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When a winter snow and ice storm rolled through our area, my husband—a contractor who works outdoors year-round—put the IceBug Pace3 BUGrip GTX boots to the test. His work regularly takes him onto slick surfaces where secure footing is crucial, so winter boots have to balance warmth, comfort, and safety without weighing him down. He was impressed with the quality build and the fit of the Pace3 boots. Ahead, find out how they performed in real-world winter conditions.
Best Winter Traction Boot
IceBug Pace3 Men’s BUGrip GTX
Buy at IceBugWhat We Like
- Exceptional grip on ice
- Lightweight, agile feel
- Waterproof without stiffness
- Secure fit with high gusset
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price
Specs
- Boot type: Lace-up
- Materials: Gore-Tex waterproof membrane; synthetic upper; rubber outsole with carbide steel studs
- Toe type: Standard round toe (non-safety)
- Special ratings: Waterproof (Gore-Tex); ice-traction rated (BUGrip carbide steel studs)
How reliable is the traction on ice and snow?
The Pace3 boots come with IceBug’s BUGrip outsole, which features tiny carbide steel studs embedded in the soles. They look subtle, but they behave like micro-cleats—gripping and holding the moment your foot hits ice.
My husband wore them during snowy and icy conditions while working outdoors, including climbing and moving around heavy equipment. He deliberately tried to slide on slick, frozen surfaces but couldn’t make it happen. Each time, the studs caught instantly and stopped the motion before it turned into a slip.
IceBug makes more than just work-type boots. Trail-focused models like the IceBug Pytho6 Trail Running Shoes are known for maintaining grip on frozen, uneven ground, while more casual styles such as the IceBug Metro2 Walking Boots are also excellent for preventing slips on icy sidewalks and steps.
Are they comfortable enough for long days outdoors?
Despite their aggressive grip, the Pace3 boots were surprisingly light and agile. Each boot weighs about 500 grams—roughly 1.1 pounds, which is significantly lighter than most winter work boots. That reduced weight matters when you’re climbing, shoveling, or moving all day; it helps prevent fatigue and keeps movement natural rather than clunky.
The boots lace up securely and feature a high internal gusset that helps block snow and slush from sneaking in around the tongue. During several hours of testing, my husband’s feet stayed dry and warm, even when he was shoveling snow and chipping ice.
The studs didn’t feel awkward when walking on gravel or concrete but it’s probably not a good idea to walk across an indoor floor. The cleats are aggressive enough they might scratch hardwood or linoleum.
Who are the IceBug Pace3 boots best for—and who might skip them?
The Pace3 BUGrip GTX Boots are best suited for people who must be outdoors in icy conditions and can’t afford to slip—think contractors, tradespeople, serious DIYers, or anyone who works or moves on frozen ground. They’re also a smart choice for homeowners dealing with steep driveways or prolonged winter chores.
At $229.95, these are a premium investment, but the value lies in safety, mobility, and confidence. Preventing a fall—or working efficiently without hesitation—quickly justifies the price for those who rely on dependable winter footing.
That said, they may be more boot than necessary for someone who only ventures out briefly on cleared sidewalks or prefers a casual winter shoe. IceBug’s broader lineup, including the Pytho6 for trail use and the Metro2 for everyday walking, may be a better fit in those cases.
But for anyone who needs serious traction without the bulk of a traditional work boot, the Pace3 strikes a rare balance: lightweight, waterproof, and exceptionally secure underfoot when winter conditions are at their worst.
Where to Buy
IceBug Pace3 Men’s BUGrip GTX
Buy at IceBugWhat We Like
- Exceptional grip on ice
- Lightweight, agile feel
- Waterproof without stiffness
- Secure fit with high gusset
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price
Specs
- Boot type: Lace-up
- Materials: Gore-Tex waterproof membrane; synthetic upper; rubber outsole with carbide steel studs
- Toe type: Standard round toe (non-safety)
- Special ratings: Waterproof (Gore-Tex); ice-traction rated (BUGrip carbide steel studs)
The IceBug Pace3 Men’s BUGrip GTX stands out for one primary reason: its traction. Designed specifically for icy conditions, this boot uses IceBug’s BUGrip outsole with embedded carbide steel studs that bite into frozen ground the moment your foot lands. During real-world winter testing by a contractor working outdoors, the Pace3 consistently prevented slips on slick, icy surfaces—even when deliberate sliding was attempted.
Despite its aggressive grip, the Pace3 remains surprisingly light and easy to move in. At just over 1 pound per boot, it feels closer to an athletic shoe than a traditional winter work boot, which helps reduce fatigue during long days outside. The Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry, while the high internal gusset helps block snow and slush from entering around the laces.
At nearly $230, the Pace3 is a premium option, but it’s best suited for people who truly need dependable winter traction—construction workers, tradespeople, serious DIYers, and anyone who wants to stay upright on ice. For lighter-duty use or milder climates, a less aggressive winter boot may be sufficient, but for icy conditions, few boots offer this level of traction.
