Icebug’s Järv Gaiter RBX9 GTX Trail Running Shoe is a waterproof trail runner with an integrated gaiter to keep out trail debris, grit, and pebbles. Available without metal studs for traction on ice, the Järv’s toothy outsole provides excellent traction across a wide range of conditions, including mud and wet rock, but it’s the gaiter that steals the show.

• Tested: Without Metal Studs
• Gender: Men’s (Women’s available)
• Drop: 4mm
• Waterproof: Gore-Tex Invisible Fit
• Cushion: Max
• Weight: 12.9 oz (366g) per shoe

Studs or No-Studs

Icebug shoes are popular for winter trail running because they’re available with built-in metal studs for traction. Having used them in the past, I found them awkward to use on unfrozen surfaces and for travel to and from the trail. Many of Icebug’s shoes are available without studs, which I wasn’t aware of, so I took this opportunity to try the Järv Gaiter RBX9 GTX and see how they stack up with other trail runners. Of particular interest to me was the comfort of the built-in gaiter, which seems like a useful feature on any trail runner and something I hope more shoe manufacturers will offer.

The gaiter is made of light, softshell fabric that is barely noticeable when worn.

The Järv’s gaiter is a lightweight, stretch-woven cuff that seals around the ankle and makes immediate sense the moment you slip into the shoes. It’s built around a simple idea: fuse a capable trail runner with an integrated gaiter to keep out grit, pebbles, and wood chips. That concept isn’t new, but Icebug’s execution is thoughtful enough to stand out for hikers who want to extend their trail runner season into late autumn.

Fit and upper

The Järv Gaiter RBX9 GTX Trail Runner fits true to size with a medium-to-snug midfoot wrap and a slightly more generous toe box than typical road shoes. Out of the box, the fit is quite snug, but widens quite noticeably with use. I was surprised, but I appreciated this because the shoes became much more comfortable to wear.

Front toe protection is adequate, but hardly exceptional

The built-in gaiter is the headline: a lightweight, stretch-woven cuff that seals around the ankle with a low-profile elastic band. It’s not a knee-high mountaineering gaiter, but more like a sock collar that overlaps the shoe’s tongue gusset. It prevents pebbles and sand from sneaking in at the collar, which is a huge quality-of-life upgrade on hiking trails. The upper itself is a ripstop mesh with targeted overlays in the toe and quarter panels.

Breathability is solid and better than you’d expect for a shoe with a sealed collar, thanks to that softshell that vents without compromising debris resistance. The heel counter is moderately structured; it’s not a stiff cup, but it holds the heel well, aided by the gaiter collar that lightly hugs the ankle and reduces heel lift on descents. If you wear thicker trail socks, the collar accommodates them without feeling constrictive.

I find most max cushion trail runners to be a bit mushy. It’s a tradeoff.

Midsole and ride

Underfoot, the Järv’s RBX uses a dual-density EVA blend with a resilient core and slightly firmer perimeter. The stack height lands in the modern “protective but nimble” zone (unfortunately, the manufacturer does not publish this spec). There’s a flexible rock plate that covers the forefoot and midfoot, leaving the heel to rely on foam and outsole structure for protection. You get sufficient ground feel in the forefoot without the sharp bite from roots or talus.

The shoe’s geometry includes a mild heel-to-toe drop of 4 mm and a gentle toe spring. Energy return isn’t snappy, but the core foam has a lively rebound that keeps the shoe from feeling dull.

Outsole and traction

Traction is a clear strength. The outsole features a sticky rubber compound with 4 mm lugs arranged in a multi-directional chevron pattern. It grips well on hardpack, loose-over-hard, and granite slabs when dry. In mud, the lug spacing sheds reasonably, though it’s not a swamp specialist, as mud does eventually cake. On wet rock, the rubber is better than average, although not at a miracle level; good hiking footwork still applies.

Mud does eventually cake in the outsole in extreme conditions

Protection and stability

The toe bumper is firm enough to save your nails from casual kicks. The gaiter adds a subtle stability bonus by reducing collar leakage and discouraging sock abrasion caused by sand infiltration. Sidehill traverses feel secure, and the shoe responds predictably when you pivot or scramble.

Who it’s for

• Hikers who value a sealed collar without having to add third-party gaiters or wear a mid-height shoe
• Runners on dusty, sandy, or gravelly trails who are tired of debris in their shoes.
• Those who want a protective, max cushion trail ride

Potential drawbacks

• If you prefer a wide toe box, this is only moderately roomy; true wide sizes would help.
• In hot, humid climates, a traditional open collar may feel cooler.
• The gaiter collar makes quick on/off slightly slower compared to standard shoes, though not by much.
• Not the best choice for deep mud or snow; lugs and collar height are tuned for three-season trail running.

Recommendation

The Icebug Järv Gaiter RBX Trail delivers on its promise: keep debris out while offering a balanced, protective ride that handles a broad range of terrain. The integrated gaiter is more than a gimmick: it’s a daily convenience that improves comfort on real trails. If your runs regularly end with sand in your socks or pebbles under your arch, this shoe is an easy recommendation. While the Järv Gaiter RBX Trail is a comfortable and reliable shoe, I suspect that the version with metal studs provides a significantly different ride. If I had to guess, the enhanced traction will counter the moderately sloppy responsiveness inherent in all max cushion trail runners.

Disclosure: icebug donated shoes for review.

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