FWD VIA 2

I have wide feet (10.7cm wide, 26cm length, 25.7cm girth). I just tried Altra FWD Via 2 and Experience Flow 2 in US 9 this morning, as well as Topo Phantom 4 in US 9, which felt better for me. But honestly they were pretty comparable and I think I'd be happy with either Altra or Topo. I think I liked the Phantom 4 better because it felt like it cushioned my feet more? I have very high volume and high arches. I definitely need it in Wide, though—as my feet swell on long runs, my feet will appreciate the extra room that the Wide offers. Since the FWD Via 2 and Phantom 4 felt similar for me, I'm curious if you have any thoughts, insights, comparisons between FWD Via vs. R1?

Second this, if you need wide toe box. I tried the Fwd Via 2 and really liked it. I've enjoyed my Cloudsurfer 2 (so comfy), but I may be switching to these because I start to get blisters on my second toe after 10 milers or a hard 10k. Definitely worth checking them out. Base models are zero drop, I believe, so if you want some drop then you need the Fwd model.

Maybe you could try an Altra shoe. All of their shoes have anatomical toe boxes, but there are different fits within their shoe lineup. The Via line has several shoes that I find very comfortable and cushioned, but not bulky or heavy—the Flow 2 and the FWD 2. A place to start?

They’re all good for me! I think the newer versions of Altras are less roomy. I think the torins and maybe lone peaks are more roomy. I wouldn’t use lone peak for road running anyway. If you don’t want zero drop the fwd via or experience flows are great. I’ve heard the flow 3s are quite narrow on the mid foot. I have the 1s and love them. I usually get men’s for a wider fit but I’m ok with the women’s too. I really only need the width on the bunion so all the altras have worked for me there.

I’ve only ever run in Altras but I love them! Torin is a good starting point but I’ve been happy with my FWDs as well if you don’t want zero drop. Also I recently got the experience wilds for trail and love them!! I did size up in those.

I developed a Morton’s neuroma after my feet spread during pregnancy and I unknowingly restarted running in too-small shoes 🙃 Get resized after having kids, folks! Now I will only wear Altras and Topos. I have Torins and Phantoms, and I just got the Fwd Via on sale that I’m excited to try out!

I'm a big Torin fan. I have a pair of 7s with 400 miles on them that are still going strong, the cushion is starting to lose a little spring (unsurprising as I am nearly 200lbs lol) but zero issues with the upper etc. I haven't tried the 8s but from what I have heard they're not a big change. If you're willing to try a 4mm drop I also really love the FWD Via. I'm a dedicated barefoot (for non running) and cushioned zero drop (for running) person otherwise but this particular shoe has been really great to me and doesn't annoy me like other shoes with a drop do. My pair with 250 miles is still in great shape and I think they did a much better job with the upper on this one vs their other road shoes. These are the same foot shape as the Lone Peaks, whereas the Torin is a hair narrower. I also have run on roads with the Lone Peaks and it's fine other than wearing down the lugs very quickly. I still have a pair of 6s though so I have no comment on the newer models.

There aren't too many 4mm options that fit wide and run similar to Ghost. Altra features wide toe boxes. The Experience Flow 2 and FWD VIA are 4mm drop. New Balance are available in multiple widths. The More v5 features a 4mm drop and a very wide platform, but it's a max stacked and heavy shoe. 1080 v14 and 880 v15 are 6mm. The 1080 is cushy while the 880 has a firmer ride that is similar to Ghost. If you are ok running in a mild stability shoe, the Vongo v6 is lower stacked like Ghost. I personally love New Balance and each shoe I mentioned helps me to achieve a midfoot strike, especially the Vongo.