No, Your Old Sneakers Do Not Make The Best Garden Shoes (2024)

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.” Also, while the holes in Crocs make them breathable and easy to wear, they also make these shoes not waterproof, so you'll want to grab another pair for wet days.

At a Glance

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 Carmen'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 in the garden.

Another feature we love about the Torrent rain boot is the micro-fleece lining. It somehow strikes the balance between the perfect amount of protection while still being lightweight on 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," one says. "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!"

At a Glance

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 going by Amazon's recommended sizing or using the chart provided in the product description.

At a Glance

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 Carmen'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 shared "My 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!"

At a Glance

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. And while plenty of other things may have changed in the last 100+ years, the high-quality construction of Bean Boots hasn't. The shoes are still triple-stitched in Maine and made from full-grain leather.

Ideal for spring days when the ground is soggy, Bean Boots feature an iconic 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.

At a Glance

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. The 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.

At a Glance

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.

At a Glance

There are a few different factors to consider before buying the best garden shoes, but Carmen recommends putting comfort at the top of your list. "Definitely consider comfort first," she shared. "Look for something durable that comes with great support, too. Waterproofing is a plus."