Brooks Catamount 3: A Practical Trail Shoe That Pops

My first impression of the Brooks Catamount 3 was, WOW! These shoes pop!  Then I thought, Do I really want to get these dirty on the trail? 

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The women’s Brooks Catamount 3 trail running shoes really stand out! I feel like this is the first shoe in a while where the women’s color (Black/Diva Pink/Lemon Chrome) stands out more than the men’s – even though the men’s Lemon Chrome/Sedona Sage color is also somewhat bold.

This trail shoe was designed for speed, particularly for 50-100k racing. It boasts the SkyVault trail plate to help with uphill efficiency. The sole is made to help with traction on both wet and dry trails. The upper is made from a single layer mesh that allows both breathability and keeps the shoe lightweight. The cushioning is designed to allow for energy return and softness.

While I am not an ultra runner, I chose the Catamount 3 because of the neutral support, lower drop, and overall lightness of the shoe. Of course, good traction is always a must for running trails. And, a little help running uphill? Yes, please!

Initially, I was concerned about the size of these, as the online sizing tool recommended I go up 1/2 a size based on the brand I was currently running in. But, happily, the larger size fit just fine. I was also happily surprised with the laces. They have little rough knobs, giving them great grip for tying and keeping them securely tied. Smart!

So far, I have been quite pleased with the Catamount 3. In loose gravel, I easily kept my pace and didn’t “spin out” at all. On uneven surfaces, this neutral shoe had enough support to keep me from feeling like I was going to turn an ankle. Yet they lacked the bulk and heaviness that less neutral shoes have, so I felt able to easily adjust my footing without fighting the shoe. While I haven’t tested these on super muddy, slippery trails; they do quite well in damp conditions and even on sandy, loose dirt.

Another feature I appreciate is what I always refer to as “bendiness” in the sole of the shoe. (A truly technical term) 🙂 I like shoes that flex a bit with my foot and these do just that. The added benefit is that they do not hurt my feet when I transfer from trail to pavement. Often trail shoes are so stiff, that running on pavement is uncomfortable. These earned a big thumbs up on my “bendiness” scale.

Overall, I like this shoe because it is firm without being hard. It has great traction without feeling stiff and heavy. It just feels like a real running shoe without all the extras and gimmicks. Honestly, it seems like one of the only shoes focused on running not trying to “keep up with the Joneses” in the running shoe world. Thank you, Brooks, for keeping it simple and practical. Oh – and for making them pretty too. 😉