Brooks Catamount

The Brooks Catamount is a light and speedy trail running shoe for runners who want to run trails quickly.

In this shoe, Brooks has incorporated its speediest foam—DNA Flash—as cushioning, and that should tell you what this shoe is designed to do. DNA Flash is the trimmed-down, efficiency-focused foam that Brooks has put into racing shoes like the Hyperion Elite. The speedy foundation is supported by a hardened EVA rock plate in the outsole and Brooks' TrailTrack rubber outsole for excellent grip and protection.

If you're looking at significant elevation changes, then this shoe may not be for you: it's all about speed on moderately rough trails. But if you're looking for a fast shoe with additional protection from rocks and obstructions, then look no further.