IceBug Multi Run Dry shoes

Posted: 12/22/2003 In Category(s): Reviews :: Product Reviews

Serious runners aren’t exactly the sharpest tools in the shed. After all, normal people consider roads and trails covered with ice a perfectly acceptable reason to stay inside watching television.

Yet runners will do the darnedest things to get their adrenaline fix when the weather turns ugly, even putting sheet metal screws in the bottom of their shoes for traction. While the screws are better than nothing, on sections of bare pavement and rocky trails, they are downright unpleasant. Detachable ice walkers also make for lousy running because they are insecure and can impede circulation.

IceBug Multi Run Dry shoes
Icebug Multi Run Dry

The relatively new Icebug Multi Run shoes are unquestionably the best option for winter running yet. Their most notable feature is a set of 17 carbide steel studs that protrude from lugs on an otherwise conventional trail running sole. The metal studs are designed to recess into the lugs when they strike hard ground, yet provide traction on ice.

While wearing Icebugs, you can dash confidently across ice that would have you tiptoeing in any other running shoes; even dogs don’t grip as well. The model tested has a waterproof/breathable lining so puddles and slush are no problem either — just charge on through. They are fantastic winter shoes, even for walking on sidewalks!

However, Icebugs are also strictly one-season shoes. While the manufacturer claims the shoe is multipurpose and for use on asphalt as well as mud and ice, when running on dry pavement, it feels like you are on kitty litter; there is a constant crunching sensation and noise underfoot—not that you should get the idea we spend much time running through kitty litter boxes, mind you. Don’t make the mistake of walking indoors on hardwood floors either or you may end up renting a power sander. They do make versions without the metal studs, but these compete with all the normal running shoes on the market and aren’t anything special. The uppers and midsoles are rather conventional, offering good support, reasonable cushioning and solid construction.

Our tester owns half a dozen models of XCR and other waterproof running shoes for wet and muddy trails. However, he says these shoes are mostly obsolete now that he's upgraded to Icebugs. At $145 for the Multi Run Dry ($150 for a more supportive model), these are a bit more expensive than the others. But the exceptional traction on ice makes these must-haves for running fanatics who already own a closet full of shoes.
 
SNEWS Rating: 4 hands clapping (1 to 5 hands clapping possible, with 5 clapping hands representing functional and design perfection)

Suggested retail: $145

For more information: www.garmontusa.com or call 802-658-8322


Rating: SNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Full Clap

To learn more about how SNEWS® conducts product reviews, click here.



SNEWS® CHAT -- Have a comment, idea, retort, or an engaging thought that was inspired by this article or from our opinions expressed in the SNEWS® View? Just click here to comment now.
Products and Trends
GearTrends New Products Marketplace
Enforcer ice climbing glove Enforcer ice climbing glove
Oct 29, 2009
Black Diamond's quintessential ice climbing glove protects against impact and wet ice
Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace
Raptor 6 Raptor 6
Mar 1, 2010
The Osprey Raptor 6 is great for that after work spin on the local single track. It will carry all your essentials, including basic bike tools and a stretch woven front pocket will carry an extra layer. * 2-liter HydraForm™ Reservoir Included
Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace
ESCHLER e3: FLASH coldblack® ESCHLER e3: FLASH coldblack®
Aug 14, 2009
The new FLASH fabric which utilizes the coldblack® technology by Schoeller. It allows dark textiles to no longer absorb, but reflect heat. Thus, coldblack® reduces heat build-up and provides reliable protection from UV-rays.
Read Complete New Product Listing | Go to the GearTrends New Product Marketplace
Most Viewed Stories
Seven D.I. Dawn Patrol employees die in Bataan road accident
Mar 12, 2010
Read story
Ardica issues safety recall for Mountain Hardwear jacket heating systems
Mar 15, 2010
Read story
Mystery Shopper: Thin product selection, lack of fitting tools doom footwear sale
Mar 12, 2010
Read story
Canoecopia signals better days ahead for paddlesports market
Mar 17, 2010
Read story
ROTY winner Dynamic Earth has inspired Springfield, Mo., to embrace green building
Mar 15, 2010
Read story
Community Chat
"Risk- a good reminder " by Keith Reis (03/16/2010 09:12 MDT)
Comments
"Cardboard display material " by Eryn Willard (03/12/2010 12:27 MST)
Comments
"cardboard display " by eco bag gal (03/11/2010 13:17 MST)
Comments
Join the conversations -- Ideas, Community. Becoming a member of the community is free.
Click here to activate your membership now. Dark Blue Triangle
Industry Releases
GoLite Receives Apparel Magazine’s Sustainability All-Star Award
Mar 18, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Goose Person Lance Mackey Wins Fourth Straight Iditarod
Mar 18, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
GU Announces 2009 Sales Data
Mar 18, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Mountain Source adds Bruce Gordon to ‘rep force 2.0’
Mar 18, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Werner Paddles Defines SUP Paddling Styles
Mar 18, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
SNEWS Headlines
Racks4cheap.com owned by Thule, but selling Yakima?
Mar 18, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Canoecopia signals better days ahead for paddlesports market
Mar 17, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
The Lizard Lounge Way: Spring merchandising -- out with the old, in with the new
Mar 17, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
SNEWS Reader Poll
Log in to view or participate in user polls.
Featured Content
Trend Reports
‘Wearable Technology’ showcase introduces sports/fitness products and technologies of the future
Mar 8, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Product Trends