The RW Takeaway: The long-awaited Catamount 2 has a plate in its midsole to add propulsion and give you that competitive edge on the trail.
- Preceded by: Brooks Hyperion Tempo, Brooks Catamount
- Key tech: SkyVault plate, TrailTack rubber outsole, nitrogen-infused midsole foam
- Racing roster: Gear editor Amanda Furrer (me!), LVRR Ice Scraper 5K, 1st place women, 21:09
Pros
- SkyVault plate promotes propulsion
- Nitrogen-infused DNA Flash midsole
- Grippy rubber outsole
Cons
- Thin cushioning
- Less hardy upper compared to other trail shoes
| Type | Trail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.4 oz (M), 7.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
It’s been almost three years since Brooks released the Catamount. On a video call, I half-jokingly, half-seriously asked the brand’s VP of footwear management, Carson Caprara, what took so long for an update. Of course, we all know what transpired in 2020. Pandemic factory shutdowns and supply chain issues affected product development and releases. The Catamount 2 was one of several shoes put on the back burner.
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Now, finally, the second iteration is here, along with other shoes we’ve eagerly awaited—the Hyperion Tempo’s follow-up launches later this year—and a few surprises, like the Hyperion Max.
For some backstory, the Brooks Blue Line development team validated DNA Flash foam, the nitrogen-infused material that cushions the Hyperion Elite and Tempo. In this way, the Catamount, the first trail shoe with a DNA Flash midsole, was one-part super shoe with its responsive, high-energy return platform. Now Brooks adds a second ingredient: the SkyVault plate.
We’ve seen carbon-fiber plates in other trail shoes, including the Hoka Tecton X, which has two parallel plates in its midsole, and the Saucony Edge. The Catamount 2’s SkyVault is specially made for providing enhanced proficiency on the uphill and a smooth and stable ride on the descent, making it primed for rolling trails. The plate is curved in the forefoot to help propel you quicker off your toes on the ascents. It also doubles as a rock shield.
Lightweight for Fast Times
Testers liked the shoe’s pop, describing the ride as “fast and fun.” Some, however, said it traded support for a lighter weight. “My current go-to is the Caldera 6, which has a mattress-like midsole,” said a tester. “So, I wasn’t surprised I was feeling more of the ground with the Catamount 2.”
Testers found the TrailTack rubber outsole “super grippy” on wet logs and in freezing rain. I experienced this reliable grip during a 5K, mid-December, on a morning damp with flurries and nonstop drizzle.
One note on fit: The Catamount runs a tad long, and is slightly narrow compared to other Brooks shoes.
Testers’ Feedback
Adrian S. | Tester since 2021
Arch type: High | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
“The Brooks Catamount 2 is a fast and fun shoe. It will certainly be a consideration for my future trail races shorter than a half marathon. I wore it on several trails with a little bit of every surface. It excelled and gave me some nice ‘pop’ on technical courses. I would be curious to try a half-size smaller since it felt a little long. The sizing issue made tying a lace lock essential, but after that, I was fully locked-in and my toes appreciated the extra toebox room.
“There was a bit of a tradeoff for lightness when it came to cushioning. My current go-to training trail shoe is the Brooks Caldera 6, which has a mattress-like midsole. So, I wasn’t surprised that I was feeling more of the ground in the Catamount 2. However, the ‘trail feel’ is welcome when my legs are fresh.”
Renee H. | Tester since 2013
Arch type: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
“I tested the Catamount 2 on every type of surface and trail—rocks, dirt, gravel, mountains, creek crossings. These shoes performed great. I felt secure as my feet blazed through the singletrack trails and I never missed a beat jumping from rock to rock on the technical stuff. Great traction, cushioning, and grip. Right out of the box, the Catamount 2 was comfortable and made my long runs in the woods feel faster and more efficient.”
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
