If you’re passionate about keeping your garden pretty, then you probably spend a lot of time watering your flowers, cutting the grass, or mowing your lawn. While doing this in your everyday sneakers or slides (and getting them dirty), you have probably wondered, what could be the best gardening shoes for you.
Well, it’s finally time for you to stop wondering because I’m almost one hundred percent certain you’ll find a pair of gardening shoes you like today!
If you happen to have an old pair of sneakers that you no longer wear anywhere but around your home, then sure, you can definitely wear them when doing stuff around your garden. But those sneakers can get dirty pretty quickly. And if they’re not waterproof, for example, then your toes will get wet.
It would have to be exceptionally nice weather for your sneakers to do the job and perform well.
But wouldn’t it be amazing to have a pair of shoes specifically for the purpose of gardening?
Gardening shoes are not like your everyday shoes. They simply have to have certain features, like being waterproof or made out of a certain material that’s breathable, comfortable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean. For gardening, you’ll need a pair of shoes in which you won’t be afraid to get all muddy and dirty.
In this article, I have selected the top 5 best contestants that I’m sure you’ll love. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!
What principles were used in selecting the best gardening shoes?
I’ve done many shoe reviews in the last couple of months, so I’m no stranger to this job. But somehow I feel like the whole process can be a lot easier, for both you and me. Therefore, I’ve come up with a plan.
While reviewing some of the best gardening shoes that are considered to be the most popular on the market right now, I wanted them all to have a fair comparison by using the same standards. The standards used in this article are in fact the most desirable features a good pair of gardening shoes should have.
Those include:
- Design and material
- Comfort
- Weight
- Durability
- Waterproof qualities
- Price
These principles will be the base of today’s review and the main characteristics of our top 5, best gardening shoes.
What are our top 5 best gardening shoes?
1. Backdoorshoes Garden Clogs
Design & material: When it comes to their design, these Backdoorshoes Garden Clogs have really nailed it. They come in a variety of fun prints and colorful designs, so there’s something for everyone’s taste. My personal favorites are the Poppy Explosion Clogs.
These clogs are made out of eco-friendly EVA expanded foam and they feature rubber soles. They also come with removable and washable black textile insoles.
Comfort: The material out of which these clogs are made, makes them very comfortable. They come with a wide and roomy toe box, so your toes will never feel cramped and will be able to wiggle around freely.
Lightweight: These clogs are also very lightweight. They weigh only around 10 ounces per pair which is pretty amazing.
Durability: The material used in making these clogs is very durable and will ensure that you’ll be able to wear them for many years, no matter how frequently you’re using and washing them.
Waterproof qualities: These clogs are 100% waterproof. You can rest assured your feet will stay dry and warm, withstanding you watering your garden and flowers.
Price: When it comes to their price, they are pretty affordable, costing around $40.
2. Crocs Unisex Adult Classic Clogs
Design & material: When it comes to the design of Classic Crocs, you either love it or hate it. It’s very simple and not that eye-pleasing. But, that’s not really important since you’re not going to be taking them to court to meet the King of England, but rather to your backyard to water your peonies.
In any case, you can always customize them to your liking by adding personalized Jibbitz charms.
What’s more important, though, is the material these classic Crocs are made out of. These shoes are made of durable Croslite material, a closed-cell resin known for its fantastic cushioning, support, breathability, and comfort.
Comfort: What they lack in looks, classic Crocs make up for in their level of comfort. They are one of the comfiest pairs of shoes on the market, and rightfully so are the number one pick of many surgeons, nurses, bartenders, chefs, hairdressers, and others.
Lightweight: Croslite material makes these shoes also extremely lightweight, weighing only around 13 ounces. Many people have described wearing them as “having nothing on their feet” or “walking on clouds.”
Durability: These shoes are also extremely durable and with proper care, can last you for a long, long time. Especially if you only use your Crocs specifically for gardening activities.
Waterproof qualities: Crocs are not actually waterproof, but water-resistant. The Croslite material is great at repelling moisture and preventing water from seeping through the shoes. However, because this classic model features holes on the uppers of these shoes, the water will inevitably get inside.
On the other hand, if you are just standing on a wet surface and your Crocs are not immersed in the water, the chances of your feet getting wet are very low. But, you can also always get closed-toe Crocs for yourself.
Price: These shoes cost around $50, but can often be found on sale for around $30.
3. Michigan Neoprene Garden Boots
Design & material: These Michigan Neoprene Garden Boots feature a very simple and sleek design. They are available in black and green and come with no laces or belts. They are slip-on shoes with a pull tab on the back.
These gardening shoes are made out of 5 mm neoprene rubber, a material resistant to oil and heat, and are tough to wear out.
Comfort: Michigan boots are very comfortable. Not only are they one of the best gardening shoes but also great shoes to wear when fishing, working on the farm, walking the dog, etc.
Lightweight: These boots are exceptionally lightweight and feel great on your feet.
Durability: These shoes are also very durable. They are created to be tough and to withstand different conditions. Their cleated soles are perfect for various slippery surfaces since they provide an amazing grip and traction.
Waterproof qualities: These shoes are also 100% waterproof. They will keep your feet safe, dry, and warm.
Price: When it comes to their price, these boots cost around $20, which is very much affordable.
4. Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Rain and Garden Shoes
Design & material: When it comes to the design of these shoes, this brand understood the assignment. The Sloggers Garden Shoes come in a variety of fun colors and designs, so everyone can find a pair they like.
These shoes are made out of flexible, fabric-lined rubber-like material that is odorless and vegan.
Comfort: These shoes are extremely easy to put on. They cover the whole foot and provide all-day comfort. With the Sloggers on your feet, you’ll be able to do your gardening for hours on end without getting sore feet afterward.
Lightweight: These Sloggers Shoes weigh around 13 ounces, which makes them pretty lightweight.
Durability: Unfortunately, these shoes are durable, but not durable enough. They are indeed flexible and comfortable to wear, but not as sturdy as some other shoes. Their outsoles are pretty grippy and provide good traction, but they are not that thick.
This doesn’t mean you’ll have to change them soon. With the right care and without wearing them too frequently, these shoes will definitely last you a while.
Waterproof qualities: Well, they have the word “waterproof” in the title, so it’s safe to conclude that these shoes are perfect for wet conditions.
Price: The price of these shoes is around $39, which is quite a bargain if you ask me.
5. Salmon Sisters Octopus 15″ Legacy Boots
Design & material: The design of these Salmon Sisters Octopus 15″ Legacy Boots is simply astounding! These boots are chocolate brown with an interesting fold-down lining that features drawings of little octopuses. Personally, I give them ten out of ten for design.
These boots are made out of triple-dipped latex neoprene and slip-resistant chevron outsoles.
Comfort: They are very comfortable, and they come with breathable and cushioned insoles for added arch support.
Lightweight: These boots weigh only around 5 ounces, which makes them extremely lightweight.
Durability: Initially made for fishermen from Alaska, these boots were created with durability in mind. These boots will allow you to be agile without sacrificing comfort and flexibility. And they will offer enough protection from various external sources.
Waterproof qualities: Since they were intended for fishermen whose job often requires them to go into deep waters, these boots are also 100% waterproof. They are perfect for rainy days or gardening tasks which require a lot of watering. Your feet will definitely stay dry with these ones.
However, these boots are not insulated. So, you’ll have to opt for a bigger size if you intend to wear them during colder months, so you would be able to put on a pair of thicker socks to keep you warm.
Price: These boots cost up to $160, which makes them the priciest pair on our list. However, I truly believe they are worth every penny because of all their amazing features.
