The holy grail of trail running is to provide both stability and flexibility, but to make a midsole stable yet soft. The development of the Zeal has taken more than three years and after numerous tests and prototypes it's ready for launch. The upper material has been updated to a very durable, yet soft, Kevlar. Together with the lacing system, it embraces the foot firmly, but it is the midsole construction and the HGMS2 technology that is the true innovation. Zeal provides a stable but soft heel grip, which is an impossible combo made possible through the molded midsole cradle on the interior side of the shoe. The midsole not only adds superb fit, it also turns into the reinforcement protecting the foot in serious terrain. The height of the heel cup is slightly reduced at the center back, in order to reduce the pressure at the Achilles tendon. The medium last is half lined with quick dry mesh. The torsion and cushioning is in fine balance and together with the low sole profile, the ground control is just outstanding. The outsole cleats are positioned so mud doesn't get stuck, and as if the deep lug pattern wouldn't provide enough, the RB9X outsole is the benchmark among sticky rubbers.
D**4
Great shoes; I'm an IceBug Convert
Update: just ran a Spartan Super (10 miler) on these. The course was soaked and I flew. The traction was so great I had people asking me if I had metal spikes. Shows held up amazing. One con is that the drainage was not as great as I'm used to. I've read articles on drilling drainage holes in these, and will try that before next weekend's race.Ran my fastest Spartan Sprint in these! Great shoes. Totally agree with other reviews in that once I soaked them at mile 1 in a stream, and ran another 3 in them "wet," they totally formed to my feet... I don't think I'd go over 15 miles on rough trails in these due to their minimalist design, but I'm definitely converting all my trails shoes to IceBug.
M**N
Really good... but not great.
Great traction, average drainage, light weight, poor cushioning (almost to be expected with this type of shoe), large toe box. I had to return my 1st pair because they were a half size too big.An overall great shoe but I like my Inov8 X-Talon 212's better.
D**N
Best Trail Shoe
Best Trail Running Shoes I have worn to date. I have INOV-8, Born2Run, Reebok All Terrain the Icebug Zeal2's are the most comfortable and offer the best traction of all the shoes I have tried. They are extremely lightweight and do not absorb water however they do not drain as well as Reebok AT but the traction is far superior.
J**Y
Narrow, decent grip
These Icebugs have almost 600 miles on them. So a bit of shoe glue helped extend the life. I've sharpened them a couple of times. Totally a minimalist shoe.Light weight. All rubber construction.Runs narrow.These shoes are for short course racing. Not a comfortable shoe for a long run/race.Oh the huge plus for me is the rock plate.If your a minimalist runner, you might like them.I need a bit more comfort now.
U**Y
rubber sole was exceptional / the best, the middle section of the sole
rubber sole was exceptional / the best, the middle section of the sole... worthless / pointless. will slide on ropes and most any obstacle. that has wood.
D**O
Love the design and they work great on snow and ...
Love the design and they work great on snow and ice however the plastic part on the inner arch pushes into my feet and immediately starts to rub my skin off. Have to wrap an extra sock around that part to prevent bloody patches in that spot on both shoes. Not ideal.
A**.
It's a perfect choice for orienteering and trail running
It's a perfect choice for orienteering and trail running. A had a similar used one from my father and I know what to expect. It's better than what I expected. I had a 7km/270m trail run in a wet Australian forest and it was comfortable and was safe on muddy downhills and had a good grip on the long uphills.
Trustpilot
1 week ago
5 days ago
