Altra  FWD VIA Road-Running Shoes - Women's

$160.00
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Looking for high cushion and luxurious comfort? The women's Altra FWD VIA road-running shoes will keep your feet happy for everything from daily training miles to fun runs with your crew.

Color: Black
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Features

  • Engineered mesh uppers
  • With Altra Original FootShape™ fit, you get their roomiest toe boxes with plenty of room to help your toes move freely, and space through the midfoot for natural movement
  • Rocker shape is designed to give the feeling of being propelled forward with each step and provides an efficient toe-off without taking away from your natural stride
  • Stay comfortable and cushioned with Altra EGO™ FLO supercritical midsole foam, for a lightweight and soft underfoot feel
  • Innerflex™ technology
  • Altra Zero-to-Low Drop shoes are built to place your feet in a natural position, with a stable and confident foundation to run on
  • This product received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, awarded to products found by the Association to promote good foot health

Imported.

View all Altra Women's Road-Running Shoes

Technical Specs

Best Use

Running

Running Shoe Support

Neutral

Running Shoe Cushioning

Maximum Cushion

Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm)

4

Heel Stack Height (mm)

37

Forefoot Stack Height (mm)

33

Footwear Height

Ankle

Footwear Closure

Lace-up

Upper

Engineered mesh

Midsole

Altra EGO FLO supercritical foam

Outsole

Rubber

Weight (Pair)

1 lb. 1 oz.

Gender

Women's

Size Chart

Altra Footwear - Women's
5.566.577.588.599.51010.51111.512
U.S. Women's5.566.577.588.599.51010.51111..512
UK3.544.555.566.577.588.599.510
EU363737.53838.5394040.5414242.5434444.5
Foot Length (in.)8.78.99.19.39.49.69.81010.210.410.610.81111.2

Sizing Notes

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.

Reviews
39 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

13 out of 17 (76%) reviewers recommend this product

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Most Helpful Favorable Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars
Tight
CindyM
9 months ago
This is the second recent pair of Altra running shoes I am returning. They are too tight. I started wearing Altra about 8 years ago due to a bunion issue. The wide toe box was comfortable. Now the Altras appear to be made with alot less upper material creating a fit that is too tight. Disappointing.
CindyM
Phoenix, AZ
15 people found this review helpful

Most Helpful Critical Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars
Tight
CindyM
9 months ago
This is the second recent pair of Altra running shoes I am returning. They are too tight. I started wearing Altra about 8 years ago due to a bunion issue. The wide toe box was comfortable. Now the Altras appear to be made with alot less upper material creating a fit that is too tight. Disappointing.
CindyM
Phoenix, AZ
15 people found this review helpful

Customer Images

ca_startgazer
Received free product
Western Michigan
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Solid comfy worth the switch

8 months ago

What a nice outdoor shoe. Wore for both dog walking and light running. Theres a good amount of cushion. These were my first “rocker” base shoe so that rook just 5 mins to get used to. The laces are plenty long. I most appreciated the space for my toes as it is better for my “push off”. They are also lighter than my last pair which is a plus.

Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 9.5
Running Experience:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product

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ClimbTime
Received free product
Virginia
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

You just found your next pair of running shoes!

8 months ago

These shoes are like walking/running on a cloud! Anytime I try a new shoe it seems like there is a break in period. Not with these shoes, they are amazingly comfortable straight out of the box. This is my first shoe with a wide toe box and I’m a HUGE fan! The fit is great, enough structure to keep my feet feeling good, no slipping in the shoe, without any squeeze. The tongue of the shoe is connected with elastic and helps keep your feet in place in the shoe. The laces have a nice texture to them and I didn’t have any issues with my laces coming undone on long runs. I put these shoes through bunch of different activities, outdoor running (including hills), treadmill sessions, elliptical sessions, and even tested them on the rowing machine just to see how well they hold up. Putting in the miles with these shoes feels easy! What a great all around shoe! I can honestly say I love these shoes! Trust me, you need these!

Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 7.5
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product

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hikerkaty
Received free product
Bay Area, CA
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Incredibly lightweight and cushioned

8 months ago

The first thing I noticed about the FWD Via was how incredibly light they were. For a shoe with a lot of cushion and stack height, I expected them to be heavier, so I was pleasantly surprised at their featherweight. I tried them out on a few neighborhood walks/jogs, as well as indoor gym workouts (elliptical, stair master, weights, etc). They provide a lot of cushion and stability. I noticed my calf and hamstring muscles were more engaged and sore after wearing these shoes, probably due to the rocker effect. The shoes run a little smaller than normal so I have to wear thin socks with them. I have a small narrow foot but a high instep, so I loosened the laces so the tops of my feet wouldn’t go numb. I also noticed some rubbing on the insides of my heels; just minor hotspots but something I haven’t experienced in other shoes before. Notice the large pull tab on the back of the shoes for easy on/off. Nice feature! I do recommend these shoes for the maximum comfort level, but would recommend going up a half size.

Age:45–54
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Average Weekly Mileage:0–10 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 6
Running Experience:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product

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Jess to Hike
Received free product
Rockville, MD
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Altra FWD VIA Review: A Versatile All-Day Companio

7 months ago

I’ve had the chance to put the Altra FWD VIA through its paces in a few different scenarios, and I have to say, this shoe really surprised me. From gym workouts to long walks and even a bit of light trail action, it’s a shoe that balances comfort with performance in a way that’s hard to beat. Gym Time – Cardio and Quick Moves When I first slipped into the FWD VIA, I wasn’t sure what to expect for my cardio workouts, but it definitely delivered. Whether I was on the treadmill or jumping into some high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the shoe was surprisingly responsive. The cushion underfoot is soft, but not squishy—it absorbs the impact without making you feel like you're sinking into the shoe. The moment-to-moment transitions felt quick and smooth, and I could definitely feel the shoe propelling me forward with each stride. It wasn’t just a good ride for running; I could also feel the support during lateral moves and quick direction changes, which I wasn’t expecting. Day-to-Day Walking – Up to 5 Miles with Ease For everyday use, the FWD VIA really shines. I wore them during a day of running errands—think walking around town, doing groceries, a couple of park strolls—and they were honestly fantastic. The most noticeable thing for me was how comfortable they were, even after walking for a few miles. The roominess in the toe box made a big difference. My toes had plenty of space to spread out naturally, so I didn’t feel any tightness or discomfort as the day went on. And with the breathable upper, I didn’t find my feet overheating, even when I was on my feet all day. It’s rare to find a shoe that feels this comfortable for hours at a time, but the FWD VIA made it easy. Short Trail – More Surprising Than Expected I wasn’t expecting much when I decided to take these out on a short trail run, but I was pleasantly surprised. While this isn’t a dedicated trail shoe, the FWD VIA handled a bit of dirt and rocks just fine. The cushion stayed plush, which helped protect my feet from the uneven ground, and I felt stable throughout. The wide toe box was especially helpful, giving me a bit more control when navigating rocky sections. It’s definitely not built for long, technical trails, but for a quick trail run or a short hike, the FWD VIA does more than just keep up—it holds its own. Flat Feet and Sole Swap: Personalizing for Comfort One thing to note for anyone with flat feet: while the Altra FWD VIA is generally a great fit, I found that I needed to swap out the insoles to get the right level of arch support. The shoe comes with a fairly neutral base, which works for many, but for those of us who need a little extra support (especially in the arch), it’s a simple fix. I replaced the stock insoles with a pair that provided more structure, and it made a noticeable difference in how the shoe felt during longer walks and workouts. The FWD VIA still delivered on comfort and cushion, but with the new insoles, I felt better supported and more stable, particularly when walking for extended periods or engaging in activities that require more arch support. If you have flat feet or need additional arch support, don’t hesitate to personalize the fit with your own insoles—it’ll make a world of difference. The Only Downside: Sizing If I had one complaint, it would be with the sizing. While the shoe generally fit well, after a long walk or a few hours of cardio, I did notice some swelling in my feet, and the shoe started to feel a bit snug. I’d recommend sizing up half a size if you plan to wear these for longer hikes or walks, especially if you're prone to foot swelling after being on your feet for extended periods. That extra bit of room would make a big difference for comfort. Final Thoughts Overall, the Altra FWD VIA is a standout when it comes to versatility. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and can handle everything from gym workouts to city walks and even a little off-road adventure. The only real issue is the sizing, so just keep that in mind if you’re planning on longer excursions. And for those with flat feet, a quick insole swap can make this shoe an even better fit. Aside from that, this shoe does exactly what it promises: it keeps you comfortable and supported, whether you’re crushing it at the gym or just out enjoying the day. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle it all without weighing you down, the FWD VIA is definitely worth checking out.

Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'0"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 6
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product

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Teri
Received free product
Upstate NY
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Awesome lightweight and responsive running shoes

7 months ago

Really digging these new shoes. They are really comfortable and stylish with a sleek and modern design. It also fits great - it's roomy enough to allow my toes to splay naturally, but not so roomy that my feet feel sloppy. The midsoles are very flexible and provide a great range of motion.The shoes are also very lightweight, flexible and responsive, which makes them perfect for running or walking (or just heading out and running some errands). I've been wearing them for a few weeks now and I have no complaints. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a simple, comfy, and stylish option.

Age:35–44
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 7
Running Experience:Beginner
Yes , I recommend this product

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RecoveringRunner
Received free product
Westchester, NY
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Rocker design, firm handling, wider toebox

7 months ago

I wanted to try a shoe with rocker technology and a lower foot drop than I'm used to. Some advise to make this transition gradually; I reduced my mileage in order to see how my body adapted to the difference. Overall, my runs were fine. Speed was slow and steady- I don't feel like this is a 'fast' shoe, but I could definitely detect the 'rocker' sole. The sole wasn't bouncy but rather firm, and for some who enjoy a plush feel, this may be a drawback. However, the firm sole may be a good stabilizer for foot placement. I also felt the uppers were firm, and fit tightly around my ankle (which has pros and cons). The laces are ribbed and hold the tie in place, however, it takes a bit to get the right snugness in the mid-foot - possibly because I have narrow feet. Those with wider feet may enjoy the roominess, especially in the toe box, which has a squarish shape versus a tapered one. Overall, a good addition to my trainers.

Age:45–54
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'3"
Average Weekly Mileage:0–10 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 7
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product

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JSDY
Received free product
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Lightweight cushioned rocker shape running shoe

8 months ago

The lightweight breathability and max cushion is noticeable the first time you put them on. When running the cushioning feels responsive and evenly distributed but when walking the max cushioning in the midfoot is especially noticeable. Toe box is roomy, as advertised and the heels feel secure. Low drop rocker design may take some getting used to; stride felt smooth but did feel it in the ankles/calves.

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LillianLeigh
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars

Should have listened to another's review.

2 months ago

Top of foot feels a downward pressure. Just sitting here, at my computer with the shoes on and my feet ache. There is simply not enough room in the shoe bed for my foot (unless I remove the insert). I am not speaking to the toe box. That is fine. I like the look of the shoe and the amount of cushion - but without some major "stretching" I do not think I will be able to wear these shoes for any amount of time. I bought a size 8.5, usually wear an 8, but most indicate to size up. The length is fine - there just isn't enough room top to bottom.

Height:5'4"
Weight:100–125 lbs.
No, I do not recommend this product

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cjoc56
Carolina Beach. NC
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Altra - the best sneaker for a proper toe box!

3 months ago

I have wide feet, and most wide shoes are not wide in the right places. I also wear Correct Toes on one foot, to correct the alignment thrown out of whack by a bunion. Altra makes the most awesome "foot-shaped" sneakers! They fit my foot right in every place (toe, instep, and heel) - and they allow me to wear the Correct Toes silicon spacers. This model has a bit more under sole cushioning than the previous model I wore (Paradigm - which is also great - I've had at least 6 pairs), and it allows me to be more comfortable on the street with the arthritis I have. I honestly can't recommend this brand of sneaker highly enough. I wish they came in more colors, but maybe the limited range keeps the pricey price down. I wore On Clouds and never saw anyone wear them: now, it seems they are everywhere I look. I hope the same happens with Altra. I would love for other people with feet like mine to discover these shoes.

Age:65–74
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Average Weekly Mileage:0–10 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Womens 8
Running Experience:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product

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CindyM
Phoenix, AZ
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars

Tight

9 months ago

This is the second recent pair of Altra running shoes I am returning. They are too tight. I started wearing Altra about 8 years ago due to a bunion issue. The wide toe box was comfortable. Now the Altras appear to be made with alot less upper material creating a fit that is too tight. Disappointing.

No, I do not recommend this product
Helpful?
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