Iceland Shoes To Pack - The Best Hiking Boots For Iceland - ItsAllBee | Solo Travel & Adventure Tips (2024)

When it comes to vacation locations, Iceland is just stunning! While a beautiful destination you need to pack the best hiking boots for Iceland to fully enjoy all that this island country has to offer. The reasons for this surge in popularity are not very far-fetched.

It’s a scenic location with tons of things to do in Iceland and it’s populated with warm and welcoming locals. However, even with all the good things about Iceland, there are still some downsides to visiting this location. Iceland gets extremely cold in the winter, so you need to be prepared with suitable jackets for Iceland weather as well as gloves on your Iceland packing list.

The first thing to keep in mind when shopping or packing is that functionality/comfort comes before style, trends, and what’s in fashion. You need very rugged and long-lasting hiking boots if you plan to go on hikes, treks, and nature walks while in Iceland. Not to mention waterproof.

Something to bear in mind if you are heading to or are currently planning to visit Iceland and have hiking activities on your itinerary. This post covers what to look out for when buying hiking boots for Iceland, what boots to buy for different seasons (summer and winter), and amazing hiking boot suggestions for both men and women. Keep reading for tips and recommendations for the best walking boots for Iceland.

What to consider when buying hiking boots for Iceland

While wondering what clothes to wear in Reykjavik or Iceland in general at the top of that list will be what shoes to pack for a trip to Iceland. Have it in mind that you just can’t buy any pair of boots and head to Iceland. You need to be deliberate about your purchase because the wrong walking boots for Iceland or a pair of hiking boots can mar your entire Iceland experience.

Whether walking around Reykjavik in winter or summer, shoes will mean you only focus on fun than having to worry about feet being cold, wet or just uncomfortable. Here’s what to consider when shopping for hiking boots or walking shoes for Iceland:

The time of the year: When is your trip? – Summer or winter? This matters a lot because summer boots won’t do the job of winter boots and vice versa. What shoes to wear during winter can make or break your trip. During the winter in Iceland (November- March), you will need strong and sturdy heavy-duty boots that you can not only walk long distances in but that can also handle the wet, snowy weather in Iceland.

In the spring/summer (April- October) you can settle for normal hiking boots. Regardless of the season, however, I recommend buying boots that are waterproof as while the south may be dryer, north of Iceland tends to be a lot wetter. Waterproof boots matter a lot because it’s super uncomfortable to walk long distances and have water seep into your boots – nobody wants to walk in soggy shoes.

Your expertise as a hiker: If you’re an expert hiker with years or decades of experience, you might already know the benefits of shoes that offer ankle support. For the best hiking boots for Iceland, I highly recommend something with support for the ankle. If you can’t get those, I suggest packing walking sticks because some of the trails are rough or just muddy.

Shoe Features When Shopping For The Best Hiking Boots For Iceland

Whether you are considering Columbia vs Timberland boots or Sorel Iceland shoes you will need to do a little more digging before you buy the perfect hiking or walking shoes of Iceland. After considering the criteria above and deciding what categories are important to you, the next thing is the features your hiking boots for Iceland should have. When shopping for shoes for Iceland, keep an eye out for these features so you don’t end up regretting your purchase:

Durability: You must make sure that the boots you buy are durable, sturdy, heavy-duty, and rugged enough to withstand the rough trails and landscape of Iceland. Durability should be at the top of your checklist when shopping for hiking boots to take to Iceland.

Waterproof: As mentioned earlier, your boots being waterproof is one very important feature they need to possess. A lot of the trails in Iceland contain one type of body of water or another, so it’s best to be proactive by getting waterproof boots. Look out for boots that use Gore-Tex technology, because it is both waterproof and breathable – exactly what you need for hiking in Iceland. You can also opt for leather boots.

Warmth: Try as much as possible to ensure that the boots you end up buying are warm and properly insulated, especially if you’re heading to Iceland in the winter. Even if you’re not going during winter, the weather gets windy so it can still get cold. Warm boots ensure that you get maximum comfort.

Women’s Boots For Iceland – From Sorel To Columbia

As a woman shopping for hiking boots to take along to Iceland, here are some suggestions for you. I have grouped them into summer and winter to make it easier to shop according to the season you’ll be traveling:

Summer Women’s Boots For Iceland

Below are some e are some great boots for an Iceland trip that can be worn in Iceland in summer, spring, or fall:

Columbia Newton Ridge: These boots are a great option for summer wear. They are durable and comfortable, and they are proper boots that offer arch and ankle support. They are available in different colors so you can shop based on your preference.

Merrell Moab 2: These hiking boots are perfect for women in summer because they offer advanced arch support in addition to being super comfortable, durable, and waterproof. They also have a firm grip on the sole so it can be worn on any surface, including slippery, icy, and wet surfaces. The downside to these shoes is that they offer little to no ankle support and your feet won’t be very warm as a result of that. They are made of 100% suede leather and has a rubber sole. They are also very lightweight.

Sorel Boots For Hiking – Faux-Fur-Trimmed Waterproof Boots – If you are looking for warm Sorel boots for Iceland in the summer then these are perfect as they are warm but not too heavy. They are also great for winter in warmer winter countries like the UK compared to Iceland winters. Complete with a sneaker-like sole with a waterproof suede that is perfect for those wet and soggy summers in Iceland. They are also great if you are looking for light hiking boots for Iceland.

Best Waterproof Boots For Iceland Winter For Women

Heading to Iceland in the colder months? When it comes to what to bring to Iceland in winter, warm comfortable shoes are very much part of the travel essentials for winter. Here are some amazing hiking boot options:

Global Win Women’s Waterproof Snow Boots: These boots offer practicality, comfort, and a haven from the cold of winter. They are durable enough for walks and treks and they’ll keep your feet nicely warm and dry.

Columbia Minx Mid II Omni-Heat Winter Boot: These are some of the warmest boots available for women. They feature Omni-Heat tech that keep your feet warm even in the coldest climes. They are also durable and waterproof,

Iceland Hiking Boots for Men – Summer & Winter

If you’re a man planning a hiking trip to Iceland, here are some suggestions for the best boots for hiking Iceland. I have categorized them into summer and winter boots to make it easier to shop according to the season you’ll be traveling:

Summer Hiking Boots for Men

If you’re on the hunt for some great hiking boot options that can be worn in Iceland in summer, here you go:

Columbia North Plains II: These boots are not only of high quality; they are also very affordable. They don’t take up too much packing space, and they are lightweight. They have rubber soles making them great for a variety of surfaces. They however offer little ankle support.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boots: these leather hiking boots are perfect for rugged terrains. They are heavy duty enough for hikes and long-distance walks. They’re great because when it’s winter, they only need to be paired with a pair of warm hiking socks and you’re good to go.

Best Hiking Boots For Winter In Iceland

Below are some great options for the best boots for Iceland in winter:

Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus III Omni Cold Weather Boot: These boots are not only lightweight and durable; they are also fitted with a thermal lining and this offers your feet immense warmth. It’s a pair of leather boots, so it’s completely waterproof. The shoes also have rubber soles, making them great on a lot of surfaces. They offer ankle support and your feet will feel amazing in them.

Merrell Turku Trek Waterproof Winter Boot: These boots offer a striking balance between warmth and style. They have a leather finish which gives them a stunning look. They are also waterproof and rugged enough for walks and hikes.

What are the best shoes to wear in Iceland winter?

My post on Iceland in summer included a temperature chart of what the weather in Iceland is like each month. The winter months in Iceland can be super cold, snowy and wet. Weather as a whole in Iceland can change from wet, to cold, snowy and dry all in one day. You will not regret packing waterproof shoes for Iceland that also have a good grip too.

Do I need snow boots for Iceland?

I didn’t pack any snow boots for my trip in summer but packed camper boots which are lined with fleece material and would also be comparable to the best snow boots for Iceland. If you are going right in the heart of a cold winter then they would definitely come in handy considering summer in Iceland is comparable to winter weather in the UK.

I am planning on visiting Iceland in Winter what boots are the best for December, January or February?

I have mentioned what to expect for winter weather in Iceland so use the same advice when considering the best boots for Iceland in November, or best boots for Iceland in October. Many places that you will likely have on your Iceland itinerary require some hiking or walking regardless of whether its light or heavy hiking.

For example, getting to the hot spring pool in the mountains requires some like hiking. Some parts were muddy. If doing this route in winter, you also have to contend with the fact that the river nearby might have swelled up a bit more than summer so waterproof sturdy hiking boots are essential.

I am heading to Iceland in summer what are the best hiking boots for Iceland summer?

For my try I packed a pair of Keen highing boots with ankle support. If you are going to Iceland and only exploring Iceland and the golden circle then normal sturdy shoes would suffice but I would still recommend having walking shoes or hiking shoes.

Most of the areas with waterfalls will be quite muddy so walking and hiking shoes would serve you better. You only have to look at my pictures on posts for the best waterfalls in Iceland and sleeping under waterfalls to give you an idea of what to expect in the summer and the shoes you will need to ensure you don’t slip and fall while exploring.

Do I need hiking boots for Iceland in June?

Yes and yes! Whether you are looking into the best boots for Iceland in march or the best boots for Iceland in April, whatever time you are visiting Iceland I guarantee you will need hiking boots for Iceland.

Also, remember that you will most likely be going into weather gravel roads just to visit some of the main sights, factor in Iceland weather and some light or heavy hiking whether doing glacier walks or just walking to visit Svinafellsjokull glacier lagoon, a good pair of hiking shoes is essential for safety too not just comfortable walking.

What Are The Best Sorel Men’s Boots & Iceland Sorel Boots For Women

While considering the best Iceland boots or shoes to pack, I get a lot of questions about whether you should pack or buy Sorel boots for Iceland. One, this depends on your budget and whether you find a pair you love.

I have pair similar Joan Arctic Faux Fir-trimmed waterproof boots which would have been the perfect boots for Iceland but I had learnt them to my sister so in the end went with a similar pair by Camper which you can see in some of the pictures above in black.

I love the wide range of Sorel boots because they are comfortable stylish and above all a solid product that is waterproof and keeps you warm in Iceland weather whether in wet summer or super cold and windy in winters. Below are some of my recommended Sorel boots perfect for Iceland! They seem to have great collections for men’s sorel boots too.

I am Visiting Iceland In The Fall What Are The Best Shoes To Pack?

Fall in Iceland starts in late August and ends around the end of October in early November so if you are wondering what to wear in Iceland in October, September or even late August know that the weather in autumn in Iceland is similar to springtime.

The temperature in autumn can range between 0° to 10°C, still bearing on the cold an windier side. While prices for things in Iceland may be going down to make way for the colder and less crowded season, this still means you now need to pack accordingly for the weather.

What shoes to wear in Iceland in October will very much depend on your activities but regardless of whether you are not trekking mountains you will still need something warm and waterproof so as to avoid get cold feet when passing through muddy areas where waterfalls are located in Iceland.

Regardless of your gender, when you’re travelling or what shoes you end up buying, you should buy your shoes about a month in advance. After buying them, wear them regularly or occasionally before your trip to break them in and help your feet get used to them. Doing this will ensure that you are travelling with shoes that are comfortable and fit well as well as ensuring you feet stay free of blisters your whole trip.

Also See:

• Things To Do In Vik Iceland
• Top Tips For Visiting Blue Lagoon
• Best Areas To Stay In Iceland
• Visiting Iceland’s Hot Spring Pool In The Mountains

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