There is a wide world of gardening clogs, rubber booties, rain boots, lightweight slip-ons, garden work boots, and more. But what are the best gardening shoes? Well, that depends!
A good gardening shoe will keep your toes protected and dry through multiple seasons of weeding, watering, fertilizing, trimming, harvesting, and so on. But they should also function beyond the garden as sturdy, comfortable, washable shoes for a variety of other outdoor activities.
Whether you’re looking for tall, short, slip-on, waterproof, heavy-duty, or lightweight: we’ve rounded up all the very best shoes to wear for gardening — plus some great gardening boots. Read on!
Our Top Picks
  | Best Overall: Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Garden Shoe Sloggers are simple, sturdy, reasonably priced, and come in a dazzling array of colors and prints. |
  | Best Budget: Amoji Unisex Garden Clogs These Amazon favorites are light, breathable, versatile and cheap! |
  | Best Short Rain Boots: HUNTER Women’s Rain Boot HUNTER makes the cute little all-purpose rain boots of your dreams. |
  | Best Tall Rain Boots: BOGS Waterproof Rain Boot These taller BOGS boots are great for gardening and for rainy days. |
  | Best Women’s: Muck Boot Women’s Muckster Mid Ankle Boot Comfy, tough, warm and customizable, these Mucksters are tough to beat. |
  | Best Men’s: Sloggers Men’s Premium Garden Clog These Men’s Premium Sloggers are simple, quality, slip-on gardening shoes. End of story. |
  | Best Slip-On: Backdoorshoes Waterproof Premium Garden Clogs Easily slip on these great Backdoorshoes clogs, slip off. Repeat. |
  | Best Waterproof (Rubber): Muck Boots Muckster Rubber Shoes These uncomplicated Muck Boots rubber booties are perfect for anything garden-related. |
  | Best Lightweight: Crocs Men’s and Women’s Classic Clog Once you’re sold on the ultralight comfort of Crocs, you’ll never garden without them again. |
  | Best Heavy Duty: Servus Chemical-Resistant Women’s Work Boots If your gardening duties involve anything more farm-y, like a barn, chickens or mud, you’ll love these affordable, reliable Servus work boots. |
  | Best Multi Use: Birkenstock Super Birki How about these Birkenstock gardening shoes that double as waterproof work shoes, or as “virtually everything else” shoes? |
Best Gardening Boots and Shoes: A Closer Look
Here’s a detailed look at 11 different types of the best shoes for gardening — and much more.
1. Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Rain and Garden Shoe
The best gardening shoes overall
Brand: Sloggers | Material: Resin | Insole: Removable “All Day Comfort” | Waterproofing: Yes | Price: 💰💰
There’s a reason that Sloggers shoes are so popular: they’re the quintessential high quality, simple slip-on gardening clog. They’re also very widely available, reasonably priced, and well-reviewed. As a bonus, they come in a truly massive variety of colors and patterns.
With their “deep-lug-tread” for excellent traction and a durable sole that contains 50% recycled materials, Sloggers garden shoes are our pick for best overall gardening shoes and for best gardening clogs.
Reviewers Like
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Cute and well made
- Great for gardening
- Great for dog walking and messy pet care
Reviewers Dislike
- Heavy
- Too hot/not breathable
- Can be difficult to keep foot inside of shoe
2. Amoji Unisex Garden Clogs
The best budget gardening shoes
Brand: Amoji | Material: EVA Resin | Insole: None | Waterproofing: No | Price: 💰
If you’re looking for the best gardening shoes under $20, these almost fit the bill — coming in at just a hair over twenty bucks. Great for men and women alike, these shoes are the ultimate “slip ’em on and go” option. And because they’re so ultra lightweight and breathable, they’re also our pick for the best summer gardening shoes.
Amoji garden clogs are a great choice for gardening; they also work as water shoes at the pool or lake. And since they’re so affordable and come in so many colors, you can buy a pair for everyone in the family and never mix them up.
Reviewers Like
- Good value
- Easy to clean
- Super breathable
- More stylish than Crocs
- Great camping/travel/shower shoe
Reviewers Dislike
- Might not fit well
- Will warp or shrink if left in direct sun
3. HUNTER Women’s Rain Boot
The best short gardening shoes
Brand: HUNTER | Material: Rubber, Polyester lining | Insole: Cushioned (non-removable) | Waterproofing: Yes | Price: 💰💰💰💰
No list of the best gardening shoes and boots would be complete without the inclusion of the Hunter brand. They’re classics: practical, multi-purpose, and possibly one of the few gardening shoes that you can describe as… stylish? They’re also easy on and off due to the handy pull tab, feature vulcanized rubber molding, a soft polyester lining, and a multilayered sponge cushion insole.
We especially love the shorter height and variety of colors of this model — ranging from traditional black or gray, to multi-colored “flamingo.”
Reviewers Like
- Comfortable
- Cute and stylish
- Well constructed
- Good arch support
Reviewers Dislike
- Run large
- Not as durable as hoped
4. BOGS Waterproof Rain Boot
The best tall gardening shoes
Brand: Bogs | Material: Rubber | Insole: Removable Contoured EVA Footbed | Waterproofing: Yes | Price: 💰💰💰
These classic rubber rain boots are great for a wide variety of garden and yard tasks, especially when the weather’s turned. But they’re also great for wearing around town, walking to the park on a rainy day, and more. Bogs’ “DuraFresh bio-technology” even helps keep tootsies extra dry and fresh.
You can find these rain boots in a variety of colors and fun patterns, like rainbow glitter.
Reviewers Like
- Easy on and off
- Love the sparkle design
- Great for garden chores and for the city
Reviewers Dislike
- Run big overall / small in calf
- Not as durable as work boots
- Not sturdy enough for winter use
5. Muck Boot Women’s Muckster Mid Ankle Boot
The best women’s gardening shoes
Brand: Muck Boot | Material: Neoprene Upper, EVA Insole, Rubber Outsole | Insole: Non-removable Comfort Insole | Waterproofing: Yes | Price: 💰💰💰💰
When considering our pick for best women’s gardening shoes, we wanted to recommend something practical that offered more coverage than a slip-on. We also wanted a shoe or boot that was multi-purpose enough that you wouldn’t feel embarrassed to wear them elsewhere if you had to unexpectedly stop in the middle of weeding your carrots to go run an errand or pick up a kid at school.
Behold, the Muckster Mid Ankle Boot: classic, unendingly functional, warm, and built to last. We love that it combines all the best gardening shoe materials, including EVA, rubber, plus a neoprene upper, to create a lighter-weight but tough gardening boot.
The Muckster also has some technological bells and whistles, like an antimicrobial footbed and a breathable Airmesh lining. Another notable element: its soft, neoprene upper rolls down, so you can choose between mid-calf height or an ankle boot, depending on weather or mood.
Reviewers Like
- Good value
- Very easy to slip off
- Generous ankle and calf sizing
- “Love love love my Muck Boots”
- Great in muddy conditions, good traction
- Can walk reasonable distances comfortably
Reviewers Dislike
- Some defects occur that wear holes in socks
- Considered an expensive mistake when the size doesn’t fit
6. Sloggers Men’s Premium Garden Clog
The best men’s gardening shoes
Brand: Sloggers | Material: Recycled Medical Grade Plastic | Insole: Comfort Insole | Waterproofing: Yes | Price: 💰💰
These unfussy shoes simply get the gardening job(s) done. Waterproof and warm, Sloggers Men’s garden clogs are comfortable, and have a simple, casual style. Since they’re so plainly designed, they can also do double duty if you need to run an errand or grab something outside your yard or garden.
What’s more, when these garden clogs eventually wear out, you can send them back to the manufacturer, and they’ll recycle them into another pair!
Reviewers Like
- Good grip
- Recyclable
- Long-lasting
- Easy to clean, can hose off outside
- Great for a wide variety of garden and other outdoor tasks
Reviewers Dislike
- Heavy
- Can slip off
7. Backdoorshoes Waterproof Premium Garden Clogs
The best slip on gardening shoes
Brand: Backdoorshoes | Material: EVA Upper, Rubber Sole | Insole: Removable, Washable, Replaceable Insole | Waterproofing: Yes | Price: 💰💰
This brand has its best use right in its name! If you’re looking for a shoe to keep at your back door, ready for gardening action, we recommend these easy, reasonably priced slip-on gardening shoes. More lightweight than some other waterproof shoes, they also offer more shock absorption than 100% rubber shoes. Their fun, colorful designs are the cherry on top!
We also love their removable insoles, which are not only washable, they’re replaceable — so you can get years more use out of these garden clogs.
Reviewers Like
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Great for wide feet
- Ultra easy slip on and off
- Comfortable and good quality
Reviewers Dislike
- Feels rather plastic-y
- Wish they came in half sizes
8. Muck Boots Muckster Rubber Garden Shoes
The best rubber gardening shoes
Brand: Muck Boot | Material: Rubber/Neoprene | Insole: Non-removable Shock Absorbing, Breathable Airmesh Insole | Waterproofing: Yes | Price: 💰💰💰
If you’re looking for a step up in coverage from a slip-on or clog, and need a truly waterproof gardening shoe, look no further than the Muckster. These high-traction neoprene booties are “designed to adapt to the movements and contours of your feet while you walk, bend and crouch.”
These rubber shoes feature a unique “Airmesh” lining for increased breathability, and they’re super easy and quick to clean. Choose from standard green or brown, a version for men, or this cute limited edition garden print.
Reviewers Like
- Longevity
- Good value
- Comfortable
- “Perfect for garden work”
- Multipurpose for other outdoor tasks
Reviewers Dislike
- Can get sweaty with prolonged use
- New design of the muck shoes aren’t as comfortable as the old
9. Crocs Mens and Women’s Classic Clog
The best lightweight gardening shoes
Brand: Crocs | Material: EVA | Insole: No | Waterproofing: No | Price: 💰💰
Crocs tend to be a little controversial because people either love them, or love to hate them. This is mostly due to their distinctive (and instantly recognizable) styling. If you are Croc-averse for aesthetic reasons, we recommend taking a look at our budget pick as a great alternative. But if you’re here for a uniquely light and durable gardening shoe, you may want to find out why so many choose Crocs for their gardening needs.
Because of their comfort and ventilation, Crocs have built up a loyal following among those in work industries who need to be on their feet for extended periods of time. Crocs are easy to clean, easy to put on and take off, and are perfect for a wide variety of outdoor tasks, including gardening.
Reviewers Like
- Optional strap
- Good arch support
- Super comfortable, ease foot pain
- Easy to rinse off after outdoor activities
- “Cutest Comfy Ugly Shoe You Can Buy”
Reviewers Dislike
- Some inconsistent quality control and sizing issues
- Change in quality of materials leaves an uncomfortable feel for most users
10. Servus Work Boots
The best heavy duty gardening shoes
Brand: Honeywell | Material: PVC | Insole: Non-removable Contour Cushion Insole | Waterproofing: Yes | Price: 💰💰
There are many situations where a slip on gardening clog just isn’t going to cut it. If you’re looking for heavier duty landscaping shoes, or gardening boots sturdy enough for farm use, these no-nonsense Servus work boots are a great bet. Whether you’re clearing blackberry bushes, mucking out a chicken coop, or making your way through rain or slush, these dependable boots perform when it counts.
The Servus work boot features a cushioned insole for arch and heel support, and they’re also reinforced for increased durability. Even if you’re traversing a mud patch on the way to your garden, you’ll be glad you’re wearing these strong, warm, totally waterproof gardening boots.
Reviewers Like
- Great value
- Comfortable
- Good traction
- Warm and dry
- Can be used in snowy conditions with warm socks
Reviewers Dislike
- Tend to run small
- Some confusion over women’s vs. men’s sizing
11. Birkenstock Super Birki
The best multi-use gardening shoes
Brand: Birkenstock | Material: Polyurethane Upper / EVA Outsole | Insole: Cork and Latex | Waterproofing: Yes | Price: 💰💰💰💰
Sometimes you need a durable, waterproof shoe for more than just gardening. If you want to invest a little more in an upgraded gardening shoe experience, the Birkenstock Super Birki is a great choice. They offer more arch support than almost any other garden shoe, and have an extra deep heel cup to provide additional cushion and support.
Birkenstocks are known for their quality and longevity, and this line of polyurethane clogs are no exception. These are truly waterproof work shoes, gardening shoes, and everything else shoes.
Reviewers Like
- Nonslip
- Easy to clean
- Versatile: gardening, dog-walking, errands and more
- Perfect for those on their feet for long periods of time
Reviewers Dislike
- Take a while to break in
- Some long term Birkenstocks fans claim a recent decline in quality
What to Look For When Looking For the Best Gardening Shoes
1
Budget and Quality
How much are you willing to spend? Whether you’re in the market for slip on gardening clogs or some simple rubber shoes, you’ll be able to find good, affordable options. However, if you need gardening shoes that are truly waterproof, are warmer, or that offer more coverage, you’re likely to get bumped up into a higher price bracket.
2
Style
Do you need a quick on-and-off gardening shoe, or a more substantial gardening boot that you can wear for longer periods? If you’re mainly out in your garden for short bursts in nice weather, then there’s a wide array of clogs and lightweight options to choose from. However, if you’re a more serious multi-season gardener, or doing heavier chores, you’ll need something heavier-duty.
Also consider your desired foot coverage. Think about how much mud and rain you encounter. Are you regularly out in cold weather? Tougher climate conditions will call for more of a work boot than a gardening clog.
3
Cleaning & Insoles
Most of our picks are easy to clean, but it’s worth checking whether your shoes’ insoles are removable, washable, or replaceable. Gardening shoes with removable insoles are easier to clean because you don’t need to worry about getting the insides wet. Best of all are the gardening shoes with replaceable or washable insoles. A replaceable insole means you can either clean them to prolong the life of your shoes, or customize if you have any special foot issues.
Our Process
For this guide on best gardening shoes, our team spent 6 hours researching the most popular options from over 60 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about two hundred user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each . After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 11 on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.
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