Given the choice, I'd go barefoot all summer long. It doesn't matter if it's sand between my toes or fresh garden mud, I like the feeling of my bare feet planted directly on the earth. When I was younger, my sisters and I would have contests to see whose feet had toughened the most over the course of the summer; the test was walking barefoot across our gravel driveway without wincing.
Still, there are some occasions when rigorous gardening duties don't allow for such freewheeling feet. Here are a few of our favorite ways to compromise, with clogs and low boots:
This cherry Red Slip-On is one of my favorites. It's $78 from Bogs Footwear.
The Skerry Spritz offers a little more in the way of protection for delicate ankles; $65 from Tretorn.
This gardening clog features a slightly more sturdy tread, making it perfect for gardening on a slope. The Aigle Limpo Gardening Shoe is £40 from Aigle.
Jolly Garden Clogs are a true gardening classic. They're $47.95 from Gardener's Supply.
Another option from Bogs Footwear, this cheery Rose Clog is $75 from Bogs Footwear.
A warm weather counterpart to the iconic bean boot, these Rubber Mocs from L.L. Bean are $79.
Classic Birki by Birkenstock are $50.
Farmer friends swear by the Mud Muck Garden Shoes, on sale for $64.95 from the Muck Boot Co.
Sloggers Classic Garden Clogs are a nice low profile option. They're available starting at $20.77.