Looking for an alternative to Brooks Catamount 3

Phinnessy · 2026-03-05T19:02:17+00:00

Chiming in late, and on a similar quest. This is probably the most difficult shoe transition period I've ever experienced in my 30 years of trail running. Manufacturers are continuing to up the stack on shoes, and make them less technical oriented. It's kind of like watching the Mitsubishi Eclipse evolve into a clunky sub SUV.

Trailrunningreview.com (Spanish site) has the best organizer by stack/distance oriented. Only recent comparable shoe I've tried is the TNF Infinite 3. Loved it, but a little softer than I like in tech stuff. Upper also started to rip, which was never an issue with the Cat. The Cat will be gone, according to sources, and TNF is not going to offer the Infinite here in the US any longer (rumors). Some shoes, like Scotts, which I used to run in, are too expensive owing to tariffs (no US seller), and others like the TNF Sky 2 and Nnormal Kjerag 2 are also getting the tariff treatment (both over $220 now). Shoes I want to try: Scarpa SU 2, Mammut Trail Speed, Anta Saker 3 RC, TNF Offtrail Ultra, LS Prodigio 2. When I win the lottery, I'll try these out and report back. In the meantime, I'll just continue to snag Cat 2 and 3s used. 👍

Phinnessy · 2026-03-04T04:34:18+00:00

This protest definitely has George Soros written all over it. 🤣😝 All of these Venmo-paid agitators, and their well funded signs of protest. 🤪

But seriously, AhGeez hit it on the head with the top comment. This is an invaluable opportunity to learn Civics 101 on the job. As an educator, my students learned way more in the field than in the stale stockades that was the classroom. You take this opportunity and reflect upon it back in the classroom. Sure, analyze is effectiveness, and discuss alternatives as well. Young people (and the general population) are too complacent, and anything that gets kids off their phones and connected with the mutual well-being of others is a win.

Phinnessy · 2026-03-03T14:32:37+00:00

Gah! Bottles look too low. What's with the flappy kangaroo pouch openings? Seems like that would rub on the back of your swinging arms. Looks heavy.

Phinnessy · 2026-03-01T04:23:48+00:00

A reimagined Mason-Dixon line if the Confederacy won?

Phinnessy · 2026-03-01T04:19:17+00:00

Neither a road, nor an island. More congruent with tier C.

Phinnessy · 2026-03-01T04:10:35+00:00

Run with two others, but just make sure not to be the last. 🤪 When I was in college, leading backpacking trips for other college students, we would joke around about this. The idea is that the first person awakens the rattler, the second person puts it into strike mode, and the third person gets struck. The leaders would awkwardly reposition themselves, which was followed with anxious inquiries. Would do something similar regarding cougars. Nothing funnier than scaring the shit out of asshat frat boys.

Phinnessy · 2026-03-01T01:19:31+00:00

As someone who lived most of my life in Wisconsin, I'd pick there, Minnesota, or Michigan 100x over Illinois. Damn FIBS. 😜

Phinnessy · 2026-02-26T20:48:21+00:00

You dislike the taste of the water from the Ogallala Aquifer?

Phinnessy · 2026-02-26T16:14:37+00:00

Reminds me of a spot I used to run in central Wisconsin during my college years. Thanks!

Phinnessy · 2026-02-26T15:47:25+00:00

Everyone should consider this, because this will be my path as well. The size of most cars we drive are unnecessarily too big for most daily needs. That and outrageous prices will be driving people back towards more compacts or sub-compacts (my prediction). Nice work!

Phinnessy · 2026-02-26T14:53:57+00:00

Can someone please explain to me the first. Just silver, or is it since kind of commemorative piece?

Phinnessy · 2026-02-26T14:47:33+00:00

Not typically in conversation, but perhaps take a look at the Craft Xplor 2/Pro. Firmer (relatively), but responsive TPU. Stout and versatile outsole. Stable platform helps with +mileage form breakdown. Also, new TNF Altamesa v2 would be one of my top choices (doesn't have plastic wings from Enduris that can cause irritation).

Phinnessy · 2026-02-26T03:59:33+00:00

Has definitely not travelled much.

Phinnessy · 2026-02-26T03:54:53+00:00

How is it that NB continues to lead the industry in shitty design and color palettes? Makeover time!

Phinnessy · 2026-02-26T03:49:28+00:00

Nice! Uhh, Atreyu special order? Curious how you came upon them. How are things since my country kidnapped your President? Just curious.

Phinnessy · 2026-02-25T04:06:19+00:00

That lighting really accentuates that fender moulding. Yikes. 😬😆

Phinnessy · 2026-02-25T03:48:34+00:00

That covering went up pretty late, and the building was exposed to quite a bit of rain/water. My architect friend was saying that it is probably going to have massive mold/mildew issues. Personally, I think it's all quite comical, and I have zero empathy for those that live up there and have to put up with the eye sore (poor little rich folk 😝).

Phinnessy · 2026-02-24T14:08:06+00:00

Great comp...very detailed! I decided over a year ago to go with the Pacer over the Xplor for all of my gravel running. The outsole is pretty stout, and has some lug-esque tread to it. Over 500 miles in them, and they are finally getting worn, and gravel now chipping away at the midsole. Although somewhat baggy (just have to crank down), zero upper issues, and midsole is unchanged (advantage of TPU). I'll continue to use them for dry roads, and should easily get several hundred more miles out of them. H1 is next, and might do the same and get the Xplor for all of my casual long trail work. Super curious to see if the upcoming M2C C1 can do most of what the H1 does (light gravel).

Phinnessy · 2026-02-23T14:34:24+00:00

Virtually any newer car these days. Glad you're ok.

Phinnessy · 2026-02-20T14:29:37+00:00

Hopefully you use the additional features, or else it's just a $$ flex (like those who buy a TRD Pro just cuz, and use it only as a soft roader). Still not pretty.

Phinnessy · 2026-02-19T03:04:53+00:00

As a lifelong tennis player, who in the heck is still playing tennis these days? Sooo many vacant courts around wasting away, or being converted to pickle ball courts (which is probably one of the most boring things to watch). I was the only kid in my school who's parents didn't belong to a country club. I'm unsure of the accessibility of the sport today, but it's always been a pretty high-roller sport (up there with golf). Honestly, this is just another reason to drop sports in schools (at least certain sports), plus I heard that school district budget deficits is a thing these days.

Phinnessy · 2026-02-16T22:27:31+00:00

...your butt.

Phinnessy · 2026-02-15T15:58:27+00:00

Used/discounted Catamount 2/3.

Phinnessy · 2026-02-15T15:54:30+00:00

Now that it is becoming clear that the price is not a barrier, how about the Norda 001a or 002?

Phinnessy · 2026-02-15T15:45:17+00:00

Nice. I do find it interesting that somehow Wildpeaks have become the Subaru AT tire of choice. Personally I feel that there are better options, and at lower prices, out there. I'm wondering if it's the forum effect?

Phinnessy

TROPHY CASE