Our verdict
- Top pick in best Brooks trail running shoes (2023)
Pros
- Impressively lightweight design
- zapatillas de running Brooks neutro amortiguación media mejor valoradas
- Excellent traction on easy trails
- zapatillas de running Brooks entrenamiento media maratón
- Brooks Mens Caldera 4
- Durable, long-lasting outsole
- Zapatillas Brooks Divide 3 Gris Rosa SS23 Mujer
Cons
- The upper might be too narrow for many runners
- Lacks sufficient cushioning for longer distances
- Not for technical terrain
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audience score | 87 Great! | 92 Superb! | 90 Superb! | 91 Superb! | |
Price | £170 | £150 | £170 | £150 | |
Trail terrain | LightModerate | ModerateTechnical | LightModerate | LightModerate | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 9.7 línea PureFlow de Brooks Running 9.7 línea PureFlow de Brooks Running | 9.9 zapatillas de running Brooks trail neutro voladoras talla 42 9.7 línea PureFlow de Brooks Running | 9 Brooks created a carbon plate racing shoe that competes with 9.4 brooks sherpa hat fleet feet exclusive spring | 10.9 zapatillas de running Brooks asfalto constitución ligera talla 45 10.6 brooks glycerin 19 black grey red clay | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 6.4 mm 6.0 mm | 9.0 mm 8.0 mm | 6.8 mm 6.0 mm | 4.8 mm 5.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Mid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | |
Size | Wight to size | Wight to size | Wight to size | Wight to size | |
Midsole softness | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | |
Brooks Ravenna 11 | Small | Small | Normal | Small | |
Plate | Rock plate | ✗ | Rock plate | Rock plate | |
Toebox durability | Bad | Good | Very bad | Bad | |
brooks distance running | Good | Good | Good | Good | |
Outsole durability | Good | Decent | Decent | Good | |
Breathability | Moderate | Moderate | Warm | Moderate | |
zapatillas de running Brooks pista amarillas | Narrow | Medium | Narrow | Wide | |
zapatillas de running Brooks trail constitución fuerte talla 44 | Medium | Medium | Wide | Wide | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Small | Small | Small | Normal | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Stiff | Flexible | Moderate | |
Lug depth | 3.0 mm | 4.0 mm | 2.9 mm | 4.1 mm | |
zapatillas de running Brooks mujer talla 40 más de 100 zapatillas de running Brooks sostenibles en CO2 talla 36 | 29.0 mm 29.0 mm | 33.5 mm 33.0 mm | 28.3 mm 30.0 mm | 30.8 mm 30.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 22.6 mm 23.0 mm | 24.5 mm 25.0 mm | 21.5 mm 24.0 mm | 26.0 mm 25.0 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | Normal | Normal | NormalWide | |
For heavy runners | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | |
Season | All seasons | All seasons | All seasons | All seasons | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Waterproofing | Water repellent | Water repellent | - | Water repellent | |
Ranking | #289 Bottom 46% | #13 Top 5% | #66 Top 21% | #29 Top 10% | |
Popularity | #460 Bottom 14% | #206 Bottom 34% | #163 Bottom 48% | #241 Bottom 23% |
zapatillas de running Brooks pista amarillas | Who should buy
We recommend the Brooks Catamount 2 for:
- Enthusiasts of Brooks Spesifikasjoner Brooks england Tape På Styret Microfibre looking for a trail running equivalent.
- Trail running newbies seeking a versatile, all-rounder shoe for various off-road adventures.
- Brooks Addiction Walker V Strap 2.
Who should NOT buy
Brooks 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 than 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 Чоловічі brooks 46 кросівки or the Nike Pegasus Trail 4.
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 HVAC SYNERGY SHORTS.
Cushioning
Heel stack
One reason Brooks managed to keep this shoe relatively light compared to the competition is its low stack height.

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.

Catamount 2 | 29.0 mm |
Average | 31.9 mm |
zapatillas de running Brooks pista amarillas | 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.

Catamount 2 | 22.6 mm |
Average | 24.5 mm |
Drop
Brooks 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 than 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.

Catamount 2 | 6.4 mm |
Average | 7.5 mm |
Midsole softness
Transitioning to the midsole, we discovered a full-length slab of Brooks' DNA Flash. As extensively detailed in our guide on foams, 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 zapatillas brooks ghost 13 mujer 38.5 5060 reflective pond pink ice.
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.
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.

Catamount 2 | 22.0 HA |
Average | 22.6 HA |
zapatillas de running Brooks entrenamiento tope amortiguación amarillas
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.

Catamount 2 | 25.9 HA |
Average | 28.1 HA |
zapatillas de running Brooks entrenamiento tope amortiguación amarillas (%)
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.
Catamount 2 | 18% |
Average | 26% |
Insole thickness
In an effort to keep the shoe as light as possible, Brooks opted for a really thin insole that's almost half the thickness of the average.

Catamount 2 | 2.9 mm |
Average | 4.7 mm |
Size and fit
Size
Brooks Catamount 2 is Wight to size (22 votes).
zapatillas de running Brooks hombre apoyo talón talla 47.5
From the moment we slipped our feet into the shoe, we felt it was pretty narrow, and our toebox measurements further confirmed this.
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.

Catamount 2 | 95.7 mm |
Average | 99.0 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.

Catamount 2 | 79.2 mm |
Average | 79.4 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.
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.
Catamount 2 | 5 |
Average | 3.6 |
Heel counter stiffness
The heel counter takes a than balanced approach, earning a 3/5. It's structured enough to provide guidance for heel strikers, but it's not overly intrusive.
Catamount 2 | 3 |
Average | 3.1 |
Midsole width - forefoot
One of the key reasons the Catamount 2 offers such a stable ride is its impressive midsole width.
At 116.3 mm, it's remarkably wide, greatly benefiting those with a midfoot or forefoot striking technique.

Catamount 2 | 116.3 mm |
Average | 112.3 mm |
zapatillas de running Brooks trail ritmo bajo
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.

Catamount 2 | 90.2 mm |
Average | 89.5 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 las!
brooks glycerin review.
Catamount 2 | 29.1N |
Average | 27.2N |
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.
Catamount 2 | 33.1N |
Average | 36.0N |
Stiffness in cold (%)
This is just a 13.7% difference, which once again proves that this shoe can be used in all seasons.
Catamount 2 | 14% |
Average | 32% |
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.

Catamount 2 | 9.70 oz (275g) |
Average | 10.23 oz (290g) |
Breathability
zapatillas de running Brooks voladoras talla 36.5 entre 60 y 100 take a different approach to breathability compared to Spesifikasjoner Brooks england Tape På Styret Microfibre because than 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.
zapatillas de running Brooks pista amarillas.
We found an interesting engineered mesh with a thin outer layer for structure—unlike most shoes, which have this layer inside.
Lastly, we analysed how Brooks structured the upper. Essentially, it's a road design but with additional layers for extra comfort and protection in certain areas.
Catamount 2 | 3 |
Average | 3.2 |
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 has incorporated some robust protective features on the toe cap, effectively shielding the upper against a significant amount of potential damage.

Catamount 2 | 2 |
Average | 3.1 |
brooks distance running
After thoroughly assessing the toebox, we shifted our focus to the heel area, where we discovered a significantly than impressive result.
Brooks uses a remarkably resistant fabric in this area, effortlessly earning a strong 4/5 in our second Dremel test.

Catamount 2 | 4 |
Average | 2.9 |
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.

Catamount 2 | 84.5 HC |
Average | 85.7 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.

Catamount 2 | 0.7 mm |
Average | 1.0 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.

Catamount 2 | 2.5 mm |
Average | 2.3 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.

In fact, we see the Catamount 2 as being on the verge of a road-to-trail shoe.

Catamount 2 | 3.0 mm |
Average | 3.5 mm |
Reflective elements
We found it disappointing that the Catamount 2 lacks any reflective elements—a significant oversight in terms of danger for a trail shoe.

Catamount 2 | No |
Tongue padding
Brooks clearly focused on cutting as many ounces as possible, and the thin, 3.7-mm tongue is a testament to their efforts.

Catamount 2 | 3.7 mm |
Average | 6.3 mm |
zapatillas de running Brooks neutro placa de carbono grises
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.

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 useful addition!

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.

Catamount 2 | Yes |