With a few thoughtful improvements, these are a step up from traditional rubber boots
Tested by Matt Mattus
The Men’s Harvester Tall Rubber Boots from Muck Boot Company are, first and foremost, exactly what they promise: tall (at 18 inches) and rubber (as in totally waterproof; I even wear them to walk around in my koi pond). As many gardeners will attest, Muck Boots are great, but sometimes their toothy soles can hold too much mud. While these still have a reinforced, deep tread, they’re not too deep. They won’t let you slip, but they’re shallow enough to wash off with just a hose. I have large feet and large calves, and these boots are available up to size 16. Their flexible top portion is adjustable to a massive 17 inches wide, which leaves just enough wiggle room for my calves but isn’t floppy, so I don’t look like a cartoon pirate. They feature a locking nylon calf strap to cinch them tighter, which can help keep out unwanted twigs, leaves, and dirt. But the best feature might be the simplest one—a molded tab on the outside of the heel, called a kick off, which makes removing these tall boots easy. You simply step on one heel with the opposite toe and pull them off. These shoes are also surprisingly comfortable, thanks to the addition of a memory foam liner in the sole. Clearly, these are not your dad’s rubber boots.
Available in men’s sizes: 4 to 16 (medium)
Source: muckbootcompany.com
Price: $105
Perfect for lighter tasks, these sneakers are still super durable
Tested by Jason Reeves
There are very few tennis shoes I’ve tried over the years that have had enough support for gardening. Skechers do—particularly, my After Burn Memory Fit models. I wear boots for heavy-duty work, but these shoes are the perfect fit for light-duty tasks and still tough enough to handle a shovel or spade. They offer a 1½-inch heel with a shock-absorbing, supportive, and flexible midsole, plus a memory foam insole. I was worried that this material would make the shoes too warm and stuffy, but that hasn’t been the case. These sneakers provide excellent traction and stability, and they’re super durable as well. While I detest the feeling of wet feet, footwear that is truly waterproof, which is often made of rubber, tends to make my feet too hot and sweaty. But these shoes, made of synthetic materials and leather, are breathable and much more comfortable. They’re not waterproof, but they are reasonably priced, so I keep a second pair around and swap them out when they get too wet.
Available in men’s sizes: 7 to 14 (medium to wide)
Source: skechers.com
Price: $80
Stay on your feet all day with these supportive, heavy-duty boots
Tested by Jason Reeves
Working at a botanical garden, it’s not uncommon for me to be on my feet for 12 to 16 hours a day, so I’ve always had difficulty finding shoes that keep my feet from hurting by the time I get home. My go-to pair of boots is the Durashocks SR Direct-Attach 6-inch Work Boots from Wolverine. These boots provide the extra protection I need when doing more strenuous work. With plenty of room in the toes, they have a double-density cushioning footbed that can be removed, a lining that wicks away sweat, and a polyurethane outer sole that absorbs shock. They are tough yet lightweight, and I find that the soles help stabilize my feet and reduce fatigue. I even wear them in the mornings when there is a lot of dew on the ground. While moderately waterproof on their own, the addition of a leather conditioner provides extra protection and will extend the life of the boots.
Available in men’s sizes: 6 to 15 (medium to wide)
Source: wolverine.com
Price: $180
For a high quality, truly waterproof clog, turn to these beauties
Tested by Susan Calhoun
One of the best gardening shoes for summer is a good pair of clogs, and I love the Italian Garden Clogs from Gardenheir. Heavy duty with a lug sole for gripping while shoveling, these unisex shoes come in many colors. When I walk into the house, my hands are usually full of tools, and these clogs slip on and off easily without me bending down to remove them. They are also waterproof and the treaded soles are elevated, so I can walk in grass without getting my feet wet. I’m able to keep my feet dry while watering, which you certainly can’t say about every garden clog. The insoles, made of cork with suede lining, are removable, which means these rubber shoes are super easy to clean.
Available in women’s sizes: 5 to 12½
Available in men’s sizes: 7 to 13½
Source: gardenheir.com
Price: $78
A strong, all-around shoe for any season
Tested by Susan Calhoun
The 585 Blundstone Chelsea Boot is my favorite pick for year-round gardening. During wet and cold weather in fall and winter, the water-resistant leather keeps my feet dry and the nonslip soles stay clean. I’ll often pair them with a lightweight wool sock for greater warmth. In summertime, I switch those out for thin sports socks and find that the boots perform just as well. These shoes are flexible, with elastic sides that stretch. They are supportive and comfortable, and even come with extra footbeds to swap out for a better fit. While they are perfect for more intense jobs like carrying soil or debris, they are also so attractive that you can wear them outside of the garden. Mine have shown up under a long skirt or shorts, and even at a line dance.
Available in women’s sizes: 6 to 11
Available in men’s sizes: 4 to 14
Source: blundstone.com
Price: $200
If you’re working with stones, you need these sneaks
Tested by Danielle Sherry
It might seem like overkill to some that I’m recommending a steel-toe shoe for gardening, but if you’ve ever tackled a hardscaping project involving heavy stones, you know it’s not. The New Balance 589v1 work sneaker sports a composite toe cap, which means that this shoe is lighter, made with nonmetal materials, and doesn’t heat up as quickly compared to true steel-toed models. However, it offers the same protection when lifting heavy stones, fence posts, or large branches and logs. These are lightweight shoes, weighing just over 1 pound, so they can be worn for long periods of time without feeling like you’re hauling around sandbags on your feet. The mesh outer shell and fabric inner lining are super breathable, and the removable, cushioned insole adds extra comfort. I wore regular sneakers when installing my first bluestone patio years ago and dropped not one, but two chunks of rock onto my toes. Having to wait for a pair of black toenails to fall off was all the convincing I needed to upgrade to a safer shoe before the next hardscaping project.
Available in women’s sizes: 5 to 11 (medium, wide, and extra-wide)
Source: chetsshoes.com
Price: $115
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