Brooks Cascadia 17 vs Catamount 3 (2024 Comparison)
The Brooks Catamount 3 is a fairly recent shoe that is winning over many trail runners with its featherweight and responsive configuration, ideal for having fun on the trails.
On the other hand, the Cascadia 17 is one of the pioneering trail running shoes in Brooks’s collection, popularized by legendary ultramarathon runner Scott Jurek.
The main difference lies in their use. The Cascadia is a robust long-distance shoe with comfortable cushion. So you can tackle ultra distances with confidence, without worrying about comfort.
Comparatively, the Catamount, has firmer, more limited cushioning (28 mm heel stack height vs. 36 mm for the Cascadia), which restricts it to short or intermediate distances.
The heel-to-toe drop of the Cascadia is more classic at 8 mm vs. 6 mm on the Catamount, which is a little low, especially if you’re not used to it.
In terms of grip, both shoes do very well on the most technical trails, with their aggressive lugs and naturally sticky rubber. However, the Cascadia does slightly better in mud, with its deeper lugs (4.5 mm vs. 3.5 mm for the Catamount).
In addition, both shoes feature a rock plate for optimum comfort and protection.
Last but not least, the Catamount 3 is more recent and, therefore, more sustainable. It’s carbon-neutral certified, while it’s not yet the case for the Cascadia (maybe for the 18?).
Cascadia or Catamount: Which One Should You Pick?
Both shoes are very good, so we recommend them without reservation. However, they are complementary.
The Cascadia is more comfortable for longer distances and can tackle any ultra race, while the Catamount is better for shorter speed sessions.
If you like Brooks, there’s no doubt that you’ll appreciate having both models in your rotation to alternate according to your runs and desires.
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| Overview | ||
| Description | The Brooks Cascadia 17 is a versatile, protective, and comfortable trail running shoe for daily training or long distance runs. | The Brooks Catamount 3 is a highly responsive, versatile trail running shoe, ideal for short and intermediate distances. |
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| Facts | ||
| Terrain | Trail | Trail |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel stack height | 36 mm | 28 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 28 mm | 22 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm | 6 mm |
| Lugs | 4.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Weight (men) | 312 g | 246 g |
| Weight (women) | 278 g | 238 g |
| Features | Available in GTX, Vegan, Recycled materials, Rock plate | Vegan, Recycled materials, Eco-friendly |
| Athletes | Scott Jurek | |
| Release year | 2023 | 2024 |
| Technologies | ||
| Outsole | Green Rubber TrailTack, Multidirectional Lugs, Trail Adapt System, Reinforced Wear Zones | TrailTack Green Rubber |
| Midsole | DNA Loft v2, Balistic Shield | DNA Flash, SkyVault |
| Upper | Monoloop Mesh, Gusseted Tongue, TPU Tip | Single-layer TPEE mesh, TPU Toecap |
| Cushioning | ||
| Cushioning | Balanced | Firm |
| Responsiveness | Medium | High |
| Use | ||
| Distance | Mid, Long | Short, Mid |
| Speed | Slow, Moderate | Moderate, Fast |
| Workouts | Daily running | Daily running, Racing |
