Sloggers Rain and Garden Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.