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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 part from the Saturday long term to path pace work to the social, straightforward run on gentle dust, rocks, sand, and snow and was actually pleased with how these sneakers carried out in all places.
The Catamount is a responsive, impartial shoe below all path circumstances that’s going to be loved by these searching for pace.
Who’s it good for?
Who’s going to get pleasure from path runs within the Brooks Catamount 4?
- Large ft: It’s not a large shoe, a narrower foot can be happier in it than a wider foot.
- Technical trails: Good grip for any path.
- Lengthy runs: Can be nice for path marathons and 50k distances.
- Entrance of the Pack: Excellent for races and hill repeats.
Brooks Catamount 4 Overview
I felt like I may flip the pace on and off with no lagging from my sneakers.
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 stated it wasn’t too agency, it’s a pleasant quantity of cushion that you could possibly 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 hold it at that very reasonable cushioned really feel.
The carbon plate acts as a rock defend and is stiff sufficient to not really feel like you might be collapsing round rocks instantly underfoot. The stiffer plate was a aware design selection. It’s now full size and will present extra of the ahead vitality we count on in a plate, but in addition means the shoe is much less versatile.
Any technical path will 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 produced from 25% recycled materials. And the higher mesh is claimed to be 42% recycled supplies. That is one thing we particularly like to focus on as a result of it’s essential for runners to know extra in regards to the impression of our gear!
Brooks Catamount 4 Specs
No gaiter hooks on this model of the shoe, so possibly just for these races the place you aren’t needing any additional safety.
I’ll at all times remark about white path sneakers however do I like this shade scheme.
The TPEE higher mesh has held up effectively in opposition to rocks and snow, these are in all probability the whitest pair of path sneakers I’ve ever had. The chocolate/almond/peach shade scheme seems to be nice additionally.
Seems apart, it is a slim, environment friendly, no nonsense shoe. The higher mesh might 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 measurement shoe. The width is a normal match however a narrower foot will likely be completely satisfied on this shoe as effectively. The toe field just isn’t broad, 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 gentle padding in all the best locations and is linked to the shoe within the center to maintain it from shifting whereas on the run.
Regardless that I at all times double knot my sneakers, I in all probability don’t must with the crimped laces that tie effectively. After a heel lock lacing the laces are too quick to make use of the lace tab on the tongue however this additionally means they aren’t too lengthy getting in the best way.
The heel across the ankle is flippantly padded and sits low, under the ankle not impeding gait. The heel cup held my foot effectively, conserving it in place particularly on the switchbacks.
Comparable Sneakers to the Brooks Catamount 4
On the lookout for an possibility that’s comparable, however maybe not Brooks? Listed here are some non-plated choices that can hold you feeling secure and never overly cushioned.
Brooks Catamount 4 vs Brooks Caldera 8
Two sneakers on the reverse ends of the spectrum though pink and white are undoubtedly a theme this yr. Whereas each of those sneakers will likely 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 needed 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.
- Identical 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 pace particularly on the uphill.
- Caldera has deeper lugs.
- Caldera has a extra breathable higher mesh.
When selecting between these two sneakers it undoubtedly comes all the way down to the kind of run you might be doing. The Catamount is a pace 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 you recognize 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 school 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.)
On the lookout for extra path discuss?
