May 25

BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2: 200 KM TEST FROM THE AMMERGAU ALPS TO MERANO

Posted by Héctor Rubio on May 25, 2023 in brooks 2023, brooks running, brooks trail running, trail running spain | Leave a comment

BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2: 200 KM TEST FROM THE AMMERGAU ALPS TO MERANO. Our TRAIL RUNNING SHOES section brings us today the in-depth analysis of these BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2.

Launched at the end of 2020, the first Brooks Catamount was born as a shoe for long and agile running. This 2023 Catamount 2 arrives with an price of 170€* (pending confirmation), for a weight of 270 g., which is about 40 g. lighter than its sister the Brooks Caldera 6. It maintains a stack height of 31mm-25mm and now adds an anti-rocks plate and 4mm lugs.

BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2: 200 KM TEST
FROM THE AMMERGAU ALPS TO MERANO

After covering 200 km on different terrains, from the Ammergau Alps on the Bavarian-Tyrolean border to the Merano High Route in Italy, these Brooks Catamount 2 have gradually revealed themselves as a great trail shoe, with many more attributes that one could think of at first.

At the moment, I have not competed with them, but both in the dry and in the wet they have been very comfortable, over long and short distances and I attest that as the brand announces, the DNA Flash nitrogen infusion midsole is the soul of the shoe . But before going into details, let’s go with the technical sheet.

BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2: DATA SHEET.

Price: 170€ however now cheaper in many online shops
Weight: 271g. Man (42EUR) / 241g Woman (41EUR). 40g less than the Caldera, 30 less than Cascadia.
Stack Height: 25mm-31mm. These dimensions are 25% more than the classic 18-24mm of the classic trail, but they have become almost the new base, each day more dominant in general use.
Drop: 6mm, like its sister Caldera. However, the other pure ultra-shoe in the Brooks range, the Cascadia has 8mm, a little more to save hit when heeling.
Upper: Engineered Air-Mesh Upper, Ventilated mesh for maximum breathability.
Midsole: DNA FLASH, a light cushioning from Brooks.
Outsole: Brooks Trailtack rubber. Directional tacking pattern in front and back, without lateral reinforcements for extreme areas. Brooks’ own rubber is an interesting bet.
Lugs:4 mm studs, better on firm ground.
Trail running shoes for men and women. Differentiated versions, although with very similar looks.

BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2: 200KM TEST

Tthe upper of the Catamount 2 is made with a breathable and resistant mesh, in which after 200 km, a slight wear can be observed in the areas of greatest friction, such as the reinforcements of the toecaps and the sides, although, without showing any sign of tearing or significant damage.

The mesh still maintains its breathability and flexibility, which contributes to the comfort of the foot during the race.

As for the midsole, as we know, it has Brooks DNA Flash technology, which provides reactive and light cushioning.

After 200 km, you don’t even notice a slight crushing of the foam in the areas of greatest impact, such as the heel and forefoot, bland that I was very pleasantly surprised.

The structure and responsiveness of the midsole are super effective, providing good shock absorption and energy return, both on the slopes and even on more technical terrain.

The sole of the Brooks Catamount 2, in my case, has been revealed as one of the strengths of this shoe, which without mounting large lugs, 4mm, but being designed with a pattern of multidirectional studs and a durable rubber compound, Trailtack of Brooks, have performed fantastically, both in the dry and in the wet!

After 200 km, moderate wear can be seen on the lugs of the sole, especially in the areas of greatest wear, such as the toe and heel.

Regarding the size, the number 42.5 that I usually wear has adjusted perfectly without having generated any chafing or friction points even with the passage of kilometers.

BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2: TERRAIN TYPES

Technical terrain: without being their ideal area of use, due to their “short” lugs, they have performed fantastically on technical and demanding trails. With their durable sole and multi-directional studs, they have offered solid traction on rocky, uneven and bumpy terrain.

Alpine Terrain: the lightweight and agile design lets you tackle steep terrain with ease. Cushioning and support in the midsole help you absorb shock on steep descents, while the outsole provides traction on steep and slippery terrain.

Muddy terrain: The Catamount 2 is not the most suitable for running on muddy and wet terrain, due to its heel, although, with a bit of technique and thanks to the durable rubber compound, it allows traction in slippery conditions and minimizes the risk of slipping .

Forest trails and forest roads: here you can see its true soul of creation, that transition zone between the asphalt and the wide trails, where the DNA flash midsole pushes and reacts with each step.

BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2: DISTANCE AND RUNNER TYPE

These are shoes for medium distance, I would dare to say that at most up to 50 km, depending on the weight and technique of the runner.

They’re robust enough to tackle even long distances on alpine terrain in almost any condition, as well as push them to the limit and descend fast as a lighter trail shoe, and the 4mm tracking offers enough security in almost all conditions, barring very muddy or snowy terrain, but of course, not all are valid for everything.

For example, if we compare them with their older sisters, the Caldera 6 , we can see the big difference in the midsole.

BROOKS CATAMOUNT 2: CONCLUSIONS

Overall, after riding 200 km on various terrains, these Brooks Catamount 2 show good performance and durability. The shoe continues to provide a good mix of breathability, cushioning, and traction, making it suitable for trail runners looking for a balance between protection and performance on a variety of surfaces.

The sole deserves a positive review for its excellent performance on technical and wet terrain, as well as its exceptional durability after 200 km, having offered outstanding traction on technical terrain.

Multi-directional studs and a durable rubber compound provide solid grip on uneven and slippery surfaces.

Apart from the grip of the sole, which, as you can see in the different images, has behaved really well in all kinds of circumstances, it is worth noting its durability, with hardly any wear after these 200 kilometers. Obviously, it does not offer the same sensation as Vibram Contagrip soles, for example, from the Hoka Speedgoat, but it is very, very close.

Whether you’re running on rocky trails, loose terrain, or steep ascents and descents, the sole gives you the confidence to tackle any challenge that comes your way. The studs dig firmly into the ground, providing stability and preventing unwanted slipping.

In summary, the Brooks Catamount 2 trail shoes are suitable for a wide range of uses and terrains. Being able to be ideal for competing, as long as the runner rewards agility and versatility before a great cushion, although, although the Catamount 2 also mounts a great 25mm/31mm cushion, it is not as exaggerated as the Speedgoat or Caldera 6 .

They offer reliable traction, cushioning and durability to take on any trail ride.