Choosing the Best Gardening Shoes

The right shoes can make all the difference in your gardening experience. They can protect you from slick surfaces, thorns and other sharp objects, and they should be durable enough to stand up to a lot of dirt. They should also be easy to clean and comfortable enough to wear for a long time. And, since most gardeners spend a lot of their time on their feet, they need to be able to provide good arch support as well.

The most durable gardening shoes are made from rubber or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. These materials are naturally water-resistant, making them easier to clean than other shoe materials. They’re also tough against rocks, sticks and other debris that might try to penetrate the shoes. These materials aren’t the only ones that are suitable for a garden, but they’re generally better choices than synthetics like polyester or nylon.

Choosing the best gardening shoes for you depends on the types of tasks you do in the garden. If you’re a beginner or a casual gardener, you can opt for clogs that have a molded footbed for good support and a neoprene lining that is both breathable and durable. For a more serious gardener, you might prefer something with a more rugged tread and a closed-toe design that offers added protection against thorns and other hazards.

Many of the best gardening shoes for seasoned gardeners look more like boots than clogs. The most sturdy options are made from rubber and feature a solid sole for better stability. They can also be worn with socks, which can offer additional protection from rocks and other debris that might fall into the shoes. Some of these shoes also have a hook on the back to hang them up and dry between uses.

Another option is to find gardening shoes that are 100-percent waterproof, which will keep your feet completely dry if you happen to step in a puddle or mud puddle while working. These shoes tend to be more expensive, but they can save you from the discomfort of soaking wet feet and the potential damage to your gardening gloves.

Some of the best gardening shoes have a heel that is designed to grip the ground and help you move more quickly while working. They can be especially useful if you need to plant or harvest in a hurry or when you’re working on steep hills.

Having the right gardening shoes by your backdoor can make it much easier to get in and out for a quick bit of weeding or picking herbs. These clogs from Hunter are a great choice for gardeners who frequently need to slip in and out of the house to grab supplies or run into the chicken coop. They are easy to clean, have a comfy neoprene lining and a tough rubber sole that’s built for traction in wet conditions. They are available in a variety of colors and can be worn with socks if desired.