Altra VIA Olympus 2 Review – More than Just Another Zero Drop Shoe

By Paul Freary  

The second version of the VIA Olympus from Altra takes the cushioning to a new level while retaining the familiar foot shape last and zero-drop, balanced ride for a classic Altra fit and feel. But what makes this zero drop shoe special? Find out in my Altra VIA Olympus 2 review.

Despite the zero-drop midsole, there’s no shortage of cushioning. The VIA Olympus 2 is probably the most cushioned zero-drop running shoe on the market.

Altra prefers to refer to the zero-drop configuration as ‘balanced-ride’, perhaps because of confusion over the category. When zero-drop shoes began to gain popularity, many were of a minimalist nature. That’s not the case with Altra and they demonstrate that you don’t have to compromise on cushioning to benefit from the zero-drop feel.

Stats 

Fit

The fit is typical of the Altra brand, with the foot shape last featuring a broad forefoot that allows plenty of room for the toes to splay naturally. This creates plenty of room in the forefoot in terms of width yet doesn’t mean the shoe has a baggy fit, nor is it too wide in the midfoot or heel.

The midfoot hugs the foot well and the heel area also fits in a similar manner to any other brand.

In terms of length, the shoe fits true to size. With regards to width, the shoe is true to size in terms of other Altra models with the broader forefoot and footshape fit.

The engineered mesh upper gives the shoe a good step-in feel and feels high quality. It’s an upper you’d expect on a much more expensive shoe and I think it lifts the overall level of fit and feel. Neat padding in the heel and tongue keeps this theme for a plush overall fit.

Performance

Whilst the VIA Olympus 2 is classified by the brand as a neutral model it does provide a very stable ride. The midsole in the rear of the shoe scoops up around the heel on the medial side and this helps ‘cup’ the heel in a similar manner to ‘guide-rails’ used by other brands.

The cutaway lateral side of the rear of the shoe also helps slow down the rate of pronation a little and in doing so keeps the foot in a more neutral position. I usually wear a shoe with a little support or control but find that nowadays more and more neutral models are proving more stable and providing enough control for me as a ‘mild-over pronator’.

The VIA Olympus is no exception to this and with the more structured shape to the rearfoot cushioning, it proves to be very effective in holding my feet steady.

I also noticed that the zero-drop is certainly less noticeable than in other shoes I’ve previously tried from the brand. I think this comes from the higher stack of cushioning and the prominent forefoot rocker.

The higher stack of cushioning makes for a softer ride and upon heel striking the foot sinks a little more into the shoe. As it rolls forward through the gait cycle the forefoot rocker kicks into action and the zero drop goes a little unnoticed. This isn’t a bad thing; in fact, I think it’s a plus point as it makes the shoe instantly a little more accessible to more runners.

The cushioning comes courtesy of the brand’s EGO MAX midsole foam. It’s been used in other models but here the deeper stack really does make a difference and seems to have transformed the feel. The 33mm stack seems to have hit the sweet spot with the shoe feeling soft and plush yet remaining stable with just the right level of feedback.

Those runners familiar with the zero-drop ride will find the shoe welcoming and the increased level of cushioning a great boost. While those toying with the idea of trying a zero-drop model will find the shoe instantly easier to get along with.

Comparisons

When comparing the VIA Olympus 2 to other models I think we should instantly look beyond zero or low drop options. This shoe is much more than that and I think it’s one of the best shoes from the brand to date.

The zero-drop geometry used here with the high stack and forefoot rocker gives the shoe a much more ‘normal’ or conventional ride and it compares well to other premium neutral models.

Two shoes that instantly come to mind that I’ve also been wearing a lot recently are the Brooks Ghost MAX and the latest version of New Balance’s 1080, the 1080v13.

The Ghost MAX ramps up the cushioning compared to the Ghost 15 while at the same time reducing the heel drop down to 6mm. The overall fit, feel and indeed ride of the Ghost MAX and the Olympus and pretty similar. The Altra shoe feels ever so slightly softer but both have a similar toe-off feel thanks to their rocker-shaped geometry.

The New Balance 1080v3 is again, like the Ghost MAX a 6mm drop model. While the Ghost MAX would rate (at least for me) as the firmest, in terms of cushioning feel, the 1080v13 would most certainly be the softest. The Altra would sit between the two.

The 1080v13 is a super-soft ride and again features a rockered toe to aid push-off. The rocker is a little less obvious when on the run perhaps due to the fact that the cushioning is so soft that when pushing off the ground the foot ‘sinks’ a little more into the midsole foam.

All three models have very well-made, premium-feeling uppers and fit well. The major difference is the broad forefoot of the Altra that accommodates wide feet as well as allowing the toes to splay naturally.

Verdict

In summary, the Altra VIA Olympus 2 is one of the best shoes yet from the brand. The construction of the shoe is great and offers a premium fit and feel using high-quality materials that provide a plush environment for the feet.

While some runners will still find the Altra ‘foot-shape’ last a little unusual, I’d urge them to try the shoe (on a treadmill in your local running store if possible) in order to get a feel for the roomier toe box.

The broader footshaped toe box allows the feet to spread out naturally. Whilst this is instantly of benefit to those with wider feet, it also aids the natural stability of the foot and may reduce the need for a stability shoe. It may also be of benefit to those suffering from Morton’s Neuroma. This ‘impingement’ of the nerve between the metatarsals of the foot can cause great discomfort and sometimes simply moving to a shoe with a wider fitting toe box takes pressure from the area and alleviates the pain.

The overall ride of the shoe is soft on impact yet stable and the shoe provides a very smooth ride, simply soaking up impact, keeping the foot steady and helping toe-off with the aid of the rocker.

It’s a very accomplished model and certainly a great way to experience the brand and zero-drop shoes for the first time.