Gardening Shoes
When choosing a pair of good gardening shoes there’s a few things that you need to be looking out for.
Durability
The first and probably most important being durability! You wouldn’t believe the amount of “hard wearing” work boots I’ve been through, not to mention cheap (and not so cheap, I should have known better) walking boots.
The issue is with the positions that you are in while in your garden. Quite often if you’re bending over or on your knees it puts strain on the shoes, possibly not in place they were designed to have strain. The sole has come away first on most boots. You just hope that it happens at the end of the day, not the beginning.
Comfort
Comfort is very important, especially if you’re out gardening for long periods of time or if you garden little but often. No one wants blisters and everyone has had that experience when wellies start to rub. The most uncomfortable thing I ever did was borrow a pair of steel toe capped boots from my friend. Didn’t realise at first that they were slightly too small. After a couple of hours it was like having my toes in a clamp!
Waterproof
It feels like sometimes you have to sacrifice comfort for good waterproofing. Finding shoes that are comfortable and stay waterproof is a bit of a minefield. And if your shoes get wet it might start to rub. You never know if it’s going to hold up until it’s too late and your feet are wet.
Good-looking
There is actually a surprising number of different styles, fashions and trends that go with gardening. We do some work for a garden designer who is up to date with his gardening fashion. He’ll often turn up in a gardeners smock or a wax jacket, no intention of doing any gardening mind you.
Wondering what tools you need?
Check out our page on tools for use in the garden for all out favourites.
Gardening shoes for men
Here is Gardenwilds top 5 gardening shoes for men
This well known brand has branched out to the clog. They are a very “does what it says on the tin” kind of a shoe. The polyurethane that they are made of is 100% waterproof, very durable, flexible and they have a good grip on the sole. You could leave these by your back door and slip them on and off as and when.
For these reasons this is No. 5 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for men.
They may not be the most attractive but what they lack in looks they make up for in all round durability. Obviously, being made by Dunlop, they are 100% waterproof and very flexible. They are also really long lasting! These garden shoes will go and go and go. They are also the most affordable out of the 5. The slip on design make them a good choice for someone who is in and out of the garden a lot.
For these reason this is No. 4 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for men.
The Muck Boots company has specialised in garden shoes and boots for over 2 decades. They boast footwear that can stand up to proper amounts of muck!
These boots are 100% waterproof, have a shock absorbent sole, are heat retentive and the material fits to your foot to avoid nasty sores and blisters. These are good shoes for light gardening work and pottering around.
For these reasons this is No. 3 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for men.
These rubber ankle boots are handmade and are the better looking of the 5. They’ve got a really reliable grip on the sole and have a water resistant lining. The water resistance doesn’t mean water proof however so don’t go wading into the pond with them on. It does make these shoes refreshingly breathable, something that the other rubber ones don’t have.
They’ve also got a removable insole, which will help you air them out or if you need to use prescriptions.
For these reasons this is No. 2 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for men.
It doesn’t matter how much beating around the bush you do nothing beats a pair of wellies then it comes to working in wet and muddy borders. The Crocs Allcast Rain Boots offer the Croc trademark comfort to cushion your feet in 100% waterproof boots. They are really durable and you can clean them with your garden hose. They are going to be a boot that you can use day in and out and will hold together.
For these reasons this is No. 1 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for men.
Just starting out in the garden?
Check out our Beginners Guide to Gardening for helpful blog and information on what to look out for and how to get started!
Gardening shoes for women
Here’s Gardenwild’s top 5 gardening shoes for women
These easy to slip on flat are 100% waterproof with a neoprene ballet shape with rubber overlays for comfort, breathability and durability. They are strong and flexible making it easy to bend, kneel down and move about the garden with ease.
For these reasons this is No. 5 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for women.
These are a very comfortable slip-on clog, designed to be kept next to the back door for people who like to nip out and do a spot of gardening whenever they’ve got a spare minute. The clogs are very practical, easy to clean and 100% waterproof and have no laces to slow you down. They also come in a range of colourful designs, we like the poppies the best.
For these reasons this is No. 4 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for women.
A bright and bold shoe that’s ideal for working your borders and beds in any weather. Even though they cover the whole foot, they slip on and off easily and the moulded arches support your foot providing a comfortable experience and allowing you to garden for longer periods of time. They’ve also the best tread of any we’ve reviewed so you are less likely to lose your feet from under you.
For these reasons this is No. 3 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for women.
These are similar to a lot of gardening or rubber clogs, They are very durable and well designed for active garden work. They’ve also got the strap on the back for extra ankle support. They’ve got good grip, are light weight, easy to clean and are waterproof. However the thing that set these apart for us was the fleece lining! Have you ever slipped on your crocs in the middle of winter and found your toes are frozen by the end of the drive! It’s the little things.
For these reasons this is No. 2 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for women.
Endorsed by the RHS, these boots are for the serious gardeners. Their neoprene lining makes these boots breathable and warm along with being 100% waterproof. The sole actually retains grip in the muddiest garden.
For these reasons this is No. 1 on Gardenwilds gardening shoes for women.
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