I bought myself a pair of women's work shoes that look like men's. They are tough to break in though, and I reverted to walking shoes that have been around the block a few times. The work boots are needed for digging though, as it is easier on the foot and the moisture won't get in.

I picked up a pair of water proof pull-ons from Sams Club by Lewis & Clark. They are comfortable, sturdy, each to get in and out of, and completely waterproof. My husband got a pair also and we use them all the time.

I just wear this pair of worn out, old shoes that I bought at Walmart a couple of years ago. They are flat, slip on black leather shoes and hold up pretty well. They are nice and wore in!

Purple Birkenstock gardening clogs. Have had them for years.

Thank you for your responses- Does any one have Muck Boots?Peachiekean-yes I'm concerned a work type boot will be too heavy too.Are yours like a short lawn/landscape boot?
Karenforroses-those sound pretty nice,I'll check them out. If they worked I'd buy a couple.
Kentstar-yes, I had some brown ones similar which are now "open-toed" garden shoes. I do wash them off and it ruins the shoes.
Diane nj-Like the look -purple would be so cool and plastic washable but I just can't keep them on-especially when working.

Sloggers. Got three pair at Target a few years ago.

moraseaz- I do like Sloggers for short trips to the composter but unable to work in them!

haha old Asics Gel Nimbus 10s

I wear my Muck Boots. I like them, they are water proof, comfortable and since the tread is light they don't pick up too much mud . On the down side, they are rubber so they can be cold in winter and hot in summer but wearing heavy socks takes care of that. The insoles are removable and can be machine washed if they get too stinky. The soles are pretty flexible and light which makes them comfortable shoes but maybe not the best if you do a lot of stomping on shovels. Hope this helps.

I wear last year's Reeboks. They're not waterproof but I don't muck around that much. If something gets in the treads I just howe them off when I'm done.
I also don't wear them inside when I'm done.
They stay outside on the deck.

If I'm doing all day heavy work, I wear these heavy shoes that are like hiking boots but are not high. They give my feet a lot of support. But the treads are deep and I have to knock out the mud and can't wear them in the house. But they are good and if I have to go up on the hill, I don't slide all over the place.

For just casual garden chores, I wear old sneakers which are flatter on the bottom (but sometimes I slide on the hill!). Or I have these Lands End slide on suede shoes that are fairly comfortable and don't trap a lot of muck.

In the summer I go barefoot or wear flip flops. I set up a hose and soap and brush to clean my feet before I go in the house.

Mucks! Here in Oregon they're the only way to go.

I wear ankle rubber shoes that have a zipper up the front. the current favorites come from SoftMoc. I like with the zipper the shoe doesn't slosh around on my feet. The soles are thick with a good tread. I have worn work shoes with steel toes and while you do get used to them, not much we do doesn't require them and they are heavy which I do not want any longer. I wear these shoe-like rubber boots year long and for all activities i e walking the dog. My daughter in Toronto wears hers all the time as they are a great walking shoe in the support department.

Every year I buy a new pair of black leather, lace up Hushpuppies. The old pair get recycled as garden shoes. No, they aren't waterproof but they are very comfortable. If I get mud on them the dirt is removed easily enough with a wet washcloth.

Whatever you choose make sure to store your dry garden shoes in a bug proof plastic container. Even zone 4 has spiders...

I enjoy the knock-offs of Crocs. The ones I usually get are from Payless Shoes on-line. They work for everything gardenwise here and are very comfortable. And you can throw them in the washing machine with anything and they come out "new" again.

And I find I go to them as my "comfort" shoe whenever I can get away with the frumpy style.

Kathy

Here is a link that might be useful: Airwalk clogs

I always have to wear "GOR-TEX" shoes. They are kind of expensive side when you go to a sports store. But they are worth it. I don't have this uncomfortable feeling when the morning dew or my sloppy water hose wet my shoes. Also they last longer.

Go for a light Gortex cross trainer by any well known sport shoe makers like Nike.

Thank you Rose Gardeners for your replies! I bought a pair of Muck Boots(on sale)! They feel wonderful on a day like today-55*. If they are too warm for summertime, I can wear old athletic shoes. I guess I can't expect one pair of shoes to work for every chore in the garden; after all, I need more than one type of gloves...

I wear Muck Boots or hiking boots. I have an issue with fire ants in my yard so I am not comfortable with any other type of shoe.

Trish

Gee Trish; That is a good point. I think I will take my Mucks to FL. with me this winter as I do work in the yard down there too. Thank you.

For heavy work I LOVE my Ariat lacer riding boots. They are light but tough, and NEVER need breaking in. The tread doesn;t pick up much yuck, either. A basic pair only runs about a hundred bucks, and mine lasted me TEN YEARS of constant wear and abuse, even in the barnyard, mud, rain, mountain climbing, post-katrina clean-up in New Orleans. Best boots hands down. An eight dollar pair of muck boots at farm and Fleet are perfect for light but wet work.

Love my Mucks!

They slip on and off easily, are comfortable, and keep my feet relatively clean and safe from centipede bites to boot.

i sometimes wear them to town and actually get compliments.

Good choice Daisy!