No, Your Old Sneakers Do Not Make the Best Garden Shoes — Try These Instead

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Whether your garden is in a small backyard or in an expansive plot full of raised beds and perennial plants, any day spent tending to your greenery is a good one. Unless, of course, you end the day with pruned feet in soggy shoes or, arguably worse, with aches and pains that'll have you on the heating pad for hours. While we can't prevent Mother Nature's handiwork and keep your yard green and dry all the time, the best garden shoes can make a big difference.

Despite common belief, the old pair of sneakers you have lying around won't cut it as garden shoes. You're on your feet a lot when gardening, so proper support and all-day comfort are necessary. But that's not all—durability, waterproofing, traction, and so much more are essential in a great garden shoe!

To help you find the best pairs, we consulted garden experts Carmen Johnston and Teri Speight for their insights and scoured the internet for picks with the best reviews. Ahead, find the eight best garden shoes that topped our list.

Bean Boots

Everyone loves a good pair of duck boots! Known as the "Original L.L.Bean Boot," this style has been made in Maine since 1912 and still reigns as one of the most popular outdoor shoes thanks to durable construction like a triple-stitched upper and full-grain leather.

Ideal for spring days when the ground is soggy, Bean Boots feature a signature chain-style sole that provides tons of traction on wet and muddy ground. They also have a tough waterproof midsole and the leather topper repels snow and rain, as well. In fact, the only portion of these boots that isn't waterproof is the laces, but those can easily be treated with Scotchgard.

As anyone who owns these timeless boots will tell you, they're designed to last years, if not decades. It's not uncommon to meet someone who's been wearing one pair of Bean Boots their entire adult life.

Men's Wellie Sport Shoes

L.L.Bean's Men's Wellie Sport Shoes mirror the comfort of athletic sneakers and the durability of weatherproof shoes. They have a EVA midsole designed to provide lightweight foot cushioning. And their waterproof rubber upper helps keep feet dry during rainy or wet days tending to the garden.

Customers couldn't agree more: "I bought these as gardening shoes, waterproof slip-ons that don't track my soggy Seattle soil into the house (low profile grippy soles!)," one reviewer says. "They're perfect for that."

They also explained that they are a versatile shoe to wear for leisure. "They are also so comfortable and easy care that I find myself wearing them shopping, driving, and just kicking around," they wrote. "Now I'm hoping that they are as reliable as they are useful. For now, far better than I expected."

Women's Wild Boar Boots

If you need a durable pair of garden shoes to tackle yard tasks, consider these Duluth Trading boots. They are made of sturdy, 100 percent cowhide leather with a molded EVA footbed for added comfort.

These boots also boast an outsole grip for stability: "I love the firm bottom—great for putting force on the shovel," says Speight. "Having a slip-on boot beats trying to tie laces with dirty hands."

While these boots do have a low profile, she notes that they are high enough to tuck her "long gardening pant legs inside," which helps add extra protection "from ticks in tall grass."

Even though Speight calls this moisture-wicking, all-season boot her "year-round go-to," her pro tip is to add a little foot powder to keep the boots odor free during hot summer days and beyond.

Classic Clog

While they've quickly become the go-to fashion staple for Gen Z, Crocs were originally designed for gardening purposes, and, not surprisingly, are the perfect shoes to throw on for a spring or summer gardening day. Whether you think they're fashionable or not, you can't deny the practicality of these holed clogs. And on the note of those unique little holes, they make these shoes unbelievably breathable and lightweight. It's basically like walking around without shoes, except you don't have to worry about sticks and stones, of course.

Made from their signature Croslite™ foam material, these clogs couldn't be easier to clean. Our Digital Director and resident Crocs fanatic Katie Bowlby recommends hosing them down after every wear in the garden and occasionally brush-cleaning with warm soapy water.

"Crocs are, quite simply, the ultimate gardening shoe," she says. "They are comfy, lightweight, and easy to hose off when they inevitably get dirty. They’re best used for lighter gardening work, like weeding and planting. If you’re using a shovel or power tool, you should go with something more protective.”

Clogs with Arch Support

From blazing hot summer days to barely-above-freezing early spring afternoons, these clogs are the perfect shoe to slip on and get to gardening. Coming in at under two pounds, the Backdoorshoes clogs are lightweight enough to feel like air but still provide protection against dirt, mud, and other elements. We also love the snug design that cups around the foot at the clog entry point, making it difficult for dirt to slip in. And in the case that any dirt does find its way inside your shoe, the insoles are removable and machine-washable.

But the reason most customers love these clogs is for their incredible support. Made with Ethylene Vinyl Acetate instead of rubber, the sole has superior shock absorption, so you won't have to worry about rough terrain being tough on your knees or back.

Just take this reviewer's word for it: "I bought these after a year of using Crocs for gardening. I got sick of the pebbles and dirt that got into my shoes and was looking for something that had a more closed toe but could still be easily rinsed off, and wasn’t too closed in the back for easy slip-on and off. These are PERFECT. They are super supportive, lightweight, and surprisingly comfy. They form a bit to your feet, so they aren’t quite so stiff, and I don’t mind wearing these with jeans because they’re downright pretty! And I can rinse mud right off them. Super happy with this purchase."

One thing to note about these clogs is that the sizing can be a bit odd, according to reviewers. We'd advise checking out the chart provided in the product description.

Torrent Chelsea Rain Boot

As we all know, gardening can be a dirty job. For those days when the mud puddles have come out to play, you'll want a boot that offers plenty of protection. The Torrent rain boot from Sperry is Johnston's top choice on days like this thanks to the superior waterproofing. While it's not technically a gardening boot, the rain boot's platform sole is extra-thick, meaning you'll be inches above the mud and dirt. The sole also has a heavy-duty traction base that prevents slips and falls that are all too common on muddy days.

Another feature we love about the Torrent rain boot is the micro-fleece lining. It strikes a balance between protection and warmth for those spring days when it's just a bit too chilly for your clogs. And in case you were worried about these shoes being a bit clunky because they're rain boots, there's no need. One peek at the reviews and you'll see just how much customers love them for everything from daily commutes to days in the garden.

"I feel like I’m always on the hunt for rain boots to follow my puddle jumping wee one though the rain and to the park," says one reviewer. "I hate traditional rain boots because they are heavy and I need to be quicker on my feet. These are adorable and will work well for most outdoor activities. My other mama friends have already all bought their own! I can’t wait to get another color!"

Ghost 14 Running Shoe

Some people might argue that the best sneakers for gardening are your years-old, worn-out pair, but if you have back or knee problems, this couldn't be further from the truth. Think about it: you're on your feet a lot when in the garden, so why wouldn't you choose shoes that have plenty of support? And while it might be tempting to simply snag a new pair of insoles for your old sneakers, proper support comes down to way more than just the insoles.

Brooks sneakers were made for maximum support with not only an insole that provides plenty of cushion but also a snug fit and raised side walls that keep your foot secure and held in place. In fact, these are Johnston's choice for days when she's on her feet at a client's property for hours on end. She does recommend cleaning and stain-treating occasionally with Oxi-Clean, but also shares that her "Brooks sneakers see a lot of dirt and mud!"

And if you need more convincing, just take a look at the nearly 35,000 reviews. "These are like walking on clouds," one says. "My husband and I have had foot problems for years. We have been walking 5 miles a day now because our feet are not hurting in these shoes. We tried both Hoka and these and both pairs are exceptional! Wish I knew this sooner could have saved myself a lot of pain!"

Women's Muckster II Mid Rain Boot

Muck Boots have been a go-to choice for gardeners for years now and it's easy to see why: they provide incredible protection from the elements, making them the perfect boot for heavy-duty garden days. If your days outside include tending to chickens, running out to the barn, or doing some major landscaping, then you'll want these boots on.

The rubber outsole provides plenty of protection from not just the elements, but also sticks and sharp garden tools. And the soles are designed to provide plenty of traction on slippery surfaces. A neoprene shaft isn't just comfortable—it can also fold down to make the boots more breathable.

We love putting our Muck Boots on for those early spring days when the weather is still chilly enough to warrant a couple of layers to stay warm. They're the ideal choice for particularly laborious days, but they might not be the most comfortable on sweltering hot summer afternoons due to their heavy-duty construction.

Muckster II Flat Garden Shoe

For those days in the garden when you want to be a bit more on the fashionable side, reach for these stylish ballet flat garden shoes. But just because they're stylish doesn't mean they aren't practical—they are Muck Boots, after all! These flats are 100% waterproof and can be quickly cleaned with a hose just like most of the other shoes on this list.

They also have a uniquely designed sole that provides great traction when walking on wet terrain. The sole extends over the sides of the shoe about 1/2 inch all around, so even if there's a layer of mud you won't have to worry about slipping. We also love the rubber sole extension along the front and back for durable protection. No stubbed toes here!

But one of our favorite features of these flats is just how darn cute they are. We've shown the floral version here, but they also come in a more neutral tone-on-tone green version with the most adorable veggie garden insoles. And don't miss the scallop detailing along the back!

While these garden shoes are waterproof, they obviously have a wide opening along the top meaning they're not a good choice for rainy or extra-wet days. But for your day-to-day gardening adventures (and maybe a few errands around town), they're a solid choice.

What are garden shoes?

There are several different types of gardening shoes in the market, however, Johnston defines them as comfortable, durable shoes that offer great support. "Waterproofing is a plus," she adds.

What to consider before buying

Shoe Type

In addition to comfort levels, you'll also want to think about your usage. Not all gardens are made the same, and, therefore, not all garden shoes should be. There are a few different types of garden shoes you'll find on the market, and each serves a different purpose.

Clogs: Perfect for late spring and summer, clogs are ideal garden shoes because they're usually made of waterproof material that not only make them durable but also easy to clean off. The back of your feet will be exposed, though, so they're not the most practical for super wet days or those when you'll be deep in the dirt.

Ankle boots: Bridging the gap between a typical shoe and a mid- to high-boot, ankle boots are great for just about any garden any time of year. They might get a bit steamy on blistering summer days in some areas, but they make for a must-have for any avid gardener.

Mid-rise boots: These boots are ideal for gardeners who often find themselves in some heavy-duty mud and dirt. They're also great to have on hand if you're going to be working with animals or large garden equipment to provide some protection.

Sneakers/shoes: If you're not an avid gardener, you'll probably get the most use out of a traditional shoe for your garden. It'll provide protection for your entire foot but won't overheat like boots can. Opt for a pair that's completely waterproof if you don't want to stain treat them.

Johnston also pointed out that the time of year can play a huge role in what shoes will suit you best. "Typically, I rotate between my trusty, comfy sneakers and rubber boots all throughout the year," she said. "Of course, rubber boots are much more practical during colder, rainy seasons. Keep a bottle of OxiClean handy for stain-treating sneakers!"

Material

The most practical choice for garden shoe material is one that's waterproof. Most of the shoes on our list are made from a waterproof material, from rubber to EVA to full-grain leather, but not all. Some gardeners might prefer a shoe that has more flexibility than a rubber or EVA shoe will, in which case a comfortable sneaker would be the best choice.

Like Johnston said, comfort should always be at the top of your list, so consider investing in a pair of high-quality sneakers for most days and a cheap pair of waterproof boots for particularly wet ones. You'll also want to evaluate the sole material. Most shoes on this list have a rubber sole, regardless of the upper sole material. The thicker the sole, the more elevated you are from dirt and grime. Be sure to get a shoe with a sole that has plenty of traction so you'll have grip on even the wettest of days.

Durability

While material plays a large role in the durability of a garden shoe, it's not the only factor. Clogs and boots made from rubber and EVA are naturally going to be longer lasting than those made from other materials. They're easy to clean and provide pretty great defense against sticks, shovels, and other objects that might try to penetrate. But even if you don't get a full-rubber boot, you can still reap the benefits of the material's durability by opting for a shoe with a thick rubber sole. Better yet, get a shoe that has rubber on the tip to give extra-protection for your toes.

Should you wear socks with garden shoes?

Wearing socks with garden shoes is ultimately up to you. "I only wear socks with my boots in the wintertime as an extra layer when it's cold," says Speight. "In the heat of summer, the lining keeps my feet cool and dry."

How to clean garden shoes

Speight recommends cleaning your garden shoes by wiping them down regularly with a damp rag. For leather shoes, she recommends treating them with a conditioner on the days you won't wear them.

Meet the experts:

• Carmen Johnston is the founder and owner of Carmen Johnston Gardens and Bespoke Garden Plans.

• Teri Speight is the founder and owner of Cottage in the Court and author of The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City and Black Flora: Profiles of Inspiring Black Flower Farmers + Florists.

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