For winter walking (and other great shoes)

At the beginning of every year, I analyze my spending and nominate my Stars and Dogs. But I'm not going to wait to tell you about my hands (feet?)-down #1 pick for this year.

If you live in a climate with snow or even freezing rain, buy Icebug boots. Once we move into ice, other products, even those with gripper soles, are fair to useless. Some Monréalers wear crampons that attach over boots, but I much prefer built-in studs.

Here's the Swedish (parent) site; the U.S. shop, and the Canadian distributor.  (The company was founded by a Swedish designer and outdoorswoman, Eliza Törnkvist, and her son, David Ekelund.)

Icebug's winter boots (and some models of running shoes) have small, integrated, "dynamic" studs that respond to foot flexion and are built for traction on dry and wet ice.

These boots removed 95% of the fear of slipping on slick sidewalks; I say 95% because I still want to be aware of where I'm walking.

Canadians like to brush off winter by saying, "You just have to be dressed for it", yet nearly all snow boots that stores offer failed the Canadian Occupational Safety Association tests for traction on ice, except the Icebug BUGrip models and L.L. Bean boots and snow sneakers with Vibram Arctic Grip soles. (Note: Under product specs for Arctic Grip boots, Bean say they « will not prevent slips on all surfaces » which sounds like a legal disclaimer... has anyone tried these?)

Here's a good description of why the Icebug boots earned that rating.

- What about non-icy surfaces?
You can wear your boots in the subway, malls and other industrially-surfaced areas. Do not wear them on residential flooring (hardwood, parquet, carpet, non-industrial stone or tile). On dry, hard surfaces, you can hear a little click, like walking across a parking lot in golf shoes.

- How do they hold up?
I brush and spray the uppers. Icebug say don't worry about losing a few of the spikes; they will still be effective.

- Are they true to size?
On my B-width foot, the Metro model is slightly wide but that's fine. The boot is unlined and I like the soft padding of felted-wool insoles. I do not wear orthotics; if you do, check with the manufacturer. My friend Dr. A. slips sheepskin insoles into hers, secured by double-sided tape.

- Which models should I consider?
Look for models that have the BUGrip sole; on the site menu, go to "Shoes" and select "studded".  Price is $200-$250 per pair.

There re several levels of studiness, and some boots are noted as especially good for ice. One is mine, the Metro:

If you prefer a higher boot, there's the Ivalo, a best-seller:

Not everyone walks on ice for over four months each year! If you live in a clement climate and enjoy outdoor walking or running, check out Icebug's shoes, built for safety and support. (Shown, the Acceleritas6):

Two ways to navigate winter ice: buy a pair of studded Icebug or Bean Arctic Grip boots, or get on a plane headed South.