Altra FWD Via 2 vs HOKA Clifton 11

FWD Via 2 or Clifton 11? 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 the Clifton’s soft ride with a roomier fit? Get the Clifton 11.

Get the FWD Via 2 if

• You need a roomier fit
• You prefer a lower drop (4mm vs 8mm)

Get the Clifton 11 if

• You want more foam underfoot (9mm more at the heel)
• You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
• You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 4mm)

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.

Clifton 11: The soft cruiser, refined. The same soft, steady Clifton ride. It’s comfortable and consistent rather than bouncy, and a new insole and a more flexible forefoot make it a touch smoother than the 10.

Specs side by side

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.

Clifton 11. True to size. Reviewers find the forefoot roomier than the 10’s, but lab measurements show the toebox still narrows to a point at the very front. Wide and extra-wide available.

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 Clifton 11 · Compare other running shoes