Brooks Catamount 2

Brooks Catamount 2
Brooks Catamount 2
7.6
SCORE

Original price Brooks £160.00

From £146.06



Characteristics

  • Gender
    Men Women
  • Weight
    275 gr
  • Drop
    6 mm
  • Cushion
    Neutral
  • Runner weight
    Medium
  • Running gait
    Neutral
  • Surface
    Trail
  • Use
    training Racing
  • Pace
    Medium High
  • Foot
    Normal feet
  • Strike
    Forefoot heel
  • Distance
    10K Half-marathon Marathon
  • Eco-friendly
    Recycled material
  • Year
    2023
Lightness
8
Cushioning
8
Flexibility
8
Responsive
9
Stability
8
Grip
9

Awards

Award to the editorial staff's and testers' favourite models

Premio RUNNEA mejor zapatilla en su categoría

Expected by the most demanding, fastest and most intrepid trail runners comes a new update of the Brooks Catamount 2, the trail runningshoe for competition and training of the American brand, which is called to be one of the references in trail territory torun at maximum speed. So it is not surprising that the model is one of the options chosen by the elite runners of the Run Happy philosophy brand.

The entire new design of these trail running shoes Brooks Catamount 2 has been rethought so that you will be able to be more efficient, and therefore, faster in your next race and / or mountain training. Agile paces over longer distances, or in other words, farther and faster. Ready to step it up a notch and pick up the pace on your trail runs?

What's new in the Brooks Catamount 2 that you should take into account - photo 1

What's new in the Brooks Catamount 2 that you should take into account?

Primarily, the Brooks Catamount 2 excels in three key areas: lightweight and responsive cushioning, all-terrain stability and grippy traction. In fact, their efficiency on ascents is proven. Not to mention that this renewed Brooks mountain running model ensures a high level of comfort.

As in the original version of the Brooks Catamount, this second edition of the Catamount maintains the bet of that midsole made with its exclusive DNA FLASH material, the infused nitrogen compound. A technological resource that translates into a more adaptive cushioning, but that does not renounce to havean optimal responsiveness to enjoy more dynamic and agile transitions in each kilometer you run.

The main novelty of these Catamount 2 from Brooks Running lies in the incorporation of the innovative SkyVault propulsion plate. A plate that stands out for:

  • Its efficiency in uphill sections.
  • Its resistance to increase protection against external elements.
  • Its great comfort.

Everything you need to reach the top of the summit, investing less time in your particular sporting feat, because they help you run faster.

Support, resistance and improved traction

The upper of these Catamount 2 from Brooks Running implements a dual-layer Air Mesh. While the outer layer is more resistant to water and abrasion wear, the inner layer is softer, more comfortable and quick-drying.

Although we are talking about more resistant internal reinforcements, these also stand out for their great flexibility, and very good support, given that these Catamount 2 have a half tongue, inthe form of a bootie, keeping the foot in the place where it belongs.

In the outsole, these Brooks Catamount 2 shoes use the effective TrailTrack rubber outsole, through which this model guarantees good traction both on dry and wet or damp terrain.

On the other hand, it is important to note that those drainage grooves that bring with this high-performance trail runningshoe from Brooks Running contribute to expel water to the outside, and thus have dry feet, faster.

Brooks Catamount 2 trail runner profile - photo 2

Brooks Catamount 2 Trail Runner Profile

While the well-known Brooks Cascadia 16 are Brooks RunningBrookss all-rounders, these Brooks Catamount 2 are not far behind, because they are also capable of adapting perfectly to all types of terrain and training. This package also includes the competition aspect, without excluding ultramarathons, but their great added valor is that they favor a more agile and faster way of running. Let's say that within the powerful catalog of trail running shoes of the American brand, these Catamount 2 are the fastest, and have a design that is also designed for more experienced runners, even professional level.

Given their high level of protection and great response, these Brooks Catamount 2 are aimed at that select group of neutral-footed trail runners, of intermediate weight (up to 75 kg for men and 65 kg for women), and who display good running technique to run at paces below 4:50 or 4:40 min/km, and even lower.

Technical specifications of the Brooks Catamount 2 - photo 3

Technical specifications of the Brooks Catamount 2

In the technical specifications chapter, these Brooks Catamount 2 have a 6 mmdrop (heel height of 31 mm and forefoot height of 25 mm), with a 4 mm lugs. These lugs are combined with the anti-rock plate to increase the safety level of the model.

In terms of weight, these Catamount 2 from Brooks are a true "featherweight" at 275 grams for men's trail running shoes, and 244 grams in the version for women's trail runners.

Review of Brooks Catamount 2

20 April 2023

8.8

A promising upgrade for fast middle- and long-distance trail runners

The Brooks Catamount 2 is a trail running shoe designed for those trail runners looking to enjoy long distances at fast speeds on all types of terrain, but who do especially well on terrain that is not overly technical. This updated version presents notable features that improve its performance compared to its predecessor and distinguish it from other models of the brand, such as the Brooks Cascadia 16 or the Brooks Caldera 6.

2

Main features

  • DNA FLASH cushioning in the midsole, which offers an excellent weight to cushioning ratio, providing a responsive and comfortable feel throughout your outings.
  • TrailTack outsole with 4mm multidirectional lugs for optimal grip on different terrains.
  • Ballistic Rock Shield technical mesh upper provides excellent protection and durability without adding extra weight.
  • Pebax plate (not carbon) Skybault, which offers a plus in reactivity and provides protection against external elements that we find in race as stones or roots.
  • Weight: 286 g (Men) and 244 g (Women).
  • Drop of 6 mm (31 mm heel, 25 mm forefoot).

Type of runner and ideal terrain

2

The Brooks Catamount 2 is aimed primarily at light weight and mid-weight trail runners looking for a very light and fast shoe for long distances on varied terrain. It handles well on terrain with moderate technical difficulty, such as mountain trails, forests and has some more limitation on wet and greasy terrain.

What we liked the most

  • The combination of DNA FLASH cushioning and TrailTack outsole design provides an exceptional balance of comfort, traction and stability in not overly technical terrain.
  • Ballistic Rock Shield upper is breathable and durable, effectively protecting the foot from rocks and other obstacles without compromising comfort.
  • The Skybault plate provides added dynamism and protection while running.
  • The fit is secure and adaptable, thanks to the lacing system and heel counter.
  • The lightness of the shoes makes them a perfect choice for use on your fastest outings or races where you are looking to offer your best competitive version.
  • Water drainage and quick drying are prominent features of the Brooks Catamount 2, thanks to the upper design and the midsole's ability to wick away water quickly.

Possible points for improvement

2

The fit in the forefoot area may be tight for runners with wider feet.

On greasy, muddy terrain, its lugging is insufficient to provide good traction.

Differences between Catamount 1 and version 2

The Brooks Catamount 2 features an updated midsole with increased DNA FLASH cushioning (infusing nitrogen into its foam to make it more reactive and lighter), improving comfort and energy return compared to the first version.

The lug depth has been increased from 35 mm to 4 mm.

2

The lacing system has been improved to provide a more secure and personalized fit.

The Brooks Catamount 2 has focused on improving durability and protection. A clear example is the new Ballistic Rock Shield upper.

Differences with the Brooks Cascadia 16

The Brooks Cascadia 16 is designed to provide more cushioning, stability and protection on technical terrain, while the Catamount 2 are geared towards speed and lightness. The Brooks Catamount 2 has more responsive cushioning and a lower drop (6 mm) compared to the Cascadia 16 (8 mm), making them more suitable for runners looking for greater agility and a more natural stride.

The support and fit system on the Catamount 2 is more minimalist and focused on speed, while the Cascadia 16 offer greater support and control on uneven terrain.

The Brooks Catamount 2 competition

The Brooks Catamount 2 competes with shoes like the Hoka One One Speed goat 5, the Salomon Sense Ride 4 or the Nike Kiger 9, which also offer a combination of lightweight, traction and cushioning for long-distance trail runners. However, the Brooks Catamount 2 stands out for its balance of comfort, protection and speed, making it a solid choice in this category.

Conclusion

2

In conclusion, the Brooks Catamount 2 is an exceptional trail running shoes designed for runners looking for speed and lightness over long distances and technical terrain. The combination of the DNA FLASH midsole and Trail Tack outsole offers an optimal balance of cushioning, traction and stability, while the Ballistic Rock Shield upper provides protection and durability without compromising comfort.

With significant improvements over its predecessor and clear differences compared to other models from the brand, such as the Brooks Cascadia 16, the Brooks Catamount 2 is positioned as a solid option in the trail running shoes market. Although there are areas where they could be improved, such as the durability of the sole in very abrasive terrain and the fit in the forefoot area for runners with wider feet, their outstanding features make these shoes ideal for those looking for a fast, agile and comfortable shoe for their mountain adventures.

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7.6
SCORE

Brooks Catamount 2 shoe is ranked 248 in the ranking of the best rated running shoes.

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