The Brooks Catamount 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Brooks Catamount 3 is a versatile trail shoe designed for runners seeking comfort and stability. It features an improved upper that enhances fit, making it suitable for those who prioritize ground feel while still requiring cushioning. The lab data indicates notable performance across varied terrains, although breathability and durability could be enhanced.


Pros

  • Reduced weight from v2
  • Enhanced flexibility
  • Stable and secure ride
  • High-quality materials
  • Suitable for all footstrikes
  • Lightweight!
  • Fantastic Skyvault plate
  • Adaptable across various paces

Cons

  • Poor upper ventilation
  • Tight fit for some
  • Limited grip in wet conditions

Key Features

  • Nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH midsole: This innovative technology ensures a lightweight feel while providing adaptive cushioning, which is essential for those long runs.
  • SkyVault propulsion plate: Specifically designed to assist with uphill running efficiency while offering rock protection, allowing you to tackle challenging trails with confidence.
  • TrailTack Green rubber outsole: Composed of 25% recycled materials, this outsole offers exceptional traction whether you're on wet or dry surfaces.
  • Streamlined construction: The upper material contours to your foot, providing a locked-in fit that adapts to the demands of uneven terrain.

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Synthetic
  • Closure type: Lace-Up

Brooks Catamount 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Brooks Catamount 3 On Cloudvista 2 NNormal Kjerag Salomon Ultra Glide 2
Price $170 $150 $195 $150
Trail terrain Light Light Light Light
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 9 oz / 255g 10.3 oz / 292g 7.5 oz / 214g 10.1 oz / 286g
Lightweight
Drop lab Drop brand 6.8 mm 6.0 mm 8.6 mm 7.2 mm
Strike pattern Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot Mid/forefoot
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Soft
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Small Normal Big
Plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Very bad Decent Decent Bad
Heel padding durability Good Bad Decent -
Outsole durability Decent Good Decent -
Breathability Warm Warm Warm Moderate
Width / fit Narrow Narrow Medium Narrow
Toebox width Wide Medium Medium Narrow
Stiffness Stiff Moderate Flexible Moderate
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Moderate Flexible
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Moderate Flexible Moderate
Lug depth 2.9 mm 3.1 mm 3.0 mm 2.8 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 28.3 mm 31.7 mm 25.0 mm 30.6 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 21.5 mm 25.7 mm 16.4 mm 23.4 mm
Widths available Normal Narrow Normal Normal
Season All seasons All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Top 23% Top 35% Top 2% Top 48%
Popularity Bottom 33% Bottom 41% Bottom 36% Top 50%