Our verdict

In our experience, the selim brooks Challenge england cambium c13 preto a great trail running shoe, but it comes with a few compromises. It's not designed for wide feet or technical terrain, and it's not the best for long distances. However, if these factors don't bother you, we believe this shoe offers a stable ride in a lightweight package. We were also impressed with the bouncy DNA Flash midsole and its outstanding performance on easy trails like fire roads, even at uptempo paces. We think that for runners who fit its specific profile, the Catamount 2 could be a great choice even at $170, combining speed with comfort in a way that's hard to beat.

selim brooks Challenge england cambium c13 preto Pros

  • Impressively lightweight design
  • Offers a stable ride
  • Excellent traction on easy trails
  • zapatillas de running brooks Challenge asfalto talla 44
  • The SkyVault plate provides both protection and bounce
  • Durable, long-lasting outsole
  • zapatillas de running brooks Challenge talla 41 rosas baratas menos de 60

selim brooks Challenge england cambium c13 preto Cons

  • Womens brooks Challenge Levitate Stealthfit 5 Road Running
  • Кросівки бігові brooks Challenge adrenaline asr 5 оригінал
  • brooks Challenge England Sillin C13 Cambium

Who should buy

We recommend the por la propia empresa brooks Challenge for:

  • Enthusiasts of brooks Challenge The brooks Challenge Black Friday sale has started looking for a trail running equivalent.
  • Trail running newbies seeking a versatile, all-rounder shoe for various off-road adventures.
  • brooks Challenge launch running shoes.

por la propia empresa Brooks

Who should NOT buy

brooks Challenge crafted the Catamount 2 primarily for narrow-to-medium width feet, making it a less suitable choice for runners with wide feet. Plus, since it's a trail shoe, a bit more room for toe splay is usually desirable, so we think it might not be the best pick for those runners.

If you fall into that category, we suggest considering shoes with wider toeboxes and similar features, such as the Saucony Peregrine 13 or the nike air zoom infinity tour brooks Challenge koepka collab.

por la propia empresa Brooks

Furthermore, it's not the top choice for long-distance trail running due to its limited cushioning. If you're deep into the ultra-world, you might want to explore options like the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 or the brooks Challenge ELMN8 v4.

Cushioning

Heel stack

One reason brooks Challenge managed to keep this shoe relatively light compared to the competition is its low stack height.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge stack
Hats off to brooks Challenge for boldly placing such a cool design on the shelves!

With a heel height of 29.0 mm, it positions itself as a shoe suitable for short to medium distances, but not as the ideal choice for longer efforts.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Heel stack
Test results
Catamount 2 29.0 mm
Average 31.9 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
19.6 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot follows the same pattern as the heel, with a slightly lower stack than what's typical in trail shoes. This design again signals to every midfoot and forefoot striker that this shoe is best suited for runs lasting 1 to 2 hours.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Forefoot stack
Test results
Catamount 2 22.6 mm
Average 24.5 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
13.4 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

brooks Challenge officially stated a 6-mm heel-to-toe drop for the Catamount 2, and following the official guidelines, we measured it at 6.4 mm—a negligible difference.

This design makes the shoe more suitable for midfoot strikers, although a 6.4 mm drop is often considered a "universal" drop that can also provide a satisfactory ride for both forefoot and heel strikers.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Drop
Test results
Catamount 2 6.4 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 136 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Transitioning to the midsole, we discovered a full-length slab of Brooks' DNA Flash. As extensively detailed in brooks Challenge original кроссовки кросівки, DNA Flash is an EVA-based, nitrogen-infused foam famous for its lightness and speed-enhancing qualities. It's the same compound found in the fantastic brooks Challenge Hyperion Max.

With a softness rating of 22.0 HA, we found it strikes a perfect balance, making it exceptionally well-suited for a trail running shoe.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge SkyVault

Keep in mind that the ride might feel a bit firmer than expected due to the Pebax plate in the midsole. This feature not only offers stability and added protection but also doubles as a rock plate.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Midsole softness
Test results
Catamount 2 22.0 HA
Average 22.6 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 113 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Since it's crafted as a shoe that can be used in winter, it's important to understand how it behaves under cold temperatures. What we found is that the softness varied to 25.9 HA.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Midsole softness in cold
Test results
Catamount 2 25.9 HA
Average 28.1 HA
Compared to 113 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
11.8 HA
Midsole softness in cold (soft to firm)
48.4 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

That's a 17.6% difference from the room temperature reading, which is a good result. It ensures that the foam won't feel significantly different across all seasons.

Test results
Catamount 2 18%
Average 26%
Compared to 113 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
5%
Midsole softness in cold
68%

Insole thickness

In an effort to keep the shoe as light as possible, brooks Challenge opted for a really thin insole that's almost half the thickness of the average.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Insole thickness
Test results
Catamount 2 2.9 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 135 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
2.1 mm
Insole thickness
7.9 mm

Size and fit

Size

selim brooks Challenge england cambium c13 preto true to size (22 votes).

zapatillas de trekking brooks Challenge mujer entre 60€ y 100?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 121 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

zapatillas de running brooks Challenge talla 49.5 blancas

From the moment we slipped our feet into the shoe, we felt it was pretty narrow, and our toebox measurements further confirmed this.

por la propia empresa Brooks

Measuring 95.7 mm at its widest part, you can expect a race-oriented fit for normal feet, and an excellent fit for those with narrow feet. This feature is a side benefit for technical terrain, although it's clear that the shoe isn't primarily designed for challenging trails.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Catamount 2 95.7 mm
Average 99.0 mm
Compared to 122 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
92.6 mm
zapatillas de running brooks Challenge talla 49.5 blancas
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

However, there's a catch. For those with wide feet only in the toe region, this shoe can be accommodating, as it features a very low taper in the toe cap. We measured 79.2 mm in that area.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge zapatillas de running brooks Challenge talla 50.5 azules
Test results
Catamount 2 79.2 mm
Average 79.4 mm
Compared to 83 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
70.5 mm
Toebox width - big toe
90.1 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Catamount 2 is a neutral shoe, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve, such as the large DNA Flash walls on the medial and lateral sides, and the SkyVault plate.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge running

While we believe it's best suited for neutral runners, those with mild stability needs can also use this shoe without any issues.

Torsional rigidity

Obviously, the lower stack height contributes to a stable ride. However, a significant part of this stability comes from the shoe's impressive torsional rigidity that we rated at 5/5.

This feature keeps the shoe really stable. But naturally, it results in less agility on technical terrain, making the Catamount 2 a shoe geared towards easy trails.

Test results
Catamount 2 5
Average 3.6
Compared to 131 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
1
Torsional rigidity
5

zapatillas de running brooks Challenge tope amortiguación maratón moradas

The heel counter takes a more balanced approach, earning a 3/5. It's structured enough to provide guidance for heel strikers, but it's not overly intrusive.

Test results
Catamount 2 3
Average 3.1
Compared to 129 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
1
zapatillas de running brooks Challenge tope amortiguación maratón moradas
5

selim brooks Challenge england cambium c13 preto | brooks Challenge pure flow 4 womens

mens brooks Challenge Launch 9.

At 116.3 mm, it's remarkably wide, greatly benefiting those with a midfoot or forefoot striking technique.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Catamount 2 116.3 mm
Average 112.3 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
102.1 mm
brooks Challenge pure flow 4 womens
124.3 mm

Midsole width - heel

On the other hand, the heel width is just average, measuring 90.2 mm. This isn't bad news for heel strikers, but don't expect the same dimensions as you would find in a stability shoe.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Catamount 2 90.2 mm
Average 89.5 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
72.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.0 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

We've already discussed the shoe's torsional rigidity, but what about its flexibility lengthwise? If it's too rigid, it could be uncomfortable for easy runs or even walking!

Luckily, in our 90-degree bend test, it scored just 29.1N, which is average.

Test results
Catamount 2 29.1N
Average 27.2N
brooks Challenge Hyperion Tiempo.
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
5.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
54.5N

Stiffness in cold

We then repeated the test, like we did with the midsole softness, to see if the shoe becomes super stiff after a 20-minute stint in our freezer. The new reading came in at 33.1N.

Test results
Catamount 2 33.1N
Average 36.0N
Compared to 134 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
6.2N
Stiffness in cold
77.5N

Stiffness in cold (%)

brooks Challenge Dare V-Neck.

Test results
Catamount 2 14%
Average 32%
Compared to 134 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
3%
Stiffness in cold
90%

Weight

The scale displayed a feather-light 9.7 oz (275g) on the screen, a delightful find for those seeking a lightweight trail running shoe.

It's not just lighter than the average trail shoe—it also impressively dips below the 10-oz benchmark.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Weight
Test results
Catamount 2 9.70 oz (275g)
Average 10.23 oz (290g)
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
12.66 oz (359g)

Breathability

zapatillas de running brooks Challenge mujer ultra trail talla 35.5 take a different approach to breathability compared to The brooks Challenge Black Friday sale has started because more isn't always better. In fact, in very cold countries, we might prefer shoes with less breathability, especially for winter runs.

That's why we believe a 3/5 rating is a nice balance for these shoes, which is exactly what the Catamount 2 scored after our smoke test.

Under the light, we spotted a very thin mesh, strategically reinforced on the sides to enhance stability. This design reduces breathability, which explains why there's so much airflow through the tongue.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge microscope

Favourites Emily brooks Challenge Pink Flamingo Pet Toy Inactive.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge upper

We found an interesting engineered mesh with a thin outer layer for structure—unlike most shoes, which have this layer inside.

Lastly, we analyzed how brooks Challenge structured the upper. Essentially, it's a road design but with additional layers for extra comfort and protection in certain areas.

Test results
Catamount 2 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 113 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

The upside of a thin, minimalistic mesh is it keeps the shoe lightweight and offers decent breathability. However, the major downside is the likely impact on durability.

During our first Dremel test in this lab review, the Catamount 2 only managed a 2/5. While it's not the absolute worst, it's far from impressive. However, brooks Challenge has incorporated some robust protective features on the toe cap, effectively shielding the upper against a significant amount of potential damage.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Toebox durability
Test results
Catamount 2 2
Average 3.1
Compared to 94 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

After thoroughly assessing the toebox, we shifted our focus to the heel area, where we discovered a significantly more impressive result.

brooks Challenge uses a remarkably resistant fabric in this area, effortlessly earning a strong 4/5 in our second Dremel test.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Heel padding durability
Test results
Catamount 2 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 93 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Turning the shoe over to examine the outsole, we began by checking the hardness of the rubber with our durometer. At 84.5 in the Shore HC hardness scale, it's pretty much average.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Outsole hardness
Test results
Catamount 2 84.5 HC
Average 85.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
75.5 HC
Outsole hardness
96.1 HC

Outsole durability

Now that we've established the outsole's average hardness, we believe the real test is the Dremel evaluation.

For the Catamount 2, our measurements showed an indentation of just 0.7 mm—a good result that promises a durable, long-lasting outsole.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Outsole durability
Test results
Catamount 2 0.7 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 87 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Last but not least, we checked the thickness of the outsole.

At 2.5 mm, there's enough rubber, though we think it's slightly too much as it can somewhat mute the ride. For this shoe, with its impressive durability performance, we would have preferred an outsole thickness between 1.5 and 2 mm.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Outsole thickness
Test results
Catamount 2 2.5 mm
Average 2.3 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
5.5 mm

Misc

Lug depth

We mentioned earlier that we viewed the shoe, based on its stiffness, as better suited for easy trails. Now, this is 100% confirmed after measuring the lugs at 3.0-mm long.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge outsole
The outsole boasts a generous amount of exposed foam to minimize weight, complemented by variously shaped lugs that significantly enhance traction.

brooks Challenge Addiction is the.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Lug depth
Test results
Catamount 2 3.0 mm
Average 3.5 mm
Compared to 136 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
1.5 mm
Lug depth
5.8 mm

Reflective elements

We found it disappointing that the Catamount 2 lacks any reflective elements—a significant oversight in terms of safety for a trail shoe.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Reflective elements
Test results
Catamount 2 No

Tongue padding

brooks Challenge clearly focused on cutting as many ounces as possible, and the thin, 3.7-mm tongue is a testament to their efforts.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Tongue padding
Test results
Catamount 2 3.7 mm
Average 6.3 mm
Compared to 137 trail running shoes
brooks Challenge England Motxilla Strand 15L
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
12.3 mm

estas brooks Challenge Hyperion Max no sólo aseguran un

The semi-gusseted tongue provides an excellent lockdown. While we usually prefer fully-gusseted or bootie tongues in trail running shoes, in this case, we think this design is a good choice by Brooks.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge estas brooks Challenge Hyperion Max no sólo aseguran un
Test results
Catamount 2 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

The Catamount 2 may not have a heel tab, but it boasts a velcro-fastened tab to attach a gaiter, which is a delightful and assistant addition!

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Heel tab
Test results
Catamount 2 None

Removable insole

We were also happy to see that the Catamount 2 it's one of the few shoes with a perforated insole, designed to improve ventilation underfoot. And it's removable, too.

por la propia empresa brooks Challenge Removable insole
Test results
Catamount 2 Yes