The Brooks Catamount 2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Catamount 2 is a lightweight trail running shoe, specifically designed for runners who prioritize speed on moderate terrains. It is ideal for runners with a narrower foot shape, as its fit may not accommodate wide feet comfortably.

With a firm 30 HA foam in the midsole, the Brooks Catamount 2 offers a stable ride that translates to efficient performance on easy trails such as fire roads, even at uptempo paces. The bouncy DNA Flash midsole enhances responsiveness, making it suitable for shorter distances rather than technical terrain or prolonged runs.

At a price point of $170, the Brooks Catamount 2 presents a compelling option for those seeking a balance of speed and comfort, provided their running style aligns with its design specifications.


Pros

  • Impressively lightweight design
  • Offers a stable ride
  • Excellent traction on easy trails
  • Ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers
  • The SkyVault plate provides both protection and bounce
  • Durable, long-lasting outsole
  • Perfect for faster paces

Cons

  • The upper might be too narrow for many runners
  • Lacks sufficient cushioning for longer distances
  • Not for technical terrain

Key Features

  • SkyVault Propulsion Plate: A unique feature engineered to enhance uphill efficiency while also providing a protective rock shield.
  • Durable Comfort: The dual-sided air mesh and hydrophobic TPEE outer layer ensure that your feet stay comfortable and dry during long runs.
  • DNA FLASH Midsole: Made from a nitrogen-infused compound, it perfectly balances responsiveness and adaptive cushioning.
  • TPU Mud Guard: Protects against trail debris, while drainage slits help with water release to keep your feet drier.
  • TrailTack Rubber Outsole: Provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces for enhanced stability.
  • Locked-In Fit: Features strong yet flexible internal reinforcements and a half bootie tongue construction for a secure fit on uneven terrain.

Specifications

  • Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber
  • Outer Material: Rubber
  • Inner Material: Nitrogen-infused compound, TPEE
  • Rating: 4.5 based on 208 reviews

Brooks Catamount 2 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Catamount 2 Brooks Catamount 3 Salomon Genesis Topo Traverse
Price $170 $170 $150 $150
Trail terrain Light Light Moderate Light
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 9.7 oz / 275g 9 oz / 255g 9.9 oz / 282g 10.9 oz / 308g
Drop lab Drop brand 6.4 mm 6.8 mm 9.0 mm 4.8 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Heel Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Normal Small Small
Plate Rock plate Rock plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Bad Very bad Good Bad
Heel padding durability Good Good Good Good
Outsole durability Good Decent Decent Good
Breathability Moderate Warm Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Narrow Narrow Medium Wide
Toebox width Medium Wide Medium Wide
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Moderate Stiff
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Flexible Stiff Moderate
Lug depth 3.0 mm 2.9 mm 4.0 mm 4.1 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 29.0 mm 28.3 mm 33.5 mm 30.8 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 22.6 mm 21.5 mm 24.5 mm 26.0 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Waterproofing Water repellent - Water repellent Water repellent
Ranking Top 49% Top 23% Top 4% Top 12%
Popularity Bottom 13% Bottom 33% Bottom 39% Bottom 23%