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Ice Bug Anima
$129, 9.0 oz, www.icebug.se
The Dirt. Our testers loved the Anima’s diamond-shaped multidirectional lugs, which seemed to work in every condition imaginable. It is a minimal shoe with only a 7mm heel-to-toe drop and single-density-foam midsole. The Anima affords amazing foot-to-ground feel, but left testers more exposed to protruding obstacles because it lacks a rock shield.
An asymmetrical lacing system contours with your instep and is designed to relieve pressure from your metatarsals. However, one tester experienced irritation on his instep.
Fit. Built on a narrow last, the shoe best fits narrow feet but does have a more ample forefoot.
Best For. Testers felt the shoe encouraged inward movement, i.e. pronation. A quick-drying upper defeats the wettest and muddiest conditions around.
Tester-monial. “The Anima has awesome traction in wet trail conditions and over rocks and roots, and was the perfect choice for tempo runs on muddy trails.” —Heather Clark, Cincinnati, Ohio