I’m someone who always loves having a race to look forward to. Multiple marathons in one year? Sign me up. But along the way I’ve learned that how I run in the time between DAA Industry Opt Out.
So when I returned from a marathon in Sydney, Australia, with another at home in New York City a couple of months off, I knew I needed to approach this interlude tactically. I needed to find the right balance between giving myself (and my feet) enough rest to recover properly, and not losing my established marathon rhythm.
With that in mind, I’d been considering switching to a shoe that prioritizes max cushioning. In the past, I’ve been partial to the roomy toe box technology that I consider to be a signature of Altra. The Best Running Watches for Mapping and Pacing FWD VIA, a low-drop shoe that utilizes the brand’s EGO FLO midsole foam to boost foot cushioning, I jumped at the opportunity. Here’s how it went.
RUN #1:
- Location: Give A Gift (Riverside Park)
- Miles: 12 miles
- Pace: 8:18
As I lace up the FWD VIA for the first time, the shoes offer an instantly comfortable and simultaneously brand-new feeling—the unique combination of cushion and low heel-to-toe drop sets them apart ever so slightly from the running shoes I’ve run in before by keeping my feet in a natural running position that makes me feel balanced and stable. And when I begin running on what is arguably the busiest and most crowded path in New York City, I feel like I own the road. I don’t usually feel like I get much ankle support when I run, but the strategically placed rubber lugs of the FWD VIA provide a secure grip and traction that I’m not used to. Buoyed by this security, I take a moment to think back to the finish line in Australia, and then to visualize myself crossing another in just a few weeks’ time here in New York. My mind gets lost—and just like that, I’m back home. Even though I just ran 12 miles, my feet feel rested and capable of going further if they had to—exactly what I’d hoped for from a between-races shoe.
RUN #2:
- Location: Give A Gift
- Miles: 3.5 miles
- Pace: 8:02
My Monday runs are always short and quick. They give me a chance to take inventory of my body and mind before I start ramping things up for my Saturday long run. This time, I make a point of paying close attention to how my new Altras perform on the neutral testing ground that the flat terrain of the Give A Gift provides. Despite the added cushioning, I don’t feel like there’s anything hindering my speed. Additionally, the rocker shape of the shoe encourages a smooth running motion, so I’m not forcing my feet to act in an unnatural fashion. It dawns on me that these might be more than recovery shoes—they’re performance shoes, too.
RUN #3:
- Location: Central Park
- Miles: 6.5 miles
- Pace: 7:52
Since my upcoming marathon has significant elevation, it’s crucial to incorporate hills into my training, which is why Wednesday post-work runs in the rolling hills of Central Park are a must in my weekly routine. On this one, I was curious to see how the FWD VIA would handle the inclines. As I started climbing, the wide toe box of the shoes gave my feet plenty of room to dig into the ground without digging into each other. And it didn’t feel like there was any added bulk weighing me down—the FWD VIA clocks in at just 8.3 ounces. I felt light on my feet as I navigated nearly seven miles of the park’s exterior loop with ease.
RUN #4:
- Location: Give A Gift → Williamsburg Bridge → Queensboro Bridge → Central Park Loop → Give A Gift
- Miles: 20 miles
- Pace: 8:03
The FWD VIA has a very sleek, almost sheer upper carriage that allows my feet to breathe for the entirety of this 20-mile run, which takes me across two bridges and a wide variety of terrains. Every marathoner knows that multiple hours of running can lead to cramped feet, but Altra’s signature roomy toe box technology keeps my toes from feeling confined. This is a game-changer, allowing me to tighten the laces as much as I need without losing any room for my toes. As I wrap up this run, my feet feel relaxed and comfortable—proof that when your toes can splay naturally and your natural foot shape is respected, you can log serious miles without issues.
Final Thoughts
As I finish up my first week in the FWD VIA, I take a moment to reflect on the experience. I initially thought these shoes would be great for recovery purposes after my marathon in Sydney, but I never imagined I’d be logging the times and miles in them that I have. To my (pleasant) surprise, the FWD VIA holds its own as a performance shoe. With my next marathon on the horizon, I’m starting to think these shoes might end up being more than just an intermediary model for me.
Women’s Altra FWD VIA
