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.

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.

Want some tech specs? Let’s go

The DNA FLASH midsole is crafted from nitrogen-infused compound, delivering a perfect blend of responsiveness and adaptive cushioning; it’s the same foam as Brooks’ road Hyperion Elite and Hyperion Max, and provided my feet with a good bounceback the faster I got.

The shoe’s all new SkyVault propulsion plate helped push my pace along and worked in a beautiful relationship with the DNA FLASH midsole; for those who have run in the Catamount 1, the ballistic rock shield in that version has been replaced for the Catamount 2 with the SkyVault system, and it’s a smooth ride on your favourite trail, especially when you’re going uphill.

Put the shoe in your hand and squish down on the SkyVault system – it’s oh so squishy! It also doubles as a rock shield and I didn’t feel I needed to put any gaiters on, however there is a hidden gaiter trap at the heel so Brooks haven’t diminished your choice on wearing a pair.

The tight knit mesh upper feels tear resistant (which is hydrophobic and made from recycled polyester fibres) and extends to the gusset of the tongue, providing protection for your foot.

I love a good heel lock, and the flat, textured laces tied on with just enough space to do just that (the laces weren’t as springy as I normally like, but if that’s the only part of the shoe that could do with some tweaking, we’re sailing here).

I think it’s important to point out too that down at the forefront of the laces, there’s a lace keeper securely featured in a bid to lock down your laces in the event they’re too long. I’ve never seen this bouncy attachment on a shoe before, and immediately loved that quiet addition.

Where this shoe excels is speed, so when it’s time to put in the energy and effort to go faster on the trails, the Catamount 2 won’t disappoint you. It’s lightweight (Women’s 244g, Men’s 275g) with a 6mm drop to give you a speedy advantage, and Brooks have listened to what runners want with their trail shoes – a fast partner who can get over technical terrain, but at the same time allow a firm fit with a secure heel tab and heel counter.

On top off the exquisite tech in the Catamount 2, the shoe overall is sexy. It’s exterior heel counter is speckled in design and from a bit of distance makes it look dirty.

This is the shoe for you if you’re looking for speed, cushioning and energy responsiveness on technical trail; the Catamount 2 is a podium finishing partner for trail racing, but also has the ability to be taken slow when you want to simply have fun.

The Low Down

GREAT FOR: Long distance, technical terrains

NOT SO GREAT FOR: Short distances, cement surfaces TEST CONDITIONS: Hard-packed dirt, limestone, pea gravel

TESTER: Kate Dzienis

TESTER MECHANICS: Severe overpronator with wide feet

VITALS

RRP: $279.95 AUD / $302.41 NZD

WEBSITE: brooksrunning.com.au

CONDITIONS: Shoes provided for testing by Brooks