Quick verdict:
- Experience Flow 2 — lightest, most flexible, 4 mm drop; great for short walks and quicker pace.
- Via Olympus 2 — softest, deepest toe box, max cushion, zero drop; best for long walks and all-day standing.
- Paradigm 8 — firmest, most stable, widest fit, zero drop; best for over-pronation control without arch pressure.
Hi, I’m James McCormack, a foot and ankle specialist. I’ve wear-tested all three and compared fit, cushioning, stability, and performance to help daily walkers choose confidently.
Reviewed & wear-tested; information is educational and not a substitute for medical care.
Skip ahead:
Decision table · Fit · Cushioning · Stability · Performance · Conclusion
Decision table
| Shoe | Best for | Cushioning feel | Drop | Fit | Flexibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experience Flow 2 | Short walks, faster pace, transition to zero drop | Soft, responsive (PWR 35/EGO) | 4 mm | Anatomical toe box; slimmer heel/midfoot | Most flexible forefoot | Lightest |
| Via Olympus 2 | Long walks, all-day standing, max comfort | Softest; 33 mm stack | 0 mm | Anatomical toe box with deepest volume | Moderate, stiffer forefoot | Less secure lockdown |
| Paradigm 8 | Stability for wide/flat feet, medium–long walks | Firmest (EGO Max), stable | 0 mm | Widest fit; good lockdown | Moderate | GuideRail support |
Check the latest prices on Amazon below:
Fit and upper (toe box, lockdown, widths)
Experience Flow 2
- True to size, anatomical toe box with a slightly slimmer midfoot/heel for secure lockdown.
- Most flexible forefoot of the three; padded tongue helps hold the foot in place.
- Good if you want space up front but a hug at the heel.
Via Olympus 2
- Anatomical toe box with exceptional depth—useful for bunions or sensitivity over the big toe.
- Tongue padding is lighter, so lockdown is adequate but not as secure as Flow 2.
- Feels roomy and plush.
Paradigm 8
- Widest overall fit; anatomical toe box; dependable midfoot/heel hold.
- Best pick if you routinely need extra width or have a neuroma.
Cushioning: underfoot feel and stack
Experience Flow 2
- PWR 35/EGO cushioning is softer and springier than v1; lively turnover for brisk walks.
Via Olympus 2
- Max cushion (≈33 mm) with zero drop; balanced softness for long-duration comfort.
Paradigm 8
- EGO Max is the firmest of the three (softer than Paradigm 7, still firmer overall); stable, predictable ride.
Stability: neutral vs guidance
Experience Flow 2
- Neutral shoe on a broad base; 4 mm drop makes it an ideal transition step for anyone moving from 6–10 mm shoes toward zero drop.
Via Olympus 2
- Neutral with soft, tall stack; sidewalls cradle the foot but overall it’s less inherently stable than Flow 2.
Paradigm 8
- Zero-drop stability via prominent GuideRails and a wide platform—centres the foot without pushing on the arch.
Performance: weight, distance, use cases
- Experience Flow 2 — ~238 g (men’s US 9). Light and nimble for short walks and quicker pace; great daily trainer for city laps and errands.
- Via Olympus 2 — ~297 g (men’s US 9). Heavier but best for long walks and all-day standing thanks to soft cushioning and a protective, slightly stiff forefoot.
- Paradigm 8 — Middle for weight; excels on medium–long walks where guidance and a wide platform reduce fatigue.
Conclusion
- Choose Experience Flow 2 for a light, responsive feel, short walks, and 4 mm transitional drop.
- Choose Via Olympus 2 for the softest max-cushion comfort and long-duration standing or walking.
- Choose Paradigm 8 for zero-drop stability and the widest fit, suited to flat feet or walkers who fatigue with neutral shoes.
If you are search for some higher drop shoes with an anatomical toe-box then check out the Topo Shoes.
