ALTRA Men's AL0A82BW VIA Olympus Road Running Shoe, Mineral Blue - 12 M US Review
The ALTRA Men's AL0A82BW VIA Olympus Road Running Shoe, presented in a striking Mineral Blue colorway, is not just any running shoe; it has earned recognition as the Best Road Shoe by Runner's World in 2023. Designed for runners who value comfort and performance, this shoe is equipped with innovative features that enhance your run experience.
Crafted specifically for road running, the VIA Olympus comes with Altra EGO MAX midsole foam, which ensures a lightweight feel while providing luxurious cushioning. With its unique rocker shape geometry, you will feel propelled forward with each step, facilitating an efficient toe-off while allowing for a natural stride. The shoe also promotes a proper running form thanks to the signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe boxes, which enable your toes to spread naturally during runs.
Related Products
Features
- RUNNER'S WORLD 2023 AWARD WINNER: Best Road Shoe
- Altra EGO MAX midsole for lightweight performance and added durability
- Rocker shape geometry for efficient propulsion
- Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning for proper low-impact form
- FootShape toe boxes for natural toe splay
- Designed for maximum cushioning over various distances
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning for long-distance running
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Promotes a natural foot position and gait
- Award-winning design recognized by industry experts
Cons
- May take time to adjust for those used to traditional running shoes
- Limited color options compared to some competitors
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | ALTRA VIA Olympus | Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% | Brooks Ghost 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning Technology | Altra EGO MAX | ZoomX Foam | DNA Loft |
| Weight | Moderate | Lightweight | Moderate |
| Toe Box Design | FootShape | Narrow | Standard |
| Best For | Road running | Speedwork | Daily training |
Detailed Review
When it comes to road running, the ALTRA Men's AL0A82BW VIA Olympus Road Running Shoe excels in multiple categories:
Comfort: From the moment you slip them on, you'll notice the plush cushioning courtesy of the Altra EGO MAX midsole. This shoe is designed for those longer runs where comfort is paramount. No more sore feet after a marathon session.
Performance: The rocker geometry enhances your stride, creating a smooth transition from heel to toe, making every run feel effortless. This feature allows you to maintain speed without compromising on comfort.
Durability: Made from high-quality rubber materials for both the sole and outer material, these shoes are built to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Design: The Mineral Blue aesthetic is not only visually appealing but functional, providing a stylish option for all your running needs.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9.5/10 | Superior cushioning suitable for long runs |
| Performance | 9/10 | Efficient toe-off and natural stride |
| Durability | 8.5/10 | High-quality materials ensure longevity |
| Design | 8/10 | Attractive color and modern style |
User Reviews
Similar feel to hokas but the toe box is larger and more comfortable. The sole also appears much more durable.
Bought these running shoes for my son and he loves the cushion and large toe box. He has flat feet and says they very comfortable when he runs
A little bulky, but a good comfortable running shoe.
These are my 3rd pair of Altra's. The first 2 were quite comfortable, but after recently buying a pair of New Balance and Brooks shoes with fairly thick soles that provide an amazing cushion experience while walking/running I assumed these would be somewhere close to that when you see how thick the soles are on these.Unfortunately, the sole may be thick, but it is almost too rigid and solid. It provides very little to no cushioning while walking, especially compared to the 2 other shoes I mentioned. Overall the shoes "look" really nice. I almost bought a pair at a local store that sells a decent selection of Altra shoes, and these looked almost exactly the same...giving me the impression the cushioning would be just as soft as the pair I almost bought. These were on sale here at amazon which is why I went this route. Had I known how stiff they would feel, I seriously wouldn't have bought them. For me, comfort is king and if you can make my walking around a good experience, I'm likely to wear them a lot and maybe even buy another pair. Unfortunately, I will not be buying another pair of Altra's without trying them on FIRST. These weren't too expensive (as far as what I tend to buy on average) but still, I expected more comfort. They are remarkably far too rigid for my taste.I am terribly disappointed...and considering how uncomfortable they are, I won't be wearing very often.
Like the Olympus before but without the aggressive tread
I have tried so many running shoes it’s cost me a small fortune! I started wearing these almost a year ago and what a difference it made. I’m a waitress and also work another job on the side. I usually do 15k -20k steps a day. I was having shin splints and my feet would ache so bad I would soak them at night in cold water. I always order these before a wear out the current pair so I never run out. Expense yes but worth every penny! I figured it cost me about 5 dollars a shift. Not bad at all. LOVE THESE SHOES! Something else I worked with was the perfect fit. I have had broken toes and sprained ankles so many times and I have a high arch and instep, I have worn women’s wide and larger sizes all my life but finally I tried a men’s 9.5 and it works perfect for me!
The best shoes to walk and relax your toe
fits right, sole is harder than i remember, but thats ok. Amazon recently was not very good at ensuring products they send is new but this time this one definitely is.