Brooks Catamount 3 Review

We've tested many options from Brooks in the past and none have felt as lively as the Catamount 3. While similar to the Ghost series, the Catamount has much more compressive foam and is less built in the upper, giving a more minimalist feel. This is easily one of the best Brooks Trail models we've tested, and it was a pleasure to run in. There still is the signature stability offered from Brooks, so as with most models, it feels a bit planted at times. We found less arch support than others, but the heel is well-grounded and wide. The upper is thin but supportive, and the laces have a unique index design, which feels great. If you're a fan of Brooks or are looking for agility and stability, don't hesitate on this model.

Performance Comparison

Foot Protection

With 6mm of drop and firm cushioning, there is ample underfoot protection. The upper is less protective as it's thin and offers less rigidity, but at this stack, we don't really have many issues with hitting our toes. Brooks suggested this shoe for 50-100k, and we'd have to agree, although we think you could push it even further with the right amount of training. For shorter events, you could find this dense foam less able to pinpoint landings on technical terrain, but its lack of sensitivity and higher foot protection is something we want in longer races or events.

Traction

The TrailTack rubber found on the Catamount is good but may be a bit soft, given the style of the shoe. The model largely feels directional and better suited for easier trails, so we are a bit surprised by the softer design. However, we largely didn't have any issues in a variety of conditions. In the dry Southwest where we tested, it's often nice to have hard rubber for the durability on rock. Its ability to repel dust is also a positive, leaving you confident that your rubber will perform consistently. We couldn't get caught up on traction too much with this model unless you are planning in thick, muddy conditions.

Sensitivity

The dense foam and rigidity laterally and through the heel leaves a lot to be desired for trail feel. It's great on more consistent ground, but moving over technical terrain, there are fewer indicators of foot placement. This creates great foot protection for long races but causes the model to feel less confident when tackling quick technical moves and adjustments. Largely, this is a product of the shoe's benefits, and largely, models can't both have protection and sensitivity.

Stability

There is still a strong sensation of structure through the heel of the Brooks Catamount 3, but it doesn't feel as rigid as some other Brooks models. Due to the stack and stability, this model is most suited for easy to moderate trails. While never overly stiff, it is still susceptible to torquing the ankles more frequently than some softer models. This is largely not an issue, and this rigidity amplifies the energy transfer, especially on the trails where it's at home.

Comfort and Fit

Brooks is known for its durability and comfort, and the Catamount 3 is no different. We knew we'd like the Catamount from the second we put it on. The upper is excellent, being one of the most comfortable we tested. It manages to provide a stable foothold without feeling overly snug or restrictive. The foam, while dense, does have a fair amount of give and provides good energy transfer, but we wouldn't consider it overly plush. If we offered any critique, it would be that the shoe could become slightly less rigid and offer a bit more arch support.

Weight

At 9.82 oz per shoe, this is the lightest Brooks trail shoe model we've tested, but it has plenty of comfort and protection for ultra-style events. In our testing, we loved this shoe most on our long-run days. It gave us multiple hours of comfort but still felt lively and fast. The shoe feels easier through the stride than other models with a similar level of stability. Also, a plus is that no comfort is spared by the upper; its thin design has excellent foothold, and the materials feel durable and premium. We've always felt slightly slowed down by Brooks, but we are happy to say this is something we could see ourselves racing in.

Should You Buy the Brooks Catamount 3?

The Catamount 3 is best for people looking for agility and stability. This could also be a great option for ultra runners who want protection, especially when fatigued. We could easily see ourselves choosing this model for a 50-100 miler if wanting some extra support. Runners focused on technical terrain may find the model a bit stiffer laterally. This can cause the model to feel a bit unstable on smaller rocks or technical moves. If you know you like Brooks, we wouldn't hesitate in suggesting this model.

What Other Men's Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?

For a similar feel that is similarly agile but a bit less rigid, we'd recommend the La Sportiva Prodigio. If you desire a similar level of stability but are less worried about speed and the sensation of lightness, we'd check out the Brooks Divide 4 or Brooks Cascadia 17. The Hoka Torrent 3 is also a good model that prioritizes being lightweight, nimble, and supportive.