IF lockdown has been good for one thing, it's surely that our gardens have never received so much love and attention.

Whether you've got a sprawling backyard or a modest balcony, you may have become more green-fingered of late—and in turn, been searching for the best gardening shoes to wear while tending to your space.

Unsurprisingly, flip-flops and lightweight plimsolls just don't cut it when it comes to getting stuck into flowerbeds and muddy plots—especially when rain is involved. And yes, there's been LOTS of that.

Instead, you'll want to choose footwear that is sturdy, waterproof and has plenty of grip, so that you can move around the garden with complete ease—safe in the knowledge that your everyday footwear isn't compromised.

From clogs and crocs to traditional boots, there's a lot of choice out there for gardening shoes—and the good news is, you can still have loads of fun with your style. There are some seriously beautiful options available that you might even just be tempted to wear all the time!

With that in mind, we've scoured the web to bring you the most stylish and essential of gardening shoes. Dig in and keep on gardening!

1. Crocs Unisex Crocband Clogs

It's hard to believe that crocs were only created in 2002: it feels like they've been around forever.

These colourful shoes need no introduction but suffice to say they're fun, easy to wear and ideal for messy gardening. Simply run them under water when you're done, and they'll be good as new for your next outdoor outing.

These come in a range of pretty colours but we're particularly coveting this pastel shade of purple. How about you?

2. Backdoor Shoes's Comfortable Slip On Garden Clogs

Slip-on clogs are an ideal style for gardening—especially when it's raining and you don't want to faff around with undoing laces to get back indoors.

Adorned with a floral, 'meadow garden' motif, these pretty clogs by Backdoor Shoes feature a wide and roomy footbed and removable, washable insoles.

They come highly praised by reviewers too, who advise to size down or wear with thick socks.

3. Joules's Rainwell Short Height Slip On Wellies

• Rainwell Short Height Slip On Wellies, £39.95 from Joules - buy here

Wellies are great for wet weather and all, but for ease of use, traditional knee-length styles can be a tad inconvenient to get in and out of.

Anyone else have flashbacks of camping in the rain and huddling outside the tent trying to yank their boots off?

That's where these short height wellies by Joules come in: combining wet-weather practicality with the look of a slip-on trainer, these are perfect for gardening — while the leopard print keeps them looking perfectly on-trend.

4. Birkenstock's Super Birki

• Super Birki, £50 from Birkenstock - buy here

For classic, expertly-crafted footwear, you can't go wrong with Birkenstock. The brand is coveted for its sandals and we're similarly impressed by these gardening-worthy clogs.

Available in a choice of bright colours, the non-slip sole is ideal for all weathers, while the cork-latex footbed will mould to fit the shape of your foot to create a shoe that's completely custom to you.

We're loving the cream version, which will look chic with any gardening overalls.

5. Hunter's Gardener Clogs

• Women's Gardener Clogs, £50 from Hunter - buy here

Iconic wellies brand, Hunter, is a go-to celeb choice of footwear at festivals and is renowned for its quality and simplicity.

Handcrafted from waterproof rubber, these slip-ons have been designed with gardening in mind, with Hunter's signature tread providing the ultimate grip.

Lined in neoprene, these promise to protect from the elements as well as support your feet. In a dark olive shade and featuring the Hunter logo, they look ultra-chic too. Win-win!

6. Mahabis Canvas

• Mahabis Canvas, £79 from Mahabis - buy here

If you're someone that usually lives in their slippers and doesn't want to compromise on comfort, these are definitely the garden shoes for you.

The Mahabis Canvas have a water- and abrasion-resistant canvas upper, a lightweight and durable sole, and a breathable wool lining making them the perfect slipper-garden shoe hybrid.

We tested them out and found them ideal for a spot of gardening, nipping to the shops, and wearing around the house. They're versatile, really comfortable and we love that they're machine washable too.

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This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.

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