Brooks Catamount 3 review

We're thrilled to recommend the Brooks Catamount 3, especially after our comprehensive tests both in the lab and on the trails. We think it's:

• Perfect for runners seeking less cushion than maximalist models offer, but more than minimalist designs.
• A dream for fans of the Catamount 2 looking for enhancements in their favorite trail kick.
• Great for those who need a stable but decently cushioned shoe that can handle multiple distances and speeds with ease.

Despite multiple upgrades, the engineered mesh upper of the Catamount 3 lacks sufficient ventilation for summer. In our experience, it's not the best choice for hot weather runs. We think a better alternative is the Hoka Speedgoat 5, which is designed to handle higher temperatures effectively and delivers a similar running experience.

Additionally, we do not recommend the Catamount 3 for runners who prefer maximalist shoes or need a lot of foam underfoot. From our analysis, shoes like the ASICS Trabuco Max 3 or the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 offer significantly more cushioning for those who need such muscle protection.

Beginning our evaluation with the stack height, we positioned our calipers at the heel and recorded a modest 28.3 mm.

This sub-30-mm measurement positions the Catamount as a notably grounded option, superb for runners seeking a practical, non-maximalist shoe. This streamlined profile is perfect for those who prefer a closer connection to the trail.

Continuing to the forefoot, our measurement showed a modest 21.5 mm stack height, further emphasizing the shoe’s commitment to a moderate-to-low design philosophy in an era dominated by ultra-high, maximalist models. There's still hope!

The discrepancy between both measurements reveals a 6.8-mm drop, a versatile design that accommodates all runners but particularly benefits those with a midfoot strike.

Impressively, we also discovered that the actual drop deviates by less than 1 mm from Brooks' advertised specifications, a rare accuracy that we highly commend.

Upon examining the midsole of the Brooks model, we found in the lab a slight softening of the nitrogen-infused DNA Flash foam, evidenced by a 20.4 HA measurement from our durometer.

This adjustment results in an ideal compromise for a trail running shoe, offering stability and responsiveness without being overly plush. 

Upon spending 20 minutes in the freezer, we observed a 25.1% shift compared to the ambient temperature measurements, a figure that aligns well with typical expectations. 

To maintain the shoe's lightweight design, Brooks chose a notably thin insole that measures just 2.8 mm. This decision is logical for a nimble shoe designed to deviate from bulkier, maximalist models. After all, why use a typical 5.0 mm insole when striving for agility and weight savings?

We confirmed the presence of the same Skyvault partial plate in the forefoot, which notably does not extend to the heel.

This plate serves three critical functions—it enhances stability, acts like a rock plate to protect the feet given the moderately low stack height, and slightly increases the shoe's responsiveness.

One feature that consistently polarizes opinions in every Catamount is the fit, and we've confirmed that it continues to offer the same competition-like, snug fit in the metatarsals.

This is ideal for those who prefer a secure lockdown and don't mind some extra snugness, particularly beneficial for trail runners with narrow feet. However, with a width of 95.6 mm at the widest part of the toebox, this fit is not suitable for those with wider feet.

However, the Catamount offers some hope for individuals with wide feet.

How so? Brooks has cleverly designed a generous rounded toe cap, which we measured at 80.8 mm. This thoughtful design allows for ample toe splay while still delivering the snug fit that fans of the Catamount expect.

The lower stack height is a significant advantage in trail shoes for enhanced stability.

We've confirmed that this model maintains the same secure, close-to-ground feel that made its predecessor a favorite. While there's a bit less cushioning, the improvement in performance on technical trails and winding paths is notable, partially thanks to the midsole sidewalls that extend from the midfoot to the heel.

It appears that Brooks took the feedback on the Catamount 2's 5-out-of-5 rigidity to heart. Our recent tests showed a significant change, with the v3 now boasting enhanced flexibility—earning a 3/5 in our lab analysis.

This change makes it much more suitable for technical terrain and increases overall comfort.

The revised heel counter in the latest update has a softer feel, rating it a 2/5 for firmness.

Despite this, it remains adequately supportive, offering the minimal stability and security that heel strikers rely on.

The Catamount 3 maintain its distinctive ride experience, unchanged due to the consistent dimensions.

Our measurements revealed a forefoot width of 115.3 mm—remarkably broad given the shoe's lightweight design. We think that this wide platform contributes significantly to the shoe's nimble yet stable feel.

The heel width measures a standard 91.4 mm, aligning with what one typically finds in most daily trainers designed for road running.

This dimension highlights why we particularly recommend this shoe for forefoot and midfoot strikers.

We've demonstrated a reduction in torsional rigidity compared to its predecessor, but how does it fare in lengthwise flexibility?

Our findings show that Brooks has successfully made the shoe less stiff, as evidenced by our 90-degree bend test which required only 22.5N, going south from the previous 29.1N. We view this change positively as it makes the Catamount 3 a more adaptable and better at technical terrain.

After subjecting the Catamount 3 to a 20-minute stint in the freezer, we tested its flexibility again and were notably impressed. The shoe demonstrated only an 18.1% increase in stiffness, showcasing excellent cold-weather performance!

One standout feature that has truly impressed us in the lab with this update of the Catamount is the weight reduction from v2. Brooks has done a remarkable job by reducing the shoe's weight by 0.7 oz, bringing it down to an amazing 9.0 oz or 255g!

This lighter update is perfect for those who prefer a featherlight ride, or for runners who thought the Catamount 2 was a tad heavy for the cushioning it offered.

Brooks is renowned in the running industry for its conservative approach, often opting for iterative updates, and the Catamount series is no exception. The most notable change in this version is the upper, which prompted us to evaluate its breathability closely.

Our smoke test revealed that the shoe offers limited ventilation, scoring a low 2 out of 5—making it more suitable for cooler climates. For warmer weather runs, we suggest pairing it with thin, moisture-wicking socks to mitigate overheating. This marks a step back from its predecessor, which scored slightly better at 3 out of 5.

Upon inspecting the upper's construction, we noted that the engineered mesh, made from TPEE-based material, is exceptionally thin yet reinforced at points such as the toe cap, midfoot, and heel. These reinforcements, unfortunately, restrict airflow primarily to the toebox area.

Further analysis under the microscope showed that the new multi-layered mesh is denser and lacks significant ventilation holes. This design choice likely enhances durability, which we will verify in a minute.

Lastly, a thorough examination of the entire upper uncovered well-padded zones around the whole shoe—an impressive feature for us considering the overall lightness of the shoe.

Our expectations were initially high, anticipating a more robust upper in the Catamount 3, so we eagerly set up the Dremel test. Sadly, the outcome was deeply disappointing, leading us to give the shoe a dismal score of 1 out of 5.

This experience highlights the crucial role of lab testing—despite initial appearances suggesting greater durability, the mesh did not hold up.

However, there's a silver lining: the toebox is well-protected by a sturdy yellow TPU layer. Despite the overall poor durability score, this protective feature should prevent most common wear issues suffered by trail shoes.

We shifted our attention to the heel padding area, optimistic for a positive outcome, and indeed, we were rewarded.

The Catamount 3 showcased a significant improvement in this region, earning a robust score of 4 out of 5, leaving us pleased with its performance.

After completing our initial durability assessments, we turned our attention to the outsole—vital for any trail running shoe. We tested the hardness of the new TrailTack Green rubber (85.4 HC) which transitions from the regular TrailTack to achieve the Carbon Neutral certificate.

Our measurements registered the hardness at 85.4 HC, a standard figure indicating satisfactory durability and grip. While this level is acceptable in dry conditions, it doesn't match the top performance of industry leaders like Vibram.

Our final task with the Dremel was the most challenging yet, as we increased the speed to double its normal rate to test the durability of the outsole.

Using our tire tread gauge, we observed that the TrailTack Green rubber wore down by just 1.0 mm—a solid result that effectively removes any concerns about durability in the outsole.

Concluding our current evaluations of the TrailTack Green—with further assessments on the lugs pending—we measured the outsole thickness at 2.0 mm, striking a fine balance for this shoe design.

Given the protection of the Skyvault plate and Brooks' commitment to a lightweight design in this series, we believe they could make it even slimmer for v4.

The tread pattern on the Catamount 3 features shallow 2.9 mm lugs, falling below the average depth observed in all our lab-tested shoes.

Despite this, such a lug depth is optimal for a fast trail shoe and proves to be exceptionally effective on hard surfaces like gravel roads. The Catamount 3 ensures a smooth, fast ride that excels on compact terrain.

Our lab team discovered that the Catamount 3 lacks reflective elements, a significant disappointment for those who prefer running in low-light conditions.

The tongue, maintained similar to v2 at just 3.4 mm, continues to offer a balance of comfort and lightness that we find ideal for a shoe like this.

We were impressed by the inclusion of notched laces, a feature typically reserved for higher-end, road racing shoes. This is a fantastic detail that enhances the Catamount experience.

At a retail price of $170, we naturally expect features like a gusseted tongue in a trail running shoe, as it effectively keeps debris out of the toebox. Fortunately, we were pleased to discover that the tongue is indeed fixed to the sides.

Like its predecessor, the Catamount 3 lacks a heel tab, but disappointingly, we also discovered the removal of the ankle gaiter attachment point, which was a useful feature in the previous model. This omission represents a step back in functionality.

The removable and perforated insole, a highlight of the Catamount 2, has thankfully been retained in this third iteration.