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Nov 06, 2024

The 11 Best Gardening Shoes, Tested by BHG

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. We tested over 20 pairs to find the best for every gardener’s needs. Emily Estep is

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

We tested over 20 pairs to find the best for every gardener’s needs.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Kevin Liang

Puning, weeding, watering, planting, even pushing a fine wheelbarrow can all get quite dirty—not to mention muddy at times. So, it’s important to find a pair of gardening shoes that can withstand the mess and keep you comfortable as well.

To find the best gardening shoes, we put 22 pairs to the test and wore them in our own gardens for six months, noting how they held up over time through a variety of conditions and activities. We also consulted Sara Gatanas, director of marketing at Urban Garden Center, and Katie Parks, also known as gardening influencer Freckles & Sprouts.

Using a predetermined methodology, we evaluated each pair based on five categories: quality, comfort, durability, design, and value.

To learn more about how we tested gardening shoes, check out our testing processbelow.

These gardening shoes are waterproof and easy to clean.

They aren't available in half sizes, so you'll have to size up and use the half-sizer insole. They also started to feel hot quickly when in the sun.

Overall, the best gardening shoes are the Sloggers waterproof comfort shoes. After testing them for months, the shoes received high scores across categories and a near-perfect rating overall. Plus, they’re a waterproof, closed-toe option that’s even great for rainy days or cooler weather.

The shoes received a perfect score for their quality, and we appreciated that the brand’s “All-Day Comfort” soles were solid yet flexible and that the pair felt high-quality overall. It’s worth noting that these shoes don’t come in half sizes—however, there is a half-sizer insole included to help you achieve a better fit.

When it came to comfort, we noticed the shoes don’t offer much arch support. Our feet didn’t feel sore after wearing them for 30 minutes, however, and they felt well-cushioned. It’s worth noting, however, that due to the closed-toe style, color, and material, the shoes did begin to feel hot after being in the sun. We also found that they were more comfortable to wear with socks, so they may be better suited for cooler gardening environments.

The shoes received a perfect score for their design as we appreciated the tulip design and gloss finish. The shoes had a snug fit so water didn’t get inside while we hosed, and there was a small tab on the back of each shoe that made it easier to take them off. We tried them without socks and noticed that the shoes made a slight noise while walking.

The shoes include a heavy-duty tread to minimize slipping, which is perfect for gardening in wet conditions. After extended use, however, we did find that mud often got stuck in the deep treading. To avoid tracking in dirt when you’re done using them, simply rinse them off with a garden hose before you bring the shoe inside.

After six months of wearing these shoes about once a week, we found the quality held up, as they’re still in great condition with just a few scuff marks. They remain waterproof, and while they aren't the most breathable for hot summer days, we still recommend them.

Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 6—11 (no half sizes) | Widths: Standard | Materials: Not listed | Waterproof: Yes

The shoes are breathable, formfitting, and lightweight.

They have waterproof material but do feature holes that let water through.

If you’re looking for a style that’s less expensive than other options, the best gardening shoes to consider are these unisex clogs from Amoji. We liked the breathability, thanks to the multiple holes and the lightweight material. Plus, they’re offered in a variety of colors and sizes, so you’ll be able to find a pair that suits your style.

Part of what earned these clogs top scores is their design, which we rated a 4 out of 5. Overall, we liked that the holes on the top of the shoe are smaller than some similar styles from other brands, which means less soil can work its way into the shoes.

The shoes received a lower score for quality, as we noted there are no straps and they’re made of a lightweight, waterproof foam material. However, after six months of regular wear, they've held up well. They’re a very simple slip-on style, however, which allowed us to easily take them on and off, something we appreciated when quickly harvesting produce.

When it came to durability, the gardening shoes received a perfect score due in part to the fact that there was no visible wear and tear observed after our initial testing. The clogs are also easy to clean with a quick rinse through the hose or with a damp cloth, and you can just let them air-dry before your next use.

Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 6–15, men’s 5–13 | Widths: Standard | Materials: Rubber | Waterproof: Yes

Better Homes & Gardens / Caitlin Sole

The clogs offer a bit more style than a typical gardening shoe.

The heel takes some getting used to and you may need to wear these a few times to break them in.

There’s not much that’s pleasant about dealing with wet, soggy feet when gardening in the early morning dew or after a rain shower. If there’s room in the budget, you’ll want to invest in these Neoprene-lined rubber clogs from Hunter to keep your feet nice and dry while tending your tomatoes. The thick rubber exterior adds another layer of water protection and provides decent tread to keep you from slip-sliding around.

We found these to be nicely cushioned with a fair amount of support. However, the rubber heels made us a bit uncomfortable for the first few uses, but that improved as we broke in the shoes. Their rubber exterior makes them protective, even while trimming thorny rose bushes, and they’re a slip-on shoe just like a classic clog.

Overall, these are durable shoes that are easy to wash up after muddy sessions in the garden—and well worth the price for the quality and features. They’re also a little more stylish than the average gardening shoe, which is handy if you want to wear them outside the pumpkin patch.

Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5–14 | Widths: Standard | Materials: Rubber, Neoprene | Waterproof: Yes

The shoes are so lightweight that you'll forget you're even wearing them.

They have large holes, so they're not ideal if you're laying a lot of dirt.

The Crocs brand is known for their uniquely styled shoes, and they rated highly in our tests for clogs in particular. We loved how lightweight the Classic Clogs are and appreciated that the strap is adjustable as well, so you can wear these as slip-on shoes or fasten the strap for a more secure fit.

In terms of quality, they’re made of a lightweight plastic material that’s easy to wear. While the material itself is waterproof, breathable, and easy to clean, the holes at the toe box will allow water in. Overall, they also might not be the best footwear choice for laying dirt, as they’ll let soil into the shoe as well.

After months as our go-to summer garden shoe, we did notice some obvious wear on the sole. Despite this, they’ve held up and still function as well as they did on the first day.

Crocs doesn’t offer half sizes, though we found that sizing up gave them a comfortably loose fit. Their style can be a love/hate relationship for some people, but we felt the comfort and lightweight material of these shoes more than make up for the aesthetic.

Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 4–19, men’s 2–17 | Widths: Standard | Materials: Ethylene vinyl acetate | Waterproof: Yes

They're a waterproof gardening shoe with the look and comfort of a sneaker.

They're more expensive than other gardening shoe options.

The L.L.Bean Men’s Wellie sport shoes are a versatile style, making them some of the best garden shoes for men. The waterproof sneaker-style shoes received high scores across categories, and we found they were comfortable and had a solid build.

The gardening shoes have a convenient pull tab for easy on and off, though we did need to use our fingers to help our feet slide into them. Their sleek style looks like a fashion sneaker, but the neoprene collar and rubber shell protect your feet from water and dirt. We originally thought the waterproof material would make our feet sweat, but we’ve been pleasantly surprised that it hasn’t been an issue throughout our months of testing.

These come in select half sizes and offer a lightweight, cushioned midsole with a True Comfort footbed for more support. We found them to be just about as comfortable as sneakers, though they didn’t feel they had a lot of arch support overall.

When it came to quality, we liked the sealed seams and neoprene collar that keeps water from getting in at the ankle. After wearing these for months, they've maintained their shape and waterproof seal.

We recommend pairing these shoes with socks to make them easier to put on and take off. The tread keeps you from slipping, and we found the shoes to be constructed of quality materials. However, they weren’t very breathable. While they’re more expensive than some other options, we found that quality was worth the splurge.

Product Details: Sizes: Men’s 7–14 | Widths: Medium D | Materials: Ethylene vinyl acetate, neoprene, rubber | Waterproof: Yes

Better Homes & Gardens / Alex Colby

These Crocs are super comfortable, can be worn for hours at a time, and are a cinch to slip on and off.

Leaving the shoes in direct sunlight may cause them to shrink or warp.

Keeping up with a garden can be time-consuming, and even saving time in small ways is helpful—say, by having a trusty pair of slip-on gardening shoes handy. We found this pair of Crocs super easy to slip on, both when using the back strap and when not. They provided traction on wet and dry surfaces and the plastic material was a cinch to clean off with a garden hose or a damp rag.

The Crocs offered good support and we found them comfortable with and without socks, even when wearing them for six hours straight. They kept our feet sweat-free, too. They’re perfect for protecting feet while weeding and working in the garden, but they work just as well for a quick run to the nursery to pick up more plants or soil.

Take note that the brand recommends not leaving these shoes in direct sunlight or where they’d be exposed to heat, since that may cause the Crocs to shrink. Wearing them out and about in the sunlight should be just fine, but you won’t want to leave them outdoors.

Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 6–17 | Widths: Standard | Materials: Ethylene vinyl acetate, plastic | Waterproof: No

The soles had great traction and are comfortable to wear.

Some may find that the shaft fits too tightly around the calf.

If you prefer a style with a higher shaft for yard work, we highly recommend the shoes Women’s Muckster II Mid. They’re waterproof boots that can be rolled down to fit more like a shoe. Plus, they’re designed so dirt won’t stick to them very easily, and they offer great traction, so the shoes will help keep you steady in wet conditions.

When it came to quality, we felt that the shoes were very sturdy and noted that water didn’t get into the boots, even when we wore them while rinsing them with a hose. They protected our feet on everything from wet grass to mulch to wet pavement, and had such good traction that even when we tried to slip on wet surfaces, we couldn’t.

The boots get warm over time, but unlike other gardening shoes, you’ll be able to roll this pair down into a shorter style. The gardening shoes also offer plenty of cushion and support, earning them a high score for comfort as well. We did note that the shaft felt a bit tight around the calf, especially when worn with jeans, however pairing them with shorts provided a more comfortable fit.

In terms of durability, the gardening shoes earned a near-perfect score as we didn’t see any clear signs of wear and tear after our initial test. After months of testing, these gardening shoes remained in excellent shape. Although the shoes didn’t come with any specific cleaning instructions, we were surprised at how easily the neoprene washed off.

Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5–11 | Widths: Medium | Materials: Neoprene, mesh, rubber | Waterproof: Yes

These boots kept our feet, ankles, and lower calves protected and dry while gardening thanks to the tall shaft and waterproof rubber material.

These tend to feel hot in warm or sunny weather, so they’re best for cool or rainy days.

When you have tough landscaping or gardening tasks on the to-do list, it can help to have a taller boot to protect your lower legs as well as your feet. These waterproof boots from Joules come to about mid-calf height and have a rubber exterior and sole that keep toes dry. The sole includes grooves for good traction, and we didn’t have to worry about the boots slipping off during wear. If you’re between sizes, you may want to size down, since they tend to be on the roomy side.

While these don’t offer much arch support, they’re a sturdy pick that’s not too hard—they’re more flexible than typical rain boots. Plus, the lining offers a softer feel for feet and calves, although we were more comfortable in them when wearing socks than going barefoot.

One drawback is that these are not breathable, which made our feet feel hot on warm days. They’re a perfect choice for cooler or rainier days spent in the garden or working outdoors, and the rubber material is easy to clean. We also found them a breeze to take on and off, without needing to struggle or wiggle around to get our feet into them. Plus, the 25 color and pattern choices let you really show off your gardening personality.

Product Details: Sizes: Women’s 5–11 | Widths: Standard | Materials: Rubber | Waterproof: Yes

These boots are the perfect blend of comfortable yet durable thanks to their two-part exterior that keeps you dry while the insole cushions your feet.

The size chart recommendations didn’t seem accurate, so we needed to size down for a better fit.

When it comes to both comfort and durability, these tall boots are the clear winner. The bottom half of the boot is made from a sturdy but flexible neoprene rubber so it’s waterproof. The top half is much softer, water-resistant, and provides insulation. We found them to run quite large and the size chart didn’t seem to line up with our measurements, so we sized down for a better fit.

The ample cushioning kept us comfortable while the deep treads on the sole kept us steady, even when walking over rocky ground. Because of the waterproof material, the boots run a little warm, though they didn’t make us overly hot during our outdoor chores.

Cleaning the boots just requires a rinse with a garden hose and even after several uses, the boots look nearly new. We even wore them to run errands at a nursery and hardware store, so they’re a great option outside of the garden, too.

Product Details: Sizes: Men’s 5–15 | Widths: Standard | Materials: Neoprene, mesh, rubber | Waterproof: Yes

Overall, the best gardening shoes are the Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Comfort Shoes. They’re waterproof yet comfortable and even easy to clean, making them ideal for all types of gardening tasks. If you’re looking for a less-expensive option, the top shoes are the Amoji Unisex Garden Clogs. The shoes are breathable, form fitting, and lightweight. Plus, they’re offered in a variety of colors.

To find the best gardening shoes, we put 24 pairs to the test in our own gardens. We used pre-determined methodology and evaluated each pair in five categories: quality, comfort, durability, design, and value. For the quality and comfort categories, each pair had to be worn for at least 30 minutes and used during common gardening tasks, like crouching, kneeling, and walking over specific surfaces.

After our initial testing period, we continued to wear the gardening shoes for six months to evaluate how they held up over time. The final score for each pair was determined by averaging the scores in each category.

When choosing the best gardening shoes, you'll want to consider what type of work you're doing and whether you want them to keep water out. If you need a waterproof option, consider materials like neoprene and rubber. It's worth noting that depending on the style, they may not be the most breathable options.

"You'll definitely want something waterproof for the cooler months. I prefer water-repelling sandals for the summer so my feet can breathe," says Parks.

According to Parks, ventilation in a gardening shoe is a bit of a personal preference and depends on your local climate. If you’re in warmer climates, you’ll want to be mindful that the shoe may get warm and your feet might end up feeling sweaty while you’re doing yard work. To help, consider clogs or shorter styles that let more air in.

Overall, the best gardening shoes will offer some arch support. Whether you're kneeling to plant new flowers or walking across your yard multiple times, having arch support will protect your feet and keep you comfortable. If you're doing light work or don't need to use them often, however, you can opt for less supportive styles that won't have as much of an impact.

The way you clean your gardening shoes depends a bit on the materials they're made from and the brand's specific cleaning instructions. In general, rubber options can be easily wiped or hosed down after each use. If you have a more traditional sneaker style, they may be able to go right in the washing machine.

The Men’s Low Mucksters from The Original Muck Boot Company are certainly made to withstand the muddiest of gardening tasks. However, that also makes them very heavy to wear. Their deeper treads kept us from slipping in mud and muck but unfortunately made the boots quite difficult to get clean.

We found these boots from Hisea to be waterproof and durable with good traction. However, they didn’t provide arch support and weren’t breathable. Because of that, we weren’t comfortable wearing them for more than an hour, and they didn’t make the final cut.

These waterproof boots from Sloggers were easy to clean and had a good mid-calf height. We also appreciated their style, but we found them to be too flimsy for anything beyond light duty gardening tasks. They also didn’t have arch support and didn’t provide breathability, so we couldn’t add them to our overall best list.

Though gardening shoes can be whatever style you prefer, they're generally a comfortable, waterproof pair that's easy to clean between uses. In general, Gatanas’ landscape team generally likes work boots while she gravitates toward "old sneakers because I know they are comfortable and I'm not concerned about getting them dirty." Crocs-style shoes are another go-to for Gatanas because "they are comfortable, lightweight, have ventilation, and can be hosed off after gardening."

For less-than-tidy gardeners, rain boots are also a solid option. Their high shaft reduces the chances that dirt and water will work their way into the boots, notes Gatanas. For those looking for a trendy gardening shoe, however, clogs and other slip-on styles are worth considering.

Wearing socks with gardening shoes is a personal choice, according to Gatanas. She recommends wearing them with waterproof and water-resistant shoes to prevent chafing and cut back on sweat.

According to Gatanas, waterproof shoes won’t “let water permeate the surface at all,” and they’re typically made out of rubber or similar materials. Water-resistant shoes “will keep water out to a certain point,” she says, but they do allow it in “after a certain saturation point.” It’s also worth keeping in mind that according to Gatanas, water resistance tends to mean a shoe is more breathable than waterproof.

This article was written by Brittany VanDerBill, a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To create this list, she evaluated insights from testers who scored each pair based on quality, comfort, durability, design, and value. She also consulted Sara Gatanas, director of marketing at Urban Garden Center, and Katie Parks of Freckles & Sprouts.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.