As a gardener for nearly 20 years, I take footwear seriously. I often do more steps around my garden in a day than on a hike, so a good pair of gardening shoes is essential.
The best choice depends on your garden and the season. Broadly, there are two types of gardening shoes: clogs and ankle boots. Clogs are easy to slip on and protect your feet for quick jobs. Ankle boots take longer to put on but keep feet dry and stop soil getting in while digging.
If you usually head out with a cup of tea to potter about, clogs will do. If you are more likely to be found carrying a garden fork or weeding tool, choose an ankle boot.
You can pay anything from £25 to £165 with high-end brands like Blundstone, Hunter, Merry People and Barbour offering shoes that would be as fitting on the catwalk as the garden path. I tested 10 pairs. My top picks, full reviews and FAQs are below.
The best garden shoes: At a glance
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How to choose the best gardening shoes
When I worked as a sports injury specialist, gardening was still a hobby. I saw countless injuries caused by poor footwear, so I cannot overstate how important it is to wear shoes that fit well and feel comfortable.
Choose a pair that is easy to slip on and simple to clean. In summer, go for something light and breathable. In winter, you will want warmth and waterproofing. Whether you buy one pair or two depends on preference and how often you garden in poor weather.
If you plan to wear them for long periods, make sure the fit is secure. If your foot moves around too much, you may curl your toes to grip the inside. Doing this regularly can lead to a painful condition called plantar fasciitis. If untreated, this can also cause problems in the calf or Achilles.
Gardening shoes are important for safety too. They protect your feet when using sharp tools like lawn mowers and secateurs. Closed styles are best for muddy ground, thorns and heavy-duty equipment like strimmers. Pairs with ventilation holes will suit if you generally potter around a greenhouse or carry out smaller jobs.
How we test gardening shoes,
