The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of outdoor gear

Sloggers Rain and Garden Review

Not the most comfortable of the bunch, but the playful patterns and high traction are a plus.
Sloggers Rain and Garden
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Price:  $40 List | $28.80 at Amazon
Pros:  Inexpensive, quirky style, dependable traction
Cons:  Blister potential, no lining
Manufacturer:   Sloggers
By Sara Aranda ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 22, 2018
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69
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#7 of 11
  • Weather Protection - 30% 7
  • Comfort - 20% 6
  • Style - 20% 7
  • Traction - 20% 8
  • Warmth - 10% 6

Our Verdict

A popular pick on Amazon, the Sloggers Rain and Garden is a great choice for those wanting a basic rain boot with (surprisingly) good traction capabilities. Available in a large variety of fun prints and colors, Sloggers is a USA company founded back in 1948. While not as comfortable as some of the other boots we tested, it's no-lining design is great for those warmer days in the garden. Make sure to purchase one of the models with a nylon lip along the collar. Otherwise, the shaft may be too abrasive against your calves. For a different and taller mid-calf style, consider the Best Buy Award winner, the Kamik Heidi, which offers better performance across the board and only costs a bit more.


Compare to Similar Products

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Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award   
Price $28.80 at Amazon$123.56 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers		$44.99 at Amazon$84.95 at Amazon$34.99 at Amazon
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Star Rating
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Pros Inexpensive, quirky style, dependable tractionTall flexible shaft, comfortable, adjustable boot circumferenceMid-height shaft, fashionable, substantial tractionElegant, sufficient weather protection, wide circumferenceInexpensive, stylish, great weather protection
Cons Blister potential, no liningHigh cost, no insulationBasic foot support, minimal insulationNo insulation, run a bit largeStiffness, no insulation
Bottom Line Not the most comfortable of the bunch, but the playful patterns and high traction are a plus.The best of the best, this model is a high-quality, stylish boot.A very straightforward, elegant boot that is highly affordable.A stylish rain boot that still covers all the basics.A simple, yet stylish boot, both practical and affordable.
Rating Categories Sloggers Rain and Garden Original Back Adjustable Kamik Heidi UGG Shaye Kamik Olivia
Weather Protection (30%)
10
0
7
10
0
9
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
8
Comfort (20%)
10
0
6
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
7
Style (20%)
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
8
Traction (20%)
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
7
Warmth (10%)
10
0
6
10
0
6
10
0
6
10
0
6
10
0
7
Specs Sloggers Rain and... Original Back... Kamik Heidi UGG Shaye Kamik Olivia
Shaft Height (from ground to top of shaft) 10.5 in 16 in 12 in 13.75 in 14 in
Weight (for pair tested) 2.6 lbs 3.58 lbs 2.71 lbs 3.08 lbs 3.6 lbs
Width Options Regular Regular Regular Regular Regular
Mouth Circumference 14 in 14-19 in 13.75 in 15.5 in 15 in
Upper Rubber Vulcanized Natural Rubber Phthalate-free Synthetic Rubber Rubber Rubber
Lining/Insulation None Knitted Nylon Nylon Nylon None
Outsole Rubber Natural Rubber Synthetic Rubber Blend Rubber Rubber
Insole Removable insole Multilayered Sponge Insole Removeable Kamik(R) Comfort Footbed Removeable Lamb wool, sheepskin insole Breathable mesh
Sizing info True to Size Runs large True to Size True to Size True to Size
Size we tested 8 7 8 8 8
Sizes Available Whole sizes 6 - 11 Whole Sizes 6 - 11 Whole Sizes 6 - 11 Whole Sizes 5 - 12 Whole sizes 6 - 11

Our Analysis and Test Results

Fairly lightweight, the Rain and Garden boot is glossy and straightforward. Made in the USA with up to 50% recycled materials, they are the shortest of the mid-calf boots we tested, measuring only 10.5 inches from the floor. No lining and a wider toe box, there's not much else going on with these boots besides style and traction.

Performance Comparison


With a traditional construction the Sloggers boots are practical and affordable.
With a traditional construction, the Sloggers boots are practical and affordable.

Weather Protection


These shorter mid-calf boots don't offer nearly as much weatherproofing as the tall Hunter Original or even the Kamik Olivia. However, they are still tall enough to get the job done. You can rely on them not to leak, though, even if you're caught in the rain for extended periods.

Comfort


Unfortunately, comfort wasn't a high-point for this boot. Despite boasting all-day comfort insoles, after thirty minutes of walking, our lead tester experienced a hot spot on her left heel and achy feet. While the shaft is flexible enough to move around in, the all-day appeal is greatly diminished after feeling the onset of a blister. The shaft did not dig into the shin on an incline, however, and thankfully the mouth and collar of the boot is lined with nylon. Many online customer reviews mentioned Sloggers cutting into their legs when the boots did not have this nylon around the lip (which is a different version of this boot that we do not recommend). Driving in them was only a tad cumbersome. A true plus, the footbox was roomy for thick socks and provided ample space for our toes to spread out.

The Rain and Garden boots are comfortable to wear across flat surfaces but not necessarily for long distances.
The Rain and Garden boots are comfortable to wear across flat surfaces, but not necessarily for long distances.

Style


If you like patterns and a variety of colors, these rain boots come in an overwhelming number of designs. The model we tested was a simple polka-dot pattern with a high gloss rubber. We felt that such patterns are either a hit or miss when it comes to versatility and style appeal. You either rock the high-fun patterns no matter what your outfit is or you opt to only wear them sparingly. Because of the potential for a wardrobe clash, they are not as transferable as, say, the inconspicuous Bogs SweetPea or the elegant UGG Shaye.

The playful patterns on the Sloggers accented well with all the fall colors.
The playful patterns on the Sloggers accented well with all the fall colors.

Traction


Despite the basic appearance of the pair, the soles on these boots were some of the most aggressive of the fleet, scoring high right along with the Kamik Heidi and the Hunter Original. Certainly stable across flat, wet terrain, they were also reliable in the snow and up a grassy incline. Living up to their garden association, the off-road capabilities are notable.

The tread on the Sloggers boots is surprisingly aggressive.
The tread on the Sloggers boots is surprisingly aggressive.

Warmth


With no lining, the Sloggers still maintain a fair amount of heat due to the very nature of their waterproof rubber. Best for mild temperatures, things got cold fast when it came to the snow, despite having some room for thicker socks. If you want more warmth and overall weather protection, a boot with a taller shaft height or added insulation will do the trick, like the Bogs North Hampton.

The Rain and Garden boots fared well in colder temperatures over short periods as the roomy toe box allowed for a pocket of insulated air.
The Rain and Garden boots fared well in colder temperatures over short periods, as the roomy toe box allowed for a pocket of insulated air.

Fit


Sloggers only come in whole sizes 6-11, with a recommendation to size up if you are of a half-size. Sizing up to an 8 was a good choice for our lead tester. The footbed was roomy, but the heel slippage was almost too much. We noticed a frog-like sound with some steps. Nonetheless, the short stature and the wide, 14-inch circumference of this mid-calf boot allowed ample space for our calves and even pants.

The Sloggers boots are ideal for flat surfaces and casual activity. With any notable incline hot spots began to form on our heels.
The Sloggers boots are ideal for flat surfaces and casual activity. With any notable incline, hot spots began to form on our heels.

Best Application


These boots are at home in the garden. They also happily live in a mudroom, ready to be tossed on when occasional rainy days strike. Lacking a liner or insulation, they will keep you the most comfortable between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Sloggers boots are fun and cheery to wear and pair the best with leggings.
The Sloggers boots are fun and cheery to wear and pair the best with leggings.

Value


Made in the USA, the Sloggers Rain and Garden boots only average $40, just as cheap as the classic Crocs Jaunt Shorty. With decent weather protection and high traction, these boots are a fair buy.

Conclusion


Fun to wear and walk casually in over short distances, they are more than adequate rainwear, but simply not as comfortable as they could be.


— Sara Aranda