If the sight of a dog in shoes has you double-taking, we’re glad to have your attention! Did you know that they can provide unrivaled paw protection against all kinds of nasties from the outdoors? Think scorching sand, bubbling pavements and salt-ridden icy roads, not to mention spiky thorns, and the sharp, rocky terrain that’s basically designed to puncture your pup’s precious paws. But by finding the right set of dog booties, you’ll never have to let the weather or your location get between you (or your house sitter), your pooch and walkies again. That’s why we’re here with a few of the best-reviewed dog shoes on the market at the moment - mud-splattered floors and tickly towels no more!
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How to choose the best dog shoes
While we can showcase the best dog shoes on the market til we’re blue in the face, the choice is ultimately down to you. So, along with exploring a few of the best dog booties out there at the moment, let’s also take a look at some of the key things you’ll need to think about before opening your purse strings.
Firstly, ask yourself why you’re looking for dog shoes in the first place - is it to protect your dog’s paws in particularly hot or cold weather, to provide extra padding on longer walkies, or to support their joints when simply wandering about the house? Once you’ve found your ‘why’, have a think about the features you’d like your dog’s shoes to include - we’ll explore a few ideas below to get you started.
- Boot material - does it need to be water-resistant, breathable or particularly sturdy?
- Sole - what’s it made out of, and does it need to be particularly grippy for wet, unstable conditions?
- Warmth - if you live in a cold part of the world, look for dog booties with a lining. Otherwise, opt for thinner shoes that will allow your pup’s paws to breathe.
- Ease of access - take a look at how you’ll go about getting your pup’s paws into the shoes - dogs don’t exactly relish having their paws handled, so consider whether they’re going to be quick and easy to get on.
- Straps - who knew, there’s a wealth of variety when it comes to the straps on your dog’s booties! Look out for whether they’re velcro, adjustable, reflective, zipper, or maybe there are no straps at all.
- Weight - if you’re after dog boots for hiking, you’ll want something lightweight that’s going to be wearable for long periods of time, whereas if you’re simply after booties to keep your pup’s paws dry for walkies round the block, this won’t be so much of an issue.
- Support - are they padded in all the right places (i.e. ankles) to stop your pup’s legs slipping around?
- Indoor or outdoor - surprisingly, not all shoes for dogs are made for walking outdoors, so be sure to double check before checking out.
- Price - while price is always something most of us consider before making a purchase, consider whether you want to splash out on your dog’s first set of booties. Why? Well there’s a chance that they’ll completely reject wearing them altogether - our pooches have their own minds, and their enjoyment of walkies is pretty sacred. If after a while your pup gets used to their new look, you could then consider going for a pricier set.
- Size -it’s a good idea to measure your dog’s paws as the front pair often run a little larger than the hind.
Dog shoes for summer
There’s nothing worse than getting your pooch hyped for walkies, only to realize that your driveway has (literally) started melting, and the sand at your local spot has reached over 70 degrees. But with dog shoes for summer, you don’t have to let any of that stop you - here, we’ll explore some of the best dog booties for hot pavement, hot sand, and warm weather walkies.
Bark Brite all weather reflective neoprene dog boots
Price: $27.99
Why we like them:
- Lightweight
- Barely-there fit
- Water-resistant
- Reflective straps
- Non-slip sole
- Heel guard for extra durability
Pet Life mesh dog shoes
Price: $11.99
Why we like them:
- Casual, stylish design
- Reasonable price point
- Provide support for short walkies
- Rubber grips
- Zipper seal for easy access
- Lightweight and breathable for the warmer months
Kurgo Blaze cross dog shoes
Price: $67.17
Why we like them:
- Protect paws from hot pavements (and cold conditions like ice and snow)
- Safe for rough terrains, protecting paws from uneven ground and thorns
- Reflective material for visibility in low light
- Lightweight, so your pup’s movement won’t be restricted
- Water resistant
Dog shoes for winter
If you live in a part of the world that’s lucky enough to get more than a dusting of snow each winter, you’ll want to consider investing in some dog snow shoes. While some breeds are more adapted to the cold and walking in cold conditions, there’s no need for dogs of today to suffer in silence with so many great dog boots for winter on the market. Along with snow and ice being pretty cold and uncomfortable for our pup’s paws, there’s often salt and ice melt chemicals to contend with in cold conditions. And more often than not, road salts and ice melts are toxic to dogs - something that winter dogs of yesteryear didn’t have to face. Along with that, icy particles, snow, salts and chemicals can collect between your pup’s toes, which is not only super uncomfortable, but could also cause small cuts. So, avoid all the nasties this winter and instead opt for dog snow boots, or boots adapted for cold conditions. Without any further ado, here are a few options to get you started.
Muttluks original fleece-lined winter dog boots
Price: $60
Why we like them:
- Fleece-lined, great for cold weather
- Waterproof, breathable yet windproof material
- Flexible material allowing for maximum movement for active pups
- Reflective accents for visibility
Emwel waterproof dog boots
Price: £17.99
Why we like them:
- Waterproof material
- Reasonable price point
- Velcro straps
- Hand washable
- Adjustable and reflective straps for safety and comfort
- Wide-split seam for expansion
XSY&G waterproof dog shoes
Price: £28.99
Why we like them:
- Anti-slip sole for mobility on a variety of surfaces (like tiles and sand)
- Waterproof yet breathable material
- Long, adjustable straps for comfort and stability
- Reflective straps for visibility
Best dog shoes for rain
Walkies in the rain can be seriously fun - puddle jumping and mud rolling are many a pup’s pastimes, of course. But what’s not so fun is drying your dog down before coming back home - and we don’t blame them for their aversion to that tickly towel! To help you avoid mud prints around your home and a towel to the paw, let’s explore some of the dog rain boots on the market which can (literally) be saved for a rainy day.
PawZ rubber dog shoes
Price: $19.99
Why we like them:
- Waterproof (naturally)
- Reasonable price point
- Reusable
- Helps with traction control
- Can also protect your pooch from hot pavements
TopPaw outdoor dog booties
Price: $21.99
Why we like them:
- Anti-skid rubber soles
- Waterproof
- Adjustable straps for added comfort
- Provide protection for everyday walkies (but might not fit the bill for rough surfaces)
Qumy waterproof dog boots
Price: $29.99
Why we like them:
- Wide-split seam for added comfort around your pup’s paws
- Anti-slip sole for stability and traction
- Water resistant material
- Adjustable velcro straps for comfort and safety
- Soles provide protection from sharp thorns
Best dog shoes for hiking
If you’re the outdoorsy type and you’ve got a pooch to match, a pair of hiking shoes for dogs might make your hikes, trail runs and mountain bike rides easier for your furry friend. Rough terrain and uneven ground can get uncomfortable for pups, so investing in a set of boots made for the outdoors is a great way to elongate those special days spent with your best buddy. Plus, if you’re into water spots (think paddleboarding and kayaking), a set of dog shoes can protect your inflatable kit from those sharp (yet well-meaning) claws.
Arcadia Trail year-round all-terrain dog boots
Price: $29.99
Why we like them:
- Grippy soles to keep your pooch safe, no matter the terrain
- High on the ankle for extra support
- Adjustable straps
- Reflective stitching for visibility
- Toe guard for paw and nail protection (great for keeping inflatables puncture-free)
- Comes with a storage bag
Ruffwear Grip Trex dog boots
Price: $39.95
Why we like them:
- Sold in pairs, allowing you to measure front and back paws separately (as front paws often run a little larger)
- Specifically designed for hiking and rough terrain
- Made from breathable material that keeps dirt on the outside
- Reflective trim for visibility
FLAdorepet sport shoes
Price: $29.90
Why we like them:
- Stylish design
- Fleece-lined for warmth
- Rubber soles to protect your pup’s paws from the cold, hot asphalt, sharp objects, rocks and wet surfaces
- Front zipper and velcro for extra support
Dog shoes FAQs
Dogs can benefit from snow shoes - while ice and snow can get uncomfortable after a while for our pups, there’s a bigger danger at hand in the cold weather: road salts and ice melts. Packed with chemicals often toxic to dogs, it’s important to protect those paws from chemical scatterings common in cold, icy weather.
Dog shoes and booties can be beneficial for some situations: think cut paws, icy roads, rough terrain and boiling-hot sand.
It’s best to invest in a set of snow shoes for dogs, but if walkies are inevitable, try to limit their time to around 15 minutes, monitoring for shivering, whining and hard paw skin.
Yes - some pavements (and sand) can get seriously hot, and may even scorch your pup’s paws. So, invest in a set of lightweight dog shoes to keep your pooch safe over the summer months.
Dog shoes can be helpful for walkies on rough terrain, hot pavements, scorching sand and icy (salt-ridden) roads.
Leash training your pup?
Teaching your new pooch to walk by your side is no mean feat, so check out our tips on how to train a dog to walk on a leash that’ll make outdoor fun a whole lot simpler (and sooner!).
