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What are the best shoes for walking in Iceland?

Iceland is a land of vast scenery, teeming with extraordinary natural marvels. From extravagant waterfalls to pristine lava fields, each footstep taken in Iceland is more captivating than the previous.

Whether you're preparing for a brief trek, embarking on the Laugavegur trail, or simply wandering through the streets of Reykjavik, it is crucial to have suitable attire when visiting Iceland. This is just as vital as securing the finest rental vehicle.

Here we will go over which shoes are best to wear in Iceland and why. Follow us as we explore Iceland on our feet.

Hiking Boots All Year Round

Iceland´s inspiring natural beauty and breathtaking scenery make it a true hiking paradise. So, if you truly want to explore Iceland on your feet, you will need a good pair of hiking shoes.

While not necessary when walking in Reykjavik or other cities in Iceland, hiking shoes are over all the best and safest bet when selecting shoes to wear in Iceland all year round.

If you desire to witness the grand glaciers of Iceland or explore the valleys surrounding our magnificent waterfalls, it is advisable to don a sturdy pair of hiking footwear. Whether your aim is to discover remote and concealed treasures or visit well-known attractions like Thingvellir National Park, Reynisfjara Black sand Beach, or Seljalandsfoss waterfall, your chances of success will significantly increase if you opt for hiking boots.

Hiking boots are also highly useful when visiting Iceland in winter. Winter conditions in Iceland are wet and cold, with icy streets and deep snow. In such situations a good pair of hiking boots, with good leg support and waterproof material is a great option for walking in the Icelandic winter.

Winter Boots are great for keeping you warm and dry in Iceland.

Keep Warm With Winter Boots

Iceland is a winter wonderland worth witnessing. In the cold dark winter it is possible to experience some of Iceland's most magical scenery. From snow covered mountains to frozen waterfalls and of course the amazing Northern lights.

In order to see the best of Iceland in winter you need two things. A good and reliable rental car, preferably a 4x4, and a good pair of shoes that can handle the cold and wet conditions.

To keep it simple you need to stay warm and dry. There are many ways to do so, but basically that’s all there is to it. So wear winter boots, either with warm material on the inside or make sure you can wear something to keep you warm underneath. Icelanders like to wear wool socks on their feet during winter, and you should try it too. It’s a proven method that has kept our feets warm for over a thousand years.

Wearing Sneakers in Iceland

Sneakers or some sort of sport shoes are probably the most popular shoes in Iceland overall. Although winter is long, cold and wet, most Icelanders opt to wear sneakers for a large part of the year.

You don't need winter or hiking boots for walking in Iceland during summer. You can easily wear a pair of Nike, Adidas or any type of sneaker when walking the streets of Reykjavik during the long hours of the Icelandic summer. Like any other season, just wear what makes you comfortable and sneakers in the midnight sun is a great combination when walking in Iceland.

Can you wear Sandals in Iceland?

There is nothing wrong with bringing sandals to Iceland. It might not be the best option for walking in Iceland for most of the year, but it can however serve you well.

Sandals may not be the ideal footwear for the black sand beaches in Iceland, like Reynisfjara or Sólheimasandur, but they are nice to have for wearing inside on cold winter days.

You see, in Icelandic culture it is a costume for people to take off their shoes when going inside. Since it is easy to get cold feet in Iceland it is popular to wear slippers and sandals as indoor shoes to keep warm.

Conclusion

In the end it is just a matter of staying comfortable. If you had to take just one pair of shoes to Iceland we highly recommend hiking boots. It is just like renting a 4x4 rental car. Better to have and not need it than the other way around. Giving you a better opportunity to explore Iceland no matter the time of the year.

As long as you stay dry and warm you should be fine and enjoy your Iceland vacation. Your packing list should depend on where you go, time of the year and the activity planned. You do not want to climb a volcano wearing slippers and there is no need for winter boots when walking in Reykjavik during summer.

It is a mixture of common sense and careful planning which should determine the shoes you need for walking in Iceland.