Icebug launches Nordic Traction – new grip technology for unstudded winter shoes

October 30, 2025

/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – For winter 2025, Icebug is introducing a new, unstudded grip technology on a large number of shoe models. Nordic Traction™ is the name of the grip rubber that the shoe manufacturer has developed to provide steady grip and high durability for challenging winter surfaces. Nordic Traction™ has performed exceptionally well in independent tests conducted according to the new national standard for grip-friendly shoes.

This new technology is incorporated into several winter styles across their line, including the ones featured below.

Vallda NT – A tribute to an iconic Icebug boot

Climate footprint: 10kg CO2e per pair, 17% bio-based material, 30% recycled material

Vallda is an exciting new addition to this year’s winter collection. Inspired by Icebug’s iconic Banff model from 2001 – one of the models that started the grip expert’s successful journey – Vallda combines minimalist design with smart material choices. It’s a perfect autumn and winter boot for urban walks with its warming fleece lining and waterproof BUGdri™ membrane. The outsole’s coarse tread pattern provides a robust design and excellent grip with Icebug’s new Nordic Traction™ rubber compound. Vallda is launched in the colors Macadamia and Black.

Alne NT – New winter boot with high comfort values

Climate footprint: 10kg CO2e per pair, 11% bio-based material, 34% recycled material

Alne is a very comfortable and versatile addition to Icebug’s winter shoes. The well-cushioned midsole is taken from the running shoe collection, and performs well on longer winter walks. The upper is made of recycled RipStop polyester and has reinforcements for extra protection and durability. The BOA® Fit System provides an even closure without pressure points and can be easily adjusted during the walk. The outsole with Nordic Traction™ rubber contains 49 percent natural rubber and has properties that mean both comfort and grip are maintained, even in low temperatures. Alne comes in the colors Timber and Black.

Sala NT – Stylish and grippy everyday hero

Climate footprint: 11kg CO2e per pair, 21% bio-based material, 37% recycled material

Sala is Icebug’s everyday hero that delivers everything you want from a winter shoe – warmth, comfort, and low weight. It’s also as stylish as it is grippy. The Nordic Traction™ grip rubber provides unstudded stability on the way to work, errands, or a walk. The soft upper is made of quilted polyester, a durable and water-repellent textile made from recycled RipStop polyester, and is available in the colors Mulberry and Black. The lower part is covered by a mudguard that protects against water, dirt, and slush, making the shoe easy to clean to last for many seasons to come.

Lunne NT – Sporty and vegan hiking boot

Climate footprint: 11kg CO2e per pair, 14% bio-based material, 33% recycled material

Lunne is a classic Scandinavian winter boot. With a durable upper made of 100% recycled polyester, it is a vegan alternative that builds on Icebug’s Nordic heritage. Expect a tough and stable companion to rely on during cold, long days outdoors. The BUGdri™ membrane reaches high up on the shaft and keeps feet dry in all conditions. To provide extra protection for the most exposed areas, the shoe has been reinforced with a laminated toe cap and heel counter made of recycled Cordura nylon. Icebug’s own Nordic Traction™ rubber compound provides excellent winter grip and durability.

About Nordic Traction™ (NT)

Nordic Traction™ is Icebug’s latest stud-free grip technology and marks a new milestone in performance and sustainability. The rubber compound consists of sustainably produced natural rubber for its superior grip, and synthetic rubber to increase durability. Forty-nine percent of the Nordic Traction™ blend consists of FSC©-certified natural rubber. The result of this combination is a very durable sole with superior properties that deliver the highest level of grip and comfort, even in very cold temperatures.

The winter tire pattern on the sole has a coarse design that provides grip on both icy roads and loose surfaces like snow – just like a tractor tire grips in mud. To prevent snow and other material from getting stuck, the outsole pattern has been designed specifically to shed these elements.

Icebug Wants to change the entire shoe industry

On icebug.com, all shoes from Icebug are available, along with the emission figures for each shoe. Among shoe manufacturers, Icebug is practically alone in reporting the carbon emissions for all of its models. The goal is to go from the company’s average of 11kg of carbon dioxide per pair, to 6.4kg by 2030. But they don’t stop there – they continue to reduce the climate footprint as much as possible. Since autumn 2024, the entire collection has been FSC®-labeled, and all natural rubber purchased and used comes from responsible production. On the website, you can see what proportion of natural rubber is used in each model. Icebug is FSC®-certified with license code FSC-C173562.

Want to know more about Icebug’s sustainability work? Read more here: Business and shoes that can withstand scrutiny.