Top 6 Gardening Shoes You Must Try, Tested and Reviewed

Top Gardening Shoe Picks

These gardening boots excel at keeping water out, so much so that we’d wear them as rain boots for commuting on a wet day. The Bogs Patch Ankle Boots are made with waterproof materials, including rubber and EVA (a plastic often found in shower curtain liners), with a sustainable, algae-based version of EVA. Bogs also supports environmentally-conscious practices, such as sourcing rubber from Forest Stewardship Council-approved regions.

Throughout our testing, these shoes impressed us with their comfort and performance. They're built to last, featuring a thick yet flexible sole and contoured insoles that provide excellent support and cushioning. The built-in heel kick makes them easy to slip off, and after regular gardening use, there was minimal wear on the treads near the heel. After six months of real-world testing, the boots were still in near-perfect condition, making them our top choice for cool weather gardening. Note that they offer more coverage and warmth than many other gardening shoes, so they might not be ideal for hot weather.

Sizes: 6-12 | Material: Rubber, algae-based EVA | Waterproof: Yes

Top Slip-On Gardening Shoes

These gardening clogs impressed us with their waterproof design, resilient sole, and overall value. While the soles were well-cushioned, they didn’t provide much arch support. The durable, rubber-like material of the exterior kept moisture from entering, even after rinsing them off. Additionally, unlike many gardening shoes, these clogs come in over 30 different patterns, including fun floral and animal-themed designs.

The sole is thick with a robust tread, providing excellent traction for navigating various terrains in the yard. While this added grip is beneficial, we noticed that mud tended to get stuck in the treads after prolonged use, making cleaning a bit more difficult. After six months of testing, these shoes proved to be highly durable—showing only minor scuffs and easily cleaned with a hose. Overall, they are well-built, comfortable, and long-lasting, making them a solid value for gardening footwear.

Sizes: 6-11 | Material: Up to 50% recycled content | Waterproof: Yes

Best Tall Gardening Boots

Although primarily designed as fishing boots, we found the Xtratuf x Salmon Sisters Legacy Boots to be an excellent choice for gardening—especially in muddy and wet conditions. Our testing revealed that these boots are well-made, offering excellent grip on the soles. We tested them in puddles and mud, with no slipping, and while they have a rugged build, they remained comfortable and supportive throughout.

These boots are made from waterproof materials such as rubber, EVA, and neoprene rubber (a type of synthetic rubber). They reach mid-calf, and you can roll them down to reveal an adorable octopus pattern, designed by Alaskan fishermen. While the boots performed well during our testing, we found that mud tended to get trapped in the soles, even after cleaning them, which tracked inside. Although they’re overbuilt for light gardening, we find them perfect for navigating muddy or wet conditions.

Sizes: 6-11 | Material: Rubber, EVA, neoprene rubber | Waterproof: Yes

Top Gardening Clogs

Clogs are an excellent option for those seeking breathable garden footwear. Many garden shoes are made from thick, waterproof materials like rubber, which can make them uncomfortable in hot weather. However, the Amoji Garden Clogs address this by incorporating a hole design that promotes airflow, keeping your feet cooler. We appreciated the hole pattern, as it prevented more dirt and debris from entering the shoe compared to other similar models we tested.

While this design offers good breathability, it also makes it easier for water to seep in compared to fully covered garden shoes. If you often work in wet or muddy conditions and want to avoid cold or dirty feet, you may want to opt for a different style. That said, these shoes are lightweight, easy to put on and take off, and dry quickly. We recommend them for beginner gardeners who don't want to commit to pricier options. Despite the affordable price, they held up surprisingly well during our six months of testing and became our go-to pair for quick gardening tasks.

Sizes: 6-15 (women) / 5-13 (men) | Material: Rubber | Waterproof: No

Top Pick for Gardening Boots

No one enjoys gardening with cold, wet feet. If that’s been a problem with your gardening shoes in the past, it might be time to switch to a garden boot. These Evercreatures boots offer ample foot coverage without being too tall or heavy. In fact, these boots were the most comfortable rain boots we’ve tested — we worked for over three hours straight in the garden with zero discomfort. The soft cotton lining and low heel are key to their comfort. Even after six months of real-world use, they remained just as comfortable and easy to slip on for quick garden tasks.

Along with comfort, these boots are built to perform, with a waterproof rubber exterior and deep tread that kept us steady on wet surfaces. Another bonus is the variety of colors and patterns available. From classic black and dark blue to vibrant yellow, rainbow stripes, and pink polka dots, there’s a design for everyone. While they are perfect for gardening in cooler months like spring, fall, and winter (especially with socks), they may not be breathable enough for scorching summer days.

Sizes: 5-10 | Material: Rubber | Waterproof: Yes

Top Multi-Purpose Gardening Footwear

Kostovick has been a loyal supporter of The Original Muck Boot Company's boots for over 20 years. She notes, "Once you become a Muck Boot girl, you stay one." She emphasizes the high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting durability. Kostovick considers them a solid investment, offering all-day comfort and support for gardening, while also transitioning easily into an everyday chore boot for year-round wear. She enjoys them just as much for snow activities as she does for gardening work.

We were equally impressed by these boots for their ability to keep our feet completely dry while handling mulch, wet grass, rocks, pavement, and even rain. Unlike other gardening boots, the Muckster Mid II can be transformed into a bootie with an adjustable calf feature. Kostovick particularly appreciates this, as it adds breathability to the legs during warm days. Rolling down the calf not only cools you off but also reveals a stylish lining with patterns ranging from floral to tartan. Though these boots are ideal for dedicated gardeners, they may not be necessary for those with lighter gardening needs.

Sizes: 5-11 | Material: Rubber, mesh | Waterproof: Yes

Final Verdict

We highly recommend the Bogs Patch Ankle Garden Boots for their durability, featuring a thick sole and waterproof design that makes them perfect for wet conditions and rough ground. They're also easy to clean and come in a variety of fun patterns.

Our Testing Process

We tested 15 gardening shoes under real-world conditions over six months, focusing on factors such as quality, comfort, durability, design, and value. Our testing involved over an hour of various yard work tasks, including standing, crouching, kneeling, and walking on uneven terrain or rocks. This allowed us to assess the shoes' feel, material quality, waterproofing, and features like reinforced toes and traction soles. We also considered overall comfort, factoring in tight spots, materials, arch support, and traction. If the shoes had ventilation holes, we tested their breathability.

After completing several gardening tasks, we inspected the shoes for damage and wear, then rated their durability. We washed them to test ease of cleaning and noted if they required extra care post-wash. During our tests, we also assessed the design's aesthetic and functionality, evaluating features such as slip-resistant soles, pull-on tabs, inner liners, and straps on slip-on models. Finally, we rated the overall value of the shoes based on their price and whether we would recommend them to fellow gardeners.

Following the initial assessment, we continued testing the shoes for six more months. After this period, we reassessed them to check for any quality changes and determined whether they had become our go-to pair for gardening tasks.

How to Shop for Gardening Shoes Like a Pro

Material

Kostovick points out that the biggest mistake gardeners make when choosing shoes is not opting for a waterproof pair. 'Even if your garden appears dry, there's always dew and moisture around, and soon enough, you'll end up with soaked shoes,' she explains.

Most gardening shoes are crafted from waterproof materials like rubber and EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which is also resistant to water. These materials not only keep your feet dry but also make the shoes much easier to clean. Unless the shoes feature a removable insole, simply rinse them off with a hose and leave them to dry outdoors. If gardening shoes are made from materials other than rubber or EVA, cleaning them becomes more challenging, and they’re likely to degrade more quickly.

While rubber is an excellent waterproof material, Kostovick cautions that rubber shoes can become quite warm in the summer. She recommends choosing shoes made from a blend of rubber and neoprene. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber commonly used to make wetsuits.

Type

Clogs: Clogs are perfect for those who prefer something lightweight and easy to slip on and off. They often feature ventilation holes for added breathability, which short wellies or boots lack. However, clogs have an open back and may have ventilation holes, allowing water and dirt to get inside, which could be bothersome for some people. 'Garden clogs are ideal for those lighter gardening tasks like harvesting or simply strolling through your garden,' says Kostovick. 'If you're working in raised beds with relatively clean pathways, clogs will work wonderfully throughout the season.'

Wellies: Short wellies are a fantastic choice as they cover the feet completely while still allowing your legs to breathe. 'For more involved gardening tasks like deep weeding, pruning, or working in dense vegetation, I suggest wearing at least ankle-height boots for better support (so you don't lose your balance and crush your plants) and protection against insects. Nothing gives you a shock like seeing your legs covered in ants,' says Kostovick.

Tall boots: Tall boots provide maximum coverage and are best for those in wet climates or those who often work in challenging gardening environments. Kostovick uses these boots for heavy-duty tasks like building garden beds, hauling compost, dealing with brambles and stinging nettles, and working in wet conditions. 'These boots get the most use at the start and end of the growing season when you're focused on setup and cleanup,' she explains. 'They also offer extra warmth on chilly days.' However, the downside of tall boots is their lack of breathability, which may cause discomfort in warm weather, and they may feel bulky to more nimble gardeners.

Fit

The fit of your gardening shoes is crucial to your overall gardening experience. 'Flimsy footwear is a major hazard,' says Kostovick. 'Many gardeners find themselves stretching into uncomfortable positions to pluck that perfect tomato or pea.' It's important to choose shoes that are snug enough to keep your feet secure, but not so tight that your movement is restricted. Kostovick emphasizes paying attention to width when trying on different gardening shoes.

'Sometimes garden clogs can be too wide for some people, causing them to slip off while walking or working, or even lead to twisted ankles,' she explains. 'On the other hand, some tall garden boots have a narrow shaft, making them difficult to remove, and the tightness around the calf can be uncomfortable.'

Kostovick also suggests looking for solid support around the footbed and ankle. For smaller individuals, it's important to consider the height of the boot's shaft. 'I find that some tall boots are too high for comfort, as they pinch right under the knee when you bend, almost as if the top of the boot is cutting into your leg,' she says.

More Gardening Shoes to Consider

Crocs Classic Clogs: These well-known, ultra-comfortable shoes are so light, you’ll hardly realize you’re wearing them. Although we were able to wear them comfortably for over six hours, the large holes allowed dirt to enter the shoe.

Naturalizer Marianne Loafer: These shoes are perfect for those who prefer gardening footwear that doubles as everyday shoes. While we found them to be incredibly comfortable and offering great arch support, they lack waterproofing and may not perform well in muddy or messy gardening conditions.

Questions You Might Ask

Do I really need to buy separate shoes for gardening?

If you want to avoid wrecking your regular shoes, then yes, it's a good idea. Working with plants and digging in dirt, soil, and mulch—especially when wet—creates a challenging environment that everyday shoes aren't built for. Gardening shoes are designed for this kind of work, so investing in them could save you the cost of replacing your regular shoes that get ruined in the garden.

What's the best way to clean gardening shoes?

Cleaning gardening shoes is a breeze. Since most are crafted from waterproof materials, all that's needed is a quick rinse with a hose followed by drying them outside. If the insole is removable, be sure to take it out and wash it separately with soap and water.

Should you wear socks with gardening shoes?

Some gardening shoes, such as boots and wellies, may feel more comfortable with socks, though it's not a must. Waterproof materials like rubber can cause chafing or blisters, but if you're wearing low-profile clogs or shoes with ventilation holes, socks aren't as necessary.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Center, a home product review writer for Mytour, and Quinn Gawronski, a former associate editor at Mytour. We researched and tested 15 of the top gardening shoes available, evaluating them based on quality, comfort, durability, design, and value. We also consulted with Allison Vallin Kostovick, an organic gardening expert with over 25 years of experience and the owner of Finch + Folly, a gardening education site.