Altra FWD Via 2 vs Experience Flow 3
FWD Via 2 or Experience Flow 3? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want soft, protective cushion with tons of toe room? Get the FWD Via 2.
Want a foot-shaped toebox with a little drop? Get the Experience Flow 3.
Get the FWD Via 2 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
Get the Experience Flow 3 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.1 oz
- You’d rather spend $20 less
On the run
FWD Via 2: Altra’s soft, max-cushion cruiser. Much softer and more protective than the first version, with strong impact protection. Energy return is still below average.
Experience Flow 3: Altra’s easygoing, foot-shaped trainer. Very comfortable, light and super flexible, with an easy, natural ride. There’s little energy return.
Specs side by side
| FWD Via 2 | Experience Flow 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $165 | $145 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 33 / 29mm | 32 / 28mm |
| Drop | 4mm | 4mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.6 oz* | 8.5 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | Not listed by Altra | 7.5 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard | Standard |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Walking & all-day wear, Long runs |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 300–400 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
FWD Via 2. True to size with a very wide, roomy toebox for natural toe splay.
Experience Flow 3. True to size with Altra’s foot-shaped toebox, so your toes can spread.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the FWD Via 2 · Shop the Experience Flow 3 · Compare other running shoes