The Best Hiking Boots for Iceland (Winter or Summer!) (2024)

Iceland is a land of inclement weather and the landscape is mostly rugged and rural so it is imperative to find the best hiking boots for Iceland as you will be spending an extended period of time trekking through some wilderness.

If you are anything like us, a good pair of boots is honestly going to be the only pair of shoes that you need when visiting Iceland. Because most of Iceland’s points of interest are natural sites that require at least a little bit of hiking to get to, having a good, durable pair of boots is essential.

So, if you’re looking for the best hiking boots and footwear for Iceland, look no further as we have developed a comprehensive list to make sure you are as prepared as possible for your trip to Iceland!

Hiking Boots for Iceland Comparison

What to Look For In Hiking Boots

There are a number of things you need to consider when selecting hiking boots for Iceland. First, you need to think about the season that you’ll be visiting.

If you’re travelling to Iceland in the winter months, you are not only going to need boots that are durable and good for walking long distances but also shoes that will keep your feet warm and dry.

However, if you’re visiting Iceland outside of the frozen winter months, you might as well leave the snow boots at home and only invest in a pair of basic, well-made hiking boots. There is no real need to pack heavy boots outside of the months of November to March as the temperatures tend to not warrant expert snow gear.

Making sure your hiking boots are waterproof is another essential feature to look for no matter the season.

The weather in Iceland is unpredictable can change at the drop of a hat and, much like we always recommend getting a good waterproof jacket for Iceland, we say the same thing about footwear for Iceland.

There is nothing worse than walking around with wet feet after a sudden surge of rain and it can cause your body temperature to drop rapidly as well, so waterproof boots are especially important in winter along with a few pairs of thermal wool socks.

Another thing to consider when purchasing the best shoes for Iceland is a break-in period. This should be standard practice when buying footwear for any trip, however, it might be more important when visiting Iceland.

Generally speaking, plan to purchase your shoes at least 3-4 weeks before your trip in order to give them time to soften up and conform to your foot. Wear them around the house or while out running errands for a couple of hours each day and by the time you’re ready to leave for your trip you should ensure that your feet will be blister-free!

Best Winter Boots for Women

With so many different hiking shoes and boots available on the market, it can be hard to pick the best one to add to your Iceland packing list.

One of the best things to keep in mind when looking for shoes for Iceland is that, like every other article of clothing to bring to this amazing country, practicality trumps style.

You need to find shoes that will serve a function and will last you for years to come. While these might not be the cutest options available, they will certainly do the job they’re meant to do!

Though there are innumerable cute boot options out there when trying to find the best winter boots for Iceland, make sure you first take into account their waterproof abilities and their apparent warmth.

These boots are sure to keep your feet warm and dry in even the most dire of conditions so you can focus on enjoying all the great things to do in Iceland!

Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden

The Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden (also available on Zappos here or available direct from Columbia here) cold-weather boots are some of the best boots for Iceland in winter and are designed to offer the best movement and practicality while also keeping your feet dry and warm.

They are fully waterproof so they will protect you from the snow or ice, and they have an insulated lining for an extra layer of warmth.

They have an advanced grip on the sole, absolutely perfect for hiking and climbing over icy surfaces. The shaft also goes above the ankle, making sure you don’t get any unwanted snow in your boots!

Sorel Women’s Carnival Boot

The Sorel Women’s Carnival Boot (also available on Zappos here) is an excellent pair of boots for Iceland as it is certain to keep your feet dry and warm.

This tall boot is waterproof, ensuring that your feet will keep dry, has a great-gripping rubber sole, and is lined with a cosy fleece to make sure your feet and ankles will stay warm and toasty even while you’re trudging through the snow.

Sorel is known for making great waterproof boots and you cannot go wrong with bringing a pair of these boots to Iceland.

GlobalWin Women’s Boots

If you are looking for a more stylish option for Iceland winter boots without sacrificing practicality, the GlobalWin Snow Boots are a great choice for you!

These boots aren’t the best option if you plan to do a lot of hiking while visiting Iceland, but they are perfect for moderate walks and will keep your feet warm and dry in the process.

They are also very comfortable and have great arch and ankle support, so are good to wear when walking around the streets of Reykjavik or while enjoying the sites of the Golden Circle.

All in all, if you are looking for cute and practical boots and don’t plan on doing any intense hiking or trekking, then you can’t go wrong with this option!

Best Winter Boots for Men

When searching for the best men’s winter boots for Iceland, you need to look for exactly the same qualities as women’s versions. Waterproof, lined boots with a good grip and support are sure to keep you happy when visiting Iceland.

Columbia Men’s Bugaboot III Boot

The Columbia Men’s Bugaboot III Boot (also available direct from Columbia here or available on Zappos here) is an excellent option if you’re on the hunt for men’s winter boots.

These lightweight pair of waterproof hiking boots are equipped with a thermal lining that makes them incredibly warm.

They are also fully water-resistant and have an advanced grip and great suspension system, making them perfect for hiking and walking. These boots are ideal if you plan to do a lot of hiking during the winter months.

GlobalWin Men’s Boots

The men’s version of the boots listed above, the GlobalWin Men’s Boots are an excellent economy option for waterproof boots for Iceland.

These will keep your feet warm and dry, however, they may not be the best for long-distance treks or anything beyond a mild walk in the country.

However, if you want to save money on your boots for your trip to Iceland and also look cool and stylish while keeping your feet as happy as possible, then these boots are a great choice!

Sorel Men’s 1964 Pac Nylon Snow Boot

If you’re after some of the best snow boots for Iceland or any other snowy climate, then you cannot go wrong with the Sorel Men’s 1964 Pac Nylon Snow Boot (also available on Zappos here).

These boots have a durable, rubber sole, a fleece lining, and can keep your feet warm and insulated to temperatures as low as -30°C (-25°F), making them an excellent choice for an Icelandic winter.

This is particularly the case if you are primarily looking for boots to wear around the major attractions and aren’t necessarily planning on going for long hikes.

Best Summer Boots for Women & Men

When it comes to finding the best hiking boots for Iceland in summer or the warmer months, you can definitely get by with just a pair of basic hiking boots that will serve you in most destinations.

It is still worth it to find something with advanced ankle and arch support along with water-resistant capabilities, however, because Iceland is rarely a dry climate.

Unlike hiking boots for winter, there are far more unisex options available that are good for bringing to Iceland. These are our top suggestions for the best shoes and boots for Iceland in summer, early autumn, and late spring.

Merrell Moab 2

If you’re travelling outside of the winter months, arguably the best hiking shoes for Iceland would be the Merrell Moab 2 (also available on REI here or available on Zappos here).

These hiking shoes are durable, waterproof, not bulky and comfortable and they offer advanced arch support, and a great grip on the sole so it’s perfect for wet, icy, and slippery surfaces.

As they are more of a shoe than a boot, they are probably best to bring to Iceland outside of the winter months, as they don’t have high ankle support and won’t keep your feet as warm as they could.

Men’s versions of these shoes are also available on Amazon, REI or Zappos.

Columbia Newton Ridge

While the Merrell shoes mentioned above are a great option, the Columbia Newton Ridge (also available direct from Columbia here or available on Zappos here) boots are also a fantastic all-season choice in footwear for Iceland.

These durable and comfortable shoes are some of the best hiking boots to bring to Iceland. A proper boot, rather than a shoe like the Merrells, these come in both women’s and men’s styles and also a variety of colours.

They are waterproof, offer advanced foot and ankle support and will last for years and years. They are perfect for an Iceland trip, but also can be used while hiking anywhere in the world so if you are looking to do more active holidays, you can’t go wrong with the Columbia Newton Ridge boots.

These shoes also have an amazing grip on the rubber sole, making them perfect for walking or climbing over slippery, wet, or icy surfaces. They will also keep your feet warm in the winter months and — because they have great ventilation— cooler in the warmer seasons.

Men’s versions of these shoes are also available on Amazon, Columbia or Zappos.

Timberland Chocorua Trail

If you are looking for great boots that are also perfect for hiking, then look no further than the Timberland Chocorua Trail (also available on Zappos here or available from REI here) boots.

Available in both women’s and men’s styles, these boots have the most traditional “hiking boot” look but their advanced and modern design makes them incredibly comfortable and practical.

These hiking boots are completely waterproof, very durable, and allow your feet to breathe while keeping them warm and comfortable.

The rubber sole has a great grip and the advanced footbed offers fantastic support and is also shock-resistant. They also offer good ankle support to avoid unnecessary injuries!

Men’s versions of these shoes are also available on Amazon or REI.

Finding the best pair of hiking boots to take to Iceland is one of the most important things you should do before your trip. Make sure you purchase quality footwear for Iceland, like the ones listed above, and your body will thank you!

A great pair of durable, supportive, and waterproof boots should last you for years to come and should be perfect to take with you, not only to Iceland but anywhere in the world!

Are you looking for the best shoes to wear in Iceland? Have you found them? Let us know in the comments!