REVIEW
TRAIL SHOES // BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2
WORDS & IMAGE: KATE DZIENIS
CATCH YOURSELF THE CATAMOUNT 2 Looking to go faster and further on the trails? Brooks have got you covered. Designed as part of the brand’s Ultra Trail shoe series, the Catamount 2 is as responsive to you as pizza is at an aid station. The Catamount 2 combines a chunky, supportive shoe with the sensibilities of lightweight trail racing, a clear winner in runners’ eyes. Because I have a wide foot, and am normally a size 9, Brooks suggested I test the Men’s Catamount 2 as their D width comes standard and is wider than the Women’s versions, which come in at a B width – quite the difference in width sizes. 92
This in turn resulted in me receiving the shoe in a size 8 (hey, Brooks are the experts). I admit, I was sceptical to put them on once I saw the number 8 sitting on the side of the box, but low and behold, there was an entire index finger (sideways) width from tip of my toe to the end of the shoe, and comfortability had me over the moon! As a neutral shoe, the Catamount 2 is made for speed on trails. When you take a good hard look at the TrailTack grip, the rubber outsole offers traction on both wet and dry surfaces, with bigger lugs at the heel-end.
There weren’t many opportunities to hit wet surfaces in the WA summer, but whilst out on dry hard-packed dirt and limestone trails, the shoe certainly did a phenomenal job when it came to downhill slip prevention. The overall fit while running was flexible and there was very minimal foot slippage, if any at all, so on declines the shoe was highly responsive to my needs. With the occasional pedestrian footpath or cycle path, the transition from trail to road was seamless, however as with any trail shoe, it’s always best to use them to the advantage on surfaces they’re designed for.
