Brooks
Catamount 4
Product Judgment
Strong
8.2
Category: Light/Moderate Trail
Release year: 2025
Evidence base: Extensive
Experts agree on stability, fit, and easy-trail focus.
Price Judgment
Reasonable
Common retail price: ~$170
Availability: Widely Available
Based on manual research as of Sep 24, 2026
Description
Stable, speed-oriented trail shoe positioned above Brooks' daily trail lineup. Prioritizes control and confidence on moderate terrain. Highly regarded for its secure fit and reliable ride.
Exceptionally stable platform with a stiff carbon plate delivers a controlled, predictable ride. Moderate cushioning balances ground feel and protection. Ride feels responsive but not highly energetic, with a focus on precision over agility.
Ideal for runners seeking stability and control on smooth trails, gravel, and forest paths. Excels in daily trail runs, speedwork, and moderate-distance races up to 50k. Less suited for highly technical or muddy terrain due to limited lug depth. Best for heel strikers and those preferring a secure, locked-in fit.
Performance Scores
Comfort
8Secure fit, padded tongue, and moderate cushioning provide good comfort for most runners.
Energy Return
6DNA Flash v2 foam and stiff plate offer moderate responsiveness but not explosive rebound.
Stability
10Exceptionally wide platform and carbon plate deliver class-leading stability on easy trails.
Durability
8Durable upper mesh and TrailTack Green rubber outsole withstand regular trail use.
Grip
7TrailTack Green rubber and 3.1 mm lugs provide reliable grip on easy terrain but less on technical trails.
Run Fitness
Daily
9Stable, comfortable ride and secure fit excel on daily trail runs.
Long
8Cushioning and stability support long distances, though not maximally plush.
Light Trail
9Performs best on smooth singletrack, gravel, and forest paths.
Technical Trail
6Shallow lugs and stiff plate limit grip and agility on technical terrain.
Door to Trail
7Rocker geometry and moderate cushioning allow comfortable transitions from road to trail.
Pros & Cons
- Exceptional stability
- Secure lockdown
- Durable upper
- Versatile for trail speedwork
- Limited technical grip
- Modest energy return
- Low toebox height
Exceptionally wide platform and carbon plate deliver outstanding stability for confident trail running.
Upper mesh, padded tongue, and lacing system provide a secure, locked-in fit.
Durable upper mesh resists abrasion from rocks and debris.
Responsive ride and controlled cushioning make it suitable for trail intervals and faster efforts.
Shallow lugs and outsole design limit traction on highly technical or muddy terrain.
DNA Flash v2 foam and stiff plate provide only moderate energy return, not a springy feel.
Lower toebox height may feel restrictive for runners needing extra toe room.
Specifications
Best for paces
5:30–7:30 min/km
Drop
6 mm
Stack height
34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
Weight
269 g
Drop
6 mm
Stack height
34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
Weight
269 g
Pronation
Neutral
Width
medium
Terrain
Light Trail
Technologies
DNA Flash v2 foam, SkyVault Plate, TrailTack Green rubber
Plate
Carbon
Best for paces
5:30–7:30 min/km
Comparable Models
Brooks Cascadia Elite supplies deep, stable cushioning for demanding terrain, addressing the Catamount 4's technical-trail limitations with a more forgiving long-distance platform.
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Brooks Cascadia 20 emphasizes plush protection and dependable traction, while the Catamount 4 favors a stiff, precise ride with moderate cushioning.
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Adidas Terrex Agravic SL emphasizes forward-rolling comfort and a broad, planted platform, while the Catamount 4 favors precise control and balanced ground feel.
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Inov8 Trailfly Speed v2 offers flexible, close-to-ground handling, while the Catamount 4 uses a stiff platform to combine precision with moderate protection.
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Hoka Rocket X Trail delivers soft, propulsive cushioning for fast smooth trails, addressing the Catamount 4's modest rebound without solving its technical-grip limitation.
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