If the boot fits then you’re good to go gardening!
I’ve always thought that every gardener needs two things: a good pair of secateurs and some trusty outdoor footwear, so over the last year I’ve tried numerous different boots and shoes and have finally come up with my suggestions for not only you, but your family as well.
Slip on shoes
I often find that I want to quickly run out into the garden at times, without needing to find bigger boots or lace them up and the perfect way to do just that is with a quick slip on shoes designed for that exact purpose. Backdoorshoes® have absolutely come up with the ideal solution to that specific problem with their slip-on clogs, and they’ve added an element of fun to the finish too. Not only are they spectacularly comfortable, a breeze to pop on and durable to boot, but they come in a rather snazzy range of colours, patterns and designs.
Entirely waterproof, these clogs are created with comfort in mind while enabling a swift on-and-off when you need them most. Unlike other clogs, these have a slightly higher back which stops your feet and socks getting soggy when walking on grass.
Available from www.backdoorshoes.co.uk from £34.95
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Lamb Boots
If you’re looking for a similar amount of ease, but you’re planning on a more rigorous bit of activity in the garden then you’ll want to start looking for a boot of some sort.
For me and my wife, the range available from Lamb Boots is tough to beat. I’ve been wearing and using Lamb for a while now, but the Birch range is a recent addition to our household and particularly the veg print design is new for us too.
My wife has been using these for the past few months and I’m pleased to say that she’s been joining me in the garden more and more as a result! Rather than being a solid boot, the neoprene top layer makes them far more comfortable than others on the market while the rubber outside ensures that mud doesn’t penetrate through and reach your feet.
The thing that really elevates these though, is the fact that they have a steel ‘shank’ that goes right the way along the sole to support your feet while you’re working.
Available from www.lambboots.com from with an RRP of £79
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Wellington boots
Away from gardening, if you also go on lots of muddy walks then a good, tall Wellington-style boot is in order for that particular task. The folk at Merry People have perfected the ultimate design with their Fergie boot, the tallest boot in their range, and aptly named after the tallest recorded Fergusson Tree in Victoria, Australia.
A slightly more fashionable take on the conventional Wellington boot of yesteryear, the Fergie has a long form and a good chunky heel which is not only good for a mud-soaked country walk, but also good for getting your spade or fork in the frozen ground.
See www.uk.merrypeople.com for the full range, starting at £114
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Footwear for the kids
And finally, I’ve covered options for the adults of the house but what about the children? While I’m out in the garden, my children often are too and they’re as guilty as me for running out without shoes on, resulting in endless socks with holes in them so thank heavens for Town & Country’s Kids Fleecy Cloggies®.
These lightweight clogs are simple to grab and come with a supportive ankle strap and slip resistant sole, they give tiny feet the warmth and cosiness they need when playing outdoors.
When they’re inevitably covered in mud, wipe clean with a damp cloth and they’re good to go once more.
Available in either a fleecy finish or without the lining, they come in blue or pink and are very reasonably priced.
Find out more at www.townandco.com. Fleecy Cloggies® have an RRP of £7.99 and the ones without fleece retail for £6.99
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