Icebug Järv RB9X review: Takes the crown for most sustainable running shoe

It’s true that there’s no one “best” running shoe, in the same way there’s no one “best” hiking shoe. What works for one person may not work for another. Even so, I can acknowledge a good pair of shoes when I see one. And that’s exactly what the Icebug Järv RB9X are: fantastic shoes, but just not for me.

I still awarded these shoes a coveted 4-star rating, because, as I said, I can recognize a high-quality pair of shoes when I see one. Unfortunately, my running style just isn’t made for these shoes. If you don’t have a heavy heel landing, you might love the RB9X.

I tested these trail-running-slash-walking shoes for three months so you don’t have to — and they have a lot of things going for them. Could these Icebug trail shoes be perfect for you? To find out, keep reading this Icebug Järv RB9X review.

Icebug Järv RB9X review: Cheat sheet

• Who are they for? Trail runners and speedy hikers looking for a lightweight, grippy shoe
• What do they do well? The grip is excellent, and they are very bouncy
• What do they cost? $189 / £169
• What are the weaknesses? There’s no waterproofing, and they’re quite cold

Icebug Järv RB9X review: Specs

Icebug Järv RB9X review: Price & availability

The Icebug Järv RB9X are pretty middle of the road for trail shoes, but this means they don’t come cheap: you’re looking at $189 from Amazon U.S. and £169 from Icebug U.K..

Trail shoes generally go for around $150-$200. The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 are $155, Merrell’s Agility Peak 6 Gore-Tex are $185, and my personal trail shoes — Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX — retail for $170.

Even so, the Icebugs have what Nike, Merrell, and Hoka don’t: industry-leading sustainability. If sustainability is your bag, you’ll want to put your money where your mouth is and pay a little extra for Icebug. Hoka, Nike, and Merrell use some 100% recycled materials — such as a recycled polyester upper — but not every part of the shoe uses sustainable materials.

Icebug Järv RB9X review: Design

As touched on earlier, Icebug is widely considered an industry-leader when it comes to sustainability. The shoe is constructed of a 50% recycled mesh woven upper, 33% TPU, FSC rubber, and a corn-based midsole. These plant-based materials mean Icebug has a carbon footprint of 7kg CO2 per pair, while the average is 12-15kg.

If you are seriously into sustainability, I recommend Icebug shoes wholeheartedly.

However, if you are only really fussed about aesthetics, the Icebug Järv RB9X might leave you longing for more. These shoes aren’t unattractive, and looks, of course, aren’t everything. But I think Icebug still has a ways to go with making trendy sneakers that will attract a wider audience.

Personally, I would rather a sustainable or ethical product over a pretty one, so this isn’t an issue for me. Even so, it’s worth acknowledging that there are better-looking shoes out there. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX are gorgeous, and On’s semi-surreal Cloudvista 2 Waterproof ($180) are eye-catching enough to win more design awards than they already have.

In terms of comfort, the Icebug Järv RB9X are excellent. The semi-gussetted tongue means it doesn’t bunch up during longer walks or runs, and the laces are secure. The bridge of my foot never felt like it was pinching.

However, the toe box is a little too narrow for me. Now that I’ve spent the last six months wearing the Keen Jasper Zionics (except when I was wearing the Icebugs for testing purposes), I can’t live without a wide toe box anymore.

Even my Hoka Speedgoat 5 felt a little pinchy during comparison runs. And I have narrow feet! I think my toes have got used to being a little more splayed — which is optimal for stability and balance, by the way — so I’d recommend checking out Keen Seek ($185), which has Keen’s wide toe box.

Icebug Järv RB9X review: Performance

The Icebug Järv RB9X is a medium-torsion shoe, so are ideal for runners who want a responsive shoe with less sole cushioning. If this sounds like you, then I’m sure you’ll love them.

However, I use the Hoka Speedgoat 5, which is ideal for narrow feet (like mine) and has a well-cushioned midsole for ultra shock absorption. On top of that, the Vibram soles are better (for me) for the ball of my toe on uneven surfaces. I also land quite heavily on my heel, so I need a very cushioned shoe with a sole ‘rocker’.

This isn’t to say the Icebug Järv RB9 are bad shoes. Not at all. They’re just not ideal for me. But, as I’ve said many times, if you want a responsive sole and a breathable upper, they could be perfect.

Hiking

I found the Järv RB98 much better for walking on muddy trails than running. Again, this is just a personal preference, and doesn’t mean the shoes are inherently bad or that they’re not worth buying. As you can see, I’ve given them a 4-star rating, which means they are “great” shoes.

When I was walking in the depths of winter, I found the shoes were a little too cold. The breathable upper is great if you want your feet to stay cool during longer excursions, but this also means cold air seeped in and chilled my skin, even when I was wearing thermal socks.

Even so, the grippy 4mm lugs on the rubber outsole provided excellent stability and traction. I never slipped, despite the muddy, uneven ground. Although I wouldn’t wear these shoes for running again, I would definitely wear them for casual treks.

Running

Reviewing running shoes is tricky because everyone looks for a different style. But I’ll quickly tell you what I look for in running shoes: a very cushioned, bouncy outsole, decent flexibility.

This is why I love my Hoka Speedgoat 5: they’re unbeatable in terms of “maximalist” sole cushioning, which results in better shock absorption, and helps correct my heavy heel landing.

Comparatively, the Icebug Järv RB9X is better if you are tackling technical, wet trails and need a breathable, yet stiff, woven upper. The sole is made for responsiveness, so you can feel the trail underfoot, and it isn’t intended for heavy-hell strikers like me. I felt like I had to run with even more effort while I was testing these — the next day, my calves were killing me, but when I wear my Hokas, that never happens.

In short, if you want to really feel the trail beneath your feet, you’re better off with an Icebug shoe. The Järv RB9X is objectively a well-made, sustainable shoe — it’s just not for my particular style.

Icebug Järv RB9X review: Verdict

Are you the kind of runner who spends a lot of time on slippery trails? Then the Icebug Järv RB9X will be great for you. Do you want to feel the trail or road with every step? Do you dislike super bouncy shoes? Again, the Järv RB9X will be right up your alley (or trail).

For me, I need something with an ultra-shock-absorbing sole and a relatively flexible upper. As a result, the Icebugs don’t tick my boxes. I had a great time getting to know them, though, and I admire Icebug’s commitment to sustainability.

This is a shoe that puts its money where its mouth is: can’t be a trail runner if there are no trails to run, right? If you’re reading along and nodding, you’re going to want to check out the Icebug Järv RB9X.