The Altra Fwd Via Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Altra FWD VIA is a running shoe designed for those seeking a spacious fit and reliable traction. With its notable **ultra-roomy toebox** and **year-round traction**, this model is particularly suitable for runners with wide feet.

Lab tests reveal that the **EGO FLO foam** provides a firm ride, yielding suboptimal energy return during runs. However, its **excellent stability** contributes to a secure experience, making it an option worth considering for athletes prioritizing comfort and support.


Pros

  • Exceptionally spacious toebox
  • Lightweight considering its size
  • Reliable traction
  • Most heel-striker-friendly Altra so far
  • Plush step-in feel
  • Semi-gusseted tongue
  • Stable landings

Cons

  • Underwhelming energy return
  • Midsole feels firmer than expected
  • Durability could be better
  • Actual drop differs from stated spec

Key Features

  • Altra EGO Foam: The original Altra EGO foam is engineered to provide added energy return, delivering a responsive yet soft feel during your runs.
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance: This shoe has earned the prestigious American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, indicating it promotes good foot health.
  • Engineered Mesh Uppers: The lightweight and breathable mesh uppers are designed for optimal airflow, making them suitable for long-distance running on various terrains.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Mesh
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up

Altra Fwd Via Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Altra FWD VIA Reebok FloatZig 1 ASICS Novablast 5 Saucony Endorphin Shift 3
Price $160 $130 $140 $150
Pace Daily running Daily running Daily running Daily running
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 9 oz / 254g 10.1 oz / 285g 9 oz / 254g 9.6 oz / 272g
Drop lab Drop brand 6.5 mm 7.0 mm 7.4 mm 6.5 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Heel Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot
Size Slightly small True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Soft Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Normal Big Normal
Toebox durability Decent Decent Bad -
Heel padding durability Decent Decent Decent -
Outsole durability Decent Bad Good -
Breathability Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Wide Medium Medium Narrow
Toebox width Wide Medium Medium -
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Stiff Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Rocker
Heel lab Heel brand 35.9 mm 36.8 mm 40.9 mm 39.6 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 29.4 mm 29.8 mm 33.5 mm 33.1 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Orthotic friendly
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 47% Top 24% Top 5% Top 30%
Popularity Top 37% Bottom 30% Top 2% Bottom 43%