Brooks introduced the Catamount Agil today, claiming it to be their fastest trail shoe yet. Our early testing confirms this statement. Tailored for short, fast, and technical trail running, the Catamount Agil is aimed at runners focused on speed and agility over long distances. This shift aligns with the European tradition of shorter, intense trail races as opposed to the typical ultra-marathons popular in the U.S.
A decade ago, I set out to write a book emphasizing the distinction between trail running and ultra-running, advocating for the former. The trend we see today leans towards this sub-ultra style of trail racing, and it resonates with the essence of the Catamount Agil by Brooks.
In summary: The Brooks Catamount Agil caters to short-distance trail runners looking to enhance their performance, achieve personal records, and compete in races lasting 1-2 hours or less. It incorporates cutting-edge super shoe technology such as carbon plates, specialized foams, and remarkably low weights, now making their way into trail running shoes with Brooks leading the charge.
-
Materials
Mesh upper, articulated SpeedVault Trail Plate (Pebax), TrailTack Green outsole, nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH v2 midsole -
Midsole height
16 mm to 10 mm -
Midsole drop
6 mm -
Lug height
4.5 mm -
Weight
7.7 oz. (size 9) -
Sizes
Men’s 5-13 / women’s 6-14 -
Price
$180 -
Available
March 1, 2024
-
Highly agile -
Innovative Pebax plate and nitrogen-infused midsole combo -
Snug fit without feeling restrictive -
Enhanced traction for downhill racing -
Use of recycled materials with Carbon Neutrality certification
-
May not appeal to runners seeking more cushioning and stability -
Limited availability of wide-fit sizes
Brooks Catamount Agil First Look Review
Catamount Innovations and Styling
The Catamount line evolves with the third iteration being the Catamount 3. The Catamount Agil stands out with its reduced stack volume (22-to-16 from Catamount 3), updated midsole and plate materials (SpeedVault Trail plate versus Catamount 3’s SkyVault trail plate), and increased lug depth (3.5 in Catamount 3 versus 4.5 in Catamount Agil).
In modern running footwear, the midsole plays a crucial role, and the Catamount Agil boasts two key elements: the SpeedVault Trail Plate and the DNA FLASH v2 foam.
The SpeedVault Plate, similar to the one in Brooks’ 2024 Hyperion Elite v4 road racing shoe, is trail-specific. The key difference from the Hyperion Elite v4 lies in the material, with the Catamount Agil opting for a Pebax plate, known for its lighter weight and relative support compared to carbon fiber. Pebax is sourced sustainably from castor beans, a more environmentally friendly alternative to carbon. Its performance against carbon on trails is yet to be fully assessed, but it is gaining popularity as a material choice for road and trail shoes.
Catamount Agil Performance Testing
