Friends, my go-to garden shoe is typically an old running shoe.  Sadly, these are typically worn down inside and out, and aren't ideal for hours of working in the garden. If this is the case, then you may have noticed one adverse side effect of this choice—namely, tired and aching feet later in the day.  This discomfort defeats the whole purpose of gardening—it’s a zen exercise that is supposed to relax you, not cause you physical pain.  Before you head back out to the garden, consider picking up a new pair of top rated garden shoes for women.

One of the first things you are going to want to do is make sure that your new gardening shoes fit well and are comfortable.  Look for shoes that have a built-in arch like these XTRATUF Salmon Sisters Legacy Series Boots.  If you are going to be standing and working for long periods of time, these types of supports will help prevent severe leg and back pain.  These boots firmly hug and support your feet and keep you pain-free; they are also durable enough to stand up to the elements.

Another brand of garden shoes known for durability and a comfortable fit are the insulated Original Muckboots Edgewater Hi Boots.  Working in a damp environment can be havoc on your feet, especially if that moisture gets down into your shoes.  An unfortunate batch of blisters can put you off the idea of doing any gardening for quite some time.

When it comes to working in the garden, comfort and fit are important, but so is safety.  People often believe that working outside in flip-flops or open-toed sandals make them feel “outdoorsy.” But this type of footwear can easily slip off and offers little protection against a dropped trowel or paving stone. These types of shoes are not the safest option for gardening.

However, Hunter Women’s Original Garden Stripe Short Rain Boots, are a great option because of the heavy, durable material from which they are made.  Not only will rubber boots like these last for a long time, but they will also protect your feet from the elements as well as the dangers of sharp gardening utensils and other hazards.  These boots also have a non-slip material on the soles to help prevent slips and falls.

While the garden isn’t usually the place for high fashion, style and good looks are still a consideration when choosing gardening shoes.  You might not be dressing up for the neighborhood, but sliding into something whimsical like Sloggers Women's Waterproof Rain and Garden Boot with Comfort Insole will definitely put a smile on your face.  The chicken print and yellow color make these a cute pair of boots to go traipsing around in the garden or off to the local nursery.

If you are looking for something a little less tall on the leg, try out Joules Women’s Wellibob Rain Boot; this is a low-top option that comes in patterns from dogs and polka dots to bees and flowers.  What also makes these shoes superior is that they are easy to clean, so they will look good on you for many years.

When it comes to gardening shoes, it isn’t necessary to sacrifice comfort and style for durability and safety.  Many of the top gardening shoes have found a way to be quite fashionable while at the same time supporting your feet and preventing foot pain and fatigue.