Icebug MR3 BUGrip Trail Running Shoe Review

By Rick Morris

I've always tended to gravitate towards the minimalist side of running. My idea of running Nirvana is a soft secluded trail, bare feet and a pair of light weight running shorts. When I must wear shoes I will grab the most minimalist pair on my shelf. The idea of heavy, engineered shoes, especially those intended for one specific type of running, is a bit foreign to me. Needless to say, when I was given the opportunity to review the Icebug MR3 BUGrip trail running shoes, I was skeptical at best. Why was I so skeptical? Because the Icebug MR3 BUGrip shoes are highly engineered shoes that include 16 carbide tipped spikes for traction when running on ice or other very slippery surfaces.

Despite my initial reluctance, I was intrigued by the thought of running securely on the ice with spiked distance running shoes. My interest was high, but my expectations were low. I was wrong.

First Impressions

The first things I noticed out of the box was that the shoes were heavy but seemed very solid and constructed with true quality in mind. They just looked and felt like they would last a long time no matter how hard they were run in. The second and most impressive thing I noticed were the imposing carbide tipped spikes. I wasn't sure if I was holding a trail running shoe or a football cleat. In any case, these shoes looked like they meant business.

Trail Test

I received these shoes at a good time. I live in Colorado, so there is usually not a problem finding some ice and snow to run in for at least half the year. There was a recent snow storm and both the roads and trails had plenty of ice and snow for the trail test. Upon lacing these shoes up I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they were and how light they felt despite their rather hefty weight.

In walking out the door I was very distracted and put off by the feeling of the spikes. Icebug claims that you can run on dry pavement with these shoes because the spikes will retract. During my first walking steps I was wondering if that were true, but once I began running, the effect of the spikes became minimal, so it seems like they do retract. The shoes feel a bit stiff and non-responsive on dry pavement. So, my first impression was not a good one. It was when I hit my first stretches of ice that these shoes really began to shine.

I normally run very tentatively on ice and snow. I hate the feeling of slippery footing. When I first hit the ice, I ran very carefully, not really trusting the shoes. After a few strides I really felt the shoes and spikes gripping the ice and I slowly gained confidence. Soon, I was running at full speed over ice and packed snow, something I had never been able to do before. I was now thoroughly impressed with the Icebugs. The MR3 BUGrips also did well in deep and loose snow, but I didn't notice that much difference between the BUGrips and my typical trail shoes in the deep stuff.

The Bottom Line

The Icebug MR3 BUGrip trail running shoes are not only the best specialty running shoes I have ever run in, they are also the best kept secret. I have been involved in running for over four decades and I was not aware of these shoes, nor are any of my running associates. These shoes are superb at what they are designed for - running on ice and packed snow. While you can use them successfully on dry pavement or trails, that is not where they shine. They are just a bit too stiff and heavy for those conditions. If you want to run with confidence on ice and packed snow, get these shoes. You won't be disappointed.

Running Planet

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