Best Garden Boots: 10 Shoes That Will Keep Your Feet Warm, Dry, and Comfortable

One of the best tips for beginning gardeners is to invest in a comfortable pair of garden boots. Depending on your climate, either rain boots or winter boots are suitable for light gardening work. They keep your feet and calves dry by protecting you from the elements. Manufacturers make their models in a variety of styles and colors priced to suit any budget.

We’ve reviewed the highest-rated men’s and women’s boots for gardening so you can purchase the correct footwear for your needs.

Garden Boot	Fit	Price	Best Feature
Muck Boot Company Muckster II Ankle Boot	Men's	Moderately priced	Durable, shock-absorbent outsole with a wide heel
Sloggers Women's Waterproof Rain and Garden Boot with Comfort Insole	Women's	Budget-friendly	Eco-friendly design
RK Men’s Waterproof Rubber Sole Rain Boots	Men's	Budget-friendly	Good for wide feet
Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot	Men's	Moderately priced	Best yard work boots for men
West Blvd Women's Mid Calf Waterproof Rainboots	Women's	Budget-friendly	Good for longer wear than other rainboots
Sloggers Women's Waterproof Rain and Garden Ankle Boots with Comfort Insole	Women's	Budget-friendly	The company recycles old boots into new ones
Crocs Women’s Jaunt Shorty Boot	Women's	Budget-friendly	Crocs’ patented Croslite technology: EVA memory foam resin that forms to your foot for extra comfort while diffusing impact
Bogs Womens Classic High Handle Waterproof Insulated Rain and Winter Snow Boot	Women's	Expensive	Best yard work boots for women
The Original Muckboots Scrub Boot	Unisex	Moderately priced	Best landscaping boots

Best Garden Boots for Men and Women

Muck Boot Company Muckster II Ankle Boot

The Muck Boot Company Muckster II Ankle Boot is one of the most popular waterproof boots on the market. Designed with a durable neoprene upper and a sturdy outsole, this boot protects your feet from the hazards of gardening. Stepping on rakes, nails, or other potentially harmful items won’t cause injury. The 100% waterproof neoprene upper keeps your feet dry with a Stretch-Fit Comfort Topline. This fitted ankle collar rests snugly against your calf to keep out water, dirt, and other debris.

With a convenient heel pull tab, you can slip the Muckster II’s on easily before you walk outside into your garden. The boot doubles as a rain boot, so you can run errands in bad weather without your feet getting soaked. The Airmesh interior liner pulls moisture away from your foot while promoting air circulation, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. The Muckster II Ankle Boot is moderately priced, and it holds up well to all of your light gardening duties. 

Pros

• Moderately priced 6” fitted ankle boot
• Durable, shock-absorbent outsole with a wide heel
• 100% waterproof, flexible neoprene upper that forms to the shape of the foot
• Stretch-Fit Comfort Topline: ankle collar fits snugly against the calf to keep water and debris out of the boot
• Heel pull tab for convenient slip-on
• The Airmesh interior liner has moisture-wicking and airflow features

Cons

• Little arch support
• Runs small and narrow; no half-sizes
• Tread wears down easily on abrasive surfaces; best for light gardening work
• Not slip-resistant on extremely smooth and wet surfaces

Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Rain and Garden Boot with Comfort Insole

For an eco-friendly waterproof boot, women gardeners rave about their favorite Sloggers boots. The Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Rain and Garden Boot with Comfort Insole is a mid-calf boot designed for most gardening work. Made with up to 100% recycled materials, the rubber outsole and the plastic upper are odorless and easy to clean with the spray of a hose. Although this boot is better for warmer climates, it stands up to wet and muddy conditions.

With a 15.25” mouth, the Sloggers Rain and Garden Boot has a larger opening than most waterproof boots. This is best for women with larger feet who have trouble finding a slip-on boot. You can also tuck the bottom of your pants inside the boot to keep them clean. Sloggers come with a removable insole, with the option to purchase an extra half-size insert if you fall between sizes. When you want to buy another pair, the company will recycle your old boots into another pair. The Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Rain and Garden Boot is a budget-friendly option for the environmentally conscious gardener.

Pros

• Budget-friendly mid-calf waterproof boots for most gardening duties
• Eco-friendly design: 50% recycled rubber outsole, 100% recycled medical-grade plastic upper
• The company recycles old boots into new ones
• Best for garden work in muddy or wet conditions
• Odorless boot available in many designs
• Comfortable, removable insoles for long-term wear
• Easy to clean upper
• Wider25” calf for protecting your pants
• ½ size spacer insole for women who fall between sizes

Cons

• No insulation
• Ankle collar rubs against the calf (wear longer socks)
• Run small and narrow with no arch support
• Last for up to a year of continuous wear

Bogs Men’s Classic Ultra Mid Insulated Waterproof Winter Snow Boot

The weather doesn’t have to interrupt your garden work. The Bogs Men’s Classic Ultra Mid Insulated Waterproof Winter Snow Boot is designed to hold up to light gardening and outdoor work in any climate. This boot is 100% waterproof, with a Max-Wick interior liner that pulls moisture away from your feet. The stretchable neoprene upper with pull on handles helps your feet slide into the Bogs Classic for a comfortable fit. An EVA memory foam insole with DuraFresh technology supports your feet and combats odors.

The Bogs Classic has little arch support, but you can use your own insert for more comfort. There are no half-sizes, so you should order a size up if you fall between sizes. If you have thicker feet, then another style will work better for you. This model can feel tight across the ankles. Temperature-rated for comfort from 60 to -35 degrees Fahrenheit, the Bogs Men’s Classic are the best men’s rubber gardening boots for cold temperatures.

Pros

• 100% waterproof rubber boot for rain and snow
• Rubber outsole with stretchable neoprene upper
• Pull on handles
• Bogs Max-Wick interior liner has moisture-wicking properties
• EVA memory foam insole with DuraFresh to combat odors
• Keeps feet comfortable from 60 degrees to -35 degrees F

Cons

• Expensive
• Last for about a year of moderate use
• Feels heavy and bulky; fits tight around thicker ankles
• No arch support; no half sizes

RK Men’s Waterproof Rubber Sole Rain Boots

Light snow and rain can make our gardens a muddy mess: you need a boot that can stand up to the wet, rain, and cold. The RK Men’s Waterproof Rubber Sole Rain Boots are a budget-friendly boot for light gardening in wet conditions. With strong pull tabs on both sides of the lightweight and durable PVC upper, your feet slide into the boot with the help of the soft interior liner that keeps your feet warm in the cold rain and snow. The waterproof upper is slip-resistant, oil-resistant, and chemical-resistant with a deep traction pattern on the rubber outsole for the messiest environments.

Although the RK Men’s Waterproof Rubber Sole Rain Boots don’t come in wide sizes, they have a roomy fit for men with thicker feet. Their sturdy build can make them feel a little heavy on your feet during the first few wears. The RK Men’s Waterproof Boot They aren’t ideal for long-term walking or bending, but they are a great option for light errands or yard work in dreary weather.  

Pros

• A budget-friendly waterproof boot
• Lightweight and durable PVC upper
• Oil-resistant, slip-resistant boot with deep traction lugs
• Strong pull tabs on sides of upper
• Soft interior liner to keep your feet warm
• Good for wide feet

Cons

• Can be a little slippery on slick, smooth surfaces, such as icy cement
• Don’t hold up well; last for less than a year of continuous use
• Uncomfortable for long-term wear – run small, no wide sizes, no arch support, little cushion, feel heavy
• Rubber smell

Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot

Kamik has been engineering boots that stand up to the outdoors for over one hundred years. For a durable men’s boot that holds up well to any weather conditions, the Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot is ideal for messier garden work, farming, or work with chemicals. This moderately priced boot is made from recycled materials, reducing waste that ends up in landfills. The Hunter is a 13” mid-calf waterproof boot suitable for rain or snow. Unlike other models, this design has a removable thermal liner with moisture-wicking properties. This makes them perfect for messy gardening chores all year long.

With an oil-resistant and acid-resistant upper, the Hunter protects your feet from the harsh materials you encounter every day. An adjustable nylon collar ties shut to keep snow, rain, and debris out of your boots. With an extra large 15.5” mouth, men with thicker calves will love this boot’s comfortable fit. Instead of having two sets of gardening boots – one for the summer and one for the winter – why not have one pair do all of the work? The Kamik Men’s Hunter Boot keeps your feet dry during the summer and warm during the winter, allowing you to work in your garden all year long.

Pros

• Moderately priced boot made from recycled materials
• best yard work boots for men
• 13” mid-calf waterproof boot for rain or snow
• Synthetic rubber sole with 1.25” heel for shock absorption
• Removable thermal liner with moisture-wicking properties
• Extra wide 15.5” mouth for thicker calves
• -40-degree temperature rating
• Adjustable nylon collar keeps snow, rain, and debris out
• Very warm in cold weather
• Oil-resistant and acid-resistant upper

Cons

• Run large but narrow; no half sizes
• Little arch support
• Feel heavy

West Blvd Women’s Mid Calf Waterproof Rainboots

If you have a lot of cobblestones or pathways in your garden, your boots should have shock-absorbent qualities. The West Blvd Women’s Mid-Calf Waterproof Rainboots are a great option for walking and standing on soft or hard surfaces. The synthetic rubber outsole has a deep tread pattern that is slip-resistant on wet stone and cement. It has a 0.5” platform and a 1.25” heel that diffuses impact off of the sensitive parts of your feet as you walk.

A durable rubber upper and an interior liner keep your feet dry while you are watering your garden. The West Blvd is extra roomy in the ankle and forefoot area: they won’t cut into your skin as you bend and squat during your garden work. Although you might have to add an insert for arch support, the West Blvd Women’s Mid-Calf Waterproof Rain Boot is a budget-friendly choice that won’t limit your movements during long days of working in your garden.

Pros

• Budget-friendly, mid-calf waterproof boot for gardening in the rain or wet gardens
• Good for longer wear than other rainboots
• Synthetic rubber outsole with deep tread
• 5” platform and 1.25” heel for shock absorption
• Durable rubber upper that is roomy in the ankle area
• Interior liner keeps your feet dry

Cons

• Tight toe box, but run wide in the forefoot
• Need to add an insole for comfort
• Not insulated
• Don’t hold up well (last for about a year of moderate use)

Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Rain and Garden Ankle Boots with Comfort Insole

If wearing a mid-calf style is too much boot for you, then Sloggers also has an ankle boot design with all of the same features of the larger model. The Sloggers Women’s Waterproof Rain and Garden Ankle Boots with Comfort Insole is a convenient slip-on boot with an elastic goring and a heel tab. This helps you slide into them before walking into your messy garden. Made from recycled rubber and plastic, the Sloggers ankle boot is easy to clean with a hose. They are great for wet or muddy garden work.

The removable comfort insole is cushioned, but it doesn’t offer much arch support. If you have defined arches, you can replace it with an insert. Although the Rain and Garden Ankle Boots do not come in wide sizes, Sloggers sells a ½ size spacer insole for women who fall between sizes. By purchasing the next size up and using the spacer, you can create a custom fit. When you want an upgrade, you can send your old pair to the company, who will recycle them into a new one.

Pros

• Budget-friendly waterproof ankle boots with elastic goring and heel tab for convenient slip-on
• 50% recycled rubber outsole
• 100% recyclable medical-grade plastic upper
• Best for garden work in muddy or wet conditions
• Easy to clean upper
• The company recycles old boots into new ones
• Odorless boot available in many designs
• Comfortable, removable insoles for long-term wear
• ½ size spacer insole for women who fall between sizes

Cons

• Feel heavy without much stretch
• Ankle collar rubs against thicker ankles
• Run small; no wide sizes

Crocs Women’s Jaunt Shorty Boot

Although Crocs were first designed as a boating shoe, the shoe soon incorporated a variety of uses. They are now a familiar sight in work shoes and leisure shoes alike, and they come highly recommended by podiatrists. The Crocs Women’s Jaunt Shorty Boot is a low-calf boot that uses the company’s patented Croslite technology. The foam resin supports your feet while diffusing impact for long gardening sessions. Ideal for rainy conditions, the lightweight and flexible upper bends easily to fit into a large tote or a suitcase.

The Jaunt runs large, so they are best for women with wide feet. The durable outsole has comfort and shock-absorbent properties. It is puncture-resistant, and it has excellent traction. The Jaunt is an excellent boot for light gardening or running errands after a rainstorm. The pull holes on the sides of the upper are convenient for easy slip-on, but these boots aren’t for stepping in large puddles or mud holes. While they are better for lighter chores, the Crocs Women’s Jaunt Shorty Boots are so cute and budget-friendly that you will make them your go-to outdoor boot on rainy days.  

Pros

• Budget-friendly 6.75” low-calf boot
• Come in different colors
• Thick and durable rubber outsole blocks punctures and has excellent traction
• Lightweight and flexible upper: great for travel
• Best for light gardening duties on rainy days
• Crocs’ patented Croslite technology: EVA memory foam resin that forms to your foot for extra comfort while diffusing impact
• Pull holes in each side of the upper for convenient slip-on
• Good fit for women with wide feet

Cons

• Small 12.5” mouth may make it difficult to slide the boot on to your foot
• No interior lining
• No half-sizes

Bogs Womens Classic High Handle Waterproof Insulated Rain and Winter Snow Boot

For the messiest gardening chores, you need a boot that will keep you clean and warm all the way up to your knees. The Bogs Women’s Classic High Waterproof Insulated Rain and Winter Snow Boot is great for use during every season. Measuring 13.5” from the arch, this boot will protect your whole calf from getting wet and muddy. A fabric upper provides fitted comfort in your legs while a neoprene cover waterproofs the forefoot. The non-slip rubber outsole has 0.5” platform and 1” heel for shock absorption, with good tread for wet and slippery surfaces.

Pull handles near the top of the upper make it easy to slide into these boots without sacrificing protection against the elements. This insulated boot has a moisture-wicking interior liner with Aegis odor protection to pull sweat away from your feet. The Bogs hold up well to rain or snow, with a -30 degree Fahrenheit temperature rating. Although they run high on the price point, the Bogs Women’s Classic High Waterproof Insulated Rain and Winter Snow Boot provides excellent protection for your feet and legs during the messiest outdoor chores.

Pros

• Non-slip rubber outsole with good tread for wet or cold conditions
• best yard work boots for women
• Measures 13.5” from arch
• 5” platform and 1” heel for shock-absorption
• Fabric upper for fitted comfort
• Moisture-wicking interior liner with Aegis odor protection
• Pull handles for easy slip-on
• Temperature rated for -30 degrees Fahrenheit
• Neoprene covers the forefoot for waterproofing
• Good fit for women with wide feet
• Hold up well

Cons

• Expensive
• Tight around thicker ankles
• 5” opening might be too small for larger feet
• Feel a little clunky on the first few wears

The Original Muckboots Scrub Boot

If you are starting to garden, you may need a stronger, more resilient boot for the mild landscaping to organize your new planting space. The Original Muckboots Scrub Boot has the comfort and protection you need for the extra labor you need to put into your space to make it look amazing. This moderately-priced waterproof boot measures 8” from the arch to protect your feet from mud, rocks, stones, and snow. It is a unisex boot that is listed by men’s sizes and the equivalent women’s sizes so that you will always get the perfect fit.

The Scrub Boot is flexible enough for all-day wear. A breathable interior liner keeps your feet from sweating, and the boot has a durable rubber outsole with great traction. These features keep your feet dry all day and prevent slipping on wet or icy cement. Even though the boots have deep lugs, they don’t track in mud, snow, or other debris from your garden work. The stretchable nylon upper protects your feet and calves from the elements during the messiest jobs. The moderately-priced Original Muckboots Scrub Boot is for men and women who need a protective boot for mild landscaping, cutting grass, and barn work.

Pros

• Moderately priced waterproof 8” unisex boot available in men’s or corresponding women’s sizes
• Best landscaping boots for men and women
• Durable rubber outsole with good traction that doesn’t track mud, snow, or debris
• Stretchy, easy to clean nylon upper
• Breathable mesh interior liner
• Flexible sole for comfortable long-term walking and movement on soft or hard terrains
• Comfortable for long-term wear in mud and snow
• Great for messier jobs such as mild landscaping, cutting grass, or barn work
• Good for wide calves

Cons

• Run small
• Look and feel a little bulky
• Slight rubber smell dissipates after a few wears
• Last for about a year of consistent use

Garden Boots vs. Rain Boots

If you are beginning to cultivate, you have probably adopted an old, beat-up pair of sneakers or casual shoes to wear in the garden. If you plan on spending a significant amount of time in your garden, then you should invest in some quality garden boots. This type of footwear ranges from rain boots to snow boots. While rain boots will offer enough protection during light gardening work, you may require different features to match your activities and your climate.

A decent pair of rain boots is often all that you need to start working in your garden. They are waterproof, and they are usually fitted to keep your feet clean and dry. Rain boots have slip-resistant tread on the outsole to keep you from slipping on smooth, wet surfaces. This works well if you have paths and sidewalks on your property. Better for lighter work, a decent pair of rain boots are great for watering your plants or cutting your grass. (Need rain boots but have wide calves? We’ve got you covered. Check out our Best Rain Boots for wide calves article.)
Your outdoor chores may require an extra level of protection, especially if you are working with pesticides. Some garden boots are chemical-resistant, which is the better choice. These materials will eat through the rubber of an ordinary rain boot. If you work on a farm or you will be doing some mild landscaping, a boot with an extra thick outsole and upper will protect your feet from injury.

If you live in an icier climate, winter boots will work better for your garden work. These work well in the garden or for any outdoor activity because they are waterproof against both rain and snow. Models with removable interior liners are best for areas that are warm in the summer and cold in the winter. During the summer, take out the liner for a great waterproof boot for your outdoor activities. Put it back in when the temperatures start to drop. Although these styles are usually more expensive, it eliminates the need to have two separate pairs of boots for one use. 

The Bottom Line

Whether you are a constant or occasional gardener, there is a boot available for your activities. The best garden boots will have safety and comfort features for short-term or long-term wear. Garden boots come in ankle to high-calf measurements: ankle boots are better for light gardening, while you’ll need a longer boot for messier jobs. When you have a well-fitted and protective pair of garden boots, you can spend more time in the place you love.

 

Resources:

“6 Tips for Choosing Garden Shoes.” Gardening Know-How Blog. https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/trends/footwear-for-gardeners/

“Garden Shoes: How to Protect Your Feet in the Garden!” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/garden-shoes.html