The Altra Men's VIA Olympus Shoe is a maximum cushioned shoe for road running. An Original FootShape for a plenty roomy Fit, with a thick, 33mm Altra EGO MAX Midsole for High-stack cushion. They're lightweight with plenty of Rocker, so you can transition easily and comfortably. The motivation you deserve to lace up and get in a few miles. Features of the Altra Men's VIA Olympus Shoe The signature FootShape comfort gives your feet more space to sit naturally and is designed to address biological differences in men's and women's feet. The Balanced Cushioning platform positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, encouraging better alignment and better form. The Vibram High-Performance sticky rubber offers unparalleled grip on both wet and dry surfaces, rugged longevity, and optimal ground adaptability. Trailclaw canted lugs on the Outsole Are strategically placed beneath the metatarsals to provide added traction underfoot. Innerflex grid-like grooves in the Midsole Are designed to provide flexibility and movement.
The Altra Men's VIA Olympus Shoe is a maximum cushioned shoe for road running. An Original FootShape for a plenty roomy Fit, with a thick, 33mm Altra EGO MAX Midsole for High-stack cushion. They're lightweight with plenty of Rocker, so you can transition easily and comfortably. The motivation you deserve to lace up and get in a few miles. Features of the Altra Men's VIA Olympus Shoe The signature FootShape comfort gives your feet more space to sit naturally and is designed to address biological differences in men's and women's feet. The Balanced Cushioning platform positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, encouraging better alignment and better form. The Vibram High-Performance sticky rubber offers unparalleled grip on both wet and dry surfaces, rugged longevity, and optimal ground adaptability. Trailclaw canted lugs on the Outsole Are strategically placed beneath the metatarsals to provide added traction underfoot. Innerflex grid-like grooves in the Midsole Are designed to provide flexibility and movement.
in 1 offers
The lowest price for Altra Via Olympus Men Shoe Black/Orange 11.5 D right now is $487.42.
Prices last updated 24 Apr 2025.
Altra Via Olympus Men Shoe Black/Orange 11.5 D
The Altra Men's VIA Olympus Shoe is a maximum cushioned shoe for road running. An Original FootShape for a plenty roomy Fit, with a thick, 33mm Altra EGO MAX Midsole for High-stack cushion. They're lightweight with plenty of Rocker, so you can transition easily and comfortably. The motivation you deserve to lace up and get in a few miles. Features of the Altra Men's VIA Olympus Shoe The signature FootShape comfort gives your feet more space to sit naturally and is designed to address biological differences in men's and women's feet. The Balanced Cushioning platform positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, encouraging better alignment and better form. The Vibram High-Performance sticky rubber offers unparalleled grip on both wet and dry surfaces, rugged longevity, and optimal ground adaptability. Trailclaw canted lugs on the Outsole Are strategically placed beneath the metatarsals to provide added traction underfoot. Innerflex grid-like grooves in the Midsole Are designed to provide flexibility and movement.
The Altra Men's VIA Olympus Shoe is a maximum cushioned shoe for road running. An Original FootShape for a plenty roomy Fit, with a thick, 33mm Altra EGO MAX Midsole for High-stack cushion. They're lightweight with plenty of Rocker, so you can transition easily and comfortably. The motivation you deserve to lace up and get in a few miles. Features of the Altra Men's VIA Olympus Shoe The signature FootShape comfort gives your feet more space to sit naturally and is designed to address biological differences in men's and women's feet. The Balanced Cushioning platform positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, encouraging better alignment and better form. The Vibram High-Performance sticky rubber offers unparalleled grip on both wet and dry surfaces, rugged longevity, and optimal ground adaptability. Trailclaw canted lugs on the Outsole Are strategically placed beneath the metatarsals to provide added traction underfoot. Innerflex grid-like grooves in the Midsole Are designed to provide flexibility and movement.
Last updated at 24/04/2025 12:07:43
originally posted on altrarunning.com
I'd would probably have rated it 4.5 if that was an option. After 100 miles, I do like the shoes. I've put that mileage on in one month, including a half-marathon. While the shoes are stiff (if you try to flex them with your hands), they don't run "stiff." I'd say they feel stable and responsive enough, but certainly not too soft. For an original fit shoe, they don't feel as wide as my Torin 4.5's, and seem to have the same size insole as my Torin 5's which are considered a standard fit. I love the laces (have never come untied) and tongue (soft and doesn't move too much). So far no separation of upper from the outsole, including near the toe box. The outsole shows some wear, most is based on the way I run and the part of my foot that tends to hit the ground first ... MoreI'd would probably have rated it 4.5 if that was an option. After 100 miles, I do like the shoes. I've put that mileage on in one month, including a half-marathon. While the shoes are stiff (if you try to flex them with your hands), they don't run "stiff." I'd say they feel stable and responsive enough, but certainly not too soft. For an original fit shoe, they don't feel as wide as my Torin 4.5's, and seem to have the same size insole as my Torin 5's which are considered a standard fit. I love the laces (have never come untied) and tongue (soft and doesn't move too much). So far no separation of upper from the outsole, including near the toe box. The outsole shows some wear, most is based on the way I run and the part of my foot that tends to hit the ground first (rear lateral edge). The outsole does catch small stones and twigs in the crevices, so I check them after each run. The shoes are maybe a little narrower than I'd like, if I have a thicker sock on they tend to squeeze a little at the point where my 5th metatarsal protrudes out of the lateral side of each foot. I tend to manage that with lacing adjustments, but I don't have that squeezing in my Torin's. I weighed these shoes when new (12.7 oz. per shoe for a men's size 12.5) and they are much heavier than my Torin 5's (10.4 oz. per shoe for men's size 13), but the added weight doesn't slow me down while running. Also, around mile 10 of my half-marathon, temp was 53 degrees F, both feet seemed to be sliding a bit over the lateral edge of the insoles, and I could feel the lip of the insole. Perhaps some lace tightening in the forefoot may have keep my feet more centered, but it was a little concerning especially if I decide to try a marathon. Pictures attached.
originally posted on altrarunning.com
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 ... MoreI 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!
originally posted on altrarunning.com
Just went on a 4 mile run in them. I came from NB 880's and i felt like they where sort of bottoming out if you will. I wanted the more v4's but the running shop I went to didnt have them in my size in, but they did have these. I gotta say the upper is for sure the beat part of these shoes i wish all shoes used this last its perfect. On the run they felt good, it felt like i was getting the vibration and shock reduction id want. I'm a forefoot striker so the low drop was a nice change. I cant imagine if you weight less than 205 lbs or are heavier but dont do weight training, having a good time with this midsole. I wouldnt call it stiff but i wouldnt describe it as plush either. I like it so far and have 21 more days to return it so ill update if i decide to trade ... MoreJust went on a 4 mile run in them. I came from NB 880's and i felt like they where sort of bottoming out if you will. I wanted the more v4's but the running shop I went to didnt have them in my size in, but they did have these. I gotta say the upper is for sure the beat part of these shoes i wish all shoes used this last its perfect. On the run they felt good, it felt like i was getting the vibration and shock reduction id want. I'm a forefoot striker so the low drop was a nice change. I cant imagine if you weight less than 205 lbs or are heavier but dont do weight training, having a good time with this midsole. I wouldnt call it stiff but i wouldnt describe it as plush either. I like it so far and have 21 more days to return it so ill update if i decide to trade them in. If altra reads this you should make two versions of this product one for heavier runners and one for lighter runners like maybe a 205 plus and a 200 and below model with the 205 plus model using this compound or a just slightly softer foam and the 200 and blow using a vastly softer foam. Maybe use a different fabric cover on the insole also include a longer set of laces i replaced the laces with longer laces so i could use all the lace holes with a runners knot and ive never felt like my foot has been so locked into a shoe
I'd would probably have rated it 4.5 if that was an option. After 100 miles, I do like the shoes. I've put that mileage on in one month, including a half-marathon. While the shoes are stiff (if you try to flex them with your hands), they don't run "stiff." I'd say they feel stable and responsive enough, but certainly not too soft. For an original fit shoe, they don't feel as wide as my Torin 4.5's, and seem to have the same size insole as my Torin 5's which are considered a standard fit. I love the laces (have never come untied) and tongue (soft and doesn't move too much). So far no separation of upper from the outsole, including near the toe box. The outsole shows some wear, most is based on the way I run and the part of my foot that tends to hit the ground first ... MoreI'd would probably have rated it 4.5 if that was an option. After 100 miles, I do like the shoes. I've put that mileage on in one month, including a half-marathon. While the shoes are stiff (if you try to flex them with your hands), they don't run "stiff." I'd say they feel stable and responsive enough, but certainly not too soft. For an original fit shoe, they don't feel as wide as my Torin 4.5's, and seem to have the same size insole as my Torin 5's which are considered a standard fit. I love the laces (have never come untied) and tongue (soft and doesn't move too much). So far no separation of upper from the outsole, including near the toe box. The outsole shows some wear, most is based on the way I run and the part of my foot that tends to hit the ground first (rear lateral edge). The outsole does catch small stones and twigs in the crevices, so I check them after each run. The shoes are maybe a little narrower than I'd like, if I have a thicker sock on they tend to squeeze a little at the point where my 5th metatarsal protrudes out of the lateral side of each foot. I tend to manage that with lacing adjustments, but I don't have that squeezing in my Torin's. I weighed these shoes when new (12.7 oz. per shoe for a men's size 12.5) and they are much heavier than my Torin 5's (10.4 oz. per shoe for men's size 13), but the added weight doesn't slow me down while running. Also, around mile 10 of my half-marathon, temp was 53 degrees F, both feet seemed to be sliding a bit over the lateral edge of the insoles, and I could feel the lip of the insole. Perhaps some lace tightening in the forefoot may have keep my feet more centered, but it was a little concerning especially if I decide to try a marathon. Pictures attached.
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 ... MoreI 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!
Just went on a 4 mile run in them. I came from NB 880's and i felt like they where sort of bottoming out if you will. I wanted the more v4's but the running shop I went to didnt have them in my size in, but they did have these. I gotta say the upper is for sure the beat part of these shoes i wish all shoes used this last its perfect. On the run they felt good, it felt like i was getting the vibration and shock reduction id want. I'm a forefoot striker so the low drop was a nice change. I cant imagine if you weight less than 205 lbs or are heavier but dont do weight training, having a good time with this midsole. I wouldnt call it stiff but i wouldnt describe it as plush either. I like it so far and have 21 more days to return it so ill update if i decide to trade ... MoreJust went on a 4 mile run in them. I came from NB 880's and i felt like they where sort of bottoming out if you will. I wanted the more v4's but the running shop I went to didnt have them in my size in, but they did have these. I gotta say the upper is for sure the beat part of these shoes i wish all shoes used this last its perfect. On the run they felt good, it felt like i was getting the vibration and shock reduction id want. I'm a forefoot striker so the low drop was a nice change. I cant imagine if you weight less than 205 lbs or are heavier but dont do weight training, having a good time with this midsole. I wouldnt call it stiff but i wouldnt describe it as plush either. I like it so far and have 21 more days to return it so ill update if i decide to trade them in. If altra reads this you should make two versions of this product one for heavier runners and one for lighter runners like maybe a 205 plus and a 200 and below model with the 205 plus model using this compound or a just slightly softer foam and the 200 and blow using a vastly softer foam. Maybe use a different fabric cover on the insole also include a longer set of laces i replaced the laces with longer laces so i could use all the lace holes with a runners knot and ive never felt like my foot has been so locked into a shoe
Altras for concrete & pavement! I had been wearing Altra Lone Peak 6 as an everyday casual shoe. But the soles were too soft and lacked sufficient structural support for my purposes. The Via Olympus is what I've been waiting for.The have Altra's "original" foot shape (similar to Lone Peak shoes). Excellent cushion (from concrete) but the sole is sufficiently stiff so as to provide rear foot stability (which I found lacking in Lone Peak shoes). I needed to go up a half size. I wish the Via Olympus was wider in the midfoot for those of us who struggle with bunions and bunionettes. Outstanding shoes nonetheless. They have the stability of a traditional day hiking shoe (but way lighter in weight) and the cushion (from concrete) that is typical of running shoes (but with ... MoreAltras for concrete & pavement! I had been wearing Altra Lone Peak 6 as an everyday casual shoe. But the soles were too soft and lacked sufficient structural support for my purposes. The Via Olympus is what I've been waiting for.The have Altra's "original" foot shape (similar to Lone Peak shoes). Excellent cushion (from concrete) but the sole is sufficiently stiff so as to provide rear foot stability (which I found lacking in Lone Peak shoes). I needed to go up a half size. I wish the Via Olympus was wider in the midfoot for those of us who struggle with bunions and bunionettes. Outstanding shoes nonetheless. They have the stability of a traditional day hiking shoe (but way lighter in weight) and the cushion (from concrete) that is typical of running shoes (but with a stiff=like sole). These are now my go-to casual shoe and walking shoe. Thank you Altra!
HOME RUN!! I can't emphasize that enough. I found Altra years ago and fell in love with the foot shaped shoe. In most other brands I need a wide shoe but Altra was a great fit.The original foot shape fit was superb and very accommodating. The first iterations of the Torin, Paradigm, Provision and Timp fit like a glove.Then Altra went and changed things up, some might say for the better with expanding their footbeds from original and expanding out to standard and slim and in doing so changed most of their shoe line as we know it.The Torin, Paradigm, Provision and Timp no loner the shoe so many of us had come to love.The only options for the original footbed were now in the trail category, the Lone Peak and Olympus, which I have many pairs of, you did start to ... MoreHOME RUN!! I can't emphasize that enough. I found Altra years ago and fell in love with the foot shaped shoe. In most other brands I need a wide shoe but Altra was a great fit.The original foot shape fit was superb and very accommodating. The first iterations of the Torin, Paradigm, Provision and Timp fit like a glove.Then Altra went and changed things up, some might say for the better with expanding their footbeds from original and expanding out to standard and slim and in doing so changed most of their shoe line as we know it.The Torin, Paradigm, Provision and Timp no loner the shoe so many of us had come to love.The only options for the original footbed were now in the trail category, the Lone Peak and Olympus, which I have many pairs of, you did start to offer the Torin in a wide which was a plus but still left me wanting.Now, on to the Via Olympus. I cannot express how great this shoe is for me and I am so pleased for this road option. The Via Olympus is the perfect original footbed shoe.True to size, accommodating in the toe box, secure in the mid-foot and just the right footbed cushion, not as soft/squishy as the Torin but still soft with a nice firmness.For me this might be one of the best shoes that I have worn and that Altra has produced. I have two pair and I will definitely be picking up a couple more.Going forward I would hope that only minor updates are made with this shoe and stay with the original foot shape on this one. Don't go and screw it up.
I have been running in Altra shoes since Lone Peak 2 and Torin 2. I have switched off to another brand, but have returned back to Altra. I was excited when I saw Altra had developed this shoe reason being is because I have been using the Olympus 4 for my trail running for over a year. I don't have a lot of trail miles so that is why the longevity. When I bought this shoe I was currently training for Flying Pig Marathon. As of right now I have 138 miles in the shoes. I will admit that when I first ran in the shoe and several miles after that the shoe was quite firm. It reminded of how the Lone Peak shoe allows you to feel your foot engaging to the ground. So I was ok with that. As I have put on the miles the firmness is not as bad but it is still there. The things I ... MoreI have been running in Altra shoes since Lone Peak 2 and Torin 2. I have switched off to another brand, but have returned back to Altra. I was excited when I saw Altra had developed this shoe reason being is because I have been using the Olympus 4 for my trail running for over a year. I don't have a lot of trail miles so that is why the longevity. When I bought this shoe I was currently training for Flying Pig Marathon. As of right now I have 138 miles in the shoes. I will admit that when I first ran in the shoe and several miles after that the shoe was quite firm. It reminded of how the Lone Peak shoe allows you to feel your foot engaging to the ground. So I was ok with that. As I have put on the miles the firmness is not as bad but it is still there. The things I like are the toe box room for the forefoot, midsole support, the lightness in the shoe, the rocker, and the cushion of the tongue. The things that bother me is my heel slipping in the shoe. I have managed to figure out a way to minimize this and I have always tied my shoes this way is by raising my heel and tighten the shoe strings as much as I can tolerate. I do this procedure because I know as I am running the distance the foot will swell and create a pressure across the top of the foot. I did not have a problem with heel slipping in the Olympus 4. So that is my good and bad with the shoe. Don't get me wrong I love running in them and I hope what I have said helps out for future ideas with this shoe. Oh and I still feel like the Olympus 4 cushion is better. Keep up the good work and thank you.
My overall verdict on the Altra Via Olympus running shoes is that they provide a stable platform and a smooth running experience. You might be a bit surprised that it's a firm underfoot feel though. With their noticeable cushion height, I expected the running experience to be softer. The cushion is actually quite firm. However, with flexible grooves in the forefoot and a rocker shape, it's still a smooth run, and the impact absorption is excellent. The top of the Altra Via Olympus is made of a flexible, soft, breathable material. I like that it provides a comfortable and supportive wrap around the foot. Toes still have room to breathe and splay while running, since the shoes have a wide toe box. Towards the heel and midfoot, it's a secure fit. As someone with narrow ... MoreMy overall verdict on the Altra Via Olympus running shoes is that they provide a stable platform and a smooth running experience. You might be a bit surprised that it's a firm underfoot feel though. With their noticeable cushion height, I expected the running experience to be softer. The cushion is actually quite firm. However, with flexible grooves in the forefoot and a rocker shape, it's still a smooth run, and the impact absorption is excellent. The top of the Altra Via Olympus is made of a flexible, soft, breathable material. I like that it provides a comfortable and supportive wrap around the foot. Toes still have room to breathe and splay while running, since the shoes have a wide toe box. Towards the heel and midfoot, it's a secure fit. As someone with narrow feet, it can be difficult to find running shoes that fit well. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the fit of the Altra Via Olympus feels. I like that they provide a natural feeling while running, thanks to the space for my toes to splay freely, but the shoes never feel too loose. If you like a wide, stable platform for running and cushioning that's on the firmer side, I think you'll enjoy the Altra Via Olympus shoes. If a squishier experience is what you're after, they might not be for you.
It took what seems to have been a year to get my first pair. They don't make as many size 15s and in recent years, Altra's popularity has made getting a size 15 almost impossible. When I was able to get my first pair and they arrived, they were incredibly stiff. I am not sure if that was the intention but regardless, they were painful to wear but thanks to Altra's incredible return policy I was able to send them back. When the latest colors dropped I decided to take one more chance and I ordered the ones in all black. A few days later they showed up and they are noticeably softer. I would say they are almost perfect. After wearing them for a few days I ordered a few more pairs. This review is based on the latest ones. Over the years, Altra has made some of the most ... MoreIt took what seems to have been a year to get my first pair. They don't make as many size 15s and in recent years, Altra's popularity has made getting a size 15 almost impossible. When I was able to get my first pair and they arrived, they were incredibly stiff. I am not sure if that was the intention but regardless, they were painful to wear but thanks to Altra's incredible return policy I was able to send them back. When the latest colors dropped I decided to take one more chance and I ordered the ones in all black. A few days later they showed up and they are noticeably softer. I would say they are almost perfect. After wearing them for a few days I ordered a few more pairs. This review is based on the latest ones. Over the years, Altra has made some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I have been a fan since day one.
I use the Altra products for long walks and all activities during the day, including working out. I have been an Altra shore buyer for many years; however, I had never found an Altra shoe model with a truly firm/stiff sole (no bend). I have Hallux Rigidus in my big toe and foot joint-- think no cartilage and a ping pong ball collection of bone chips from the bending of the toe in what is the toes normal motion. A shoe having a wide toe box and a stiff sole that does not bend is the nirvana for my condition. Well...I found it. The VIA OLYMPUS. Emphasis on VIA. I wish more Altra models had this firm sole including the model I use for hiking on rugged trails. The VIA OLYMPUS shoe is a maximum cushion shoe, so it is soft and comfortable, but the lack of bending (stiff) ... MoreI use the Altra products for long walks and all activities during the day, including working out. I have been an Altra shore buyer for many years; however, I had never found an Altra shoe model with a truly firm/stiff sole (no bend). I have Hallux Rigidus in my big toe and foot joint-- think no cartilage and a ping pong ball collection of bone chips from the bending of the toe in what is the toes normal motion. A shoe having a wide toe box and a stiff sole that does not bend is the nirvana for my condition. Well...I found it. The VIA OLYMPUS. Emphasis on VIA. I wish more Altra models had this firm sole including the model I use for hiking on rugged trails. The VIA OLYMPUS shoe is a maximum cushion shoe, so it is soft and comfortable, but the lack of bending (stiff) in the sole is what makes it an absolute charm for me. What a relief! Altra, make more shoes with this stiff, non-bending sole. It is a blessing!
This is my first pair of Altra's and I've been an avid runner for a large part of my life. These particular Olympus Via offer exactly what I need at this stage in my life. The cushioning on these shoes offers a lot of extra protection for my knees, joints, and low back with the Altra Ego Max midsole foam. There is a stack height of 33mm which allows for some serious shock absorption on my runs. My legs have felt less fatigued during my runs, and also less fatigue afterwards. I have really enjoyed the Altra Original Footshape Fit on these shoes as I finally feel I have a shoe that allows me to have a wide and comfortable toe box. The look of these shoes from a bird's eye view isn't the most attractive because of the big/boxy look, but the comfort and fit is ... MoreThis is my first pair of Altra's and I've been an avid runner for a large part of my life. These particular Olympus Via offer exactly what I need at this stage in my life. The cushioning on these shoes offers a lot of extra protection for my knees, joints, and low back with the Altra Ego Max midsole foam. There is a stack height of 33mm which allows for some serious shock absorption on my runs. My legs have felt less fatigued during my runs, and also less fatigue afterwards. I have really enjoyed the Altra Original Footshape Fit on these shoes as I finally feel I have a shoe that allows me to have a wide and comfortable toe box. The look of these shoes from a bird's eye view isn't the most attractive because of the big/boxy look, but the comfort and fit is fantastic. I'm also impressed by the Balanced Cushioning platform, which I was unaware of before today. This platform allows my heel and my forefoot to be on an equal distance from the ground, so my foot feels flat and planted instead of being angled downward. The Olympus Via has this unique Rocker Shape design, which took a moment for me to get used to. It's a nice little aid to propel my foot forward and encourages an efficient toe off for optimal stride. The heel cup is comfortable and fits well, along with the tongue being comfortable as it feels padded as well.Overall I am so glad to have been introduced to this shoe. The ultimate in cushioning and absorption of impact. I have tested many brands of shoes in my 30 years of running, and this might be my new go to shoe.