Products
Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated Jun 18, 2026 02:43 PM
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Amazon
Tested using Methodology v0.12
Updated Jul 22, 2026 12:48 PM
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Amazon
Weight
272.9 g (9.63 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
4.2 mm
Plate
None
Weight
240.0 g (8.47 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
4.0 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
Altra FWD VIA 2
Altra Experience Flow 3
The Altra Experience Flow 3 and Altra FWD VIA 2 are two Altra models that use a 4 mm drop instead of the brand’s usual zero-drop platform, but they apply that more conventional geometry in different ways. The Experience Flow 3 is the lighter, more nimble option, with a more grounded and connected ride that feels easier to turn over for everyday miles. The FWD VIA 2 brings a higher stack to the table, which doesn’t make it plush, but it does create a bigger buffer between your legs and the road.
Variants
- FWD VIA 2 (Black/Black - (Men - US 9))
- FWD VIA 2 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
- Experience Flow 3 (Black/Black - (Men - US 9))
- Experience Flow 3 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
Main Differences for
Half/Full Marathon Racing
Half/Full Marathon Racing
Threshold
Half/Full Marathon Racing
5.3
5.6
Plate
None
None
Weight
5.5
6.8
Heel Stack Height
35.2 mm
32.4 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
31.0 mm
28.4 mm
Forefoot Energy Return
2.3
1.3
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
5.5
6.8
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
272.9 g (9.63 oz)
240.0 g (8.47 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
35.2 mm
32.4 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
31.0 mm
28.4 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
4.2 mm
4.0 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
4.0 mm
4.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
96 mm (3.8")
91 mm (3.6")
Outsole Arch Width
85 mm (3.3")
78 mm (3.1")
Outsole Forefoot Width
113 mm (4.4")
114 mm (4.5")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.73
2.80
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.65
4.01
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
275 mm (10.8")
279 mm (11.0")
Internal Heel Width
64 mm (2.5")
66 mm (2.6")
Internal Forefoot Width
100 mm (3.9")
99 mm (3.9")
Wide Sizing Available
No
No
Forefoot Fit: Width
8.2
8.4
Forefoot Width Photo
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Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
5.8 mm (0.228")
3.4 mm (0.134")
Toe TTS Deviation
5.8 mm (0.227")
9.6 mm (0.377")
Forefoot Fit: Height
8.0
8.5
Forefoot Height Photo
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Toe TTS Deviation
-2.5 mm (-0.098")
-2.0 mm (-0.080")
Arch Fit: Width
6.9
10
Arch Fit Photo
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Arch Width TTS Deviation
-4.8 mm (-0.189")
0.1 mm (0.003")
Length Fit
10
7.0
Toe Clearance Photo
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Heel Rocker Geometry
8.0
Heel Rocker Photo
Heel Spring
28 mm (1.1")
Heel Apex Position
16.0%
Heel Rocker Angle
31.3°
Forefoot Rocker Geometry
6.1
Forefoot Rocker Photo
Toe Spring
42 mm (1.7")
Toe Apex Position
65.3%
Forefoot Rocker Angle
22.8°
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Semi-gusseted
Fully-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Compression Energy Return
1.4
0.7
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
66.2%
62.4%
Forefoot Compression Energy Return
2.3
1.3
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
68.3%
65.9%
Heel Cushioning
7.0
5.5
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
3.43 J
2.70 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
8.66 J
7.20 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
14.16 J
12.38 J
Forefoot Cushioning
7.1
6.3
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
4.46 J
3.87 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
7.54 J
6.75 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
10.96 J
9.89 J
Heel Firmness
6.3
9.3
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Heel Firmness Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
54.5 N/mm
57.8 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
132.6 N/mm
72.3 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
279.6 N/mm
101.0 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
8.4
9.5
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Forefoot Firmness Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
115.4 N/mm
77.6 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
241.8 N/mm
99.0 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
446.6 N/mm
136 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
6.3
5.7
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
6.86 J
6.24 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
6.63 J
6.07 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
6.59 J
5.97 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
6.79 J
5.91 J
Rocker Stiffness
7.1
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Video
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Graph
Preview Graph
Force To Flatten The Rocker
87 N
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
3.3
Forefoot Bending Video
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
51.0%
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
6.5
Forefoot Bending Resistance Picture
Forefoot Bending Resistance
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
9.6 N/mm
Forefoot Bending Force
253 N
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Altra FWD VIA 2
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Comments
Altra FWD VIA 2 vs Altra Experience Flow 3: Main Discussion
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