Our most important task: Grip!

In Sweden alone, 25,000 pedestrians are injured yearly due to slipping, and almost one in four Swedes consider ice and slippery surfaces a significant concern. We find this unacceptable and work tirelessly to provide more people with superior traction, especially during the colder months.

Icebug is based in Sweden, where December and January account for 60% of all slip-related accidents requiring medical attention. In some years, slippery conditions can persist for much longer.

Beyond the immediate injuries from slipping, icy surfaces also significantly reduce outdoor activity. Six out of ten Swedes spend less time outdoors in winter than summer, with slippery conditions being one of the most common reasons. Women, in particular, experience more frequent and severe slip-related accidents.

While it is difficult to calculate the total societal cost, the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) estimates that care for slip-related injuries amounts to around 11 billion SEK – over 1 billion USD.

For 20 years, we at Icebug have been committed to reducing slip accidents and helping people stay active and healthy throughout the winter. Our innovative, durable grip technologies have already made a significant difference for thousands of people. If you haven’t tried them yet – now’s the time!

Orthopedist Ulf Nyberg Recommends Icebug

As winter approaches, the risk of slipping accidents increases dramatically. Ulf Nyberg, chief physician and orthopedic specialist with 30 years of professional experience, shares his top tips for preventing slip-related injuries during the colder months.

From your experience, how does the winter season affect orthopedic clinics, and how common are slip-related injuries?

– When the first snow falls, clinics tend to become overwhelmed as the number of hip and ankle fractures spikes. Slippery conditions, often caused by ice and snow, significantly increase accidents, particularly among the elderly.

Do you recommend Icebug shoes with studs over ice cleats?

– I strongly recommend Icebug shoes over traditional ice cleats. Traction aids, like ice cleats, can be cumbersome, prone to breaking, and impractical, especially when transitioning between outdoor and indoor environments. It’s easy to forget them or think they aren’t necessary at the moment—and then suddenly, you slip. With studded shoes, the protection is always in place.

Nyberg refers to studies from regions with severe winters, where individual responsibility for proper footwear is key in preventing slip accidents. Compared to ice cleats, Icebug shoes offer a more practical and reliable solution for anyone looking to stay safe in slippery conditions. His recommendation comes from years of experience dealing with fractures caused by winter accidents.

How do you personally protect yourself from slipping during winter?

– I make sure to stay active, walking at least 10 kilometers daily during the winter. To ensure effective protection from slips, I always wear Icebug shoes, which prevent the most common types of slip-related injuries.

What types of fractures are most common in slip accidents, and what are their consequences?

– Hip fractures are among the most common injuries resulting from slips on ice. These injuries typically require hospitalization and extended recovery periods, often lasting several months. More concerning is that the elderly face a significantly higher risk of reduced mobility and serious health complications following such injuries.

Given this, Nyberg emphasizes that Icebug shoes are a smart investment for anyone looking to stay active year-round while minimizing the risk of slip-related injuries.

Slip & Fall Survey

In 2023, we conducted a survey in collaboration with Norstat, resulting in this Slip & Fall Survey. Read on to explore the findings.

The Majority of Slip-Related Accidents Occur in Regions with Icy Conditions

Nearly a quarter (23%) of people reported having issues with snow and ice while walking or exercising over the past year. Unsurprisingly, older individuals are more affected by icy conditions than younger people. In regions with frequent snowfall and fluctuating temperatures, up to four out of ten people experience difficulties with slippery surfaces. Areas with frequent temperatures around freezing are more likely to see an increase in slip-related accidents, making these regions particularly high risk.

Inadequate Ice and Snow Management

The survey also revealed notable geographic differences in satisfaction with winter safety measures. For instance, urban areas often show higher dissatisfaction with snow and ice removal, with more than half of respondents in some regions expressing that winter maintenance is insufficient. On the other hand, regions with milder winters tend to report fewer issues with slipping hazards, as well as greater satisfaction with safety measures in place.

Slippery Conditions Pose Greater Challenges for Women

Women are both more frequently and more seriously injured due to slip accidents on snow and ice compared to men. Women also tend to feel more restricted by slippery conditions, often opting to stay indoors during winter. This highlights a significant challenge in making outdoor spaces safer during the colder months.

About the Survey

Norstat conducted the study using a representative sample of individuals aged 18 to 89. A total of 1,005 interviews were conducted between September 19 and 25, 2023. The data was weighted to accurately reflect the demographics of the population. The report also includes insights from previous studies and data from relevant government bodies and institutions.

We use our business to do good

At Icebug, we’re committed to making better shoes that help you get out every day – no matter the conditions. Also, we have decided to change our industry by taking responsibility for our footprint. Our goal is to make footwear with great durability, low CO2 emissions and respect for people and planet. Part of the money that you invest in us, we give back to the planet by donating to organizations that, for instance, work to preserve old-growth forests.