Sloggers Rain and Garden Review
Cons: Blister potential, no lining
Manufacturer: Sloggers
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
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Sloggers Rain and Garden | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $37.23 at Amazon | $79.83 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $41.20 at Amazon | $84.95 at Amazon | $74.73 at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Inexpensive, quirky style, dependable traction | Tall flexible shaft, comfortable, adjustable boot circumference | Mid-height shaft, fashionable, substantial traction | Elegant, sufficient weather protection, wide circumference | Stylish, easy to carry, insulated |
Cons | Blister potential, no lining | High cost, no insulation | Basic foot support, no insulation | No insulation, run a bit large | Plush lining comes off, not as tactile |
Bottom Line | Not the most comfortable of the bunch, the playful patterns and high traction are the high points | Well-made, stylish, and incredible, this pair is the best in our fleet | Very trendy and remarkably practical, this boot is the ultimate deal for most budgets | A stylish rain boot with practical function and good comfort | For those who wish to add extra warmth and style to their wardrobe comes this well-performing boot |
Rating Categories | Sloggers Rain and Garden | Original Back Adjustable | Kamik Heidi | UGG Shaye | Bogs Amanda Plush |
Weather Protection (30%) | |||||
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Traction (20%) | |||||
Warmth (15%) | |||||
Style (10%) | |||||
Specs | Sloggers Rain and... | Original Back... | Kamik Heidi | UGG Shaye | Bogs Amanda Plush |
Weight per Pair (lbs) | 2.6 lbs (size 8) | 3.6 lbs (size 7) | 2.7 lbs (size 8) | 3.1 lbs (size 8) | 3.3 lbs (size 8) |
Flood Height (inches from bottom of sole to lowest point at top of shaft) | 10.5 in | 16 in | 12 in | 13.75 in | 8.25 in |
Mouth Circumference (inches) | 14 in | 14-19 in | 13.75 in | 15.5 in | 13-14 in |
Lining/Insulation | None | Knitted Nylon | Nylon | Nylon | Wool |
Upper Material | Rubber | Vulcanized Natural Rubber | Phthalate-free Synthetic Rubber | Rubber | Rubber |
Outsole Material | Rubber | Natural Rubber | Synthetic Rubber Blend | Rubber | Rubber |
Insole | Removable insole | Multilayered Sponge Insole | Removeable Kamik(R) Comfort Footbed | Removeable lambs wool/sheepskin insole | Removeable EVA Insole |
Unique Features | 50% Recycled materials, made in USA | Adjustable circumference | Recyclable | None | Insulated to -13F |
Width Options | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular |
Sizing info | True to size | Runs large | True to size | True to size | Runs large |
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 one of the shortest of the mid-calf boots we've 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
Weather Protection
These shorter mid-calf boots don't offer nearly as much weatherproofing as those with taller shafts. However, they are certainly tall enough to get the job done. They did not leak on us and faired well when wading across a stream, as their flood height of 10.5 inches is more than sufficient for most situations.
Comfort
Unfortunately, comfort isn't a high-point for this boot. Despite boasting all-day comfort insoles, after thirty minutes of walking, our lead tester experienced achy feet and a hot spot on her left heel. 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 collar of the boot is lined with nylon. Many online customer reviews mention Sloggers cutting into their legs when the boots did not have this nylon around the lip (which is a different version of the boot, and one we do not recommend). Driving in them is only a tad cumbersome due to the shaft not being as flexible as we'd like. A true plus, however, is that the foot box is roomy for thick socks, and it also provides ample space for the toes to spread out.
Traction
Despite the non-technical appearance of the Rain and Garden, the soles on these boots are some of the most aggressive in our review, scoring right along with the award winners. They are stable across flat, wet terrain, and are also reliable in the snow and up grassy inclines. Living up to their garden association, the off-road capabilities are notable and applauded.
Warmth
With no lining, the Rain and Garden still maintain a fair amount of heat due to the very nature of their waterproof rubber. That said, they are best for mild to warm temperatures, as things do get cold fast when it comes to snow, despite having room for thicker socks. Depending on your needs, however, this might be exactly what you're looking for. There's still reason to expect sweaty feet after a while, though, as there isn't much going on inside to help mitigate stagnant airflow.
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. There are no accessories or added features. 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 some of the more elegant options we've reviewed.
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, but while the footbed is roomy, the heel slippage is almost too much to walk in. We are unsure if sizing down instead would have made it any better. Nonetheless, the short stature and the wide, 14-inch circumference of this mid-calf boot provide space for ample calves and pants.
Value
Made in the USA, these boots are one of the cheapest in our fleet. With decent weather protection and high traction, these boots are a fair and practical buy, as long as you don't plan to walk far in them.
Conclusion
Fun to wear and walk casually in over short distances, the Sloggers Rain and Garden are more than adequate rainwear, but simply not as comfortable as they could be. Truly a garden boot more than anything else.
— Sara Aranda