When the mud is thick and there's gardening and weeding to do, durable, waterproof footwear is an absolute necessity. In other words, what you need is a pair of good garden boots. The best garden boots protect clothing from the knee down and have chunky treads to prevent slipping.Along with afternoons spent with a string trimmer or garden shovel in hand, waterproof boots are also great for a range of activities, like rainy soccer games, weekend fishing trips, or just running errands when there's wet weather. Most garden boots are knee-high rubber boots—also called Wellington boots or wellies. But there are also work boots that can be just as useful in muddy conditions. What really matters is that the boot fends off water without being stifling, is protective or flexible depending on the terrain and plants, and provides plenty of grip. The Best Garden BootsBest Overall: Muck Boots Edgewater HiBest Budget: Dunlop Ankle Boot Best Lined: L.L. Bean Light Wellie BootsBest With Handles: Crocs Handle It Rain BootsMost Stylish: Hunter Original Short Rain BootWhat to ConsiderMaterial and Waterproofing Your boots need to handle wet grass, mud, and accidental hose sprays. I looked for boots made from waterproof materials like rubber, PVC, EVA, or neoprene. That said, the best boots for gardening keep moisture out without making your feet feel like they’re in a sauna. I've found that it's easy for my feet to get overheated in the wrong pair of rain boots because waterproof materials tend to lack breathability from the inside. For this reason, I searched for options with lining, like the L.L. Bean Light Wellie Boots, which have a foam-like polyester lining that acts like an extra sock, hugging the foot in your boot. This creates an extra level of protection by keeping debris from getting in over the cuff of the boot, and it also helps wick away sweat. Comfort and Fit You’ll be standing, squatting, and walking in these boots for hours, so cushioning, arch support, and a secure fit matter. Make sure there’s room for thick socks if you plan to garden in cool weather, but not so much space that your heel slips around. Some people also prefer a tall boot that comes up past the calf, like the Muck Edgewater Hi, which is ideal for maximum protection while gardening in areas with tall plants. However, other people (myself included) are perfectly comfortable with an ankle-height boot such as the Hunter Original Short Rain Boot. I wear these boots while helping my mom in her small tomato garden or taking my dog out for a walk in the rain, so I don't have much of a need for taller boots. Shorter boots get the job done just fine for me.Traction and Durability Garden terrain can be slick, uneven, or just plain messy. A boot with a sturdy sole and deep tread pattern, like the Dunlop Chesapeake Modern Ankle Boot, gives you grip on muddy paths and stability while digging. Most models, including the Muck boots, also feature reinforced toes and thick soles that can handle sharp tools or rocky soil.How We SelectedAfter testing out multiple pairs of traditional rain boots and outdoor boots myself over the years, I was able to reference my own experience in my research. I also researched garden boots in different and across multiple price points to compile a list. I'm partial to boots that are shorter in height, so I was sure to research taller boots and boots that are appropriate for heavy-duty use. While considering different models, I compared material, height, and weight, and looked for markers of quality including thick treads, reinforced toes and heels, and linings. Edgewater Tall Boot This garden boot covers all the bases for any serious gardener. The knee-high shaft offers optimum mud coverage, the toe and heel are reinforced with three layers of thick rubber, there's a comfortable attached interior bootie with a breathable mesh lining, plus it has thick traction on the soles. Muck brings all the features you need in a messy outdoor environment into this boot.A stretchy cuff hugs the calf, helping retain warmth while preventing dirt and debris from entering. Despite the extra traction on the outsole, they may still be slick on snow and ice. Light Wellie Boots, Pull-On These lightweight rain boots are engineered for functional performance in wet environments. The upper is constructed from durable waterproof rubber to prevent moisture from seeping in and there's a recycled polyester lining. They also have a polyurethane foam midsole for sweat wicking, extra comfort, and shock absorption, along with a grippy rubber outsole for traction on slick surfaces. For convenience, the boots feature pull tabs, a flexible neoprene collar, and a stretch jersey binding for a secure fit around the ankle that also helps them slide on and off easily. Original Short Rain Boots These are my go-to rain boots. They're made from natural rubber and assembled by hand. The shorter 11-inch shaft provides protection but doesn't inhibit mobility.The outsole features the Hunter Original tread pattern for good traction on soft or uneven ground and there's a lining that adds comfort and helps manage moisture. Hunter also insulates all of its boots for maximum warmth during the colder months. Handle It Rain Boots These rain boots are constructed from molded EVA, a lightweight, waterproof material that's easy to wipe down if caked with mud and flexible enough for repeated bending and kneeling. They're said to be as comfortable as regular Crocs clogs though they're designed to fit slightly snug, so we recommend sizing up and wearing thicker socks. The boots are available in four colors, including bright yellow and hot-pink.