We've tested these running shoes to expand our database and allow users to compare results to help with their buying decisions. We don't expect to write a full review, but if you have any questions about this product, please let us know.
Changelog
-
Updated Apr 21, 2026:
We fixed a typo in the Heel-To-Toe Drop test of the Stack Heights section of the review.
- Updated Dec 11, 2025: Review published.
- Updated Dec 08, 2025: Early access published.
- Updated Oct 15, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Oct 01, 2025: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Sep 22, 2025: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The Altra FWD VIA 2 and Altra VIA Olympus 2 are two of Altra's most cushioned road shoes, even if both still feel a lot less plush than most max-cushion models in the market. The VIA Olympus 2 absorbs more of the force you put into it, and it also sticks with a zero-drop platform that reduces ground feel at the forefoot and creates a more even feel underfoot, though it also feels heavier. The FWD VIA 2 uses a 4 mm drop, which is still quite low but can allow for smoother heel-to-toe transitions. It also feels lighter and much more stable overall, even if its midsole isn't quite as capable of absorbing impacts from the ground.