Via olympus man
Our precise measurements confirmed a virtually non-existent drop of In our test runs, the Ortholite X55 insole delivered exceptional comfort, something we later confirmed in the lab with a precise 5. Shifting our focus to the forefoot, our calipers revealed a towering For forefoot strikers craving the ultimate cushioning in a low-drop shoe, we found that the VIA Olympus 2 stands out as a prime choice.
Instead, the Altra Torin 7 , with its featherlight build and the same zero-drop design, offers less stiffness and more agility. The Altra Via Olympus 2 offers a similar concept with a completely wider, anatomic and higher volume fit that should match the needs of those looking for this shoe type with more room for their feet. Our initial examination focused on the outsole's hardness. Following the outstanding initial test, our expectations were really high.
Furthermore, we advise against choosing the VIA Olympus 2 for those who prioritize a lightweight and flexible shoe. Following such an impressive showing, we were thrilled to award it a perfect 5 out of 5. David: The Altra VIA Olympus 2 is a max cushion training shoe for someone that wants a maximal experience and a much more gradual rocker profile. To our surprise, we found it to be significantly softer than its predecessor at This raised some eyebrows in the lab, as softer compounds can sometimes wear down quicker.
So, naturally, we revved up the Dremel once more—this time at double the speed 10K RPM and for an extended duration. ( Reviews | Q&A) The FootShape™ Fit that started it all, Original is the roomiest of our three options. We measured the outsole's thickness at 3. For a smoother transition with ample cushioning, we suggest starting with a mid-drop shoe like the Hoka Clifton 9 before fully committing to a zero-drop option.
MEN'S VIA OLYMPUS. Slimming down to 2. Altra reigns as the absolute leader of zero-drop running shoes, and the VIA Olympus 2 lives up to this reputation. While the VIA Olympus 2 boasts many strengths, we caution against making a sudden switch if you're accustomed to 8-tomm offsets. You need the entire shoe to be tough! Next, we turned our attention to the outsole. After measuring with our calipers, we recorded a generous This ample cushioning makes it an ideal choice for heel strikers and those gearing up for long runs in a marathon prep.
Employing our eye-catching smoke test in the lab, we quickly realized that the shoe's ventilation didn't live up to our hopes, meriting a score of just 2 out of 5. We discovered that Altra employed a dual-layer structure, combining an external engineered mesh with an internal layer of soft, green fabric. This choice, while enhancing comfort, unfortunately compromises breathability. In our second Dremel assessment, we were greeted with another fantastic outcome.
That's a thick slab of foam! The original's midsole, clocking in at However, this latest iteration astounded us with a This transformation is not just on paper; it's palpable with every stride, offering a zero-drop ride that's both plush and lively. And the winner is the VIA Olympus 2! Despite observing numerous ventilation holes in the toebox and medial side through a light test, the actual airflow was minimal. Eager to see how the VIA Olympus 2 would hold up, we pitted it against our Dremel for an ultimate showdown.
Altra VIA Olympus 2
While it may not have reached the pinnacle of excellence, it stood out significantly when compared to the vast majority of running footwear. This positions it as more suitable for the colder months. Learn More. Tipping our scales at While not overly heavy for its class, we really think that Altra could improve this model to dip below the ounce mark. Nonetheless, the heel padding didn't disappoint. With such a robust upper, it's crucial that the outsole matches in durability—after all, a durable mesh paired with a less resilient rubber just wouldn't make sense.
VIA Olympus is designed with max cushion for an easy and efficient road run, no matter the distance. One great perk of less breathable uppers is their tendency to excel in our durability test. Here's the biggest upgrade in the VIA Olympus 2 compared to its predecessor. The shoe's upper is notably plush and comfortable, yet this comes with a notable reduction in ventilation.
VIA Olympus 2 Men’s Road Running Shoe - Altra US
This mesh is built to last, making it an exceptional choice for road runners seeking a durable upper. Astonishingly, the outsole showed merely 0. While we wouldn't recommend this model for scorching summer days, its cozy construction offers enough breathability the rest of the year, especially when paired with super-thin socks.