Trading Post: Garden Shoes

TRADING POST
Written and produced by Bailey McGrath
Photography by Marty Baldwin
MORE
SHOES &
BOOTS
page 28
Garden Shoes
Give your feet the comfort and protection they need as you tend to your
garden with these fun and functional flats, clogs, and boots.
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3. BLOOMING BOOTS
1. KEEP COOL
When the heat kicks in, slip on
these breathable clogs. The rubber
soles provide traction in muddy
areas, and the elastic straps keep
you firm-footed. Swedish designer
Petra Maison created them with
femininity in mind, so you’ll feel
fashionable in the garden. Pro
Garden Shoes—Garden Girl;
gardengirlusa.com; 866/610-5459;
$36.99
2. EXTRA FEMININE
Crocs set out to design a clog just
for women. The result is a classic
clog with a slimmer profile and
open back. The shoe still has all
the comfort of other Crocs but
in a more feminine slip-on form.
Women’s Freesail Clog—Crocs;
crocs.com; 866/306-3179; $29.99
Buckle-fastened shafts lend extra
flexibility for pant tucking and
ease of movement in these wellies.
Soles wrap up the boot sides,
providing more comfort with each
stride. A sweet floral design keeps
you inspired. Wellington Boots—
Garden Girl; gardengirlusa.com;
866/610-5459; $85.99
4. PICK A FRUIT
Don’t let their citrusy-fresh looks
fool you: These garden-approved
boots are just as functional as they
are fashionable. The waterproof
ankle boots work to keep your
feet dry and comfortable with
sweat-dispersing and odor-fighting
technology. The internal steel
shanks provide protection for
heavy digging. Harper Fruit—
BOGS; bogsfootwear.com;
877/321-2647; $95
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7. IM-PECK-ABLE
5. STAY WARM
Cool, wet weather need not
keep you from prepping beds
or pruning trees. These floral
boots provide warmth and
traction in all conditions and are
100 percent waterproof. Lined
handles make them easy to pull
on but deflect unwanted debris.
Cloud Mid Tulip Fun—Perfect
Storm; perfectstormfootwear.com
603/727-9430; $74.95
6. WALK ON AIR
Perfect for quick chores on a hot
day, these feminine flats slip on
and off easily, are lightweight, and
contain massage nubs along the
foot beds for added comfort.
The holes on the vamp provide
breathability to keep your feet
cool. Kadee—Crocs; crocs.com;
866/306-3179; $31.99
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Showcasing artwork by artist
Sarah Rosedahl, these boots were
designed with the chicken-lover
in mind. The wellies, made of
waterproof recycled material,
feature a wide shaft for easy pant
tucking. Each pair comes with halfsizer insoles. Women’s Rain and
Garden Boot in Chicken Print—
Sloggers; sloggers.com;
877/750-4437; $39.99
8. CLASSIC LOOK
These classic clogs hold up to
the heaviest garden duties. The
outsoles are tough, flexible,
and easy to clean, and feature
high backs for added security.
Removable molded-cork insoles
provide comfort and shovelready protection. Women’s
Garden Clogs—Gardener’s
Supply Company; gardeners.com;
800/876-5520; $49.95
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11. ECO-FRIENDLY
9. CHASE AWAY CHILL
Early spring and late fall weather
may leave your feet feeling cold
and uncomfortable. This slip-on
is less clunky than a boot but
offers good footing and warmth
in temperatures down to -20°F.
Vapor—Perfect Storm Footwear;
visit perfectstormfootwear.com to
find a local dealer; $54.95
10. CHICKS DIG IT
Slip on these wellies and you’re
sure to rule the roost in the
garden. The stylish design
sports quick-drying liners and
deep lugged soles for traction.
Gardener’s Chicken Wellies—
Gardener’s Supply Company;
gardeners.com; 800/876-5520;
$49.95
Made from 100 percent recycled
materials, these clogs are good for
the environment and feel good
on your feet, too. The outsoles
provide stability in muddy areas
and, when you’re done digging
in the dirt, can be hosed off to
reveal the lovely leaf pattern. Each
pair includes half-sizer insoles.
Women’s Waterproof Comfort
Shoes in Leaf Print—Sloggers;
sloggers.com; 877/750-4437; $32.99
12. EASY BREEZY
These lightweight slip-on ankle
boots protect your feet and
ankles from scratches and
splashes. A cooling liner fills the
inside of each boot to keep feet
dry and refreshed during spring
and summer planting. Breezy
Ankle Garden Boot—Muck Boot
Company; muckbootcompany
.com; 855/377-2668; $109.95
13. FOOT ARMOR
From its wide tread to its centersole dig pad, this Wellington is
designed for the avid gardener.
The design provides optimum
protection and enhanced traction
while you use gardening tools.
Gardener Boots—Hunter;
us.hunterboots.com;
877/495-1500; $135
14. ROYAL TREATMENT
Treat your feet to ankle boots
featuring an elegant design from
the Royal Horticultural Society
archives. Don’t fret over their
beauty—you still get all the
protection and traction expected
from a hardworking boot.
Women’s RHS Short Rain Boots—
Hunter Boots; us.hunterboots
.com; 877/495-1500; $145
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15. GET MUDDY
Even the wettest conditions
won’t faze this boot. Its slender
design emits femininity, while the
outsole grips to slick surfaces.
Simply hose off any gunk at the
end of the day. Tack II Mid Stable
Boot—Muck Boot Company;
muckbootcompany.com;
855/377-2668; $124.95