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The Brooks Catamount Agil is a trail racing shoe built for speed on technical trails. Designed to offer responsiveness and minimal weight, this trail running shoe excels in shorter, high-intensity, technical trail runs.
But with such a minimal design, does it have enough comfort and protection for longer distances? And is it worth the $180 price tag? You’re about to find out in my in-depth performance review of the Catamount Agil.
Key specifications
- Price: $180 from brooksrunning.com / £170 from Sportsshoes.com (UK)
- Weight: 8oz / 227g (US Men’s Size 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
- Midsole: low stack nitrogen-infused DNA Flash V2, SpeedVault trail plate
- Outsole: TrailTack green rubber compound
- Upper: Breathable one-piece sock-like mesh with built-in gaiter, lace stash loop
- Support: Neutral
- Best for: Technical trail racing, shorter distances
Fit and feel
Right out of the box, the Brooks Catamount Agil has a snug fit, especially around the midfoot. While it stays true to size in length, runners with wider feet will find the fit restrictive – and I’d recommend turning your gaze directly over to a minimal trail racing shoe alternative like the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2, instead. For those of you with medium / narrow width feet, keep reading.
After a few miles, loosening the laces helps relieve the pressure, though this isn’t something I would normally have to do – an odd one for sure.
The one-piece sock-like mesh upper with built-in gaiter feels innovative, but it has its downsides. While the upper is breathable and quick to drain water, some runners might experience discomfort from the orange rigid plastic overlays that can cause pressure points, especially when the foot flexes during steep climbs – see photo below.
Over time, these areas have softened, but the break-in period isn’t as smooth as one might hope and I feel like Brooks should be shipping these out a little more softened to save us runners from having to break them in ourselves.
On the bright side, the heel lock is excellent. Thanks to the built-in gaiter, the shoe holds the foot securely, eliminating slippage on steep inclines. However, runners will want to wear higher socks to avoid rubbing from the gaiter around the heel area.
Brooks Catamount Agil performance review
Before i get stuck into how they perform on the run, here’s a quick reminder that you can also watch my video review to get more insights, by tapping the image below – Don’t forget to give the video a like if you enjoy it (that really helps our channel), and subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more reviews of the latest running shoes :).
The Catamount Agil performs best when it comes to fast, shorter, technical trail runs/races.
It’s lightweight, responsive, and grips the trail like a mountain goat scrambling up a rocky slope due to the aggressive TrailTack outsole rubber compound. The outsole’s TrailTack rubber is exceptional in terms of grip, and also provides a good amount of durability/longevity.
The nitrogen-injected DNA Flash V2 midsole brings a lot of bounce to your stride too. The midsole feels responsive, with a snappy ride that propels you forward, aided by the SpeedVault trail plate. This plate stores energy when your foot flexes and releases it on toe-off, making the shoe feel fast and nimble.
However, with the added responsiveness comes a caveat: the low stack height means you’ll feel every bump, rock, and root on the trail. Some runners appreciate this level of “trail feel” because it helps them stay connected to the terrain. Others, especially those tackling longer distances, may find it a bit punishing over time, as the lack of cushioning can make sharp objects underfoot painfully noticeable.
It’s a double edged sword that’s worth considering when purchasing any running shoe really.
The upper is a clever design with its one-piece sock-like fit, offering zoned breathability to keep your feet cool on hot runs. The mesh will also drain well, which is ideal for river crossings or running in wet conditions.
The built-in gaiter is an added bonus, keeping debris out of your shoes and providing extra heel support for those steep climbs – both of which is does very well. I also really like the notched laces (as seen in the Catamount 3, and Hyperion Elite 4), as they’re lightweight, have a little stretch and don’t come undone once done up – the elasticated stowe loop helps with that too (as seen in my photo above)!
Unfortunately, the same features that contribute to the shoe’s performance can also be its downfall. The rigid plastic overlays on the upper, I presume meant to add structure, support, and durability, can cause discomfort during flexion in the toe box area. While the upper does loosen up slightly with wear, it never quite eliminates those pesky pressure points.
The Catamount Agil is built for speed, but its minimalist design means it sacrifices some stability. The narrow platform and flexible upper don’t provide much in terms of lateral support, making it less than ideal for some types of rocky terrain where you might need extra stability. If you’re used to running in minimal shoes, your ankles may be able to compensate for this, but runners new to this type of shoe may struggle.
Are they worth buying?
At $180, the Brooks Catamount Agil isn’t cheap. And while it excels in speed and technical trail performance, it falls short in areas like comfort and support. If you’re someone who regularly races on technical terrain and prioritizes speed over comfort, the Catamount Agil could be a fantastic addition to your gear. But for runners who prefer a bit more cushioning and support for longer distances, this shoe might not be the best option—especially at this price point.
For shorter trail races, though, the Catamount Agil’s lightweight build, responsive midsole, and exceptional grip make it a top contender. Just be prepared to deal with a snug fit, a break-in period, and a little less protection from sharp objects underfoot.
Best alternatives right now
If you’re intrigued by the idea of a fast, minimalist trail racing shoe but want to explore other options, here are some strong contenders:
- Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx: This shoe is another lightweight, responsive option that performs exceptionally well in technical terrain. It’s more comfortable upper might be a better fit for those with wider feet, and it offers a slightly better balance of support and flexibility. Read my MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx review.
- Hoka Zinal 2: A shoe that delivers more cushioning without sacrificing speed. It’s great for those looking to balance protection and responsiveness on technical trails. Read my Zinal 2 review.
For a broader look at what’s available, and also worthy of being purchased, check out my Best Trail Running Shoes roundup for more top choices.
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