Brooks Catamount 4 Review: 8 Comparisons

Article by Mike Postaski

Introduction

Mike P: One in all my favourite path sneakers of all time returns with a giant replace, doubtlessly altering the whole character of the shoe. The headline right here is that the Catamount 4 receives a stiffer, extra sculpted and velocity oriented SkyVault plate, trying to supply a speedier and extra dynamic trip in runnable terrain whereas additionally including 2mm of Brooks latest and highest efficiency supercritical Flash v2 foam. I beloved the model 2 & 3 iterations, racing V2 a number of occasions, and logging many miles in each variations throughout all kinds of terrain. Will V4 hold the Catamount on my “all-time” checklist? What might be gained, or doubtlessly misplaced with this replace?

Professionals and Cons

Professionals:

Good for number of distances and terrain: Renee, Mike P

Plate improves velocity and maintains stability: Renee, Mike P

General consolation: Renee, Mike P

Noticeable cushion/safety improve below forefoot Mike P

A real price range tremendous shoe Mike P

Cons:

Weight achieve: Renee, Mike P

Small lugs not superb for overly unfastened floor: Renee

Additional 2mm + newer Flash foam doesn’t add softness Mike P, Renee

Seems like weight may very well be stripped out someplace Mike P, Renee

3-4 most comparable sneakers

Catamount 3 Mike P, Renee

La Sportiva Prodigio Professional Mike P

Saucony Endorphin Edge Mike P, Renee

Please discover the testers full run bios on the finish of the article after Comparisons.

Stats

Spec Weight: males’s 9.5 oz / 269g

Pattern Weight: males’s 9.9 oz / 282g US 10 (Prior Model: males’s 9.5 oz / 268g (US 10)

ladies’s 8.34oz / 236g US8

Stack Peak: males’s 34mm heel / 28mm forefoot (6mm drop spec)

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Mike P: For an in depth take a look at the higher – please try my preliminary video evaluate HERE the place I strive on each sneakers side-by-side. From the midsole up, V4 doesn’t look all that totally different from V3, however there are a number of key variations to notice. First off – sizing sensible I discover the match precisely the identical. I dimension up by a half dimension in Brooks so my pattern is a US 10. I might probably get away with a 9.5, however I favor to have the additional house.

V4 options the identical broad and spacious toebox as variations 2 and three. It’s comfy throughout the forefoot, properly rounded out by the toes, and usually for me, one of many nicer shapes in the marketplace. Midfoot maintain once more is superb, you’ll be able to dial it in simply to your liking.

The heel cup sees a giant replace with a a lot bigger space of inside padding. I by no means had any problem with heel maintain in earlier variations. I believe with the stiffer plate within the combine, they need to be certain that the heel stays locked in. It really works nice, however that is in all probability an space the place they may have put extra time in to strip out some weight. However I shouldn’t say something as a result of I in all probability have extra complaints about stripped down, over-engineered heels.

The fabric itself is a brand new single layer TPEE mesh – the web site calls out a exact 42.2% (?) quantity of recycled supplies within the higher. I’ve no points with foothold or stretch, and it additionally appears to be like to be fairly sturdy. Notable is that there are not any underlays across the midfoot as within the earlier two variations. This hasn’t been noticeable in any respect for me.

The tongue has additionally been revamped – it’s now a totally built-in neoprene-type materials with some padding added within the middle beneath the laces. It’s a single layer of fabric which mixes into the gussets alongside the edges. It feels gentle and comfy – a bit thinner than the earlier conventional tongue, with no change in efficiency. I think about a number of grams have been saved right here, and it’s seemingly fabricated from extra recycled content material.

Sadly, the rear velcro tab and entrance gaiter loop haven’t returned, which is a bummer. You’ll must rig one thing up your self if you should.

Midsole & Platform

Mike P: Examine the specs beneath in comparison with model 3. The froth is up to date to DNA Flash V2, and 2mm extra is added entrance & again. DNA Flash is a nitrogen-infused EVA. It’s actually a bit troublesome to isolate the distinction in foam from Flash V1 to V2 on this shoe, particularly with the stiffer plate within the combine. I’m undecided how the froth charges by way of softness and/or responsiveness. Once more, the brand new plate in all probability performs an even bigger issue right here in how the shoe feels underfoot.

General, the froth itself is probably going a bit softer, plus you get 2mm extra underfoot, however that’s offset by the elevated firmness of the brand new SkyVault plate. So for me it’s type of a wash, by way of really feel – it doesn’t really feel softer.

That mentioned the rise in pure quantity of froth underfoot is clearly noticeable in comparison with the earlier 2 variations, particularly below the forefoot. Simply not “extra” within the sense of softness – undoubtedly extra protecting although. Extra within the trip part beneath.

[Catamount 4 on top, V3 bottom]

The SkyVault plate has been revamped, and that’s the main change with this mannequin. It’s now stiffer, and we have been advised that it “scoops” down extra below the forefoot for a extra propulsive impact. The plate is a full size, injected Pebax-Renew materials. The earlier plate was extra segmented, and clearly far more versatile as seen in my First Look video. The said intention was to make the shoe sooner in additional runnable terrain, and therefore extra of a race-day possibility.

Outsole

[Catamount 4 top, V3 bottom]

Mike P: TrailTack Inexperienced right here (25% recycled content material) with the identical 3.5mm lug depth. The lug form has been up to date barely and in addition some segmentation has been added between the midfoot space and the heel. There at the moment are 3 separate segments of outsole rubber the place as earlier than there all the pieces was interconnected. See above

Once more, I believe the segmentation was added to offset the elevated stiffness from the brand new plate and the elevated stack peak. I’ve put plenty of miles in my earlier Catamounts, particularly V2, and sturdiness has been glorious. It’s not the stickiest compound on the market – however it’s not treacherous and I’d fee it as a strong all-around outsole. 3.5mm lugs will solely get you thus far in unfastened terrain, however this shoe is clearly oriented in direction of extra runnable terrain, in order that should not be a priority.

Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions

Mike P: As with most large updates, some is gained right here and a few is misplaced. However you’ll be able to’t fault Brooks an excessive amount of as they’ve undoubtedly hit their said intention. The brand new plate undoubtedly provides some “pop” to the Catamount, clearly bringing it into sooner, racing territory. Earlier variations have been nice, however did lack the propulsive impact of contemporary path tremendous sneakers, and tended to have a firmer, thinner really feel underfoot.

These variations have been nice, and extremely versatile, however personally I didn’t select to race the Catamount 3, and that’s just about why. Different sneakers simply supplied extra cushion, extra response, and most significantly, extra velocity. The Catamount 4 raises the bar – clearly into borderline tremendous shoe territory – which is putting contemplating the $170 value level.

On the run, the trip is quick and dynamic, with a noticeable lever-action from the brand new plate. Whereas V3 flexed and contoured, V4 now pulses you ahead. Sure, you do lose that flexibility, versatility, and a few floor really feel from V3, however V4 is clearly sooner, clearly extra energetic, and in addition extra protecting underfoot which is a giant issue over longer distances.

The Brooks Catamount 4 is again on my radar as a racing possibility. Actually, I’ve an early season 50K arising in 3 weeks, and this one is on the very quick checklist for my decide. It might come all the way down to course circumstances – if it’s tending extra dry and runnable – this can seemingly be the decide. If not, I’m sure different race day alternatives will current themselves for the brand new Cat.

Mike P’s Rating: 9.88 / 10

Journey: 10 – Nonetheless a ten, however another way, sooner now

Match: 10 – Once more, nonetheless a ten, nice forefoot/toebox for me

Worth: 10 – Upped this to a ten – now extra of a race possibility at $170 !

Model: 10 – I like the larger, bolder Brooks lettering and emblem

Traction: 9.5 – Works nice in meant terrain

Rock Safety: 9.5 – That is higher now with some further foam and the firmer plate

Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊

8 Comparisons

Brooks Catamount 3 (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (10.0): In contrast all through this evaluate in addition to my video evaluate HERE. Match and sizing is identical – true-to-size or half dimension up if you would like more room as I do. V4 loses some total flexibility and floor really feel, however its trip is extra dynamic, and sooner. The brand new plate offers the noticeable lever impact of plated sneakers, however doesn’t verge into the overly tippy territory. The added foam is noticeable underfoot, though it’s not noticeably softer. It ought to give extra safety for longer miles and feels method much less skinny below the forefoot. Outsoles are comparable, though you may lose a bit in V4 with much less flexibility. A worthy commerce off. Cat 4 does achieve some weight, however the distinction in cushion underfoot makes it really feel like at the least it’s going in direction of one thing.

Brooks Catamount Agil (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (9.5): I do have the Agil in my regular true to dimension 9.5, which works because it’s designed for a lot shorter distances. Because the identify suggests, the Agil is far decrease to the bottom, on a a lot narrower platform, and far more Agile. It’s actually designed for shorter, sooner, efforts in doubtlessly rougher terrain. There’s not a lot underfoot, which is nice for its meant design. It’s an amazing complement to the now extra runnable, sooner, common Catamount.

Saucony Endorphin Edge (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (9.5): This now-defunct mannequin, is bouncer, with a stiffer and extra energetic plate. The Pb foam feels softer underfoot, however together with the extremely energetic carbon plate, it could possibly simply throw you off monitor for those who’re not cautious. The Edge is quicker, however the Catamount extra steady and extra appropriate for longer distances. The Catamount higher and basic foot form can be higher total, at the least for me. The broader toe field is extra comfy and I really feel offers a extra strong foot strike.

La Sportiva Prodigio Professional (RTR Video Evaluate)

Mike P (10.5): Sizing is equal right here – LS 10.5 = Brooks 10. I might go a half dimension down in each sneakers for a cosy match, however I favor the sizes I’ve. The Prodigio has extra flexibility, and a softer bouncier really feel with its core of TPU foam. It’s a strong mountain shoe – with its energetic trip, and no plate to get in the best way of some floor really feel. The Brooks leans extra runnable, and is a sooner shoe, though it wouldn’t work fairly as properly in additional rugged terrain the place the LS would shine. The Professional will get the sting in traction with barely deeper lugs and a stickier rubber compound. I like the LS built-in gaiter/collar, and actually want the Catamount had the identical (just like the Agil). Each have equally vast toe containers with a slight edge to the LS by way of a dialed in match. These are each glorious, excessive worth, coaching/racing choices for 2025.

Adidas Terrex Pace Extremely (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (10.0): One of many prime extremely race sneakers in the marketplace – the Brooks doesn’t fairly stand up to the extent of the Adidas, however it’s striving in the identical course. The Adidas clearly has a extra superior foam – evidenced by the truth that there’s much more of it underfoot and the shoe remains to be virtually half an oz. lighter. The Adidas isn’t very versatile although – finest for extremely environment friendly runners, and primarily sooner paces. It may be unstable in any other case. That’s the place the Catamount can step in – nonetheless quick, but far more steady for many runners. It additionally has extra vary and flexibility than the very particular, runnable-ultra oriented Adidas.

Merrell Lengthy Sky Matryx 2 (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (9.5): The Lengthy Sky Matryx 2 leans extra versatile as a enjoyable coaching shoe, and might be extra similar to Catamount V2/3. It’s far more versatile, with no plate and thinner midsole quantity. It’s a enjoyable, light-weight shoe that I prefer to take out after I can for short-mid distance coaching runs. I don’t suppose it has fairly the dynamic trip I’m searching for for races, however it may very well be an possibility for those who favor the low, old-fashioned, near the bottom really feel. The Catamount 4 is extra new-school, plated, and dynamic.

VJ MAXX 2 (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (9.0): Particular odd sizing with the MAXX 2, concentrate on that. The MAXX2 is nearer to the Lengthy Sky 2 than the Catamount 4. It’s equally light-weight, versatile, and nearer to the bottom. It does have a extra energetic foam than the Merrell, however a thicker, much less refined higher and match. I just like the MAXX 2 for a similar sorts of runs as I do within the Lengthy Sky 2, and I equally don’t contemplate it for racing. At $10 cheaper, the Catamount 4 is a greater package deal and worth for those who’re interested by going sooner and doubtlessly racing in it.

Salomon S/LAB Genesis (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (9.5): The Salomon is extra technical mountain/extremely oriented – actually not in the identical class. However I do prefer it as a flexible possibility for every kind of terrain and situations. It doesn’t have the velocity issue of the Catamount although, so I’d clearly go together with the Brooks in runnable terrain, however something technical the S/LAB Genesis goes to run away with it.

Index to all RTR opinions: HERE

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Tester Profiles

Mike Postaski presently focuses on lengthy mountainous ultras – anyplace from 50K as much as his favourite – 100M. 5’10”, 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker – he sometimes averages 70 mpw (totally on trails), ramping as much as 100+ mpw throughout race buildups. A current 2:39 highway 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, successful the Scout 50M in 2024. 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 document 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 containers.

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