KEEN Seek road-to-trail running shoes review
KEEN’s first trail running shoe blends cushion, grip, and rugged comfort into a hybrid trainer built to last. Here's why it should be your…
If you’re logging long road miles, juggling back-to-back runs, or looking for something kinder on your joints during a marathon build, Altra’s FWD VIA 2 makes a pretty compelling case.
This is Altra’s most cushioned road shoe to date, and while it shares DNA with the more traditional Experience Flow 2 daily trainer, the FWD VIA 2 dials up the comfort, smooths out the ride, and leans fully into soft, supportive recovery runs.
It’s not a tempo shoe for pushing your pace but if your legs are cooked and your training plan says “run anyway,” this is the kind of shoe that helps you get it done.
Key specs
- Price: $165 at altrarunning.com
- Weight: 9.8oz / 278g (Men’s US 9)
- Drop / Stack: 4mm (37mm heel / 33mm forefoot)
- Upper: Engineered mesh with reinforced zones around toe box
- Midsole: EGO™ P35 foam (soft, yet structured – the ideal balance)
- Outsole: Rubber coverage for durability + wet road grip
- Extras: Subtle rocker geometry, APMA Certified, Original FootShape™ fit
Fit & upper feel
Altra fans will feel right at home here.
The fit is true to size, with a wide and forgiving toe box that gives your toes plenty of room to splay, and relax.
Midfoot and heel lockdown are nicely secure, and the upper wraps gently without pressure points.
The padded collar and heel counter keep things comfortable mile after mile, and the added elastic finger loop at the heel is a nice touch, even if a vertical orientation would’ve made it a bit easier to grab on the go.
Ride & performance
The real star here is the new EGO™ P35 foam.
It’s soft, but not marshmallow soft, and delivers that kind of controlled cushioning that helps reduce fatigue without sacrificing all road feel.
There’s no snap or urgency to this midsole. Instead, it’s stable, predictable, and ideal for stacking base mileage, cruising through recovery runs, or easing into marathon training without beating up your legs.
Transitions feel smooth thanks to the rocker geometry, and while the heel counter shaping isn’t as refined/articulated as what you’ll find on the Experience Flow 2 (my favorite traditional daily trainer from Altra), the ride is still very fluid for mid- to rearfoot strikers.
It’s a shoe that says: “let’s get those miles in” without asking you to work harder than you need to, and that’s a very important category of shoe to have in your rotation if you are serious about your training.
Traction, breathability & build
There’s more outsole rubber here than in the Experience Flow 2, and it’s noticeable, especially when running on wet pavement or rougher urban terrain.
Grip feels solid and grounded, adding to that feeling of controlled ease during longer runs.
Breathability is decent but definitely tuned more for cooler months.
On a cold morning, it’s perfect. On a hot summer day? It might feel a bit stuffy.
The engineered mesh upper does have some thoughtful reinforced zones, particularly around the toe box, which helps with long-term structure and durability without feeling stiff.
Final thoughts
At $165, the Altra FWD VIA 2 is a clear win for runners who want max comfort for their steady-state, high-mileage, or recovery days.
It won’t replace your speed training or race day shoes but it doesn’t need to, this is for long runs, recovery jogs, and daily training in comfort.
It slots perfectly into a rotation with something like the Altra Experience Flow 2 or your go-to carbon-plated racer.
If you’ve been on the hunt for an Altra that puts protection first, the FWD VIA 2 could be your new favorite long run companion.
