KNOCK-OFF BRANDS

How do they compare to the shoe to beat: the original Crocs?

Trello

* What: Lightweight clogs made of ethyl vinyl acetate, also known as EVA. Sizes for women, men and kids. Fun colors such as fuchsia, azure and fluorescent orange, yellow and green, in addition to more subdued navy and khaki.

* How much: $24.50 for women and men, $22.50 for kids.

* The test drive: The catalog promises "soft, squishy comfort," and these shoes really deliver.

* What I like: The square perforations are on the top only, which means less garden soil gets inside the shoe.

* What I don't like: The Trello has no back-strap option and they slide off pretty easily.

* Where to buy: www.landsend.com .

Sloggys Ultra Lites

* What: Rubber and EVA clogs for women in four peppy colors: petal pink, poppy, pea pod and blue Monday.

* How much: $21.99.

* The test drive: "Wear it all weekend" is the pitch on this shoe, which is pretty comfortable but lacks the signature bounce of the Crocs.

* What I like: No perforations at the front of the shoe (that garden soil thing again).

* What I don't like: No back-strap. And the butterfly cut-outs on the top of the shoe and the hard plastic butterfly logo on the side are just annoying.

* Where to buy: Nurseries and garden centers; online at www.sloggers.com .

Target Waterclog

* What: Total Crocs knockoff in looks but not in wearability. Limited color choice -- light blue, pink, black -- at my local Target.

* How much: $9.99.

* The test drive: The label says it's made of EVA, but the insole is hard as a rock and doesn't soften up as you wear it.

* What I like: The convertible back-strap snaps onto the instep when not in use.

* What I don't like: They just feel cheap. I guess you get what you pay for.

* Where to buy: Target stores, or www.target.com .

Ladybug Shoes

* What: Rubber clog with a serious lug tread for sure-footed gardening, even strenuous shoveling.

* How much: $26.95.

* The test drive: Easy to slip on, but a slight heel cup makes them feel secure on the foot. Nice arch support. Very comfortable.

* What I like: These are attention-getters that make people smile. Made by Rangers, a company that specializes in outdoor footwear.

* What I don't like: No ventilation. These babies can get hot! And after a day in my Crocs, these feel like cement shoes.

* Where to buy: Gardener's Supply, www.gardeners.com (blue version with butterflies also available). Or Google "Ladybug clogs" for other retailers.

Smith & Hawken Striped Clogs

* What: Vulcanized rubber clog with steel shank for extra support. This year's version is in a dreamy Creamsicle orange with a striped lining (removable for cleaning).

* How much: $29.

* The test drive: These are identical in fit to the gaily striped and dahlia-print versions of seasons past. Very wearable.

* What I like: This year's color is very cool. Who knew orange would make such a comeback?

* What I don't like: No ventilation. And they're pretty narrow. After three seasons, my striped pair have developed cracks along the sole.

* Where to buy: Smith & Hawken stores; www.smithandhawken.com .

Sloggers

* What: Your basic rubber garden clog. No frills, no shanks, no perforations, no butterflies.

* How much: $19.99 in red, green and blue. The "premium" version is $29.99, and maybe that's because the color names are fancier: cranberry, sage green, soft blue.

* The test drive: Perfect to slip on for an evening watering session or to fetch the paper from the driveway on a rainy day. They're really flexible, but all-day comfort? No way.

* What I like: Great for muddy days in the garden; no seepage of mud or dirt.

* What I don't like: Wear these without socks and you get an unpleasant farting noise that scares the cat.

* Where to buy: Nurseries and garden centers; online at www.sloggers.com .

AnyWears

* What: Injection-molded plastic clog that has a pleasantly bumpy sole that sort of gives you a foot massage.

* How much: $48 for women's sizes in six colors; $51 for men's in three colors.

* The test drive: I have a high instep, so I wear these without the cushy insoles for maximum comfort. The plastic is not so flexible, so this feels more like a traditional shoe.

* What I like: Two small holes on the side of each clog provide ventilation.

* What I don't like: I wish I could wear them with the cushy insoles!

* Where to buy: www.anywears.com , where you can see this company's Crocs knockoff, called the DOC ($29.99-$34.99). Hmm, the one with the blue-sky pattern is pretty tempting ...

Kamik Doodle

* What: PVC slip-ons with rubber sole from a company known for its rain boots and other outdoor footwear.

* How much: $47 in swirly doodle patterns of orange, green or purple.

* The test drive: I tried these on at the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show. The little loop on the back helps get this shoe on, but it certainly doesn't have the no-hands ease of a clog.

* What I like: The pattern is fun, there's great traction and I like knowing that Courtney Cox (allegedly) wears them.

* What I don't like: Too confining and hot for an all-day gardening session, but great for stomping in rain puddles.

* Where to buy: At the moment, the only online outlet is www.tonyshoes.com .