I would assume that they would work as well for gardening in spring and fall. LL Bean claims that their boots are still made right here in Maine. They are waterproof, and I love that I can just hose them off when I am done. And since they are great for walks, I figure that the arch support is good. I have a pair of the rubber boots you speak of for when I am in the streams and creeks, and you are right, they are not for walking or working in.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/507872/4/Relevance/1?nav=ln-507870

I wear a size 10 sneaker. They fit in rubber waders of various sizes (like 13). They're great for snow, muck, water, or whatever. You get arch support and extra warmth at the same time.

Rubber waders also keep your sneakers dry.

I need the arch support and the thick soles help when I'm digging with the fork or shovel. I have heavy clay soil that's still pretty dense after amendment.

I might buy them anyway just to find out. It would be great to be able to just hose them off.
At this time, I wear old steel toed boots with oil proof soles that hose off very well.
Happy New Year
http://www.clogsonline.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Shelf/ASP/Hierarchy/05.html

I have *horrible* ankles. Injuries, surgeries, etc., so I can't wear the cheap clogs at all. The Birks have some arch support and they are hard to roll. Dog ate one of the inserts in October, so I should look at getting a new pair.

http://www.shoebuy.com/superior-boot-co-14-neoprene-boot/263249/560962?cm_mmc=googleproductads_pla-_-none-_-none-_-%7Bkeyword%7D

I have very long and narrow feet (ladies 9.5 narrow) and a surgically repaired right ankle. I need a well fitting, comfortable and supportive boot. I wear these boots in a size 10. I wear fairly thick socks. My feet never get cold or wet even in the cold, wet North Georgia winters. You can easily tuck your jeans or pants into these boots. They can be rinsed off with water for easy dirt and mud removal. I've had mine for about 6 years and they are just like new. I wear them to work at a horse farm so they get exposed to lots of manure and dirt. I wear them year round. They are well worth the money. You will never go back to rubber boots.