The 6 Best Garden Shoes for Effortless and Enjoyable Gardening [Roundup]

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Ask gardeners what their favorite shoes to wear in the garden are, and you’ll get a huge array of responses. Many will say that the best way to garden is barefoot, and while there are many benefits to rooting yourself to the soil through your bare feet, there will always be times when a good garden shoe is required to protect our toes from heavy, rough jobs or hot environments. I often go barefoot in the later days of summer when the garden is mostly self-sustaining, but for big garden tasks like moving soil or constructing beds, garden shoes are a necessity.

In this post we will cover my best tips and recommendations for choosing garden shoes that are comfortable and safe, as well as built to last. If you’re wondering what the best shoes for gardening are, look no further!

When choosing shoes to garden in, finding a shoe that is comfortable should be your first consideration - especially if you garden with chronic pain like I do. Uncomfortable shoes can lead to foot pain, blisters, and other problems that could cost you time in the garden. It is important to choose garden shoes that offer good arch support and cushioning. Your garden shoes should also provide good traction to prevent slipping and falling on wet or uneven surfaces, since we often have to garden in all sorts of conditions.

Your garden shoes should also protect your feet from hazards such as sharp tools, thorns, and poisonous plants, which means your one dollar flip flop sandals probably aren’t the best choice for the task.

Garden shoes are often made with durable and waterproof materials that offer protection from all these hazards, like rubber, neoprene or PVC, as they are exposed to water and mud regularly. For heavy duty garden tasks you may want reinforced toes, and thick soles. Garden shoes usually sit higher on your ankle or offer some type of snug fitting liner to keep dirt and rocks from falling in.

The best garden shoes are also built for breathability and durability. Your garden shoes should be breathable to prevent your feet from getting too hot and sweaty, and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of gardening activities.

When purchasing garden shoes, you should consider the following factors:

• Material: Garden shoes should be made from waterproof and durable materials like rubber, neoprene or PVC, as they are exposed to water and mud regularly.

• Comfort: Look for garden shoes with comfortable insoles and a good arch support that will allow you to stand or walk for longer periods.

• Traction: It is important to have a good grip on the soles of your garden shoes to avoid slipping and falling in wet or slippery conditions.

• Size: Ensure you select the right size for maximum comfort and to avoid blisters or injuries.

• Breathability: Your garden shoes should have adequate ventilation to allow air to circulate around your feet, preventing sweating and odor.

• Style: Consider your style and preference when choosing garden shoes. There are various styles available from clogs, slip-on, to lace-up.

• Purpose: If you plan to use your garden shoes for heavy-duty work, consider getting steel-toed shoes for added protection.

Muckster Low by The Muck Book Company

My own mother’s recommendation are these Muckster ll Women's Rubber Garden Shoes. They will keep you protected from mud and puddles while gardening or doing other outdoor activities. Featuring a lightweight, flexible 4mm neoprene bootie, these 100% waterproof rubber garden shoes are designed to adapt to the movements and contours of your feet while you walk, bend and crouch.

The high-traction outsole makes excellent contact with slick surfaces and it also self-cleans to keep out dirt and debris for better grip. Equipped with an Airmesh lining, these women's garden shoes are breathable for improved comfort in warm weather. These versatile women's rubber shoes are a great choice for gardening, walking the dog and running errands.

• 100% Waterproof

• Full Neoprene Bootie Exposed at Ankle for a Comfortable, Flexible Fit

• Breathable Mesh Sandwich-fabric Lining Improves Air Circulation

• Self Cleaning Rubber Outsole Built for the Lawn and Garden

• bioDEWIX™ Footbed Insert Topcover with NYZM™ for Odor Control and Moisture Management

• Available in: Green

Women's Ankle Height Garden Boots by Hisea

The most popular choice of our community. Hisea offers waterproof, breathable, and comfortable women's ultra-versatile rain and garden shoes. This shoe is fully waterproof, has durable uppers made of natural rubber, and is insulated to keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

• 4.5mm neoprene booties give you flexibility and shock absorption; natural rubber layers create extra protection, and waterproof design in any situation. Keeping you dry and providing comfort and support for long days.

• Breathable H-Airmesh Lining allows air to travel throughout the boots, which keeps your feet much drier than normal boots in the market. Comfort rated from 14 °F/-10°C to 86 °F/30 °C. Making these boots best for year-round use.

• Reinforced rubber layers for additional protection to heel and toe. The aggressive anti-slip rubber outsole increases traction. Comfort massage memory foam insoles offer extra arch support, good for all-day long use on your feet.

• Available in: Brown, Camo, Black, Green

Patch Ankle Boots by Bogs Footwear

Available in many fun prints and designs with easy on-off handle cutouts. Bogs is partnering with BLOOM to integrate algae-based EVA footbeds across their entire line. Natural rubber, sustainably harvested in Forest Stewardship Council-approved regions. Rubber factories minimize waste by using as much as 40% post-industrial recycled material.

• 100% Waterproof

• BLOOM eco-friendly, algae-based EVA footbed that helps clean polluted water habitats.

• Built in heel kick for hands free removal

• Crafted with ultra-soft and flexible rubber

• BOGS Max-Wick evaporates sweat to keep feet dry

• DuraFresh natural bio-technology activates to fight odors

• Available in: Many colors and styles

Women's Rugged Wellie Shoes, Slip-On by LLBean

Exceptionally cushioned with rugged traction for wet surfaces, these slip-ons prove you don't need to sacrifice comfort when protecting your feet from rain and mud. LLBean is always a safe bet for comfort and durability.

• Waterproof upper is made of vulcanized rubber.

• Comfortable synthetic knit lining.

• Stretchy goring allows for easy on/off (not waterproof).

• EVA pods in the midsole and forefoot for extra cushioning and comfort.

• Super-thick sock liner for comfort and support.

• Durable VertiGrip rubber outsole for traction on multiple surfaces.

• Available in: Black, Yellow, Green, Blue, Sand

Gardener Clogs by Hunter

A green slip-on shoe handcrafted from waterproof vegan rubber, designed for gardening. Updated with the iconic red box logo, the clog has a flexible natural rubber form and Hunter's signature tread providing grip. Lined with neoprene for breathability and comfort, it protects from the elements as well as supporting the foot. The classic Hunter rain boot you know and love has been reinvented for the garden as an easy to clean clog.

• Certified vegan

• Waterproof

• Handcrafted

• Hunter red box logo

• Natural rubber construction with matte finish

• Neoprene lining

• Signature calendered tread

• Available in: Grey, Green, Black, Clay

Bobbi Ankle Rain Boot by Merry People

The perfect everyday rain boot works hard in the garden too. The Bobbi seamlessly blends fashion and function with natural rubber and a neoprene lining. Our best-selling boots are designed for utmost comfort. Easy to dress up or down, wear from day to night, the Bobbi comes in a range of colors to match your style and individuality.

• Durable chunky tread design for extra traction

• 100% waterproof and tested for sub-freezing temperatures keeping your toes dry and toasty-warm

• Enhanced traction sole tested by Intertek Global testing laboratory

• Flexible neoprene lining making it easy to slip on and off in style

• 100% Vegan, not made from any animal products, or tested on animals

• Arch support for all day comfort

• Available in: Many colors and styles

One last thing: when I asked our Instagram community what shoes they were wearing in the garden, a number of you said cheap tennis shoes. And I totally get this - if you’re on a budget it can be easy to think that it doesn’t make sense to invest in shoes that will just get worn down with all the hard labor of gardening. I think that whether you garden as a hobby or professionally, protecting your feet with the right garden shoes can make all of the difference and allow you to complete all your garden tasks with ease, especially if you are gardening with chronic pain. A good shoe will allow you to stay on your feet for longer, and is possibly the most overlooked way to make gardening with pain more enjoyable.

Sustainability-wise, going for the cheapest option isn’t a great choice either - a new pair of tennis shoes every season that ends up in a landfill is going to do a lot more environmental harm in the long term than one pair that will last you 5-10 years. If budget is a concern, check out secondhand options like Poshmark. I know secondhand shoes can have an ick factor for some, but the great thing about garden shoes is they are often made of easy to clean materials - dunk em in vinegar and water and leave them in the sun and they’ll be good as new.

Investing in high-quality garden shoes will make your gardening experience more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. What are your favorite shoes to wear in the garden?