Icebug is a name that has become synonymous with high-quality shoes that provide perfect traction. One thing that you can be sure of when you slip on your Icebugs is that you are not going to slip on any surface – not even ice. And, if you are a serious runner, that is a big advantage. You don’t want to have to skip your morning run just because the weather is not very nice. So, knowing that you will find the perfect pair for your morning run is a given.
Icebug is a Swedish company that has a focus on winter shoes. The also have a strong emphasis on sustainability.
For a brand, the logical conclusion is that we only make products that people really need and we make them very durable, user friendly, easy to take care of and repair. With those principles in place, we come to what we normally mean when we talk about sustainability: selecting materials, production method and location, and transport in the least resource consuming and polluting way, while also not exploiting people.
CEO David Ekelund.
The problem is narrowing it down to just one or two choices. With that in mind, we have compiled this list of the best Icebug running shoes. We scored them on comfort, performance and overall value for money to come up with the best of the best.
Are you ready to be paired with the shoes of your dreams? Let’s get started.
Icebug Trail Running Shoe – Pytho3
- Water-repellant running shoe featuring contrast-stitched upper with quick-dry mesh, lace-up vamp, and padded collar
- Lightweight EVA midsole with stabilizer
- Traction BUGrip outsole with 17 carbide studs
- Icebug shoes run approximately 1/2 shoe size small.
Do you like trail running? This shoe might be the perfect match for you. Designed to allow your foot to engage in a full range of motion, these lightweight trainers help you get to the deadline in great shape. Comfort, performance, and flexibility are all key factors in this design.
The sole is made up of 17 traction studs to help gain better grip while trail running, called by Icebug ‘BUGrip’. These are also ideal for winter running when you need a bit more grip on frozen surfaces. Image below show the sole of the Pythos4, which are out soon.
Pros
• Lightweight
• Let’s your feet move naturally
• Great traction
• Water-resistant
• The toe box is reinforced
• Padding adds extra comfort
Cons
• Not the best if you need extra arch support
• Upper is a little stiff
Icebug Mist RBX9
- Rubber 9 Extreme compound, RB9X, provides superior traction on wet and dry surfaces
- Airy open mesh keeps feet cool and allows for quick drying
- Molded lacing extensions ensure a great fit
- Removable molded EVA with mesh liner
- Lightweight EVA midsole with stabilizer
When we think Sweden, we think cold and ice most of the time, don’t we? And, even if we do think of Sweden, heat, and humidity is not the first place we go. However, that hasn’t stopped IceBug. They make shoes fit for all weather conditions.
The Mist is a shoe that is designed primarily to keep your feet cool in even the hottest of weather.
Pros
• Lightweight
• Quick to dry
• Great traction
• Highly breathable
• Mesh upper
Cons
• Not ideal if you need extra arch support
Icebug Men’sAnima4 RB9X
- Rubber 9 Extreme compound, RB9X, provides superior traction on wet and dry surfaces
- Breathable, airy mesh upper with protective toe guard
- Closed cell foam padding for minimal water absorption
- Molded lacing extensions for added support
- Low profile design with perfect level of cushioning
These will work in all seasons. They are breathable in summer and will keep your tootsies toasty in winter with the right pair of socks. The traction on these is great, and they provide lightweight support for most runners.
Pros
• Very good looking and lightweight
• Superb support
• Great traction
• Good cushioning
• Extremely comfortable
• Allows a more natural range of motion while still providing support
• Water-resistant
Cons
• Expect to pay a pretty penny for these
• They are not as widely available as we would like
Icebug Women’s DTS2 BUGrip Studded Traction Running Shoe
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If you are running on snow or ice, this is the show that you want. The range offers excellent traction and good comfort.
Pros
• This is our top pick for traction
• A comfortable shoe
• Good flexibility to allow better grip
Cons
• Could use some shoring up when it comes to support
Icebug Women’s Zeal OLX Studded Traction Running Shoe
- Lace-up running shoe featuring lightweight patterned upper with large logo callouts on sides
- Low-profile tongue and padded collar
- Half-lined with quick-dry mesh
- Dual-density lightweight midsole for cushioning
- Midsole wraps around medial side for added support and protection
If you are a trail runner, this should be the one you consider first. It provides a good blend of flexibility, comfort, and support and is ideal on softer ground. It doesn’t look too fancy, but don’t let that fool you. This lightweight model is built to give you the best trail experience.
Pros
• Lightweight
• Flexible
• Water-resistant
• Great traction
• Dual-density midsole lends extra support
Cons
• The cut is a little smaller
• The collar seems a little looser than normal.
Icebug Acceleritas6
If you prefer trainers that have a more minimalist feel, these will work well for you. These all-terrain, all-weather, no-nonsense kicks are designed for one purpose – to help you kick ass. These models will take you over any terrain you want to try and give excellent heel support to allow you to push the envelope.
Pros
• Works in any weather conditions
• Will cover any terrain
• Great traction
• Supportive heel cup protects against injury
• Responsive sole
Cons
• Tends to be a little on the narrow side so consider ordering a size larger than normal
Icebug ORIBI3 RB9X
- Rubber 9 Extreme (RB9X) Outsole, sticky rubber & aggressive traction pattern for superior grip on wet or dry surfaces
- Seamless mesh upper is light, non-absorbing with a welded protective mudgard
- Medium cushioning and a 7mm drop midsole with integrated Rock Shield to protect the foot
- Lacing system with integrated laminated ribbons embraces the foot and keeps laces from untying
- Thin tongue has a sock-like construction, keeping it in place and making the Oribi fit like a glove
Don’t you just hate those reviews where you get the top pick first? All the reviews after that seem a little anti-climactic by comparison. Would we do that to you? Of course not – we’ve saved the best for last.
This shoe is a real thing of beauty. With a seamless and rugged lightweight upper, you will feel as though you are barely wearing anything on your feet.
The shoes resist water and have a mudguard on the front to keep you as dry as possible.
The laces can be worn tight or loose, as you prefer. The tongue has been shaved down to create the minimal interference. What you are left with is a design that is highly streamlined and very effective. The heel and ankle are perfectly protected with a padded collar and a reinforced heel cup.
Is there more? Naturally. These are built with a rock-shield, and the midsole helps maintain stability. These are the perfect options to help you enhance your stride.
Pros
• Durable
• Great traction
• Excellent support
• Streamlined design
• Breathable mesh upper
• High-performance outsole
• Great stability and support
Cons
• Expect to pay more for this one
What to Consider When Choosing Your Pair
There are a few different things that you need to keep in mind. Here are the most important of these and what you need to look for.
The Outsoles
Before you even start looking for a trainer, consider the type of area that you are going to be running through. If you are running on concrete most of the time, you will need a bit of a thicker outsole to absorb the shock.
On the other hand, if you are running on sand, or uneven surfaces, flexibility, and grip become a lot more important. It is important to get the right outsole to match the conditions. Failure to do so will lead to a disappointing run at best, and injury at worst.
Movement and Flexibility
How close to your natural stride do you want to be when running? If you battle with overpronation, you want a shoe that will restrict movement to a certain degree. Assuming that there is nothing at all wrong with the way you run, on the other hand, a shoe that flexes and moves with your foot is a better bet.
Support and Protection
Do your feet have special needs? If you have fallen arches, for example, you need kicks that are built up in the midsole region. Are you an endurance runner or do you do intense runs? Then you need more support and protection over the whole foot.
What are the weather conditions going to be like? If you are running in the Sahara desert, for example, you need to keep your feet cool. In rainy or icy conditions, it would be more important to stay dry.
Cushioning
This is going to determine how comfortable your run will be. Without adequate padding, a long run will take a big toll on your feet. It could even result in waning performance as you near the finishing line as your feet start to tire.
When considering the amount of padding, it is a good idea to consider your frame at the same time. If you are larger, there is more pressure on your feet and so extra padding is a good idea. If you have a more petite figure, you might be able to get away with less cushioning.
Breathability
This is an extremely important factor when it comes to the overall health of your feet. If the uppers are not breathable, you will start to feel hot and sweaty faster. Synthetic meshes in the uppers can help to wick away sweat and improve ventilation, allowing you to keep your feet cooler.
Icebug Running Shoes FAQ
How do I know what size to get?
We have noticed that IceBugs tend to run smaller than most shoes. We advise measuring your foot and checking their size chart before placing your final order. We also advise checking that the store you are buying from will be willing to swap for a different size if need be. Here is the worldwide sizing chart.
Have I got a good fit?
You will know that you have gotten a good fit if you can wiggle your toes a little. There should always be a little space around the toes. Also, check the gap between the heel and collar of the pair you are trying. It should be a reasonably snug fit once everything has been laced up.
While you want a little space over the toes, you don’t want so much space that you slip around when you wear them.
I am tough; I don’t need padding!
Famous last words. Padding is about more than just comfort; it is also about providing extra support and helping to reduce some of the impact of running. When you are out on a quick jog, it doesn’t seem like a big deal. For longer distances, though, even Rambo needs a little cushioning.
How often should I change out my shoes?
Ideally speaking, you should not wear the same shoes on consecutive days. Having two pairs makes sense because it allows you to switch out your shoes on alternate days and also ensures that you have a spare pair if the other pair is wet or dirty. From purely a hygienic aspect, allowing your shoes to air out properly between use will reduce the chances of mold or fungus gaining a foothold and prevent bad smells developing.
When should I throw out my shoes?
We know it is hard, but you need to start looking for new running partners after 300 to 600 miles at the very most. The harder you change, the faster the trainers will wear out. Just remember that all the impact from the run is being absorbed by the soles. This damages them over time.
For optimal protection, stick to the timetable above or replace them when they start to look worn. That said, keeping track of the miles is a far more accurate way of measuring this – many shoes continue to look good even after they are past their best when it comes to support.
Should I get neutral or stability shoes?
That is going to depend on whether or not you have any problems with your feet and the type of ground that you are going to be training on.
Choose neutral if you have no problems with your stride and if you are going to be training on uneven ground. So if you are doing trails, or off-road jogs, for example. These options tend to require a more flexible sole to handle the undulations in the path, and so neutral is better.
Choose stability shoes if you have an issue with overpronation or fallen arches. These work best on more even surfaces because you don’t need to flex as much. So, if you are training on city roads, jogging paths, etc.
Is a rock plate essential?
Not for all runners. But, if you are tackle trails and have adequate support and cushioning, pain after you have been out could indicate that you should start to look for something with a rock plate in it.
Is it possible to Underpronate?
Overpronation is where your foot rolls inward when you take a step. Underpronation is the opposite – where your foot rolls outward when you take a step. Someone who overpronates will typically find that their shoes wear more on the inner edges, where the arches are.
Underpronators, on the other hand, will find that the opposite is true. Their soles will wear more on the outer edge.
Okay, it’s now time to wrap up this review. We do hope that you have learned a lot and that this will make your choice a lot easier going forward.
All of the options we reviewed are good, but you cannot beat the Orbi3 R89X for an all-around, high-performance, kick-ass shoe. They won’t find a better one, and it is worth the extra bit of money.
Have you found the right match for your next jogging session?
Image Sources: Amazon.com, icebug.com