If you need to weed or tend to your budding plants, the best gardening shoes can help keep your feet comfortable, dry and stable as you work. While you can alwaysslide on your regular boots or sneakers in a pinch, gardening clogs and boots are made for long days outside—simply put, they’re the best type of shoe for the job. Our top recommendation for most home gardeners are the Bogs Sauvie II Slip-On Garden Boots, which have a supportive, waterproof design and are available for men and women.
Some of our favorite gardening shoes come from The Original Muck Boot Company, Gardenheir and Bogs.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailer
If you spend a lot of time gardening, a pair of dedicated shoes is often worth the investment. “Unlike regular shoes, gardening shoes are waterproof and keep your feet dry, whether you’re kneeling in damp soil or walking through sprinklers,” says Evan Torchio, founder of Tree Menders. “Plus, the soles are designed for traction, preventing slips on wet grass or muddy paths.” And depending on how much coverage you need, you have a few styles to choose from—there are slip-on shoes, clogs and boots. Below, we’ve rounded up the best gardening shoes to wear outside all summer long.
Slip on and off, easily thanks to the flexible top and pull tab
Insole is generously cushioned, making them comfortable to wear for long periods
Interior is treated to prevent odors
Keep in mind:
Color options are limited and quite plain
If you’re looking for a pair of outdoor shoes that are durable, supportive and waterproof, the Bogs Sauvie II Slip On Garden Boots are available for both women and men. They have a slip-on design that’s easy to put on yet offers more coverage than clogs, and they’re slip-resistant and waterproof to keep your feet dry on muddy spring days.
These garden shoes are lined with a thick layer of cushioning that provides comfort as you work, and the EVA footbed is made from algae, making it an eco-friendly option. The inside of the shoes have a special treatment that helps prevent odors from developing, and when the boots eventually wear out, Bogs has a free recycling program that keeps their footwear out of the landfill.
Type: Clog | Material: Rubber, EVA | Waterproof: No | Sizes: Women’s 6-15; men’s 5-13
What you’ll love:
Unisex design comes in a variety of fun colors
Lightweight and breathable for summertime wear
Keep in mind:
Brand recommends keeping the clogs out of high temperatures or direct sunlight
The Amoji Garden Clogs are an inexpensive unisex option for light wear around the yard, and their ventilated design is ideal for keeping your feet cool and dry on hot summer days. Thanks to their mesh-like upper design, they’re more breathable than many other garden shoes, and the rubber soles provide traction to help you navigate wet grass or other slippery surfaces. The clogs come in a variety of colors, and while they’re not necessarily the most durable option out there, people can’t say enough about their comfort.
Available in regular and wide widths, as well as a wide range of full and half sizes
Leather design is suitable for everyday wear—not just in the garden
Interior is treated to help prevent odors.
Keep in mind:
The best-selling Merrell Jungle Moc waterproof shoes can help keep your feet dry and cushioned, whether you’re running errands around town or working in the garden. These slip-on shoes have a stylish nubuck leather exterior that makes them ideal for everyday use, but they’re durable enough to use in the garden, too. While the cushioned heel provides better shock absorption, the rubber outsole offers just the right amount of traction on slippery surfaces. Plus, the shoes are available in both regular and wide widths—as well as several half-sizes—so you can find the right fit.
Easy to put on and take off (and have an optional heel strap for added stability)
Keep in mind:
Because the upper has holes, the clogs aren’t the best for wet conditions
If you’re looking for lightweight clogs that are easy to slip on and off throughout the day, you can’t go wrong with a pair of classic Crocs. These popular clogs are made from the brand’s signature closed-cell resin, and they’re surprisingly supportive. They come in an extended unisex size range, as well as dozens of colors and patterns, and the soles have good grips for traction in the garden, as well.
Thanks to the signature ventilation holes on the upper portion of the shoe, Crocs are breathable and comfortable to wear during the summer (though they won’t protect your toes from getting wet). They also have a heel strap that you can flip down for a more secure fit, preventing them from accidentally sliding off your feet as you work.
Rubber construction provides protection against mud and water
Flexible cuff can be folded over for a shoe-like fit
Keep in mind:
Insoles may slide out of place, especially if you wear the boots without socks
For a gardening shoe that offers more coverage, The Original Muck Boot Company Women’s Muckster II Mid Boot is a waterproof option that can protect your feet and ankles against mud, moisture and critters. (The Men’s Muckster II Ankle Boot is a similar style for men.) These best-selling boots have a fully rubber outsole with a unique self-cleaning design that sheds dirt, and their neoprene upper sleeve can be folded down for a more shoe-like fit, if desired. These boots come in a range of fun patterns and colors, and they’re treated to prevent odors, as well.
Thick rubber design keeps your feet dry on rainy days
Stretchy goring at the ankle makes them easy to slip on and off
Keep in mind:
Shoes run large (you may need to size down)
The Women’s Rugged Wellie Shoes from L.L.Bean are another fully waterproof option for gardening on wet and muddy days. Designed specifically for “challenging wet conditions,” these rain boots are made from thick rubber with a small amount of stretchy goring at the ankle so you can slip them on and off more easily. The bottoms have a thick grip for improved traction, and the interiors have sock-like liner for comfort and support.
Low-back design makes it easy to slip these shoes on and off
Thick soles provide good traction on slick surfaces
Come with removable insoles that provide arch support for your feet
Keep in mind:
Can be hot to wear during the summer
If you want to be able to easily slip your gardening shoes off on your way into the house, the Billie Clog is a top choice. Thanks to their low back, you can slide them on and off without bending over, though you don’t have to worry about them slipping off while you walk around the yard, thanks to the small lip behind the heel. What’s more, the rubber clogs are fully lined with flexible neoprene, plus they have removable insoles that offer arch support to keep your feet properly supported. The unisex design is made from 100% vegan materials, and it comes in four colors to match your style.
Brand’s anatomically correct footbed provides proper support for your feet
Water-resistant and dirt-repellent, making them easy to clean
Keep in mind:
Soles are a bit bulkier than other gardening shoes
Birkenstock may be known for its iconic sandals, but the brand also sells footwear for professionals, including the top-rated Super-Birki. While these unisex clogs are designed for kitchens, medical environments and the food industry, they’re also popular as garden shoes, thanks to their slip-on form and anatomically correct footbed. The cork-latex footbed features longitudinal and transverse arch support, as well as a raised toe bar in the front, helping to support your feet during long work sessions.
These clogs are made from polyurethane that’s water-, oil- and grease-resistant, and they can withstand high temperatures, making them easy to sanitize, if needed. They come in a variety of colors, too.
Chunky, slip-resistant tread offers good traction on wet surfaces
Keep in mind:
The brand recommends sizing down a half-size, as the clogs run large
Many garden shoes have a utilitarian appearance, but if you want something that’s both stylish and functional, consider the Gardenheir Italian Garden Clogs. These polyurethane clogs have a sleek silhouette and come in dozens of colors, yet they’re still supportive and waterproof. They have a removable cork insole that molds to the shape of your feet over time, and their chunky treat helps keep you stable on wet surfaces.
What the editors say: “When I moved into a new apartment in Brooklyn with a backyard last year, I sought out non-ugly gardening clogs that weren’t ridiculously expensive—and these fit the bill,” says senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold. “They keep my feet comfortable as I weed, plus they’re cute enough to wear on quick coffee and bodega runs.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has extensive experienced researching and reviewing all kinds of outdoor products, including gardening supplies like composters and pruning shears.
Camryn Rabideau, the author of this piece, is a regular contributor with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics. She is an avid gardener, growing vegetables and flowers on her small homestead. For Forbes Vetted, she’s written about essential gardening tools, such as gardening gloves.
This story is overseen by the Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team, which includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
We spoke to two gardening experts while researching this piece: Evan Torchio, founder of Tree Menders and master gardener Sonya Query, marketing director for Love, Plants.
How We Chose The Best Gardening Shoes
To find the best gardening shoes for every type of gardener, we extensively researched top-rated pairs, evaluating them based on their features and our team’s first-hand experience with them.
Our editorial team looked for best-selling products from well-known garden brands like Bogs and The Muck Boot Company, as well as other outdoor retailers.
For each pair, we considered factors such as the size range, material(s), insole support and traction to find options that are comfortable and supportive for your feet. We prioritized shoes that are available for both men and women, and we included a mixture of different styles, including clogs and boots.
We also took reviews and product ratings into careful account, sticking to shoes that have a minimum average rating of 4 stars or above.
What To Look For In The Best Gardening Shoes
While not everyone with a garden needs a dedicated pair of gardening shoes, this type of footwear can come in handy—especially if you pass long days weeding, pruning and tending to your plants. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you check out pairs.
Style
There are a few common styles of gardening shoes, including slip-on shoes, clogs and boots, and they offer different levels of protection and waterproofing. Clogs are quick and easy to slip on and off so you don’t track dirt in the house, but they generally won’t protect your feet from puddles and mud.
Boots like the The Much Book Company Women’s Muckster II are the best for wet conditions, such as gardening in the early spring, as they’re generally waterproof and provide coverage up to your ankle (or higher). However, they can be harder to put on and aren’t as breathable as other types of shoes.
Slip-on shoes, such as the Bogs Sauvie II Slip-On Garden Boots, provide a good middle-ground. They’re better in wet conditions than clogs, but they’re not as cumbersome as tall boots.
Materials
Gardening shoes are generally made from rubber or polyurethane, which are both waterproof and flexible. Waterproof materials and a closed-toe design are key to keeping your feet dry and protected,” says Torchio. Rubber shoes are often more affordable, but they can crack with heavy use or if exposed to cold temperatures. Polyurethane shoes, such as the Gardenheir Italian Garden Clogs, tend to be a bit more long-lasting and are able to withstand a wider temperature range.
Experts also recommend selecting shoes with some type of cushioning inside. “Cushioned insoles can provide relief during long gardening days,” says Sonya Query, marketing director for Love, Plants.
Arch Support
If you work in the yard for hours at a time, it’s important to find shoes that keep your feet in an ergonomic position. “Look for shoes with good arch support for long hours on your feet and a flexible sole that bends easily for kneeling and squatting,” advises Torchio. Shoes like the Birkenstock Super-Birki have both longitudinal and transverse arch support, helping to prevent soreness as you work.
What Kind Of Shoes Should I Wear For Gardening?
Slip-on shoes, clogs and rubber boots are all good choices for working in the garden or yard—and the best option depends on how much coverage you need. If you often work in wet conditions or operate yard tools, you want a shoe that offers more protection for your feet, such as Bogs Sauvie II Slip-On Garden Boots. For those just looking for shoes to quickly slip on while weeding or transplanting seeds, a pair of lightweight clogs like the Crocs Classic Clogs are a good choice.
No matter what style of shoe you prefer, just make sure they’re comfortable and sturdy. “When picking gardening shoes, focus on comfort and functionality,” recommends Torchio. It’s often beneficial to look for shoes with deep treads to prevent slipping and arch support to keep your feet in proper ergonomic alignment as you work.
