Iceland Will Upcycle Lockdown Sweatpants into Hiking Boots

Iceland thinks it’s time to break the world out of their sad sweatpants, so the country is turning lockdown sweatpants into hiking boots this summer. Located on Rainbow Street in downtown Reykjavik, the pop-up Sweatpant Boots will be open through July to upcycle lockdown sweatpants into one-of-kind boots.

Those who book a slot at the pop-up and show a valid plane ticket showing arrival in Iceland from June 24 onward can have their sweats transformed into a pair of hiking boots, with any remaining fabrics turned into the bag in which they carry their boots home.

Check out Icelandic rapper Cell7’s exclusive new song “The Sweatpant Boot Song” to help celebrate the pop-up. If you can’t make it to Iceland in time, the pop-up’s website invites everyone to virtually try Sweatpant Boots and learn more about the seven regions of Iceland.

“All over the world, we have been under various lockdowns and restrictions for over a year and let’s face it, we’re in a bit of a rut. In Iceland, we are lucky enough to have a wealth of adventure, from the bold waterfalls in the south, to the tranquil shores of the East and all the food, music and wellbeing culture across the country,” said Sigríôur Dögg Guômundsdóttir, head, Visit Iceland. “For those ready to travel again, we want to make sure you’re prepared to experience life to its fullest and take on whatever adventure you’ve been craving. And some lucky visitors will get to do it with their own unique Sweatpant Boots.”

The boots are made in partnership with Will’s Vegan, a sustainable boot brand. Over the course of the shop’s one-month opening, three pairs of Sweatpant Boots will be created and given away for free each day