In Sweden, mushroom season is in full swing and social media is currently filled with pictures of overflowing mushroom baskets. And most of the time, it's Icebug's marketing director Marie who finds the most. How does she do it? And why don't the rest of us find as much?

Marie would never share her secret mushroom spots. Part of the thrill is actually finding your own spot and experiencing that rush of joy. But she's happy to share tips on where to look and how to think. Read them and head out—maybe this is your year to find the "ocean" of mushrooms!

Marie's tips

Don't underestimate ditches

"Don't underestimate ditches along remote forest roads—without too much traffic, of course. You rarely find the 'ocean' there, but with a little careful scanning, you can quickly fill your basket. A surprising amount can grow hidden among ferns along the ditch edges.”

Don't go where it's most comfortable

“Go straight into the woods where most people wouldn’t dream of going! Don’t just go where it’s most comfortable. That’s where most people go, as it’s human nature. If you have the chance, try instead to go into the forest that doesn’t look as inviting. Sweaty, but often worth it. I've found the most mushrooms when I’ve pushed through a wall of dense and challenging forest.”

Modern technology

“Take advantage of modern technology! Check satellite images on Google Maps and other apps for example. Can you find forest without lots of houses in it, big enough to spend a few hours in? Look for mixed forests. Pine trees aren't useful when hunting for mushrooms—spruce and birch are better.”

Take your time

“Be patient! Maybe not the most exciting tip but finding good spots can actually take several seasons. Once you find your spots, you'll be glad you persevered. Mushroom spots tend to stay productive for many years—as long as the forest isn’t logged!

Sharing is caring

“Share! No, I don’t mean the GPS coordinates. But if you’ve found a real treasure trove and have more than you need, of course you could try selling them. But you can also take the opportunity to give them to people who can’t get out into the woods themselves. An elderly neighbor, for example.”

What shoes are best for mushroom picking?

Something intact and functional that you already have in your closet, of course. But if what you have is on its last legs and can’t be repaired anymore, you should invest in a pair of waterproof shoes.

Rover RB9X GTX has been Marie’s favorite for many years.

“When you’re walking in the forest, you want both good grip and good ground contact. It should feel stable but still light and agile. Boots are too heavy and clumsy for me—I want to feel like I can easily dash over the next hill to scout. Rover handles all of this. The new Rover 2 is even better, more durable, and with more room for your toes, so for me, it’s the perfect shoe for the forest.”

We use our business to do good

At Icebug, we’re committed to making better shoes that help you get out every day – no matter the conditions. Also, we have decided to change our industry by taking responsibility for our footprint. Our goal is to make footwear with great durability, low CO2 emissions and respect for people and planet. Part of the money that you invest in us, we give back to the planet by donating to organizations that, for instance, work to preserve old-growth forests.