Green Product Review: Icebug Stride BUGrip Winter Hiking Boots

Icebug makes it easy to be active in icy, slippery winter conditions with its traction footwear products, which include studded shoes and boots. I recently sampled a pair of the Stride Women's BUGrip hiking boots for an article I wrote on sustainable footwear. The boots feature 16 steel studs plus rubber soles that provide excellent stability on a variety of surfaces. Yet, these winter hiking boots are relatively lightweight and very warm.

I live in Midcoast Maine, where winter tends to be long and often very icy. Thus, hikers and even walkers often use traction cleats or crampons when needed that go over boots or shoes. However, this option doesn't provide the same stability that I find with the BUGgrip boots, where the studs are built into the outsole.

In fact, the Icebug Stride BUGrip boots have become my go-to footwear during icy and slippery conditions. On days when it's easy to make an excuse not to hike because trails are encased in ice or are slushy, these boots get the job done. When there is a decent amount of snow, the Stride BUGrip pairs well with gaiters to prevent snow from entering from the top.
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