The best gardening shoes to slip into this season, according to gardeners
The ideal pair will be supportive, protective, water-resistant and easy to clean.
What we like
- Durable
- Waterproof
- High, flexible collar
Something to note
- Pricey
Three of our experts recommend these men’s Muck boots for gardening because of their quality and durability. “They are comfortable, spacious, waterproof and can last a long time,” says Sarah Akovic, a regenerative farmer and greenhouse manager at Case Western Reserve University. These Muckster ankle boots are 100% waterproof due to their rubber outsole and neoprene lining, according to the brand. Per our experts’ advice, they also have a high collar to keep dirt out, a flexible ankle to allow for comfortable crouching and a pull tab to help you slip them on more easily. (You can shop for women’s versions of the shoes here).
Shoe type: boot | Materials: rubber, neoprene | Available sizes: 7-15 (men’s sizes) | Color options: 3
Muck makes slip-on shoes as well as boots, and they’re just as durable and supportive, says Madeline Hooper, gardener and creator/host of the television show “GardenFit”. This pair has a fully waterproof exterior, a sweat-wicking lining, a shock-absorbing insole and a high-traction outsole, according to Muck. They’re also designed for slip-on convenience — they have a low, flexible collar and built-in pull tab.
Shoe type: closed shoe | Materials: rubber, neoprene | Available sizes: 5-11 (women’s sizes) | Color options: 2
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to Muck, these garden shoes have a similar design, including a rubber exterior, textured outsole and flexible collar. Despite their lower price tag, they’ve earned an average 4.3-star rating from over 6,000 reviews on Amazon. Since they’re made from a combination of rubber and neoprene, they’re waterproof on the outside and sweat-wicking on the inside, according to the brand. They also have a pull-tab so you can slip them on.
Shoe type: closed shoe | Materials: rubber, neoprene | Available sizes: 5.5/4.5 -15/13 (unisex sizes) | Color options: 8
These Sloggers garden shoes are a number one bestseller on Amazon, with an average 4.6-star rating from over 17,000 reviews. While the exact material of these shoes are undisclosed, they’re made with a medical-grade, latex-free upper that has the consistency of rubber, so it’s waterproof and easy to clean, according to the brand. They also have a slip-on design with a textured outsole and an arch-supporting insole, plus they come in tons of colorful patterns.
Shoe type: closed shoe | Materials: N/A | Available sizes: 6-11 (women’s sizes) | Color options: 27
Stout recommends Dansko clogs due to their comfortability and convenient slip-on design. Originally made for barn work but now popular among nurses and servers, these shoes are lightweight with a thick, slip-resistant outsole and a memory foam cushioned insole that’s removable, according to the brand. Per Stout’s suggestion, they’re made from leather, but this particular pair is waterproof to keep out dirt and moisture.
Shoe type: closed shoe | Materials: leather, memory foam | Available sizes: 4.5/5 -12.5/13 wide (women’s sizes) | Color options: 41
Because they’re made from a waterproof material with contoured footbeds and a slip-on design, Crocs meet our experts’ criteria for a reliable gardening shoe. This Bistro pair has a 4.5-star rating from 70,397 reviews on Amazon. The style has fewer holes than the brand’s original clog to keep out more dirt and moisture, though they still have cut-outs on the sides for ventilation. While they slip on easily, they also have a heel strap for a more secure fit, plus they’re easy to rinse clean, according to the brand. (For Crocs with no holes and a higher back, opt for the On the Clock clog.)
Shoe type: clog | Materials: thermoplastic elastomers | Available sizes: 6/4 - 17/15 (unisex sizing) | Color options: 3
For cold or muddy gardening, Christy Wilhelmi (gardener and owner of the blog Gardenerd) uses and recommends these barn boots, which have a lifetime guarantee and “are very comfortable.” The bottom of the boot is made from sealed rubber and the cuff reaches to the mid-calf to keep out dirt and water, but the top is made from flexible neoprene to prevent restriction. These boots also have an anti-slip outsole, a plush footbed for warmth and a built-in handle to help you pull them on, according to the brand.
Shoe type: boot | Materials: rubber and neoprene | Available sizes: 5-11 (women’s sizes) | Color options: 5
“If moving heavy materials or digging, a boot is a better option,” says Stout, who recommends Carhartt boots because they’re rugged, water-resistant and supportive. This pair has a soft toe with a breathable leather membrane, but they’re still waterproof and protective when landscaping, according to the brand. They also have a foam insole to cushion your feet and a thick, textured outsole for traction. This pair has a 4.5-star rating from 8,484 reviews on Amazon.
Shoe type: boot | Materials: leather, rubber, foam | Available sizes: 7-15 Wide (men’s sizes) | Color options: 5
The best gardening shoe for you will depend on the weather and the task at hand. The higher the ankle, the less moisture and debris you’ll get in your shoe, though higher ankles often feel more restrictive, according to our experts.
Like everyday shoes, gardening shoes come in a variety of designs, including clogs, closed shoes and boots. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s largely a matter of personal preference — but gardening shoes should always have a closed toe to protect your feet from tools and equipment, says Stout.
Once you’ve chosen a style, our experts recommend that you consider the following criteria to help you narrow down a specific pair:
Some gardening shoes are water-resistant while others are fully waterproof. If you don’t plan on gardening in the rain, water-resistant shoes should suffice, says Stout. That said, the rest of our experts prefer fully waterproof shoes because they don’t absorb dirt and moisture and they keep your feet dry despite water from the hose and dew from the grass.
While wearing socks is usually a personal choice, they’re recommended alongside gardening shoes: “Socks not only protect your feet from cold or heat [but] they can prevent bug bites,” says Hooper. They also absorb moisture to prevent blisters and chafing.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Maria Cassano is a writer, editor and consultant who specializes in e-commerce. You can find her home and outdoor articles in publications such as Bustle, Elite Daily, CNN, Food & Wine, Lonny and Better Homes & Gardens. For this article, she interviewed a farmer, a landscaper and two gardeners.
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