Brooks Catamount 3 Multi Tester Review: 11 Comparisons

Article by Jana Herzgova, Renee Krusemark, Jeff Valliere, & Mike Postaski

Brooks Catamount 3 ($170)

Introduction

Jeff V: The Catamount 3 retains the tried and true midsole and outsole design that labored so effectively for the Catamount 2 (RTR Assessment), but made some modifications to the higher to incorporate a thinner, extra versatile/breathable mesh, and new laces which have a “crinkle lower” design to carry a bit higher. Brooks has additionally eliminated the gaiter tab that was positioned on the entrance of the laces (which is ok, as I believe the Cat 2’s was too small to be helpful in any case), in addition to the velcro gaiter retention strap on the again. These delicate modifications have resulted in a .25 oz or 10 gram weight drop to the Catamount 3.

Professionals:

Nimble and light-weight: Renee/Jana/Jeff VMike P

Safe and comfy higher: Renee/Jana/Jeff VMike P

Enjoyable, quick trip: Renee/Jana/Jeff VMike P

Responsive: Jeff VMike P

Secure and agile: Jeff VMike P

Good, broad & snug toebox Mike P

Cons:

A bit agency below the forefoot: Renee/Jeff

Toe field match isn’t for broad broad toes: Jana

Extra colours, please – Jana

V3 now not has gaiter attachments: Mike P

Stats

Approx. Weight: males’s 9 oz / 255g (US9) / girls’s 7.83oz / 222g (US8)

Samples: males’s 9.5oz / 268g US 10

girls’s 7.83oz / 222g (US8)Stack Top: 30mm heel / 24mm forefoot ( 6mm drop spec) Platform Width: 90mm heel / 73mm midfoot / 120mm forefoot$170 Obtainable now together with at our companions on the finish of the article

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Renee: Throughout The Operating Occasion, the Brooks Catamount 3 and new Catamount Agil have been two of probably the most thrilling path sneakers on my record. The Catamount 3 doesn’t disappoint my expectations. I’ve by no means ran within the earlier variations, and it’s been on my record of sneakers to strive, particularly since Mike P. raves about v2 as considered one of his favorites. The shoe is a good selection for runners who like light-weight, easy, mainly do-it-all path sneakers. The higher is easy.

Primarily, the higher has the convenience and luxury of a street shoe with further overlays alongside the toebox/forefoot sides to assist with safety and provide safety. The laces don’t loosen as soon as tightened. The heel cup may be very safe, even for my considerably slender heel. The toebox is roomy with out being overly broad. The match ought to work for slender/low quantity and common toes. Possibly wide-foot runners would possibly discover the midfoot slender, however no more so than some other non-wide shoe. The shoe is true-to-size.

Jana: The Catamount 2 has been my go to shoe for all-terrain adventures, therefore, I hoped Brooks gained’t change it a lot. Moreover some very minor superficial modifications (like design/colours, shoe laces tuck in system), I’m glad that Brooks stored all of it the identical.

The higher is gentle, very breathable, and seamless. It holds the entrance foot form effectively, and it appears to me that the peak of the toe field is barely bigger than its predecessor, offering a extra snug really feel with out making me really feel like I’m flip flopping round in them. It additionally dries out quick and stays gentle when moist.

Since there are very minor modifications in between model of Catamount 2 and this new model 3, the heel stays effectively locked in, with an total snug and secured foothold. The tongue is flippantly padded, along with the heel collar – simply sufficient to make it snug with out making it really feel cumbersome, aiding within the good stability of the shoe. Sizing stays true to suit as effectively.

One factor that’s new on this model is the “lace tuck in system.” In the image under, it’s the yellow piece of stretchy rubber connected to the tongue.

After you end lacing up your sneakers, merely take your laces and safe them below this stretchy rubber – that is it. I like this method – tremendous quick, and the laces keep securely in on a regular basis. Additionally, the velcro attachment on the heel is gone (Catamount 2 has it).

Jeff V: Jana and Renee have given a pleasant overview of the higher. The higher is the one change over the 2nd model and is a pleasant improve for my part, because it drops some weight from an already light-weight shoe, whereas retaining excellent safety and even provides a bit extra room within the forefoot for these with wider toes or preferring a bit extra wiggle room for swell and splay.

Whereas not a large shoe, I discover it pleasantly accommodating with out compromising foothold when operating in technical terrain. I additionally discover that the thinner higher offers some added consolation and suppleness (not that the earlier model was in any respect uncomfortable or stiff) and likewise I believe will probably be cooler and higher ventilated in hotter temperatures. Match may be very a lot true to dimension in my ordinary dimension 10.

I additionally recognize the brand new laces with the crinkle lower design, which helps maintain them in place higher as you tighten (however once more, the earlier laces have been wonderful too).

Eradicating the gaiter attachments I believe was a great transfer as a result of A) I although the earlier from loop was too small to be helpful and you need to use the entrance lace in any case and B) I by no means use the velcro retention strap on the heel in any case, however maybe I don’t have the proper of gaiters. Both means, frequent gaiter wearers who’re explicit about this can be disillusioned, however I believe will probably be of no consequence to most, even in case you do put on gaiters. Additionally, regardless of the slimming down of the higher, I’ve probably not observed a degradation in efficiency.

Midsole & Platform

Renee: The midsole is nitrogen-infused DNA Flash with a SkyVault Path Plate to supply responsiveness, no change from the Catamount 2. The shoe is light-weight and nimble with sufficient flex underfoot to be snug as an alternative of harsh. The SkyVault plate helps to create a quick take-off on uneven terrain.

The midsole is a bit on the agency facet, which is an asset for quick paces. For lengthy runs, I’d like a contact extra give/softness below the forefoot particularly for undulating or rolling sections. That stated, the shoe is snug at sluggish paces for mid distances (for me 2-3 hours).

Jana: The stiffness and assist supplied by a SkyVault Path plate affords further safety on extra technical terrain. I like the way it makes me really feel extra secure on steeper and technical climbs (though because of the winter season I couldn’t take a look at it on my ordinary technical route).

The plate in combo with nitrogen-infused DNA Flash foam feels responsive, energetic, and enjoyable to run.

Jeff V: The midsole has gone unchanged, which is nice information for followers of the Catamount 2. As I described for the Cat 2 (RTR Assessment), the Cat 3 is effectively cushioned, gentle and compliant sufficient to supply a pleasant, effectively cushioned touchdown, although concurrently agency sufficient, with an lively response for quick, excessive efficiency operating. The Catamount 3 is quick uphill and I discover a bonus with welcome flexibility, including not simply efficiency, but in addition is kind of secure, exact and agile. That stated, after spending extra time within the Cat 2 final 12 months and now the three, I believe the candy spot for the Cat 2 or 3 is for sooner operating over longer distances, the place if I’m operating longer distances, pace will probably be much less and I’ll need softer, extra plush cushioning.

Outsole

Renee: The outsole is Brooks’ TrailTack Inexperienced rubber, made with 25% recycled content material. The grip and traction are good for 3.5mm lugs. All of my miles within the sneakers have been in snow, slush, or mud. For actually gentle terrain, bigger lugs work higher, however I’ve no complaints in regards to the outsole total.

Massive and aggressive lugs don’t work effectively on many firmer surfaces, and given the sunshine and nimble trip of the Catamount, it nonetheless works effectively sufficient in sloppy circumstances.

Jana: I agree with every thing Renee talked about above – therefore, Catamount has been my go to shoe for a lot of adventures in numerous circumstances.

Jeff V: I shouldn’t have a lot so as to add to the above description, or efficiency of what I described beforehand in regards to the Cat 2, because the outsole has remained unchanged. I’ve run on dry trails, moist trails, moist slabby rock, off path, snow, mud, ice, slush, moist and dry roads, dust roads, and so forth…. I at all times really feel assured in my footing. For devoted steep, unfastened, off path or extra snowy runs, I would like a shoe with deeper, sharper lugs, however for most individuals and for many operating, more often than not, the Catamount 3 outsole delivers excellent total efficiency.

Door to path efficiency can be excellent, with the lugs being refined sufficient to go basically unnoticed on street.

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Renee: Brooks states the Catamount is quick, nimble, and light-weight. And they’re right.

The shoe is no-nonsense and a strong selection for runners who gravitate towards light-weight path sneakers with good floor really feel.

Whereas I believe the midsole is a bit agency below the forefoot, this does permit for a fast and secure take off throughout quick/shorter runs or on inclines.

My longest run was 3 hours, and on a various terrain, the shoe is snug for that and extra. I’m undecided I’d run an extremely distance within the sneakers except the terrain was various whereby I wasn’t touchdown quick and exhausting on the forefoot. The shoe is enjoyable at quite a lot of paces, particularly for strides. Regrettably, I had the shoe throughout winter circumstances and haven’t had dry terrain on single observe (or roads).

Renee’s Rating: 9.4/10 (-.30 a bit agency below the forefoot, -.30 value to be used)

😊😊😊😊😊

Jana: Versatility is the explanation why I come again to this shoe time and time once more. It’s a very strong do-it-all path floor really feel and is snug for hours. Not for tremendous lengthy races/runs, however someplace round 50k-100k it ought to suffice. It’s a nice, snug, and safe trip with loads of cushioning for a floor really feel shoe. It is a path shoe that I’ve not discovered any points with but (similar with the earlier mannequin as effectively) – I hope Brooks will maintain this path shoe gem coming for a while.

Though I just like the design, extra shade choices can be good to have – the actually solely adverse factor I can should say.

Jana’s Rating: 9.8/10 (-.20 for not having extra shade choices)

Mike P: I completely beloved the Catamount 2 – it’s considered one of my favourite path sneakers of all time. I ran a quick 50K in them in addition to a 24 hour race (123+ miles lined). The Catamount 3 is even higher – with slight variations within the higher resulting in a 0.3 oz (10g) weight discount in my US 10.0. Jana nails it- such a flexible shoe. May very well be an on a regular basis shoe for many, quick distance speedster for some, and long-distance extremely shoe for others.

Mike P’s Rating: 9.78 / 10

Largely the identical scores as V2, I bumped up the Worth barely, as I’ve gotten 250+ miles in my V2 pair they usually nonetheless really feel nice.

Experience: 10 – Find it irresistible – fast, balanced, and agile… & light-weight!Match: 10 – No change from V2, nice roomy and forefoot, safe throughoutWorth: 9.5 – Extremely versatile for each coaching and racing. Excessive sturdiness confirmedFashion: 10 – Love the yellow colorway, appears to be like like a great template for some racy designsTraction: 9.5 – Glorious in most path circumstances you’d count on to run these inRock Safety: 9 – Good, however with the firmness you could really feel one thing right here or thereSmiles 😊😊😊😊😊

Please try my in-depth full video overview on RoadTrailRun’s YouTube channel!

Jeff V: The trip is fast, clean, energetic and spirited, a superb selection for up tempo coaching or racing, with a lot improved flexibility over the primary model. The Catamount 3 can be effectively balanced, secure, predictable and effectively cushioned sufficient for me for hours with nice consolation. As with the Cat 2, I believe the Cat 3 is a good selection for quick operating, racing or coaching on all however probably the most steep, technical terrain and can be enough for as much as marathon distance on softer terrain. The brand new higher provides a pleasant little bit of consolation for these (like Mike) who discover the midsole to be enough for longer distances, or simply throughout consolation for individuals who want a bit extra room.

Jeff V’s Rating: 9.6 / 10

Experience: 9.75 – The trip is quick, enjoyable and energeticMatch: 9.75 – the broader, lighter, extra versatile higher is an enchancmentWorth: 9 – $170 is getting up there in value, however efficiency, sturdiness and flexibility are all niceFashion: 10 – Brooks has mastered aesthetics.Traction: 9.5 – wonderful for supposed goal, versatile and nice for all however probably the most excessive terrain.Rock Safety: 9.5 – excellentSmiles 😊😊😊😊😊

11 Comparisons

Index to all RTR opinions: HERE Roadtrailrun

Brooks Catamount 2 (RTR Assessment)

Jana: As I discussed above, there are just a few minor superficial variations between Catamount 2 and this new model 3 – no change in trip, nor comfortable really feel. No complaints with both mannequin for me, they each are effectively designed all-terrain sneakers.

Mike P (10.0): In contrast intimately in my YouTube overview – midsole/outsole is unchanged, with an up to date higher, shaving a bit little bit of weight. The good trip is strictly the identical. The brand new higher looks like will probably be extra sturdy, though I’ve had no points with my V2 pair, and nonetheless use them. V2 is presently on sale $60 lower than V3 on Brooks web site – I’d go for the low cost except you completely want the minor weight enchancment.

Saucony Peregrine 13 (RTR Assessment)

Renee: The Peregrine 13 has a bit extra midsole underfoot that provides a bit extra softness. At its $140 value vs.$170, the Peregrine 13 is a greater purchase.. The higher of the Catamount is safer for me, though the Peregrine affords a contact extra width and top (if wanted). For shorter, sooner efforts, the benefit is to the Catamount. For longer efforts and day by day miles, I’d choose the Peregrine, given the value. Sizing is comparable.

Mike P (9.5): Agree with Renee in regards to the softness – Peregrine provides the “gentle” feeling for certain, whereas the Catamount leans “considerably agency” compared. Whereas not a sluggish shoe total, compared to the Catamount, the Peregrine has a slower, mushy really feel in an A/B take a look at. The Catamount additionally wins on stability with a extra dependable, wider base. The decision between these two is dependent upon your operating preferences. I want the firmer, sooner trip of the Catamount, and it doesn’t trouble me over longer distances. So it sort of makes the Peregrine irrelevant for me.

Saucony Endorphin Edge (RTR Assessment)

Renee: The Edge has extra underfoot and works significantly better for longer distances. The higher isn’t almost as safe because the Catamount’s. The carbon plate within the Catamount helps with stability and pace for inclines and quick efforts. The carbon plate of the Edge is extra corresponding to a plated street shoe, which works nice for even/smoother terrain. On moist rock, muddy rock, or technical terrain, the Edge could be very unstable. Each are nice sneakers with completely different benefits relying on terrain and runner desire. Sizing is comparable.

Mike P (9.5): The Edge is an all-out quick speedster. PB foam plus a really dynamic carbon plate makes it explosive on the run, but generally a bit uncontrolled. The Catamount provides a extra secure and restrained, but quick trip. I’ve bother with the Edge in reasonable/technical terrain as I discover there’s simply an excessive amount of motion underfoot. The Catamount is a way more versatile shoe for coaching and racing, whereas the Edge is a racer for very particular situations.

Salomon S/Lab Genesis and Genesis (RTR Assessment)

Jeff V: The Genesis and S/Lab Genesis are shut in weight, however not as responsive or as propulsive because the Catamount, as they haven’t any plate and extra standard non supercritical foam. The Genesis/S/Lab nevertheless affords a softer, extra compliant trip for longer distances and for rockier, exhausting surfaces and technical terrain. Superior traction, particularly with the brand new 2024 Genesis provides to their superiority in rugged terrain. For shorter, sooner races or operating on much less technical terrain, then Catamount, however for longer days, extra technical terrain or if you require a softer extra compliant cushion, the Genesis is my selection.

Mike P (9.5): S/LAB model is one other of my all-time FAVs. Jeff V nails the comparability. Catamount positively feels faster, however the cushion + versatile really feel provides the S/LAB the sting in longer, technical conditions. I ran the S/LAB Genesis in a really rugged 70+ mile race within the Austrian alps they usually have been the right selection.

Salomon Sense Experience 5 (RTR Assessment)

Jeff V: The Cat 3 is lighter, extra responsive and extra secure feeling, the place the SR5 is a bit softer cushioned for longer days and extra informal use. Traction is comparable. SR5 for longer, extra informal runs or on a regular basis use, the place the Cat 3 is a speedster for racing and uptempo coaching.

Mike P (10.0): I had a variety of bother with the match of the Sense Experience 5, so I’ll defer to Jeff V’s tackle this one. The toebox of the SR5 tapers too sharply for my foot, and I simply discovered them too uncomfortable to run after testing.

Saucony Xodus Extremely 1 or 2 (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (9.5): Each Xodus variations are by far softer and extra cushioned underfoot. Additionally they have a versatile plate, but it surely offers extra stability to the midsole foam fairly than propulsion. The Catamount plate is extra lively by way of providing you with a bit “oomph”. The width within the forefoot of Xodus V1 was corresponding to the Catamount, however I discovered V2 narrowed the toebox a bit. The Catamount feels decrease to the bottom and far more secure than both of the Xodus fashions. I believe heavier runners could gravitate in direction of the Xodus and it’s cushion, particularly over longer distances, however lighter runners could want the faster Catamount.

New Steadiness SC Path (RTR Assessment)

Jeff V: Shut in weight, each sneakers are very quick, agile and responsive. I discover the Cat 3 to have a bit extra snap and responsive propulsion (regardless of the carbon plate within the SC), however I want the softer underfoot really feel of the SC for many runs, particularly on tougher, extra rocky terrain and longer outings, the place the Cat 3 can really feel a bit agency. The Cat 3 nevertheless has a wider, extra compliant match within the forefoot which will probably be a plus for a lot of on longer outings or relying on match desire.

Merrell Lengthy Sky 2 Matryx (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (9.5): A high contender for shoe of the 12 months thus far in 2024 – but the Catamount just about offers every thing the Lengthy Sky does. Cushion is comparable between the 2, however I’d say the LS has extra common flexibility, whereas the Catamount flexes extra ahead in direction of the ball of the foot. I believe that makes the Cat a sooner shoe, however the LS can be fast, primarily as a result of its very gentle weight. The one notable distinction is within the heel – the LS heel cup is a bit agency and may very well be a possible subject over longer durations. The ankle collar padding additionally has house between the foot, so it does let some small particles in. The Catamount heel is ideal. I total want the Catamount, however the LS is a good, no fuss, light-weight path shoe.

Merrell Skyfire 2 Matryx (RTR Assessment)

Jeff V: Each are very quick sneakers, however the Skyfire 2 is considerably lighter and extra stripped down, with higher traction. I’d choose the Skyfire 2 for my quickest efforts on shorter, up/down the mountain runs, extra technical, whereas the Cat 3 is likely to be a better option on much less technical terrain, longer distances and if you want a bit extra substance/safety.

NNormal Kjerag (RTR Assessment)

Mike P (9.5): They’re very completely different sneakers, regardless of having the identical listed stack top. Kjerag feels far more minimal underfoot – it has a plate, but it surely have to be very skinny because it’s probably not a protecting shoe. It favors an agile operating model. Match smart, each have equal safety, however the Kjerag feels much less structured and extra foot wrapping, whereas the Catamount feels extra conventional in match. Kjerag is a bit bit extra spacious within the toebox. Speedwise the Catamount’s plate is extra propulsive and its flex appears to help extra – the Kjerag is simply plain gentle.. however you must present the pace. Very completely different platforms underfoot – Catamount has a pleasant, reasonably broad base which will probably be extra secure for almost all of runners. Kjerag is tremendous slender – once more favoring the lighter and extra agile runner and operating model.

Tester Profiles

Jana Herzgova took up operating in 2016, after a again harm. Previous to that she was a pace skater, however as a result of again ache and physician’s advice, she transitioned into operating. Since then, beginning with shorter extremely distance races she shortly advanced into an avid lengthy distance and unsupported mountain runner. She additionally likes to tackle challenges/races in arctic and subarctic climates, primarily in unsupported and semi-self supported model. She presently lives in Utah/Wyoming.

Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of operating and writing began. She isn’t that superior of a runner, however she tries actually exhausting. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles happen on rural nation roads in Nebraska, that means mud, gravel, dust, hills, and the occasional discipline. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and three:26:45 for the marathon.

Jeff Valliere likes to run and discover the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and extra technical the higher. He has summited all the 14ers within the state and could be discovered on mountain trails day by day, regardless of the climate, season, circumstances or whether or not there’s daylight or not. On the facet he likes to ski (all varieties) bike and hike, usually together with his household, as he introduces his 12 12 months previous daughters to the outside. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, however has referred to as Colorado house for over 25 years. He’s 5’9” and 145 lbs.

Mike Postaski presently focuses on lengthy mountainous ultras – wherever from 50K as much as his favourite – 100M. 5’10”, 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker – he usually averages 70 mpw (totally on trails), ramping as much as 100+ mpw throughout race buildups. A latest 2:39 street marathoner, his straightforward operating tempo ranges from 7:30 – 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has gained the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M path ultras. He additionally set a CR of 123.74M on the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and accomplished the Boise Trails Problem on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the earlier file by 7 hours. Mike’s shoe preferences lean in direction of firmer, dense cushioning, and sneakers with narrower profiles. He prefers further forefoot house, particularly for lengthy ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe packing containers.

The Brooks Catamount 3 is accessible at our companions under.

Samples have been supplied at no cost for overview functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought by way of buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are totally the authors’.

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