The Catalyst is what we call a "transitional" training shoe, meaning its stack height (15mm/18mm) sits between a barefoot shoe and modern day training shoe.
This gives you a minimalist feel with just enough cushion and comfort. It can be your main training shoe or a shoe that you keep in your rotation when you want more ground feel and minimalism.
We find that the Catalyst works great for:
NOTE: We've also used this shoe for various CrossFit WODs and pickleball sessions. They've worked well, but keep in mind, we DID NOT EXCLUSIVELY build this shoe for CrossFit and pickleball.
Wear and tear can appear at a faster rate when doing rope climbs at high volumes or going for super aggressive digs on concrete courts if you drag these shoes. If you decide to use the Catalyst in these contexts, do so at your own risk, AKA just keep an eye on them as you go hard!
The Catalyst is purposely built and designed to move with your foot, blending flexibility and nimbleness with a light structure for security and stability when training.
The Catalyst features a wide, anatomical toe box to accommodate toe splay for all types of foot anatomies. A wider toe box gives you more surface area to stabilize, balance, and FEEL the ground.
Is there a perfect drop? Not necessarily, but we love 3mm as a sweetspot for most. The low stack height keeps ground feel HIGH, and the low drop allows you to still move mechanically efficiently.
The extended outsole lip on the heel is designed to promote stability while helping lock the heel in place when rowing. Our lacing system provides ultra-secure midfoot security.