Your green thumb helps you cultivate all sorts of plants. Whether you're growing vegetables, fruits, or flowers, your garden requires planning, love, and the right tools. How effective of a gardener would you be without a hoe, shovel, and soil?

Even your shoes are a tool when it comes to gardening. Great gardening shoes are those that can hold up in mud and water. They need to be comfortable and durable, too. Gardening shoes should have thick, flexible soles that allow you to walk, bend, and kneel as you weed, plant, and more. Plus, the last thing you need is a pair of shoes that slide on slippery, wet mulch.

This guide will help point you in the right direction to the best shoes, whether they're clogs, boots, or shoes.

Backyard Boss Top 5 Shoes for Gardening in Summer 2021

PRODUCT

FEATURES

MuckMaster Hi-Cut Muck Boot - $$title$$

MuckMaster Hi-Cut Muck Boot

  • Material: Neoprene with rubber sole
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Gender: Unisex

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TENGTA Unisex Waterproof Garden Boot - $$title$$

TENGTA Unisex Waterproof Garden Boot

  • Material: Natural rubber & neoprene, with rubber sole
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Gender: Unisex

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Crocs Unisex Classic Clog - $$title$$

Crocs Unisex Classic Clog

  • Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Gender: Unisex

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Slogger's Women's Waterproof Boot - $$title$$

Slogger's Women's Waterproof Boot

  • Material: Synthetic
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Gender: Women's

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Slogger's Men's Comfort Gardening Shoes - $$title$$

Slogger's Men's Comfort Gardening Shoes

  • Material: 100% Rubber
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Gender: Men's"

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Why You Can Trust Us

I grew up with farmers and gardeners my whole life, meaning I've always been out there in the soil, doing everything from growing veggies to weeding the lawn. You always need good, solid, waterproof shoes for those activities.

All these years, I've worn different style gardening shoes and learned what works best for me and how to recommend others for the folks I know who need to find their own best fit.

Best Hi-Cut Boots for Muddy and Wet Gardens

MuckMaster Hi-Cut Muck Boot

    Comfort, lined unisex high boots for gardening

      Pros:

    • Fleece lining
    • Rugged waterproof rubber sole
    • True to size
      Cons:

    • On the expensive side"

Why We Like It: When you find a pair of gardening boots that fit, keeps your feet warm and dry, and have excellent traction, you buy them. The Muck Boot Adult MuckMaster Hi-Cut Boot meets all those qualifiers and more.

The fleece lining of these boots not only keeps your feet warm, but they also provide extra comfort when you're working out on a farm or in a garden. The thick rubber soles keep you from slipping and sliding on wet surfaces, and they protect your feet as you work. The waterproof leather and synthetic materials work hard to keep all the icky stuff out.

You get a 15-inch long shaft to keep your calves warm and dry, too, which is important if you're working in mucky conditions. These are unisex sizes and they're mostly true to size, but they might run slightly larger. Consider getting these half a size down. Perhaps the biggest issue with these expensive gardening boots is that the workmanship leaves something to be desired. Holes, tears as seams, and soles coming loose after only a few months of use have been reported.

Who Should Buy It: If you're looking for rugged gardening shoes that will keep your feet and calves warm and dry, these might be ideal for you.

Best Low-Cut Boots for Everyday Yard Work

TENGTA Unisex Waterproof Garden Boot

    Comfortable, flexible unisex low-cut gardening boots

      Pros:

    • Airmesh lining for breathability
    • Comfortable and versatile
    • Easy on and off
      Cons:

    • The sole lacks support"

Why We Like It: These rubber sole boots are a great, easy slip-on pair that work in most situations (except where flooding is frequent).

These easy pull-on boots with a tab at the back have a full vulcanized natural rubber sole, air mesh lining for breathability in muggy climates, and a "self-cleaning" exterior. The boots are durable and flexible and have high traction for the reduction of slipping in mud and watery surfaces. They include a comfort insole of memory foam.

Be sure to check the sizing chart for the accurate sizing required.

Who Should Buy It: Anyone looking for comfortable, easy-on, low-cut waterproof boots will find these a great option for gardening.

Best for Casual Gardening

Crocs Unisex Classic Clog

    Easy, slip-on unisex clogs for gardening

      Pros:

    • Ventilated
    • Budget-friendly
    • Flexible and comfortable
      Cons:

    • May slip some in smooth mud"

Why We Like It: These clogs are an easy, comfortable option for gardening, and thanks to the waterproof, casual material of the Crocs.

The lightweight synthetic material is squishy and comfy for any foot, even if the shoes don't provide much arch support. They're waterproof and easy to clean, and there's a heel strap to make you feel a little more secure in them. Although these shoes don't have a rubber sole, they are non-skidding in most cases. Some people have had issues walking on watery surfaces and slipping in these.

The durable material lasts years for many people, which is saying a lot for such an affordable pair of gardening shoes. The ventilation makes sense for gardening in the summer, but you may still find your feet sweat. And the holes will allow dirt and water in. Still, these are one of the most popular choices for gardening clogs, and for many good reasons.

Who Should Buy It: For those looking for a quick, casual, affordable, and easy clog for gardening, the classic Crocs slip-on is a great option.

Best for Women

Sloggers Women's Waterproof Boot

    Comfortable, waterproof, long boot for women

      Pros:

    • Comfortable insole
    • Made of recycled materials
    • Durable and incredibly waterproof
      Cons:

    • Sizing runs narrow"

Why We Like It: The Sloggers waterproof garden boots are made for women, and they're made to be more comfortable than your average gardening boots.

The insoles are molded to offer more arch support and comfort for your whole foot. The only issue is that these boots only come in whole sizes and they're quite narrow. So, with or without the optional half-size insert, you may find that these boots are a bit tight. The thick tread should keep you safe in slippery conditions, and they're waterproof, so water should be kept at bay.

These durable boots are great for gardening but don't slip them on without socks. Many people who bought these boots reported getting a bit of a burn on their calves from the cuff of the boot. Pick up some long socks, ladies. Other bonuses of this boot are that they come in stylish and fun floral prints, and they're made of 50 percent recycled materials.

Who Should Buy It: If you want a pair of comfortable and stylish gardening boots, these might work well for you.

Best for Men

Sloggers Men's Comfort Gardening Shoes

    Comfortable, easy slip-on gardening shoes for men

      Pros:

    • Made of 100% rubber
    • Durable, rugged tread
    • Incredibly comfortable
      Cons:

    • No half-sizes available"

Why We Like It: We love that these boots are 100% rubber with a deep-lug tread for high traction and low slippage in watery and muddy surfaces.

These easy-on boots are deemed as "all-day comfort" shoes with their specialized insoles for incredible comfort. The boots have a heavy-duty tread and are easy to hose off for an easy clean every time. The rubber used to make them is 100% recycled material and proudly made in the USA.

If you wear half sizes, you should order up in size for the best fit.

Who Should Buy It: These are great for men looking for an easy slip-on, completely waterproof low-cut boot.

Why Do Your Shoes Matter When You're Gardening?

When you first consider the idea of buying shoes just for gardening, it seems silly. After all, you probably have a pair of spare tennis shoes laying around. So, go ahead. Slip those running or walking shoes on, and then go out and play in your garden. Good luck not stepping in puddles, dirt, and mud. Before long, your shoes are a soggy, dirty mess. Time to rinse them off and clean up. Surely, they'll dry. Yes, but it could take days. And you might notice the next time you slip them on that they're stiff or fit differently. And those insoles. Oh man, are they still wet?

The shoes you wear when you're gardening matter, and that's why you should consider buying the best shoes for yard work. You need shoes made of waterproof material. They should be slip-resistant, and comfortable. You bend, kneel, and walk about your garden all the time, so flexibility is important. Additionally, a thick sole is a good choice to keep your feet safe. If you drop a tool and step on it, you want to make sure you don't puncture the shoe and hurt yourself. Plus, a thick sole adds a little height, which might keep your ankles out of all that gardening mud.

Types of Shoes to Consider for Gardening

There are several types of shoes you can consider for gardening. And no, you don't have to get the ones named after reptiles, but you might want to seriously consider them. Nor do you have to shell out the big bucks for those brand name mud boots that are mostly seen on Instagram, rather than in the bed of a garden, but these could be the best choice just because of their high quality.

Muck Boot Adult MuckMaster Hi-Cut Boot

Boots

The purpose of buying a pair of gardening rubber or clog boots is to keep your ankles and/or calves dry as you work. Water and mud splashing around as you trudge through a wet garden can be frustrating if it gets all over your jeans, pants, or bare legs. Buying a pair of rubber boots can help keep you clean and dry.

Shoes

JOINFREE Women's Rain Boots Men's Garden Shoes Low Short Shoes Ankle Car Wash Footwear Outdoor

Regular gardening shoes are easy to slip on, but they have a heel to them, which makes them a bit more secure. If they're made specifically for gardening, they're typically made of waterproof material with a quick-drying insole.

Clogs

Garden Shoes

These are those shoes that you see without a heel. They're easy to slip on and off, and they're good for going out to water the garden quickly. You might want to get a pair with a strap in the back for security. The best thing about clog shoes is that they often come with ventilation, which is important when it's hot outside and your foot is enveloped by thick rubber.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Gardening Shoes

As you shop for gardening shoes, you'll want to keep these things in mind for best comfort, safety, and ease.

No Laces

You'll notice that most of the popular options in gardening shoes don't have laces. There are two reasons for this. One, laces take time to deal with, and these shoes should be easy to slip on and off. Two, laces would need time to dry, and you don't have time for that as an avid gardener. Waterproofing is likely the most important feature in a gardening shoe. You need your feet protected. If water gets in, you're unlikely to have a steady surface to stand in while you're gardening.

Comfortable Lining or Insoles

If the gardening shoe has lining or insoles – and not all the good ones do – the lining should be quick-drying, as well. The lining should be quick-dry to keep your feet comfortable and warm, but you also want the lining to wick away sweat.

If there's no lining, another option is to find gardening shoes with vents to help with keeping your feet dry.

Insole

Fully Waterproof Soles and Rugged Tread

Soles with tread are your best option, as these will grip a surface, rather than slide. It's a safety issue, so this is just as important or more so than other features. A thicker sole can also protect your feet from injury. Just be sure the sole is flexible and that you can bend your foot while working.

Style Preference

Sloggers Women's Waterproof Rain and Garden Boot with Comfort Insole

Colors and styles vary widely when it comes to gardening shoes, and you're likely to find something that works with your unique style. Shop around and you'll find something you like. Of course, this isn't a feature that's super important.

Proper Fit

Most gardening shoes are unisex, so you shouldn't have to worry much about gender-specific shoes. Make sure you get the right size for your foot, though, because an ill-fitting pair of gardening shoes won't do you much good. Check the sizing charts the brand offers and make sure your measurements fit properly.

How We Picked

We sorted through the many, many recommendations online and looked through reviews from real-life users who've tried the shoes for themselves and worn through the mud and water of their own gardens. Each of the recommended gardening shoes meets all the criteria we recommend and has positive reviews affirming those features.

Choosing the Right Shoes

Gardening shoes are a necessity when you spend a lot of time out in the dirt, water, and the resulting mud. They must be waterproof, skid-proof, and comfortable. Sometimes you need warm and dry, while at other times, a ventilated shoe is the best option. When it comes to finding the best gardening shoes, you have to consider the conditions and weather.

It might even be a good idea to find a couple of pairs of gardening shoes that work for different conditions. Overall, though, the best gardening shoes title belongs to the MuckMaster Hi-Cut Muck Boot. They're durable, work in any kind of gardening situation, even in flooded areas, and comfortable and lightweight.

Now that you have the best boots for gardening, it's time to look into the best gardening gloves.