I stared dumbly at the rubber that just snapped on my Kahtoola as I wrestled to pull it over my sneaker. I’d only just reached the summit of Prairie Mountain, and was about to strap them on for the run down.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. That’s the expression I keep returning to when I am talking myself into running in the winter.
Since becoming a runner, I’ve learned to appreciate winter because it would be a long five months in Alberta if I never ventured outside. Layering, covering my face, and changing into dry clothes post-run are key to making winter runs bearable and sometimes enjoyable.
Most days I throw on a pair of sneakers with good traction that I have worn all summer. When the trails turn icy, I strap on my Kahtoolas. I’ve had my Kahtoolas for about seven years.
Even though they’re an essential staple in my winter running kit, that doesn’t mean they are fun to wear, especially in mixed conditions. There’s a lot of start and stops to strap them on or take them off, and on longer runs, they can make your feet ache.
Icebugs, a new winter running staple?
Maybe that’s why an Icebug ad caught my eye when I was lamenting my loss.
Icebugs are a Swedish brand of shoes designed for traction on ice, snow and slippery winter conditions. They have studs built into the soles of the sneakers.
I know trail runners who swear by studded shoes and have worn them for years. The price tag has always stopped me from buying a pair. My reasoning was I don’t run a lot in the winter compared to other seasons so why buy a pair dedicated to the winter?
This season, I want to get outside more often since I lost most of 2025 because of my glute injury. So within seconds of seeing an ad, I bought a pair of Icebugs.
First impressions wearing Icebugs
I organized a 14 kilometre group run at West Bragg. This was the perfect opportunity to test my Icebugs. I was happily surprised to see two other runners wearing similar studded shoes for the first time too.
Once we set off, I moved confidently over the mixed terrain of ice and packed snow. I stopped a couple of times to tighten the laces, but otherwise the shoes felt nice and light on my feet – a world of difference compared to Kahtoolas.
After one run, I am tentatively sold. I kept thinking, why I did I wait so long to buy a pair?
Maybe winter doesn’t have to suck so much if I have the right gear under me.
Have you worn studded running shoes in the winter? Do they make you feel more confident?