(NOTE: This is not a paid promotion. I just love these boots.)
I think I may have finally discovered the perfect winter boots, thanks to my colleague Mandy Johnson of Active By Nature in Canmore, Alberta. After reading the review of her Icebug Ivalo3 boots, I visited Icebug Canada and purchased a pair of their Stride boots. (They also make high-traction running shoes.)
I’ve been wearing my Strides for the past month in all kinds of wintery weather around the neighbourhood and for fast-paced Nordic walking ventures. I’m happy so say my new boots are doing what seemed to be the impossible just a short time ago: keeping me on my feet in even the iciest conditions.
Their secret weapon is 16 carbide tip studs that cover the sole of each boot. The studs are quite short and flat, which is great for 3 reasons:
They bite into any icy surface I may come upon and keep me from slipping.
They project into the ice just a minimal amount, so I’m able to slightly pivot my planted foot if need be. If they were longer, I would worry about twisting a knee.
They are minimal enough enough that I can easily and safely walk on dry pavement and sidewalks and into a store with tile flooring. (They are slightly noisy on these surfaces, but not slippery.)
Other pluses:
When driving, I find it easy to move my foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal. I actually appreciate that the studs keep my foot firmly on the pedals. Snowy soles on other boots can sometimes make for a slippery connection.
I think they’re a good looking boot, they feel great on my feet, and they appear to be very well made.
The permanent position of the studs is a plus. Several friends have boots with retractable studs, and they report that flipping them out and into position isn’t always easy.
Potential negatives:
Icebugs are expensive. My Strides were purchased directly from the company for $269.99 (free shipping). I justify the price by hoping that they will last for many years (I expect the sole may experience less wear-and-tear than other boots due to the studs; replacement studs are available), and I place a high value on my health.
They aren’t the warmest boots I’ve owned, but cold feet haven’t been an issue so far for 90-minute walks in -12C weather. FYI, I always wear double socks for winter workouts and and always buy my athletic shoes one size larger than my dress shoes.
Though I’ve just recently discovered them, they are very popular. When I first tried to buy a pair, they were sold out at every retailer and even on the company website (supply chain issues may also have factored in). The company notified me three weeks later that my style and size were finally available, and I quickly grabbed a pair.
