The Best Gardening Boots and Shoes: According to a Gardener

Shaft height: 4 inches (clog style) | Weight per shoe: 1.1 pounds | Material: 90-percent recycled plastic, rubber

If you need a shoe for a quick trip outside to water your containers or garden beds, these shoes slip on and off in a sec. They’re nice and cushioned, too, so they’re comfortable. They also come in a ton of adorable patterns from chickens to flowers.

I’ve had several pairs of these through the years, and I love their budget-friendly price tag. They also last a good two to three seasons with occasional wear.

Shaft height: 15.9 inches | Weight per shoe: 2.75 pounds | Material: Neoprene, rubber

Spring and fall can be chilly in the garden, so these are great boots for doing chores in cool or wet-weather months, such as planting bulbs or raking leaves. The calf is wide (but not sloppy looking), so it’s easy to get these boots off and on.

I’ve used mine for about five seasons now — even wearing them for the occasional snow-shoveling job and they still look new. While they’re a little toasty for summer days, they’re comfortable for the rest of the gardening year so your toes won’t freeze on cold days.

Shaft height: 11.5 inches | Weight per shoe: 1.6 pounds | Material: Rubber

Duluth gets my vote for many of its garden-related products because they’re thoughtfully designed. These rain boots have a great lug sole, which prevents me from sliding around in the garden. With a sturdy, solid heel for digging chores, they’re designed so that you can put your foot on the garden spade without it slipping off.

I love the cheerful pattern of these boots, which also make them cute enough to wear into town on wet days. They’re also reasonably priced.

Shaft height: 11.5 inches | Weight per shoe: 1.4 pounds | Material: Rubber

This legendary brand, which has been making rubber boots since 1927, is beautifully handmade and long-lasting. It’s impervious to rain and molds well to your foot. It’s roomy enough to slide in and out of without a struggle, which is one of the reasons I prefer the mid-calf style.

I also like that these are flexible, comfortable, and roomy without being too loose. They don’t have a ton of support on their own, but I can slip my orthotics into them if I will be doing a lot of walking. Of course, they’re also cute enough for rainy afternoons in the city.