Customer Reviews Altra Via Olympus

I was so excited when I heard Altra was releasing a max cush road shoe. I believe it's the only footshape max cush out there? Most of the other max cush options run so narrow. Besides having all that cush underfoot which feels fantastic, I notice the Via has a unique geometry to it that promotes a really fun and fast toe-off in my gait cycle. I feel like I'm being propelled a bit, as if the shoe wants me to run! I've only put a few runs in the Via so far, but it seems like it will be able to handle a ridiculous amount of miles. This is more subjective, but wow this has to be the best looking road shoe Altra has yet to make! The lighter and brighter colors are a lot of fun and the shoe looks as fast as it rides.

I have used Altra running shoes since 2014/15 and have loved every addition/model I have purchased. So no surprise when I saw that Altra was finally giving it's already popular max cushion stability shoe, the Paradigm, a sister in the neutral category it was a no brainer to get it!! I love the color way first, the mesh upper is super soft and tongue hugs your foot in a plush way. The sole is their Max EGO FOAM, which is slightly firmer when you first put it on, then some other softer models. After a few wears all day the foam fells really good under foot and softer. I am enjoying the wider last/sole of the shoe which allows for a stable performance from the shoe. All in all this model is definitely a 9 of our 10. If it were a touch softer it would be a perfect score. More time in the shoe May allow the foam to feel closer to the Trail Olympus! Which is my favorite go to race shoe!

The Via Olympus is the definition of a do-it-all shoe for me. As a work shoe, it's amazing. The amount of cushion you get without compromising fit is spot on. It is also super runnable, no matter your pace. The rocker really helps you move along if you're running at a quicker pace. But it also feels amazing as a recovery shoe with all of that Ego Max cushioning. I'm really excited to see where Altra takes this shoe in the future.

As a longtime wearer of the trail version of the Olympus, I was very excited to try this shoe, and it did not disappoint! I love having an Original fit option in my road rotation for long runs and daily wear, and despite the maximal stack height the shoe still feels efficient and responsive when I want to pick up the pace. Loving the white/yellow colorway too!

I'm usually not a max cushion guy because they tend to feel clunky but not the Via Olympus! The rocker on this shoe makes the entire experience smooth and satisfying. Definitely will be pulling these out for long days when my feet just need a little extra love.

Finally! Altra has delivered a max cushion shoe with the comfort of Footshape! Fits perfectly and is very smooth from heel to toe. Love the rocker shape too.

The new Via is the road version of the Olympus trail shoe. Took them for a little test run today and I think that Altra has a continued winner with this version. Great upper, cushioned tongue, and combined with the Ego sole, it really makes for a comfy ride. This shoe will treat your feet nicely on those long run days.

First impressions is they remind me of the paradigm which I love. The cushioning is more firm than the paradigm and feel like they will last hundreds of miles.

Max cushion meets responsiveness. The VIA Olympus is the best of both worlds. I was pleasantly surprised that a max cushion shoe had such a quick turnover. This is a shoe I didn't know I needed, but am so glad I have!

The Via Olympus is a comfortable, max-cushioned shoe that is responsive for faster, short workouts AND long, slow runs i've been very impressed! I ran in this shoe for 100-mile race recently, and I felt very comfortable and supported in the shoe the entire time! I think the shoe will become a daily trainer for me. Note - I would order a half size up from what you normally order from Altra, though!

test

The first 100 miles or so were not great, too firm for the amount of foam and felt like bricks. It seemed like Altra just packed 3cm+ of regular, hard EVA into the shoes; not much cushioning for the stack height. But as they broke in, the foam softened up a little and made for a very comfortable, but still firm, ride. They don't work for super fast paced work, too heavy, but felt great for long runs and even more moderate base runs. The benefit of the thick foam was that the shoes took me past 400 miles no problem. Upper was very durable. Overall pleased with the shoe, but they are very firm and inflexible for the first 100 miles or so. Didn't do great in the cold, that seemed to cause the foam to firm up more; that could've been part of the problem, as I got the shoes in December. Context: College XC runner, 50-60mi per week, alternating with another pair

Love the cushion, firm but great on pavement!

Used these to train for and run the LA Marathon. The insole felt weird at first on the inside of my right foot but after they broke in they were fine. Had a great race with no issues. Thanks Altra!

I use this shoe for my base miles. I wear the Vanish Tempos for my speed work and long runs. They are fast, but slightly unstable. The firm, stable base of the Via Olympus helps my lower leg recover while maintaining enough cushion for my 225lb frame. My only complaint is that the tongue is too puffy. Even with a runner's lock, I cannot get these shoes to stay tight when I am tying them. Getting a good heel lock is very difficult and I think this leads to a lot of the wear issues people have on the inside of the shoe. It could also use a more aggressive taper at the toe to assist with toe-off.

Work as a nursethese are somewhat stiff but not heavy and don't make my feet hurt.

Lots good, lots of room at the front of foot with this brand. For running the shoe feels a little stiff.

These Via Olympus definitely run small and slightly narrower than other models, I have gone through 2 pairs of Torins and 1 pair of LonePeaks all 13 X-wide. There is more cushion in the Via Olympus, which I could have gotten used to, if my toes weren't hitting the front of the shoe. Since i was used to the x-wide, these felt narrow also. The shoe felt substantial so I think if you get your size right and you like more cushion - the VIAS could work for some,

How come they don't have one color for your shoes I would buy them to have one solid color like black or white on white black on black red green blue any color

The toe box is very roomy and feels great, but even though they have a very tall stack height and supposedly a "max" level of cushioning, they don't feel as cushy as the Torin 7. They feel a little too firm to me. If they truly had max cushioning, they would be the perfect shoe for me.

I need a max cushion shoe and I was pleased with the Via into this category. I feel the cushion here that comes very close to matching a Saucony Triumph 20, the best shoe in this category, IMO.

After a severe foot injury, this is a great recovery shoe. The only challenge is getting use to the taller shoe after using more conventional shoes for years

I am a 300lb guy and I like this stiff sole it hasn't broke down and still supports me even after a year of use I will buy another pair but half size larger