Brooks Catamount 3 Review: Still an all-time FAV ???

[@rmsrmsrmsrms]

Great review, and I'm delighted more of you are doing video reviews! I'm also disappointed the gaiter addons are missing: Brooks please!

[@MikeP-RTR]

Yea that's a bummer - I really liked the rear velcro tab - it holds really well. I didn't use the front loop in the Cat 2 since it was so tiny. I typically buy a set of velcro squares that I stick on the heel when I want to add a gaiter. They do fall off after a while though, which is why the built in velcro is nice.

[@wooleyspidermonkey]

Thanks for the reivew! I had a tear in the outsole and foam in my Cat 2s after 80 miles but Brooks sent me a new pair for free. Great customer service! The only thing I don't like is the divot in the middle of the outsole which tends to suck up mud. Looks like they haven't changed that in the Cat 3. Otherwise, they are my favorite trail runner hands down.

[@offroadagain]

Thanks for the great review! I have put around 30 miles into my Catamount 3 and really like it. Coming from the Speedgoat 5 and being a 185 lbs runner, I do feel the firmness and would not use them for distances longer than 15 miles. Lucky you, lighter runners! I still love them as they are much faster than the Speedgoat. Wearing the same size as the Speedgoat, I have more room in the toe box. The Catamount is a great addition to my quiver.

[@MikeP-RTR]

It's all relative though - you probably get along better with some higher stack shoes that feel too bulky for me. Awesome that they're a great shorter distance shoe for you!

[@gerasimosmitropoulos7232]

@Mikep-RTR How about in comparison with Nnormal kjerag in terms of rock protection - speed - fit locking - comfy after 5-6 runs in rocky areas?

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@gerasimosmitropoulos7232 There's a Kjerag comp now in the written review

[@Lieburner]

How fast? I just bought the Brooks Catamount 3's, and I have Speedgoats I'm talking to you about European metrics getting to 3:10 to km is no small thing on flat trail and 4:50 on 17% climbs, I'm asking because on June 2 I'm supposed to have a trail race on half marathon distance and I'd like to at least in my category place well within an hour and 38 minutes.

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@Lieburner Hard to put pace numbers on it, but the Catamount is definitely a faster shoe. Speedgoat has more stack and softer - built for protection for longer distances. Cat 3 closer to the ground, more responsive, not as cushy or protective as SG, but fine for a half marathon

[@suggg]

Thanks for flexing that midsole around and getting into details about the shoe. Ilove climbing and not enough reviews cover fore foot flex-ability.....

[@bmm894]

Love the 2 look so much better .

[@Blank-Knight]

I just watched the review, very well done and thanks for the size advice. I am lucky that you seem to tend to have/prefer that 9.5/10 size I have as well. I wonder if you will compare with the Salomon SLab Genesis and Genesis? They seem to be similar and direct competitors.

[@MikeP-RTR]

Yes, I'll be putting the comps in the written review on the website - just too much to ramble on about here. I haven't tried the regular (new) Genesis yet, but I love the S/LAB version and have nearly 400 miles in my pair from last summer. The S/LAB is softer underfoot - especially noticeable at the heel, also very flexible, similar platform on the ground, the Cat 3 just a touch wider under the forefoot and towards the toes. The Cat 3 plate feels more forward oriented meaning it "prefers" to go in a straight line, while the S/LAB plate is there more for structure and protection - it feels more agile in technical terrain. The Cat 3 foam is also quicker so better for faster running, while the S/LAB foam is more absorptive - better for longer, rockier, technical miles. Both are on my "All-time" list, just slightly different usages

[@Blank-Knight]

@@MikeP-RTR thank you! 👍

[@codyjung6963]

Hi Mike! Great review! I have enjoyed using V2 as a do it all trail shoe, but as a bigger guy around 160 lbs, have found the midsole on the firmer end, with legs getting beat up on longer runs/extended descents. Are there any shoes that perform similarly, but have more/softer cushion? I do have to say that the midsole stack height to forefoot width ratio on this shoe is the best. Nearly impossible to roll and ankle with even when attacking highly technical terrain at speed. Thanks!

[@MikeP-RTR]

Yes, I kind of alluded to that in the review, weight is a factor for sure when looking at shoes for different runners. Check one of my earlier replies - I love the S/LAB Genesis - similar great forefoot fit and security, but softer - and still lightweight. Note - I'm 9.5 in S/LAB Genesis and 10.0 in Catamount 2/3. I tried the Gen in 10.0 and it was way too big.

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

@@MikeP-RTRWhat about the Sportiva Prodigio? TNF Altamesa 500?

[@codyjung6963]

Just got the Altamesa 500 fwiw! Much different vibe than Catamount--think hoka speedgoat, brooks caldera, nike zegama, etc... I think it makes a great long/easy training companion to the Catamount (I have the 2s). I'm currently trying to decide between the Cat 2/3 and Northface Summit Pro (and now Salomon Genesis) for a runnable, but mountainous 50k this Spring. Still leaning Catamount and just hardening the legs to it I think...@@MadLadsAnonymous

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

@@codyjung6963 Great! I'm reading the Genesis is bouncy and grippy but the Catamount 3 sounds faster.

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@MadLadsAnonymous I haven't tested Prodigio but may have a sample on the way. John T did a review already on the RTR site. Haven't tested Altamesa either, but seems to be a high stack shoe, not really in the same class. I did test TNF Vectiv Sky though and I think the Catamount 3 is a much better shoe.

[@robertlynn9667]

like the review! How is the lockdown?

[@MikeP-RTR]

Check around the 4:15 - 5:00 mark - no issues whatsoever with heel lockdown, a really simple and well designed ankle/heel collar

[@robertlynn9667]

@@MikeP-RTR The 2 is still available on sale. Is there enough difference between the two to buy the 3?

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@robertlynn9667 V2 at that sale price is an amazing deal - I'd recommend going for that. Only the upper is different, V2 slightly heavier for $60 less. V3 upper looks like it might be more durable, but you saw in the review - mine look fine at 250+ miles

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

@@MikeP-RTR New upper absorbs less water too.

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@RowOfMushyTiT 👍 still a bit cold here for me to jump into any creeks just yet

[@gerasimosmitropoulos7232]

Great review! How about in comparison with Nnormal kjerag in terms of rock protection - speed - fit locking - comfy after 5-6 runs in rocky areas?

[@RoadTrailRun]

Answering for Mike who has penned this comparison which is also on the written review with 10 others: "They are very different shoes, despite having the same listed stack height. Kjerag feels much more minimal underfoot - it has a plate, but it must be very thin as it's not really a protective shoe. It favors an agile running style. Fit wise, both have equal security, but the Kjerag feels less structured and more foot wrapping, while the Catamount feels more traditional in fit. Kjerag is a little bit more spacious in the toebox. Speedwise the Catamount's plate is more propulsive and its flex seems to assist more - the Kjerag is just plain light.. but you have to provide the speed. Very different platforms underfoot - Catamount has a nice, moderately wide base which will be more stable for the majority of runners. Kjerag is super narrow - again favoring the lighter and more agile runner and running style."

[@gerasimosmitropoulos7232]

@@RoadTrailRun thanks a lot for answer!! And last question..in comparison with Salomon slab ultra 3 ? It's same quick feeling and speedy with rock protection underfoot? By the way great reviews helps a lot!! 💪

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@gerasimosmitropoulos7232 I never ran V3, but I did have V2 long ago. I think the Brooks feels quicker. There's more forward-oriented action in the plate and I think the Salomon is more flexible and protective. I think the Salomon is more adaptable in technical terrain though. But I remember I got some rubbing in the toebox from my Ultra V2's - they were a bit too narrow for me. S/LAB Genesis IMO is a better iteration of that shoe for the same terrain.

[@gerasimosmitropoulos7232]

@@MikeP-RTR thanks for answer!! Keep the awesome reviews man!!! 💯

[@terrytoy6675]

Thanks for great info! Going to get a pair to try! What do you recommend for gators

[@MikeP-RTR]

I use the lightweight ones from Altra - they're super stretchy around the lower leg and do the trick. I've used them in 100 milers with no problem.

[@andreashjalmarsson9886]

Excellent review, thanks Mike! How's the space up front compared to Hoka Speedgoat or Mafate speed?

[@MikeP-RTR]

Definitely broader across the ball of the foot - the upper material is more rigid too, so it doesn't need as much lace "squeezing" as the Speedgoat. Mafate Speed 4 also has a nice shape, but feels slightly more snug (but I have a US 9.5 in those). If I had MS5 in 10.0 it would likely be about the same as the 10.0 Cat 3s.

[@andreashjalmarsson9886]

@@MikeP-RTR thanks, I love my Mafate speed 4. Maybe will try Brooks next time

[@MikeP-RTR]

@@andreashjalmarsson9886 I like those too, great shoe, but very different. MS4 way softer, made to keep the feet happier over longer distances. That outsole is "intense" too.

[@kgenest100]

Hi Mike, do you think these would drain better than the VJ MAXX 2? I am tempted by the VJs but I heard that the new MAXX 2 holds a lot of water….

[@MikeP-RTR]

Yes, absolutely. I really like both of the new VJs (Lightspeed too) but both of the uppers are oddly thick. Haven't seen something like that in quite some time. They definitely hold more water than any engineered mesh and also run warm.

[@kgenest100]

@@MikeP-RTR Many thanks Mike. Your feedback just sealed the deal for me. As much as I am a VJ Fan-boy, I cannot run the risk of running in shoes that hold a lot of water. This trip is 6 days of 15-20 miles per day. I was also tempted by SLAB Genesis but I think the Catamount 3 will be faster and the trails around Mont Blanc are not that technical as far as I can see. Like you I am a lighter runner… 150 lbs.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Kiger 9 probably my favourite of all time. But I'm still interested in the Cat 3, Zegama 2, Kjerags, Pulsar trail pro 3 in 2024.

[@MikeP-RTR]

Haven't tried Kiger in a while, I kind of wrote them off after V7.. V4 was one of my first trail shoes - really loved those

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

@@MikeP-RTR The K9 is a bit like the K5 (I didn't like the K7 too), but with better toe room, more cush, and they fixed the rubber compound. No airbags in the forefoot so it's less wobbly. Worth a look.

[@alex_sede]

This vs genesis?? Any preference?

[@Jrouse37]

What would you recommend for mainly grass running with some light gravel spots? I have cascadia 17 gtx and feel like they are a tad to stiff for me.

[@MikeP-RTR]

I'd be looking for less stack and a firmer shoe since the grass itself is soft enough. Also flexibility and light weight would be good. Cascadia, especially GTX is a heavy and bulky shoe. The Cat3 would be a great pick since it's firmer and has good ground feel. On the high end, NNormal Kjerag would be great. Another good option would be Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx, or even the cheaper non-Matryx version.

[@liamhockey9189]

These or VJ Maxx2 ?

[@MikeP-RTR]

Different shoes - I like them both. VJ MAXx2 is softer, more of a bouncy ride, less stable. Cat 3 is firmer, wider, more stable. I like the upper of the Cat 3 better - the forefoot has a bit more space, heel lockdown is more dialed in, and also the material breathes better.