The Brooks Catamount 4 had seen some noticeable enhancements with a re-positioned carbon plate and reworked lug design.  I took this shoe on a variety of trails and ranging paced runs to see what all of the hype was about.I ran every little thing from the Saturday long term to path velocity work to the social, straightforward run on gentle dust, rocks, sand, and snow and was actually pleased with how these footwear carried out in all places.

The Catamount is a responsive, impartial shoe underneath all path circumstances that’s going to be loved by these in search of velocity.

Who’s it good for?

Who’s going to get pleasure from path runs within the Brooks Catamount 4?

• Vast toes: It’s not a large shoe, a narrower foot could be happier in it than a wider foot.
• Technical trails:  Good grip for any path.
• Lengthy runs: Could be nice for path marathons and 50k distances.
• Entrance of the Pack: Good for races and hill repeats.

Brooks Catamount 4 Overview

I felt like I may flip the velocity on and off with no lagging from my footwear.

That’s the primary signal this shoe is able to race and never the max cushion that’s floating round many different kinds. That being mentioned it wasn’t too agency, it’s a pleasant quantity of cushion that you possibly can simply take over longer miles.

The nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 cushioning and the SkyVault carbon plate are constructed for the up and down.  The springy responsiveness was noticeable on my intervals, particularly on the uphills all whereas sustaining a connection to the path.

This model of the shoe really has just a little bit extra foam (2mm), however a stiffer plate, so the 2 appear to offset and preserve it at that very average cushioned really feel.

The carbon plate acts as a rock defend and is stiff sufficient to not really feel like you’re collapsing round rocks immediately underfoot. The stiffer plate was a acutely aware design selection. It’s now full size and will present extra of the ahead power we anticipate in a plate, but in addition means the shoe is much less versatile.

Any technical path could be tackled within the Brooks Catamount 4.

The lug depth and spacing on the TrailTack Inexperienced outsole is sufficient for a superb connection in nearly any situation.  Whereas not the deepest lugs, in addition they didn’t acquire mud in gentle, moist path circumstances. 

The outsole does have the bonus of being comprised of 25% recycled materials. And the higher mesh is claimed to be 42% recycled supplies. That is one thing we particularly like to spotlight as a result of it’s necessary for runners to know extra concerning the influence of our gear!

Brooks Catamount 4 Specs

No gaiter hooks on this model of the shoe, so perhaps just for these races the place you aren’t needing any additional safety.

I’ll all the time remark about white path footwear however do I like this colour scheme.

The TPEE higher mesh has held up effectively towards rocks and snow, these are in all probability the whitest pair of path footwear I’ve ever had.  The chocolate/almond/peach colour scheme seems nice additionally.

Seems to be apart, it is a slim, environment friendly, no nonsense shoe.  The higher mesh could possibly be just a little extra breathable however the higher holds up effectively to path circumstances.

Brooks Catamount 4 Match

The Catamount 4 is a real to dimension shoe.  The width is a typical match however a narrower foot shall be completely satisfied on this shoe as effectively.  The toe field just isn’t large, but in addition not the narrowest on the market, solidly falling someplace within the center.

The tongue has a pleasant cut up within the center that hugs your ankle excellent within the entrance. There may be additionally mild padding in all the appropriate locations and is related to the shoe within the center  to maintain it from shifting whereas on the run.

Despite the fact that I all the time double knot my footwear, I in all probability don’t must with the crimped laces that tie effectively.  After a heel lock lacing the laces are too brief to make use of the lace tab on the tongue however this additionally means they aren’t too lengthy getting in the way in which.

The heel across the ankle is frivolously padded and sits low, under the ankle not impeding gait.  The heel cup held my foot effectively, retaining it in place particularly on the switchbacks.

Related Footwear to the Brooks Catamount 4

In search of an choice that’s comparable, however maybe not Brooks? Listed here are some non-plated choices that can preserve you feeling secure and never overly cushioned.

Brooks Catamount 4 vs Brooks Caldera 8

Two footwear on the reverse ends of the spectrum though pink and white are undoubtedly a theme this yr.  Whereas each of those footwear shall be in my rotation, they are going to be there for very completely different causes.

Since we additionally lately reviewed the Brooks Caldera 8 we wished to assist in giving you just a little aspect by aspect showdown.

Key Variations and Similarities:

• Caldera has 4.5 mm extra of cushioning and it’s noticeably extra cushiony than the Catamount.
• Similar heel to toe drop.
• Catamount has a rock plate.
• Caldera is designed with center of the pack extremely runner in thoughts.
• Catamount is designed for velocity particularly on the uphill.
• Caldera has deeper lugs.
• Caldera has a extra breathable higher mesh.

When selecting between these two footwear it undoubtedly comes right down to the kind of run you’re doing.  The Catamount is a velocity shoe whereas the Caldera leans towards the LSD run.

Extra questions for our Brooks Catamount 4 evaluation?? Tell us what else you’d like to listen to about in testing or what would assist if that is the profitable shoe for you!

Go get it now on Brooksrunning.com for $170 >>

Who tried it?

Hello, I’m Aimee, a chemist who has solved most of my work and life issues out on a path someplace. I signed up for my first marathon in faculty not understanding how lengthy a marathon was and have been an avid runner for the final twenty years.

I usually run 30-35 miles every week chasing my two German Shorthaired Pointers, Sam and Bert, therefore my well-known instagram @runningwithsam. (Largely  I’m working no matter my RTTF Coach Laura tells me to do.)

In search of extra path discuss?