Tove Alexandersson: multi-time world champion and Icebug ambassador

Superstar Tove Alexandersson is without a doubt one of the world’s top orienteers. We’re proud to have had Tove as an Icebug ambassador for many years now, united by our shared love of orienteering, the forest, and top-performing footwear.

In 2025, Tove is more relevant than ever. Fresh off a gold medal in the Ski Mountaineering World Championships and with her sights firmly set on the 2026 Winter Olympics in that very sport. We caught up with her in the middle of it all to talk about the Spirit 9 OLX, Olympic training, microwaved carrot cake, Gyllbergen near Borlänge, and much more.

Designing Spirit

You’ve been involved in developing Icebug’s orienteering shoe, Spirit. What has that process been like?

Tove: I really enjoy working on shoe development. In running and orienteering, you don’t need much, but the shoes are absolutely crucial. Orienteering shoes need to meet a lot of demands – they have to be light, flexible, grippy, comfortable, and durable. I’m incredibly happy with the Spirit and have always raced in it. On top of that, being part of the development process has been a really rewarding experience.

The Spirit 9 now features a reinforced upper. How welcome is that update, and what kind of difference do you think it will make?

Tove: I think it’s a great improvement. I haven’t personally had major issues with the previous models, but of course, you always want your shoes to last as long as possible. So it’s really exciting that Icebug has put extra effort into making Spirit 9 OLX even more durable, which means the shoes will last longer overall.

Is there a particular type of terrain or training where you’re especially looking forward to testing the Spirit 9?

Tove: Yes – on the toughest terrain possible! I think the Spirit has the best grip of any orienteering shoe I’ve ever worn. The OLX grip with fixed metal studs is unbeatable. It’s a shoe made for truly rough terrain, so it’s great that the upper can now handle even more.

"Icebug has put extra effort into making Spirit 9 OLX even more durable, which means the shoes will last longer overall."

A world champion’s training routine

What does a typical training day look like for you right now, from breakfast to bedtime? Any routines you love or hate at the moment?

Tove: I usually do two sessions a day. Mornings are for intervals or long runs, often in the forest. In the afternoon, I do a shorter, easier session, preferably on trails.

Since I’ve just transitioned from ski season back to running and orienteering, it’s nice to have that variation in training again after a winter filled with alpine sports. If anything feels tough, it’s probably the weather—it’s been cold and rainy where I live. But right now, I’m really enjoying all the training I’m doing in the forest!

"The forest and the mountains feel like something stable in an unstable world."

We’d both agree the forest feels like a sanctuary – has it taken on an even deeper meaning in light of today’s uncertain world?

Tove: Absolutely. The forest and the mountains feel like something stable in an unstable world. I often enjoy training with others, but sometimes I prefer to be alone in nature. Just getting out there, into the calm, and letting go of everything – it’s such a relief.

If you could take anyone – living or dead – on an orienteering run, who would it be and why?

Tove: I’d say my grandfather and great-grandfather, who have both passed away. I miss them both deeply, and it would mean so much to take them on a run in the forest again. They were both incredibly supportive of my sports career and meant a great deal to me.

Top three favorite nature spots in Sweden?

Tove: Gyllbergen outside Borlänge is my favorite local area, great for skiing in the winter and perfect for running and orienteering in the summer. I also really love the orienteering terrain around Örnsköldsvik. In general, I’m drawn to deep, remote forests, places far from towns and roads where it feels like true wilderness. But above all, I love discovering new places I’ve never been before.

"What’s most important is having a grippy outsole, like the ones on the Järv RB9X or Acceleritas."

Tips for getting started with trail running

What do you hope people feel after running in a Spirit shoe?

Tove: I hope they feel the same way I do – that Spirit becomes a natural extension or enhancement of your foot, while also giving you incredible grip and protection. It wraps around the foot comfortably and is lightweight, two key qualities I think every great orienteering shoe should have.

What would you say to someone who wants to try trail running but feels intimidated or unsure?

Tove: Running straight into the wild is such a powerful feeling! But I’d recommend starting with small local trails and gradually exploring further. Take it step by step and let yourself grow more confident venturing deeper into the forest, instead of going too far too soon.

Feeling safe is key, so start in a familiar area. From a running perspective, a lot depends on your shoes, especially the grip. You want every step to land securely. I personally prefer the fixed metal studs on the Spirit, but what’s most important is having a grippy outsole, like the ones on the Järv RB9X or Acceleritas.

Carrot cake and mountain climbing

We’ve seen you share everything from chocolate ball ice cream to world champion bread – what are you baking these days?

Tove: Lately I’ve been into microwave carrot cake! I grate carrot, mix it with banana, egg, milk, a bit of flour (usually cornmeal), baking soda, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger – then pop it in the microwave for 2.5 minutes. Super tasty and super quick!

If you weren’t training or competing, what do you think you’d be doing?

Tove: I’d still be out in nature in some form. I really love mountain environments, so I’d probably spend more time hiking, climbing, or mountaineering.

What’s next?

We’re already well into 2025. What does the rest of the year look like for you in terms of training and competition?

Tove: It’ll be a pretty intense stretch with lots of orienteering competitions until around mid-summer, including the World Cup in Idre Fjäll. Then the big focus is the World Championships in July, and we’ll also be running O-Ringen in Jönköping. I’m also hoping to do more trail races‚ both in Sweden and across Europe!

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.