The Best Gardening Boots and Shoes, According to a Gardener
While old sneakers might work in a pinch, they’re neither practical nor safe.
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As a garden writer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve spent countless hours planting, pruning, and testing various plants in all kinds of weather. From rainy spring days to sweltering summer heat, I’ve put so many garden boots and shoes to the test in real-world conditions.
While old sneakers might work in a pinch, they’re neither practical nor safe. Garden boots and shoes keep your feet dry, feature sturdy lug soles to prevent slipping, and are easy to clean—just hose them off and air dry. Different styles serve different purposes: I keep one pair by the door for quick trips to snip herbs and another for heavy-duty tasks like digging or transplanting.
After testing countless options, these are the garden boots and shoes I’ve found to be durable, easy to clean, and stylish enough to wear into town on a rainy day.
Pros
- Neoprene shaft is flexible
- Slip off and on easily
- Excellent performance for the price
Cons
- Lighter colors may stain
Shaft height: 11 inches | Weight per shoe: 1.1 pounds |Material: Neoprene, rubber
I’ve been wearing this style for 15+ years, and it never disappoints. With a neoprene shaft you can fold over if you prefer more of a shoe-style fit, this boot has great traction for extra-muddy days. They’re also easy to slip on and off so you can leave them by the back door if you have to run inside for a sec. They're also our pick for best rain boot for gardening.
I’ve owned several pairs, which hold up well for about three seasons of heavy wear in the garden, outlasting some of the more expensive, well-known brands I've tried that don’t hold up well to wear-and-tear.
Sloggers Original Waterproof Rain and Garden Shoe
Pros
- Good cushioning
- Tons of adorable patterns
- Great for quick trips to the garden
Cons
- No ankle coverage
- Shallow heel no good for deep puddles
Shaft height: 4 inches (clog style) | Weight per shoe: 1.1 pounds | Material: 90-percent recycled plastic, rubber
If you need a shoe for a quick trip outside to water your containers or garden beds, these shoes slip on and off in a sec. They’re nice and cushioned, too, so they’re comfortable. They also come in a ton of adorable patterns from chickens to flowers.
I’ve had several pairs of these through the years, and I love their budget-friendly price tag. They also last a good two to three seasons with occasional wear.
Muck Boot Company Women's Chore Tall
Pros
- Good heat retention in cold, wet weather
- Excellent traction in mud
- Height keeps out debris
Cons
- More difficult to pull off than mid-calf heights
Shaft height: 15.9 inches | Weight per shoe: 2.75 pounds | Material: Neoprene, rubber
Spring and fall can be chilly in the garden, so these are great boots for doing chores in cool or wet-weather months, such as planting bulbs or raking leaves. The calf is wide (but not sloppy looking), so it’s easy to get these boots off and on.
I’ve used mine for about five seasons now — even wearing them for the occasional snow-shoveling job and they still look new. While they’re a little toasty for summer days, they’re comfortable for the rest of the gardening year so your toes won't freeze on cold days.
Duluth Trading Women's Pattern Rain Boots
Pros
- Solid lug sole for good traction
- Thick rubber to protect toes
- Roomy and easy to pull on and off
Cons
- A little less flexible shaft than other choices
Shaft height: 11.5 inches | Weight per shoe: 1.6 pounds | Material: Rubber
Duluth gets my vote for many of its garden-related products because they’re thoughtfully designed. These rain boots have a great lug sole, which prevents me from sliding around in the garden. With a sturdy, solid heel for digging chores, they’re designed so that you can put your foot on the garden spade without it slipping off.
I love the cheerful pattern of these boots, which also make them cute enough to wear into town on wet days. They’re also reasonably priced.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Soft, flexible, comfortable rubber
- Good support but room for orthotics
Cons
- Pricey
Shaft height: 11.5 inches | Weight per shoe: 1.4 pounds | Material: Rubber
This legendary brand, which has been making rubber boots since 1927, is beautifully handmade and long-lasting. It’s impervious to rain and molds well to your foot. It’s roomy enough to slide in and out of without a struggle, which is one of the reasons I prefer the mid-calf style.
I also like that these are flexible, comfortable, and roomy without being too loose. They don’t have a ton of support on their own, but I can slip my orthotics into them if I will be doing a lot of walking. Of course, they’re also cute enough for rainy afternoons in the city.
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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