How to Choose Running Shoes

Built for comfort and performance, the men's Altra VIA Olympus 2 road-running shoes have plush footbeds and softer midsole foam for an improved step-in feel, so you can lace up and go.
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Imported.
View all Altra Men's Road-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
---|---|
Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 33 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 33 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Engineered mesh |
Midsole | Altra EGO MAX foam |
Outsole | Rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 3.2 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.4 |
Altra’s unique FootShape™ toe box and zero to low shoes are built to place your foot in a natural position, with a stable and confident foundation to run on. When fitting, be sure to allow a full thumb’s width in front of your toes. If your feet are used to cramped toe boxes, Altra shoes may feel a little big at first. Give your toes some time to get used to the newfound wiggle room.
Altra offers a range of FootShape fits:
Original Fit: The fit that started it all, Original is the roomiest of the 3 options from Altra.
Standard Fit: The most common fit from Altra is right in the middle of Original and Slim.
Slim Fit: The slimmest-fitting Altra option still allows room for your toes to spread out naturally.
IS THIS SHOE TRUE TO SIZE? The product Features above will provide a suggestion if Altra advises you to size up or down in this particular shoe. If no such note exists, please order your regular size.
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[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have worn many versions of the Timp model by Altra and was happy when they decided to expand their options to multiple widths. This is the first time I'm trying on the Via Olympus model. It fits very similar to the Timp model. I wear an 11 1/2 wide US and the length is spot on. When completing the survey, I stated that I wore wide width but was shipped a medium so they're a bit snug in the width for me but overall I believe they run true to width. The shape of the toe box is very comfortable and ergonomic. The only issue I've noticed is that the height of the toe box is in the low side but there's still just enough room for my big toe not to touch the top of the shoe. As for the drop of the sole, it is the normal low drop that Altra is known for. Personally, I have to get used to wearing these as I'm normally wearing work boots with a 3/4" heel on a daily basis. The cushioning of the sole is on the extreme side yet is a neutral sole. I over pronate on both feet and require orthotics to correct unless I'm wearing an extremely supportive shoe like the Brooks Beast. I've added a photo showing with and without orthotics. Overall, this is a great running shoe with a low drop, neutral sole and extreme cushioning that runs true to size.
Newly arrived shoes show clear signs of previous usage out of the box: dried mud, small pebbles, and light wear on soles.
Shoes arrived and show clear signs of previous usage out of the box: dried mud, small pebbles, and light wear on soles.
Very disappointed. Purchased at the recommendation of Surgeon. First time with Altra shoes. After just 6weeks of casual walking, right heel wore out. Warranty replacement denied. Switching to Hoka.
Hi Michael, Thank you for providing this feedback! We would love to talk more with you regarding your experience. We will have a representative from our Customer Care Team reach out to you within the next 24-48 hours.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] These Altra Via Olympus 2 are amazingly comfortable shoes. I didn't know how much I needed these shoes until I actually put them on my feet. The Altra Footshape is a vast contrast to many other running sneakers that I have worn for years, because this wide and roomy toe box allows my toes to have the room they need to spread and disperse. Another unique feature with this shoe is the zero toe drop which keeps my foot in a natural positions from heel to toe within the shoe. This takes some time to get used to because I feel its strengthening my Achilles and foot as a whole. Visually I noticed right out of the box the shoe size and cushioning. There is a lot of Altra EGO MAX midsole on this shoe that gives me a very high stack height, but when I'm running it all absorbs my body weight very well. The bounce it provides is fantastic and the shoes don't feel heavy. It's a maximum cushion sneaker and it feels great on my feet for walking and running needs. The style of the sneaker is modern and casual at the same time. Easy to wear this sneaker for many different scenarios. Looking forward to using these shoes for many more miles on my runs. In the runs I have completed so far, my legs feel less fatigued afterwards. The shoes truly absorb quite a bit of impact which helps to keep my joints happy.
Beware of a short-lived shoe; I got about 150 miles out of my Via Olympus 2 shoes. With just six weeks of walking paved neighborhood streets, up to four miles a day--by a 66 year-old who weighs 145 pounds--the shoes had holes. A hole in the top above my toe, a hole in the center behind my heel, and a hole on the side of the heel box. All beginning after just 150 miles or so of gentle dog walking. I contacted Altra customer service, and after providing all the information they requested they denied my warranty claim. I've worn high quality running shoes for over 40 years. I don't wearout shoes quickly usually get 350-500 miles from a pair. None have disintegrated so spectacularly or so quickly as these Altras. I suspect any other brand of running shoe from REI will be better than these, don't bother with Altra.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I do not know where to start with this review, but these shoes are amazing. They look big, but they are extremely light weight and very comfortable. There is so much support that makes it easy for people with flat feet to run and exercise comfortably without discomfort. The front of the shoe is wider than most other shoes and the extra room is great for me to move my toes around when needed. I would highly recommend this shoe for individuals with flat feet that like to run as it is light weight, but well-cushioned and durable. You can also wear them casually even if you are not exercising as they are breathable and stylish.
Altra continues to make shoes with below quality materials & I am just about done with giving them another chance. I have been wearing Altra for about 4 years now...design, fit & form are the things I love about Altra, but I have never worn out a pair...they always fall apart: Torin, the outer-sole always came unglued from mid-sole/cushion, Olympus, the mid-sole/cushion would be exposed under the arch (not covered by the outer sole/vibram) and would tear up very early (after just a few hikes) & the final straw is the Via Olympus, my favorite shoe, the sock liner on the heel has started ripping out after just a couple months...the shoes look brand new everywhere else...I have lost patience...every next generation shoe feels like it is made with better quality, but something always falls apart, comes apart or rips out very early in the use (usually within 6-8 weeks).
Thank you for providing this feedback! We would love to talk more with you about your experience. We will have a representative from our Customer Care Team reach out to you within the next 24-48 hours.
I use these for daily walking and causal running, purchased 3 months ago, put maybe 200-250 miles on them combined. They are extremely comfy even standing all day, but durability is non-existent. Heel liner is completely worn through in multiple areas, even with lace-lock. Altra claims this is normal wear and tear. Cannot justify the price paid per mile.
Dear George, Thank you for providing this feedback! We would love to talk more with you regarding your experience. We will have a representative from our Customer Care Team reach out to you within the next 24-48 hours. We are constantly working to ensure that our shoes meet the highest standards of manufacturing and quality control. Moving forward with new releases, we have addressed the issues that have been brought to our attention. We are constantly taking in feedback and ensuring it gets to the appropriate department to make sure that issues get handled moving forward.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have had the Men's Via Olympus 2 for a few weeks. When I first got them I had to get use to all the extra cishioning on the heel of the show. Once I got used to it I really like it. I normally have to wear a 4E width on other shoes, but these the toe box is just made for my feet. I never new of the Altra brand but, I am convinced that thses will be the only sneakers I will be wearing from now on. I also normally wear insoles for support, I haven't needed them at all. I walk and run between 5 to 10 miles a day. My feet feel great. I highly reccommend them. I did get these as part of a promotion but, I am being honest on how much I love them.