Brooks Catamount 4

The Brooks Catamount 4 is the American brand's take for trail runners looking for lightness and agility on fast, runnable terrain. Sitting below the versatile Cascadia 19 in Brooks' trail range, it is aimed at short outings, hill reps and races where speed matters most. Against its rivals, the Catamount 4 goes for a firm, direct ride without completely giving up cushioning, although it lacks the backing of a mountain specialist brand, and that is a handicap because image counts for a lot: being seen in a La Sportiva is not the same as being seen in a Brooks. In the long run that dents sales and puts the future of the line at risk; time will tell.

Compared with the previous edition, the main change is in the midsole: a slightly more generous stack height and a new formulation of the nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2 foam, aiming to improve responsiveness on climbs. The SkyVault v2 plate has a more curved, stiffer profile to optimise propulsion, while the single-layer mesh upper with TPEE fibres keeps its breathability and lockdown without adding unnecessary weight. The fit follows the traditional Brooks line, snugger in the midfoot and with a moderate toe box, which suits runners looking for precision on technical terrain. The TrailTack Green outsole offers reliable grip on dry, hardpacked ground.

On the run, the Catamount 4 feels agile and responsive, a shoe designed for faster paces and runnable terrain. It is not the most protective, nor the right choice for mud or very loose rock, but it more than delivers on trails, forest tracks and mixed sections with some road. Ideal for mid-weight runners with good technique looking for a fast shoe for quality sessions or middle-distance races.