Traction technology
Icebug is an independent Swedish company. Everything we do breathes innovation and creativity. We might still be small, but we're growing fast. And that is a result of the fact that when it comes to grip and technology we really know what we're talking about. We've created outstanding traction footwear since the very start of Icebug and we have always taken extra steps to find a way to make our shoes even better. That's why we can be the best of what we're doing.
THE TRACTION EXPERT - Icebug provides people with the best possible traction to empower them to have fun and be safe when continuing to be active outdoors, even when it's slippery. We are proud to say that our core users range from world champions to those who need a walker to get to the mailbox. With our patented carbide tip stud technologies, Icebug is the expert in providing the highest level of traction for extreme slippery conditions. By adding RB9X™ to our traction technology, we're setting the benchmark for the best “sticky rubbers” available on the market. Whether you're taking a mid-winter stroll or racing for gold in a midsummer trail run, we've got a grip for you.
BUGrip®
BUGrip is the name of Icebug's grip technology for the most slippery conditions. A BUGrip sole is made of a special rubber compound and has 13-19 integrated steel studs. The design of the studs, together with the properties of the rubber compound, give these studs a dynamic function. The studs work independently from each other and are not completely fixed. When weight is applied the studs push in toward the surface of the sole. How far they are pushed in depends on the pressure exerted by the user and the resistance from the ground. This dynamic function makes the studs adapt to the surface and provide the best possible traction on anything from dry asphalt to pure ice.
BUGrip Technology Performance Information
The purpose of the BUGrip technology is to provide traction on slippery surfaces. The manufacturing of outsoles with this technology is a complex process. Since the most important component is rubber – a natural material which performance is not possible to entirely control – there might be cases of premature loss of studs from the outsole. Therefore, outsoles with BUGrip technology are designed and manufactured with a surplus of studs. The function of the technology is maintained even if losing 3-4 studs on one outsole.
After use in wet conditions, the head or sides of the studs might get a surface layer of rust. However, the relevant part of the stud for providing traction is the carbide tip, and this will not be affected.
Warning: No guarantee against slipping. Products with BUGrip technology are not recommended for indoor use or on sensitive surfaces.
RB9X™
RB9X – Rubber 9 Extreme is our latest rubber compound development, and it sets a new standard in providing friction. Lab tests (SATRA) show that RB9X outgrips the competition, but still matches the durability of an asphalt running shoe. In the real world, that means much more reliable traction in wet and slippery conditions and on challenging surfaces like rocks.
– RB9X is definitely a benefit for extremely demanding runners with high expectations of the shoe's traction in mixed and tough terrain. RB9X is a new compound and tests show that we really have succeeded. There’s nothing like this on the market, says Erik Öhlund, member of the Product development team at Icebug and an elite orienteerer.
OLX
Fixed studs, when slipping is not an option. We have set the standard for studded footwear and now OLX® continues this for trail running, OCR, and Orienteering. Made of carbide steel, which is 6-7 times harder than normal steel, these studs are virtually impossible to wear out. For trail running, we use our \"fixed\" system which unlike our BUGrip® system, does not adjust to the surface. The benefit for trail running is that the studs are always exposed and provide grip on whatever surface they encounter. This allows us to make a thinner sole, which improves ground control and saves weight. OLX® is used exclusively in our summer trail, orienteering and OCR shoes.
Biosole™
Our Biosole™ outsole features natural rubber that replaces synthetic rubber and reduces oil dependence. Natural rubber has about half the climate impact of synthetic rubber. Biosole™ is made of 90% non-oil-based components, 62% of which are natural rubber. This rubber mixture provides good grip all year round by staying soft and flexible at all temperatures. Biosole™ also has excellent abrasion properties, making it a durable sole that lasts a long time. Icebug is a leader in buying FSC-certified natural rubber from sustainably managed forests in Thailand. We hope to make this more widespread in the footwear industry.
Michelin Winter Compound
Winter rubber traction. For shifting autumn and winter conditions, ranging from wet city pavements to frosty gravel roads, providing proper unstudded traction can be a challenge. Especially since rubber tends to harden and get stiff as temperature drops. In a collaboration with MICHELIN Technical Soles, Icebug now offers a winter adapted rubber outsole. Developed with the ICE Control Technology, solution formulated to provide superior ground control in snow or ice.
The tread pattern of the outsole is based on the legendary MICHELIN X-Ice Xi3 winter tire, with Cross Z Sipes that provide traction on ice and wide grooves for excellent water evacuation and flexibility. The MICHELIN Winter Compound (Wic) is an anti-slip compound that offers both reliable traction and good abrasion resistance in temperatures down to -30°C.
If you live where ice streets mainly apply, we recommend you look at our studded BUGrip shoes. If you want something other than studs but still want a reliable grip that works when streets and paths start to get a little tricky, Icebug's Michelin models are perfect.
BUGweb
When it gets wet or icy and really slippery, relying on rubber alone is not sufficient to provide reliable foothold. For these conditions Icebug has developed a traction system called BUGweb, a traction technology that consists of a compatible outsole and a traction unit. The BUGwebhas six carbide studs and it fits into the special sole pattern of the BUGweb sole. The advantages compared to a conventional grip device are substantial as the BUGweb becomes an integrated part of the sole. The shoe can be used with or without the BUGweb, which makes the shoe extremely versatile.
This is how we reduce our climate footprint.
We at Icebug are serious about our climate work. We follow the UN's Climate Neutral Now initiative, measure the entire company's greenhouse gas emissions, and constantly change materials and processes to get a lower climate footprint. Our shoes will have a climate footprint lower than 6.4 kilos of CO2 per pair by 2030. Along the way, we share our materials and suppliers through our initiative for transparency, Follow the Footprints.
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