cushioning. These shoes are highly protective and absorb more impact than the body.
-
MaximalMaximal
35mm plus. The shoe has an extremely thick midsole and extra cushioning. The focus is on protection and soft foam underfoot with hardly any ground feel.
Technologies
MIDSOLE
- EGO™ P35 foam is a 35% OBC/EVA blend for an enjoyable combo of plush protection and composed responsiveness.
OUTSOLE
- Rubber compound provides a generous layer of full coverage for enduring grip.
UPPER
- Engineered mesh creates an airy, softer, and supportive fit.
- Original FootShape™ fit provides Altra's most spacious fit, roomier than Standard. It gives your foot room for its natural alignment, to be a strong and stable foundation.
