Altra VIA Olympus 2 vs FWD VIA 2

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.