Great trail racing shoe
I entered a trail race series in Iowa and bought these shoes to race in. Most of our trails are MTB trails. Even though it's Iowa, some are surprisingly steep. They tend to be narrow with exposed rocks and roots. Passing is somewhat challenging as most are singletrack, and so I wanted a really reliable platform that was reasonably well cushioned yet light and adequately stable on uneven ground. I could not be happier with this shoe. It's everything I hoped it would be and more. Break in was non-existent. They felt good right out of the box. These are plated, but to be honest I'm not fast enough for that to be an issue. What I like about them in no particular order is the fit (true to size), durable upper with added rubber at points where they're likely to take a beating, lugs are just the right height for the trails I race on, lacing is reliable, overall comfort unsurpassed. To me, a 65 year old, 155 lb runner, they're absolutely perfect for intended use. No downside whatsoever. Yay, Brooks. They nailed it with the Catamount 3.
✔ Verified Purchase
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nw8995
September 27, 2024
Excellent trail shoe, decent on pavement
I wore ASICS for 14 years and started having problems, so I gave Brooks a try. I was skeptical of this shoe when it arrived. It seemed cheaply built. It didn't have much padding and some features of the shoe looked very plastic-y. However I am very satisfied with how the shoe performs. The soles are hard which keeps your foot very stable on rough terrain. The tradeoff is the hard sole can wear you out a little bit of you run on pavement. Its fine in short bursts but I would never run a long road race in a shoe like this. The shoe also feels ultra light and fast. I'll definitely buy another pair of these to have on reserve.
✔ Verified Purchase
B
BRAD LEE
January 28, 2025
Not bad
Trail runners are stiffer than the street runners. Looks good.
✔ Verified Purchase
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TerminaterJohn
December 07, 2024
Comfortable and great traction
I run on a semi paved trail and some pavement. They felt great and provided a medium amount of cushion. I also ran some downhills with moderate loose gravel and rocks and they held up well. the material on top feels a bit cheap but the sole works like a charm so maybe it's just the way the shoes is designed. I would buy again.
✔ Verified Purchase
Brooks best trail runner and most comfortable
Don't have to sacrifice comfort. The tread is the best! Very grippy on wet surfaces, inspires confidence. Also the DNA flash is Brooks' best foam in my opinion. If you value comfort for walking or running, get DNA Flash foam! For walking, Brooks' new nitrogen infused DNA loft is comfortable, but becomes uncomfortable and stiff while running in. These Catamount have nitrogen infused DNA flash which are comfortable walking and running!! Reminds me of the consistant foams Brooks used to produce back in the day but with more bounce!
✔ Verified Purchase
Insole glued in. Super stiff and hard-soled in cold temperatures.
INSOLE IS NOT REMOVABLE! It is glued in. In the cold months these shoes feel very stiff and hard, as if they have minimal cushioning. So, in the cold months (below 60 degrees) the Brooks Catamounts are fine for softer, off road surfaces, like grass, but not for the road or hard packed trails, and definitely not for gravel or stone paths. In the warmer months (above 60 degrees) the Brooks Catamount is very bouncy/springy and the cushioning feels soft. The higher temperature months are the best time to use these shoes for the road and trails.
✔ Verified Purchase
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mark c wade
June 24, 2024
Great trail shoe,
This shoe has a little more cushioning than the Caldera... love them both... very stable.....
✔ Verified Purchase
