The best dog boots protect your pet’s paws from harsh weather, rock salt, rough ground, and hot asphalt. Unfortunately, choosing the right pair of dog boots isn’t always easy!
To help you decide, we’ve compiled our list of the best dog shoes and boots. Each of these boots excels in different environments and weather conditions, so there’s an option for everyone.
If you’re in a hurry, our top pick for an all-round dog boot is the Ruffwear Grip-Trex. These durable boots have a Vibram rubber outsole, which we found protects your dog’s feet while also providing flexibility. They also have a breathable upper and are available in eight sizes.
Note: Dog boots should only be worn when they are truly needed, such as in very cold weather, walking on hot pavements, or on rough terrain.
Our Top Recommendations
- Best Boots for Rough Terrain and All-Round Protection: Ruffwear Grip-Trex
- Best Boots for Rain: QUMY Waterproof Dog Boots
- Best Boots for Hot Pavements: Bark Brite All-Weather Neoprene Paw Protectors
- Best Budget Dog Boots: Expawlorer Anti-Slip Dog Shoes
- Best Boots for Snow: Muttluks Snow Mushers
- Best Boots for Cold Weather: Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined
Contents
- Our Top Recommendations
- 6 Best Dog Boots For Any Conditions
- Best Boots for Rough Terrain: Ruffwear Grip-Trex All-Terrain Paw Wear
- Best Boots for Rain: QUMY Waterproof Dog Boots
- Best Boots For Hot Pavements: Bark Brite All-Weather Neoprene Paw Protectors
- Best Budget Dog Boots: Expawlorer Anti-Slip Dog Shoes
- Best Boots for Snow: Muttluks Snow Mushers
- Best Boots for Cold Weather: Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined
- How We Chose Our Top Dog Boots
- Why Buy Dog Boots?
- How to Choose Dog Boots
- Introducing Dog Boots To Your Pet
- Summary
6 Best Dog Boots For Any Conditions
We think the Ruffwear Grip-Trex is a great all-rounder and the best dog boots for hiking, running, or walking. The Grip-Trex is a durable boot that’s designed to stay on your dog’s feet, while protecting paws in a variety of environments.
During our testing, we found that the quality of materials and construction is the biggest advantage of the Ruffwear. The Vibram rubber outsole is flexible and provides plenty of grip, making it comfortable for dogs to wear. The upper is made with a breathable mesh, which helps keep your dog’s paws cool even in warm weather.
There are eight sizes available, so it’s suitable for a dog or puppy with paws of width 1.5” up to 3.5”. We liked that there is both a wide opening, making it easy to put your dog’s paws in, and a closure system to get a tight fit. The reflective trim is also a bonus for walking in low-light conditions.
The downside to the Ruffwear is that it’s one of the most expensive dog boots. However, if you want to provide comfortable protection for your dog’s paws while hiking, we think it’s the best on the market.
The Ruffwear Grip-Trex is one of the best dog shoes – especially for hiking. These boots are expensive, but are more durable than many cheaper options. They are also comfortable and unlikely to come off.
- Machine Washable?: Yes – but only in cold water with a gentle cycle and mild detergent
- Material: Vibram Rubber Sole & Breathable Mesh Upper
- Price Range: $$$
- Velcro strap provides good security
- Excellent traction from the Vibram sole
- Durable and long-lasting
- Expensive
If the Ruffwear is too expensive, then the QUMY Waterproof Dog Boot is a great alternative for walking in wet conditions. These boots have Velcro straps, reflective material for better night visibility, and are available in eight sizes.
We don’t think the QUMY is as durable as the Ruffwear Grip-Trex, but the boot still provides excellent grip and comfort, especially considering the low price. We also found the Velcro strap makes it easy to stop the boots from falling off.
Like the Ruffwear, the QUMY has a rugged rubber sole. This provides traction, while protecting paws from sharp objects and hot pavements. The shoes are also waterproof, which is why we recommend them for rainy walks, and they can be hand-washed.
A downside to the QUMY is that they aren’t as breathable as other options on this list. This means you’ll need to take them off regularly in warm weather. We also don’t recommend them for walking in snow or deep water.
The QUMY is one of the best dog boots for rainy walks, as they are waterproof and provide excellent grip via the rugged sole (although in deep snow or water, fluid will come in over the top of the shoe). They might not be quite as durable as the Ruffwear, but are considerably cheaper.
- Machine Washable?: No
- Material: Rubber Sole and Water Resistant Upper
- Price Range: $
- Waterproof design
- Rugged sole that’s suitable for almost any environment
- Great price
- Not as durable as more expensive options
- Not as breathable as the Ruffwear
- We don’t recommend these shoes for snow or deep water
While the QUMY boots are great for rough surfaces and cold weather, they may be too hot during warmer walks. Instead, we recommend the Bark Brite All-Weather Paw Protectors for hot summer walks, due to their breathable and lightweight design.
The Bark Brite Paw Protectors are made from neoprene, which is why they are lighter than many of the other boots on this list. In fact, they are more like a sock than a full boot. The protectors are also flexible, which makes them comfortable to wear, but they still have a thin rubber sole.
We found that the neoprene keeps your dog’s feet cooler than many other boots, while the rubber protects against hot pavements. This makes them a versatile choice for summer walks.
However, these shoes are not waterproof. They are also not designed to provide protection against the roughest terrain. So, while they are great for dry walks on warm days, we don’t recommend them for bad weather.
The Bark Brite Paw Protectors are one of favorite options for walks on hotter days. The rubber sole still provides protection against hot surfaces, but the lightweight neoprene material helps keep your dog’s feet cool.
- Machine Washable?: No
- Material: Neoprene with rubber sole
- Price Range: $$
- Lightweight and flexible
- Cooler than more rugger boots
- Great for summer walks and can protect against hot pavement
- Not waterproof
- Don’t provide enough protection for the roughest terrain
If you’re on a tight budget, then the Expawlorer Anti-Slip Dog Shoes is our budget pick. These shoes are waterproof and have a rubber sole, making them a solid all-round option for hiking or walking in bad weather.
We like that the Expawlorer shoes are easy to adjust to your dog’s paws. There are two fastener straps, which make the shoes relatively easy to take on and off. We also like that the shoes come with reflective material.
There are currently eight size options when buying the Expawlorer. You need to take into account both the paw width, paw length, and weight when buying a set, which can make it a bit more difficult to get the right size. Unfortunately, the Expawlorer is hand wash only.
We think the Expawlorer Anti-Slip Dog Shoes provide excellent value for money. They aren’t the most durable or breathable, but for everyday protection they are a solid choice in this price range.
- Machine Washable: No
- Material: Rubber Sole and Waterproof Upper
- Price Range: $
- Great value for money
- Two straps for easy fitting
- Rubber sole provides protection
- Not the most durable shoes on the market
- Not machine washable
Muttluks Snow Mushers are specifically designed to keep your dog’s feet warm in cold weather and snowy conditions.
These are amongst the most expensive dog boots on the market – particularly as you need to buy two pairs separately. However, we found the rubber soles are great for providing traction, while the water-resistant upper helps keep the dog’s paws dry. The fleece lining is also brilliant for added warmth – although we don’t recommend these boots for hot weather!
The Snow Mushers are also one of the most durable boots we’ve reviewed. Whether you’re walking on snow, rock salt, or freezing pavements, they are a great choice for winter.
The Muttluks Snow Mushers aren’t cheap, but they provide plenty of protection in cold or snowy weather. If you need a dog boot for winter, they are one of our top picks.
- Machine Washable?: No
- Material: Nylon Upper and Rubber Sole
- Price Range: $$$$
- Fleece lining and water-resistant upper help keep your dog warm
- Durable and easy to put on
- Rubber soles are flexible and provide grip
- Expensive
The Muttluks Fleece-Lined Original isn’t cheap, but it has a durable leather sole rather than the rubber sole found on most other boots. We found this to be more flexible and breathable than rubber, but not quite as durable.
One of the great things about this boot is the fleece inner lining. This helps keep the feet warm during cool weather conditions, while also providing a snug fit. The top section is made from a waterproof and breathable fabric to allow your dog’s paws to cool.
So, when should you buy the Muttluks instead of the other boots on this list? The flexibility and breathability mean they are excellent for protecting paws when hiking – especially in dry weather. We also found the boot to be comfortable for dogs and easy to put on.
There are some drawbacks though. While they are water-resistant and suitable for snow, they aren’t the best choice if your dog likes to go swimming. Additionally, we don’t recommend leather-sole shoes for hardwood floors, as they become dangerously slippery once wet.
The Muttluks have a leather sole which is more breathable than rubber. They are also highly durable and provide a comfortable-yet-secure fit. The downsides are that they are expensive and can be slippery on wet flooring.
- Machine Washable?: No
- Material: Leather Sole and Fabric Cuff
- Price Range: $$$$
- Flexible leather sole
- Fleece lining to maintain warmth
- Durable and long-lasting
- Slippery on wet hardwood surfaces
- Only water-resistant
How We Chose Our Top Dog Boots
There are many dog boots on the market, so our team spent a lot of time choosing which products to buy and test.
We skipped products that were either too new to have stood the test of time, or that had poor reviews from buyers. This left us with a much smaller batch of products to choose from, which we narrowed down to the most promising. We then ordered and paid for the products we wanted to test to ensure that we could review them objectively.
We also made sure to choose boots that covered a range of different uses. These included all-round models, like the Ruffwear Grip-Trex, but also specialist models like the Muttluks Snow Mushers.
Why Buy Dog Boots?
There are many reasons to buy dog boots – and not just to make your canine friend look pretty! Some of the most important include:
- Paw protection. Dogs paws are tough, but they weren’t designed for some of the challenges of modern living. Salted roads, for example, can often tear paw pads. Natural dangers, such as brambles and sharp rocks, can also damage an unprotected paw. The best dog boots provide comfortable protection from these dangers.
- Temperature Control. Hot pavements can be very dangerous for a dog, so boots can provide protection and prevent burns. At the other end of the temperature spectrum, boots offer insulation from snow and cold (you may want to consider an additional raincoat for wet conditions if your dog has short hair or often gets cold).
- Digging Deterrent. It’s more difficult for dogs to dig in a pair of boots. While this may not be a long-term solution to digging, it can at least deter your pet.
- Floor Protection. If you have expensive hardwood floors, a pair of soft shoes or boots can protect the surface from sharp claws. Wearing boots on walks also reduces the need for a paw washer or post-walk shower.
- Increased Grip. Some dogs are less stable than others – especially on slippery surfaces. You can buy boots with extra traction to make your dog feel more confident on smooth floors.
- Allergies. Some dogs have allergies to certain types of grass or other substances found on the ground. This can lead to sores and pain. A high-quality dog boot can keep your dog’s paw pads away from potential allergens.
Just like humans, the right boots depend on what your pet needs them for. For example, the best dog boots for winter weather may be different for ones to deter digging.
How to Choose Dog Boots
Buying dog boots that are comfortable, fit your dog, and don’t fall off can be surprisingly difficult – especially if you’ve never bought them before. Here are some of the most important considerations.
Sizing a Dog Boot
It’s vital to get a boot that fits your dog, otherwise it will be uncomfortable and may not provide proper protection. Here’s one of the easiest ways to measure your dog’s paws:
- Start with your dog standing, as it’s important to measure when there’s weight on the paws.
- Put your dog’s paw on a piece of blank paper.
- Mark the paper at the front of the foot (including the toenail, but trim it first).
- Then mark at the back of the paw and measure the distance to get the length of the paw.
- Repeat for the left and right sides of the paw.
- Measure the distance between these two marks to get a measurement for the width.
Once you know the size of your dog’s paws, the next step is to match it with the right boots. Unfortunately, dog boot manufacturers each have their own sizing methods – there’s no standard measurement. Most boots have a sizing chart though, so you can quickly see which to buy.
Keep in mind that if your dog has dew claws you’ll need to find a boot that doesn’t catch on them.
Design And Purpose
Dog boots come in a range of designs. It’s important to choose boots that match the type of terrain, climate, and environment your dog walks in.
For example, some shoes are thin and are mainly designed to provide indoor warmth. Other shoes are waterproof for walking in the rain and can prevent allergens from touching the skin, but have thin soles that don’t protect the paws.
There are also specialist shoes for more difficult environments. For example, the Muttluks Snow Mushers are specifically designed for freezing weather and snow. The toughest dog boots have thick soles that are designed to protect paws on potentially sharp or rough surfaces.
Material
There are a variety of different materials used to make dog booties. Each material has pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right option for your pet. Here are a few common examples:
- Plastic boots are great for water protection, but often fall off easily.
- Leather boots are thick enough to provide protection, but can be difficult to put on and may become slippery when wet.
- Nylon doesn’t provide as much protection as leather, but stops your dog’s paws getting wet.
- Polar fleece is great for colder temperatures (although it can quickly get wet when walking).
- Rubber is a common material for dog shoe soles as it provides protection while still being flexible.
Other Considerations
- Durability. Dog hiking boots must withstand plenty of abuse – especially if your dog runs on sharp rocks or abrasive surfaces. For this reason, look for a boot that’s designed to last.
- Traction. Many dog boots for winter or snow come with a patterned sole. These provide extra traction, which is important for slippery surfaces or older dogs.
- Disposable or Long Lasting. Most dog boots are made to last, but some are designed to be disposable. These boots are usually made from rubber and come in multi-packs. If you’re looking for a cheap boot for occasional use, a disposable option could be a good choice. They aren’t as durable or protective as proper boots though.
Introducing Dog Boots To Your Pet
Most dogs find boots strange or unpleasant to wear. It’s normal for a dog to try and shake off the boots or prance around the room.
While dogs often become accustomed to wearing boots, positive training methods can speed up the process and teach your dog to actually enjoy wearing them.
- Start by putting the boots on the floor and allowing your dog to sniff them. Give praise and a reward whenever they go near the boots or touch them. Don’t force your dog to interact with the boots – allow them to explore independently.
- Once your dog is comfortable being near the boots, start holding the boots and touching them against your dog’s paws (don’t put them on yet). Again, pair this with treats and praise, so your dog continues to create positive associations with the boots.
- You can now start putting the boot on, but only for a very short time. Put the boot on, give your dog a treat, then take it off straight away. Repeat this process.
- The next step is to put the shoes on and leave them for a short time. Give your dog lots of treats, praise, and maybe even a quick game while they are wearing them. It’s a good idea to start with the front paws, rather than trying to get your dog to wear all four boots. The key to this step is to provide plenty of fun distractions and nice things.
- You can gradually increase the time your dog wears the boots – with plenty of positive reinforcement – until they seem happy to wear them for extended periods.
Just because your dog is comfortable wearing boots doesn’t mean they are ready to be used on long walks though!
It can take some time for the boots to be fully “worn in”. So, don’t take your pup on a long walk straight away, as this can lead to rubbing and blisters. Instead, gradually increase the walking time until they have lost their initial stiffness. It can also help to manipulate and stretch the boots a bit before your dog wears them.
On a side note, dogs sweat from their paw pads in hot weather. This helps to keep them cool. If your pup is wearing boots when it’s hot, make sure you regularly take them off for periods to make sure he doesn’t overheat.
Summary
Our top recommendation for a dog boot is the excellent Ruffwear Grip-Trex. These boots aren’t cheap, but we found them to be one of the most durable on the market. The Ruffwear boots are also great at staying on your dog’s feet, which isn’t the case with many cheaper options.
If you’re looking for a budget alternative, we think the Expawlorer Anti-Slip Dog Shoes is a great option.
Do you have any questions about choosing the best dog boots for your pet? Or have you tried a boot and would like to let us know what you thought of it? Please use the comments form!
