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?

Some of their models have 4mm drop. Check out the Experience Flow 3, and FWD VIA 2. They both have 4mm drop, but slightly different foot shapes and different amounts of cushioning. They both use the new EGO foam (see my conversation with u/jjaksha in this thread.) Altra also has a "shoe finder" quiz on their website. And they do free shipping with free returns within 30 days.

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.

Your choices are basically Topo and Altra. My daily drivers are the Altra FWD Via 2. I absolutely adore this shoe. The original FWD Via was fine, I liked them well enough, but the new version is IMO a massive upgrade. They're max cushion, if you want something a bit more sleek the Experience Flow is similar. I have a pair of Topo Specter 2s as well which I quite like, but they do tend to pick up gravel. Other brands that people claim have a "wide toebox" usually just means a more forgiving upper (look at the measurements of the shoes they've cut in half on RunRepeat) and they're still pointed in the toe like a traditional shoe. That works for some people and is worth trying on if you're in a store etc, but if you're explicitly seeking out a wide toe box I'd be skeptical you'll find what you want there.

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.

Thinking back i should have started with altras. I like the fwd via 2. It’s not a stability shoe but it isn’t giving me any problems, probably because my feet can splay properly.

Try fitting the altra fwd via 2. I also have a wide toebox and a narrow heel but mid foot is also slightly wide.

Both have very tapered toeboxes. I really liked the feel of the magmax 2 but it can’t accommodate my toes. So i went with the altra fwd via 2.