Icebug Men’s Detour and Walkabout BUGrip GTX Boots Review
The need for traction on ice has existed since the beginning of mankind. With today’s technological and design advances, Icebug answers the ice-traction question. By using a single-piece design, Icebug eliminates accessories and crampons from being needed, carried or installed. Icebug is a footwear innovation leader through using their sustainable drive and the best materials to create new and functional eco-friendly footwear.
Icebug offers something for everyone as they make boots and shoes for hiking, walking and running. If you do need accessories for other footwear such as gaiters or traction devices they offer this as well. The entire goal of this company is to get people outside more, and they have accomplished this task. Based in Jonsered, Sweden, they are in an excellent area for developing their products.
Beyond their interesting and new designs is a company that cares. Icebug cares about its customers, and this is apparent on their website. They offer information on orienteering, tips and tricks and best practices with some of the world’s most exceptional professionals.
They have a traction guide online for those looking but don’t yet know what they need. In addition to their regular line up of shoes, they make a vegan line which includes studded and regular options.
In short, Icebug is a company which makes excellent footwear, traction solutions and a few accessories that are built to last with the latest materials. We reviewed a few pairs of their Detour and Walkabout BUGrip GTX boots out in the icy mountains of Colorado and were very pleased. Our experience with their products is outlined below for you to read and enjoy.
Quick Highlights:
Detour M BUGrip GTX Boots
- Sporty mid-cut hiking boot with slightly higher shaft and midsole
- Waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX Extended Comfort membrane lining
- BOA lacing for the perfect fit and easy on/off
- 16 BUGrip carbide steel studs under the sole
- Bluesign-certified polyester upper material
- Bluesign-certified insock fabric made from recycled PET
- Lightweight EVA midsole with TPU heel stabilizer
- PU foam insole
- Independently operating studs (not fixed) for best level of traction
Walkabout M BUGrip GTX Boots
- Breathable, waterproof GORE-TEX membrane
- 16 BUGrip carbide steel tip studs for ice to asphalt traction
- BOA lacing system
- Independently operating studs (not fixed) for best level of traction
- Higher shaft to keep snow and slush out
- Lightweight EVA midsole with TPU heel stabilizer
- PU foam insole
- Bluesign-certified polyester upper material
- Bluesign-certified insock fabric made from recycled PET
Men’s Icebug Detour BUGrip GTX Boots Review
When it comes to hiking in the winter ice, snow and slush certainly don’t make it easy. Let’s face it, having the right footwear that can handle rough conditions is essential when it gets cold out. For the longest time I’ve stuck to the traditional over the boot carbide tipped stud option, but this year I found something far better.
Icebug’s latest Detour M BUGrip GTX Studded hiking shoes featured 16 BUGrip studs integrated into the outsole as one. To so how well they faired against traditional options, I hiked my way through just about everything you could imagine: Solid ice, packed snow, mud, watery slush, hard granite rock, loose gravel stones, and so on.
No matter what I threw at the shoes they were willing to deliver a top notch level of grip and comfort. For hiking they were golden, but I found that their level of traction and wear across pavement and non-icy surfaces to be rather impressive. With rugged carbide steel tips durability comes easy.
The inside is super-comfortable and soft, made of recycled PET for insulation, plus an insole with Icebug comfort foam and PU foam. Plus it’s warm while allowing sweat to evaporate quickly thanks to the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Lining. The shaft and midsole are slightly higher than usual with a polyester upper and lightweight EVA with a TPU heel for good support.
BOA lacing means I can not only put on and take off the shoe easily, but tighten the shoelaces, adjust them as I see fit, and have them stay that way for the whole time I’m hiking. A simple turn of the dial is all it takes and I’m headed outdoors to adventure onwards.
Men’s Icebug Walkabout BUGrip GTX Boots Review
If you need an all-around exceptional winter shoe that can handle harsh cold weather conditions, the Walkabout M BUGrip GTX Studded shoes are it. They work exceptionally well for days spent on and off the trail too.
The first thing that makes this shoe different from most other hiking shoes is the fact that the shaft is high. The taller construction and keeps water and slush from sneaking right into your shoe. This style feature is essential if you refuse to let winter conditions get in the way of your quality outdoor time.
Another feature that distinguishes this shoe from other winter shoes is the wide fitting. At the same time, the general shape conforms to that of my foot flawlessly. Add in the waterproof, yet breathable Gore-Tex membrane and GTX lining for insulation, and the comfort gets upped a notch.
Comfort aside, the men’s Icebug Walkabout BUGrip GTX Studded boot features 16 BUGrip studs under the rubber sole. They’re made of carbide steel for durability and pierce deep into snow and ice for the ultimate level of traction. I had a blast changing my speed from walking to running and seeing the dramatic glue-like grip across every single surface I encountered.
The BOA lacing system allows me to put and take off the shoes easily, and tighten and adjust the shoelaces for a perfect fit that lasts. Put it all together and you’ve got one of my favorite studded winter boots.
Looking for different Shoes? Check out these top Shoes Style ideas.
