Bottom Line
The Brooks Catamount 4 are crafted to deliver both speed and agility. Propulsive cushioning and the innovative SkyVault Trail Plate provide a return on energy as you zip down (or up) the trails.
.However, these low volume, narrow fitting shoes aren’t for everyone. More casual paced runners will not reap the same speed and responsiveness benefits. The shoes will actually feel more firm underfoot due to the adaptive technology. These are truly only a good option for racing or speedy runs, which make them less versatile than most shoes we tested. They are a high value option for those targeting fast-paced jaunts with maximum energy return, but less valuable to those who don’t have that focus. See our guide to the best trail running shoes for women to explore other options.
Quick Specs
Women’s Brooks Catamount 4
Ultralight Trail Shoes for Runners Who Want to Go Fast
CleverHiker Rating: 3.8/5.0
Price: $170
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 0.03 oz.Women’s Size 12 Wide
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
Cushioning: Moderate
Best For: Mixed
Pros
- Built for speed
- Good energy return
- Well cushioned
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Less traction in wet conditions
- Narrow profile
- Low volume fit
- Doesn’t perform as well at slower speeds
Traction
The Catamount 4 features a luggy sole crafted from TrailTack Green rubber. It also features a responsive cushion that adapts to your pace. Together they make for a sturdy shoe with good grip on varied terrain.
We found it excelled in dry conditions and on firmer ground. It provided great grip on crushed gravel bike paths in Bellingham, Washington, as well as winding trails in the Midwest.
However, it’s worth noting that we did not find the traction to be quite as adequate on slick surfaces or in muddy conditions. On a recent run through the Chuckanut Mountains outside Bellingham, Washington, we experienced loss of grip on steep descents when the trail was slippery and sloppy. Aside from this, we found them to be a solid overall choice for a wide variety of trail types and surfaces.
comfort
This shoe may not comfortably cater to a wide range of foot shapes. Its narrow profile, even in the standard width, combined with a low-volume forefoot and midfoot, led to several pressure points during our run testing. We experienced our big toes rubbing against the upper while the pinky toes felt pinched.
On the brighter side, if your foot aligns perfectly with its design, the internal gusset will snugly embrace your foot, delivering that glove-like fit for stunning control and easy maneuverability. In addition, we loved the ingenious and secure crinkle-cut laces that prevented any “flat tire” moments mid-run.
If you’re a speedster, you might notice the foam’s softness, but for those running at a more relaxed pace, it can feel quite firm and a tad uncomfortable. However, with the right fit and application, this shoe has the potential to enhance your running experience significantly, keeping you supported and confident in every stride.
Weight
The Catamount 4 stands out as one of the lightest shoes we tested, which makes sense given its speed-centric design. Runners looking for that competitive edge will appreciate how these shoes manage to blend featherweight construction with robust cushioning.
Despite the thicker stack height, the Catamount 4 maintains a surprisingly agile feel; they never weigh you down or hinder your natural stride. Whether you’re tackling challenging terrain or chasing new personal records, these shoes are engineered to minimize fatigue and keep you feeling light and agile.
Durability
These shoes’ extra reinforced mesh upper ensures that snag hazards won’t slow you down. After long days on our local trails in the Pacific Northwest, we didn’t notice any evidence of wear and tear, despite negotiating plentiful rocks and roots.
The ultralight mesh upper makes them feel almost weightless, yet the well-designed overlaid reinforcement panels promise long-lasting durability that will keep you going for countless miles.
The Catamount 4’s innovative methods of weight reduction without compromising the renowned Brooks brand’s ruggedness and durability allows you to focus on what truly matters—enjoying your run.
Breathability
The Catamount 4 is designed with mesh uppers that have great breathability and moisture management, making them the perfect partner for chasing your goal times. These shoes maximize breathable surfaces despite an impressive amount of reinforcement panels. We did not find that the overlays hindered the upper’s breathability even on muggy runs in the Midwest.
Despite a thorough soaking during a wet run on the trails south of Bellingham, Washington, I was impressed to find that the shoes were completely dry and ready for action by the next day’s training session. This rapid drying capability of both the interior padding and the upper is a game-changer if you’re the kind of runner who lives in a wet climate and wants to train on back-to-back days or even two-a-day training schedules.
Responsiveness
These shoes are truly crafted with speed in mind, so it’s no wonder they stand out as one of the most responsive and agile options among all the models we tested. Their innovative interior design focuses on forward propulsion, allowing for seamless adaptation to varying conditions. They handle sudden changes in direction as well as a variety of grades seamlessly, making them ideal for fast trail runs and racing.
However, at a more casual pace, we did notice that they felt stiffer and more clunky. If you’re not running fast, you will reap less propulsive responsiveness from these shoes. They are a great shoe to add to your arsenal for speed sessions, tempo runs, and races while other options are better suited to easy days.
Should You Buy the Buy Brooks Women’s Catamount 4?
If you’re looking for a trail shoe that can keep up with your need for speed, this may be the shoe for you. This model is designed for runners searching for a speed-session trainer or racing shoe that can maximize performance when it counts. With its focus on lightweight performance and responsiveness, the Catamount 4 will be an excellent value for those with specific pace or race goals.
However, if you tend to prefer more casual-paced runs or are in search of versatility across varied terrains you may want to explore other options available on the market.
Additionally, if you have higher volume feet or prefer a more generous toe box, these shoes may fall short. While Brooks has garnered a reputation for excellent running shoes in multiple widths, they only offer this model on a standard last. Even then, it runs more narrow than average to maintain that performance fit at higher speeds.
If you find the Catamount 4 to be too snug, you may want to take a look at Brooks’ other offerings. Overall, while these shoes shine during high-speed efforts, it’s important to consider whether they fit your running style and routine before deciding if they are the right shoe for you.
What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
If the Brooks Catamount 4 isn’t for you, check out these similar trail runners that combine performance cushioning with trail approved traction.
Saucony Peregrine 14 Review: Check out this Editor’s Pick if you’re looking for a highly breathable trail shoe that can handle minimal hardpack but excels on more technical terrain.
Nike Pegasus 5 Review: If you’re looking for a responsive shoe at any speed, slip into a pair of these. Equally at home on trail and hardpack, these trail runners are designed to make everyone feel fast.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro x 8 Review: Looking for a sticky Vibram grip? These shoes will take you from dry trails to wet pavement with ease.
