Be it for hiking, snow, or everyday walks, finding the right pair of dog boots for your dog should be easy. Unfortunately, we hear endless stories about boots that fall off, break, or just don’t do what they are supposed to, like keeping water, gravel, and the cold out. Over the past year, we have personally tried and tested all of the most popular brands, as well as some lesser known, more affordable boots, to come up with the following short list of what we believe are currently the best dog boots on the market, for every occasion.
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
Best Every Day Boot
| Muttluks All-Weather
| |
Best Winter/Snow
| RUFFWEAR - Polar Trex
| |
Best Hiking/Trekking
| Muttluks Mud Monsters
| |
Most Affordable
| QUMY Waterproof Shoes
|
For a dog, there is really no worse injury than one to their paws. Dogs are constantly active and paw injuries can take a long time to heal because dogs tend to continue to walk on their feet, despite the pain, and re-injure themselves or slow down healing. The best approach here is prevention and dog boots have proven to be, by far, the best way to protect your dog’s paws.
Getting boots that are fit for their use is the number one priority, to make sure they will last and work properly. It is also just as important to consider if the boots are:
- Durable enough
- Warm or cool enough
- Waterproof, if necessary
- Keep snow, dirt, and anything else unwanted out.
We have broken down our recommendations into four main categories:
- Everyday Boots: Hot pavement, slippery floors, and dogs with sensitive pads.
- Winter/Cold Climate Boots: Everything from wet/cold winters to snow sledding.
- Trekking and Hiking Boots: Rugged, all-terrain boots for extended hikes to just about anywhere.
- More Affordable And Fashionable Boots: From lesser known products that offer good value for money, to dog Ugg-style boots and slippers.
We have also tried to answer some of the most common questions about features and fit, to help you find the most suitable boot, regardless of your specific situation.
Dog Boots That Stay On
Do your dog’s boots keep falling off? Ahh! We know! If we had a dollar for every bootie that fell off, we would have more than enough money to buy some booties that didn’t fall off.
With every recommendation we have made here, this common problem has been at the forefront of our minds. Getting boots that will stay on through even the roughest terrain and most intense activities all comes down to two things:
- The fit (hint: all dog paws are different)
- The product design
The Fit:
Last time I was in a pet store, I was politely informed that I was not allowed to test the boots on my dog feet. In another store, many of the products were cable tied to the product packaging, making it impossible to test them out for size. So, even though testing boots on your dog in a store is the best way to get a perfect fit, it is not always an option.
Luckily, many brands have caught onto this issue and started providing detailed instructions on how to measure your dog’s paws correctly, taking into consideration their shape. Before endorsing any product here, we have tried to ensure the company has done at least a decent job in providing fitting information for each specific style of boot.
One last word of caution on measurement: any boot will have a tendency to stretch a little, over time. So, though they may fit well at first, after a few uses, they might gradually begin to slip. If your pup is between sizes, we suggest going for the smaller size.
The Design:
Though the higher-end products tend to do a better job with design, we also found that some of the more affordable boots did a pretty good job of forming to the dog’s feet. With most of the boots here, you will find we are big advocates of at least one velcro strap across the middle of the boot. We also prefer fabrics with a free-forming texture that can both provide more grip on the dog’s foot and shape better, to allow the straps to do their job.
What Makes Good Dog Boots?
Keeping The Elements Out:
One thing that is frustrating about some boot designs is they can have an open top. Though this may not be an issue for a short walk on the pavement, when it comes to longer walks in the snow and on rougher terrain, pebbles, dirt, and snow can get into the shoes.
You may know from personal experience, the only thing worse than walking on sharp rocks or snow is having them stuck inside your shoe! Keep this in mind when selecting a boot that is right for your pooch – a more narrow and even a laced top is a great feature when you need it.
Visibility:
Bright colors and reflective strips may not be the number one priority, but they are still nice options to have, especially at night around cars, or when trekking in low visibility.
Material/Durability:
Strong fabric, good materials, and quality stitching are all key components to boots that will last a long time. But no amount of quality stitching is going to help you if you’re trekking through the forest in everyday boots, made of leather!
Matching boot material to its use is the most important factor in ensuring they last a long time. Hard rubber soles and heavy-duty rubber/fabric toe covers are essential for anything but a short stroll.
Reasons To Use Dog Booties
Protection Against Rough Terrain, Glass, Injury
Ask any veterinarian for the most common injuries sustained by a dog and you will undoubtedly be told foot injuries are at the top of the list. Broken glass, other sharp objects, stones, just general wear, and dry dog paws are very common, yet easily avoidable injuries, with the use of proper dog booties.
Protection Against Harsh Climates
Be it hot pavement, or extreme cold and snow, dog booties are the best way to reduce the risk of burn and frostbite.
Assisting In Healing Foot/Paw Injuries
Dogs are just too active to stop moving about because they have an injured paw. Healers Urban Walkers, in particular, are useful in speeding up the healing process and reducing the risk of re-injury.
Keeping Your House And Car Cleaner
Dirt, mud, dust, water, and snow may get your dog’s boots dirty, but that does not mean your house has to be. By removing your dog’s boots prior to letting your dog into your car and house, you will significantly reduce the amount of dirt they bring in.
On top of that, on a wet, muddy day after a morning walk, you will no longer need to clean your dog’s paws when returning home. Your dog can trudge through the mud all day long and its paws will remain clean.
Protecting Your Floors and Furniture, Slipping and Sliding
All dog boots come with a rubber or leather bottom that will both improve traction on slippery surfaces and reduce wear and tear on wooden flooring and furniture.
Style & Visibility
Have you ever wanted to buy a pair of baby shoes because they are so small and cute? Well, if you have seen a pair of doggie boots you are aware they are cuter still! Fashionable, brightly colored, stylish, and reflective strips on your dog’s feet will both increase visibility and give him or her a unique style.
Best Every Day Boots:
An everyday boot is suitable for running, summer, hot pavement, or just general walking. We have chosen these boots because they present good value for money and, through our testing, have proven to both be durable and stay put on our dog’s feet. They also have a lot of useful features and a great overall design.
1. Original All-Weather Muttluks:
Best For Everyday Use
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Colors: Yellow, Black
- Sole Fabric: Leather
PROS:
- Work great for hot or cold weather
- Sturdy velcro strap is unlikely to loosen
- Flexible leather pad is comfortable on dog’s feet
- Reflective straps for night time safety
- Machine washable
- Wide range of sizes available
CONS:
- Better for neighborhood walking and easier terrain
- Deep snow might fall into the sock
- May not be best for dogs with very narrow feet
Original All-Weather Muttluks are for dogs who don’t want to slow down, no matter the weather. These versatile boots can be used in both hot and cold temperatures, making them suitable in summer or winter.
Durable nylon exterior fabric and tough leather soles do a great job of protecting your dog’s delicate paws from the elements – be it extreme heat or cold, debris, sharp stones, or stopping snow and ice forming between the pads.
These boots are well designed. The leather soles are treated for durability, yet they remain flexible, molding nicely to the shape of your dog’s paws for a comfortable fit on every dog. Self-tightening straps keep these boots from falling off, even if your dog is very active.
An adjustable leg cuff stretches comfortably to help keep debris from falling into the boot and also helps prevent boot slippage. Lastly, there are reflective straps for good visibility at night.
You can machine-wash these boots when they inevitably become dirty, but make sure to treat the leather after you wash them. They come in a very wide range of sizes, from Itty Bitty boots, that are only an inch to an inch and a half long, to the XX-Large size, that are from 4.75 to 5.5 inches long.
Our Take
We found Original Muttluks to be a great pick if you only want to buy one pair of boots for both hot and cold weather conditions. They come in a wide range of sizes, so you can find a size or size combination for most dogs.
They proved to be very effective with our dogs walking on extremely hot surfaces or frozen ground. However, the sock doesn’t go up high enough to keep out deep snow, so choose something with a knee-high sock if you are going to be romping in the snow.
We would rather have more durable boots for a dog who will wear them every day, since leather can wear thin with overuse, and we don’t think they are suitable for difficult or slick terrain, as their grip isn’t as good as some other boots.
Our final observation is that they are sized only by length and not width, making it difficult to find a size that will fit snugly on dogs with very narrow feet.
2. RC Pet Sport Pawks:
Best For Everyday Use
- Sizes: XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Colors: 11 Colors; Most Popular: Lime/Purple (Pictured Here), Blue, Charcoal & Red
- Sole Fabric: Anti-slip Rubber Gel
PROS:
- Great for indoor and light outdoor use
- Keep dogs from scratching hardwood
- Help dogs who have mobility concerns avoid slipping and aid getting up
- Affordable
- Come in lots of fun colors
- Simple design doesn’t have a lot of bulk or straps to struggle with
- Protect dogs who tend to knuckle or drag feet
CONS:
- Best for indoor use and occasional light outdoor use
- May slip off on dogs with narrower or flatter paws
- Not suitable for wet conditions, snow, or freezing weather
Is your dog having a hard time getting a grip? The RC Pet Products Sport Pawks Dog Socks give your dog traction, indoors and out. These socks slip on easily and hold on tight, without the weight of bulky boots or velcro straps that get caught on things.
The anti-slip coating is great for older dogs that are having a hard time getting up, especially if they are slipping on hardwood or tile floors. Why lay rugs all over the house so your dog can get around when you can give your dog traction wherever she goes? Give your older dog renewed confidence as she moves around your home.
If your puppy or young dog loves to play in the house but ends up splay-legged as she slips and slides across the floor, these socks will save your dog from falls and protect your hardwood from scratches. They are also great at protecting leather furniture and other upholstery.
These socks are durable enough to stand up to hot pavement and protect your dog’s feet from debris and outdoor irritants. Don’t worry about your dog’s socks getting dirty since they are machine washable. At a reasonable price for a set of four, you can afford to have a few sets to cycle through. They come in all kinds of fun colors and designs, so your pup’s footwear can match your decor or the holiday.
These are the perfect socks for versatile indoor/outdoor, all-day wear. Whether your pup has mobility challenges or just gets boisterous indoors, these fun socks can protect your dog and your home in style.
Sizes range from the tiny XXS, which is 3-inches long and one and 1.25-inches wide, to the XL, which is 6.5-inches long and 3-inches wide. The company recommends that you err on the side of smaller, if in doubt. You can print a sizing chart to make sure you choose just the right size.
Our Take
We found RC Pet Products Sport Pawks Dog Socks to be great socks for indoor and occasional outdoor use. They really helped our dogs who were having trouble walking or getting up on hard floors. For short walks with our dogs who were knuckling or dragging their paws, these socks provided both traction and protection.
Our furniture and floors were protected from our energetic pups’ nails, as long as the socks stayed on, and the socks stayed on pretty well unless our dogs pulled them off.
If we have a real adventure to go on with our pups, we’re going to put some boots on them. These socks are appropriate for light outdoor use but if you’re going for an all-day hike, you better strap on something more durable. These socks are also not suitable for wet, freezing conditions or snow.
3. Healers Urban Walkers:
Best For Everyday Use
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Colors: Black/Green (as pictured)
- Sole Fabric: Non-slip Rubber
PROS:
- Work great for snow, ice, hot pavement, or rough terrain
- Stay on well for many miles of walking or trotting
- Come in pairs instead of sets of four, so that you can choose the proper size for front and back paws
- Velcro straps and wrap around design make for a secure fit
- Made in the USA and tested by The National Guide Dogs for the Blind
- Very durable, breathable, material
CONS:
- May slip off during vigorous play
- The velcro dot and straps must be carefully aligned for a secure fit
Healers Urban Walkers Dog Boots for Paw Protection are perfect for the dog who loves a good adventure, whether in the rain, sun, or snow. These boots protect your dog’s paws from ice, hot pavement, and rough terrain without compromising comfort or grip.
If your active older dog is becoming a little less aware of where her feet are as she ages, these boots can protect her from cuts and scrapes and help her grip difficult terrain, so she can keep adventuring well into her golden years.
The non-slip lining on the inside of the boots prevents your dog’s paws from slipping around inside the boots. High tensile strength Velcro straps, combined with a design that wraps snugly around your dog’s foot, give these boots an excellent fit.
They are sold in pairs, not sets of four, so you can choose which of the seven sizes is perfect for your dog’s front and back paws.
Breathable mesh fabric is safe for all-day wear and makes these boots lightweight enough that your dog will hardly notice wearing them. The material dries very quickly, so don’t worry about the occasional puddle. Such good airflow means that bacteria and resulting odor won’t have a chance to build up, so your pup’s paws will stay dry, healthy, and odor-free.
You can feel good about buying these high-quality dog boots, which are made in the USA and designed by a Portland shoe designer. Their durability has been tested by the National Guide Dogs for the Blind. These boots even stand up well to machine-washing, which is convenient after a hike through the mud.
Our Take
We love the Healers Urban Walkers Dog Boots for Paw Protection for dogs who have some distance to cover. These durable and sturdy boots protected our dogs’ paws for many miles over frozen, hot, or rough terrain. A bit of water wasn’t a big deal either: they really do dry quickly.
As long as we got the right size, we found that our dogs could walk or trot for many miles without the boots slipping around on the paw or falling off. This was true even with our dogs that knuckle or drag their paws a little bit. A lot of knuckling or dragging damaged the light fabric quickly, so we’d prefer something with more rubber coverage for these dogs.
When our dogs really wanted to run, these boots had a harder time staying put. During a fast game of fetch, the boots tended to slip around on the paw or fall off.
We found the boots packaged in two’s convenient since our dogs tend to have differently sized paws in the front and back, but for some, the price may seem a little high for only two boots.
4. Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots:
Best For Everyday Use
- Sizes: XX-Small, X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Colors: 7 Assorted Colors
- Sole Fabric: Stretch Rubber
PROS:
- Affordable and come in multipacks
- 100 percent biodegradable rubber
- Help dogs grip slick surfaces
- Protect paws from minor abrasion, snow, and heat
- Work well for dogs that knuckle or drag paws
- Waterproof
- Easy to alter to your dog’s needs
CONS:
- Not breathable, so shouldn’t be worn for long periods
- There is a definite learning curve to putting them on
- Won’t hold up to heavy use for long
- May be snagged on dog’s nails
Pawz Water-Proof Dog Boots are a standard in the pet industry, sold in most pet stores and veterinary offices. They are inexpensive and straightforward to use, similar in construction to heavy-duty balloons. They are color-coded by size, which is convenient when you have multiple dogs in a household.
Pawz are made of 100 percent biodegradable rubber. They are affordable enough to be semi-disposable since they come in packages of a dozen for a lower price than most pairs of boots.
These sleek boots can protect your dog’s paws from chemicals or allergies on daily walks, as well as providing a layer of protection against hot surfaces, ice, and snow. They are waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about puddles. The rubber does a good job of providing traction on slippery surfaces indoors, as well.
Since the rubber covers the entire paw, top and bottom, dogs who knuckle or drag their feet will also be protected. Pawz are light enough that most dogs barely notice wearing them. The wear that your dog will get from Pawz depends on the amount of walking that she does, how much she drags or knuckles, and what kind of surface she is traversing.
Our Take
We think Pawz are a versatile choice for a wide range of needs. We find them affordable enough to use, abuse, and throw away. Our dogs barely notice wearing them, since they are so light, and they don’t fall off easily. For our dogs who can’t seem to keep boots on, or who destroy boots quickly, we often end up using Pawz.
We love how easy it is to adapt Pawz to our dog’s exact needs. For our dogs who drag their paws a lot and tend to pull boots off, we tape Pawz on with medical tape. When our dogs wear through boots quickly, we reinforce rubbed areas with duct tape.
We don’t let our dogs wear Pawz for more than a few hours at a time, since the rubber material, while affordable and biodegradable, is not breathable. Our dogs don’t wear Pawz unless we are able to keep an eye on them. If their nails make holes in the rubber they could get pulled upwards in an uncomfortable way. Also, the rubber sometimes wears down quickly, requiring regular patches during play.
Best Winter Boots:
The first two boots we recommend in this category are full winter/snow boots, whereas the third and fourth recommendations are more of an everyday light walker winter boot.
Do you need heavy duty boots or will an all year/ everyday boot do the trick? The best quick rule of thumb to use in these cases is if you’re spending more than 15 minutes in below 32 °F (0°C) temperatures, or on a longer trip through ice and snow, you will require a fully insulated boot. A full winter boot is designed for winter activities, such as sledding, skijoring, and snowshoeing.
Protection from the salt in winter is the main reason I use boots and they also stop icicles from forming in the fur. My pup’s paws are covered in long, fluffy fur, so in the middle of winter, she needs boots because of the salt on the sidewalk. And, if I am out for more than 15 minutes, she will start limping because of the ice build up in her pads.
1. RUFFWEAR – Polar Trex:
Best For Winter Use
- Sizes: 1.5 – 3.25″ Widths
- Colors: Green and Blue (as pictured)
- Sole Fabric: Vibram Rubber
PROS:
- Very well-insulated for warmth, even in the coldest temperatures
- Secure fit that keeps out snow when put on properly
- Clever design protects zipper from elements
- Easy to fasten once on
- Weatherproof and breathable
- Choose between a two pack and four pack
CONS:
- Can be difficult to get on without warming boots first
- Take a little time to get broken in
- Stay on larger dogs slightly better
If your dog loves a good long adventure, even in freezing temperatures and deep snow, you need foot protection that will stay on your dog’s paws, protect from cold and abrasion, and be durable enough to last a couple of winters. RUFFWEAR Polar Trex Winter Traction and Insulation Paw Wear for Dogs is an investment that can protect your dog’s feet, even in the coldest conditions.
These boots are extremely well-insulated and weatherproof, as well as breathable. Your dog’s paws will remain dry and odor-free, even after hours in the snow. The sole has a lug pattern specifically designed for winter traction, giving your dog the best possible grip on ice, snow, and frozen ground. Reflective accents keep your dog safe at night.
It is easy to get these boots on and fasten them securely, so they don’t come off. A pullover stretch gaiter keeps the closure safe from the elements, as well as keeps snow out. The boots are easy to fasten with a very simple hook-and-loop design and a hardware closure, but they won’t come loose until you are ready to take them off.
These boots are a significant investment, but if you’ve already tried a few boots that didn’t do the job for your dog, you may decide that a boot that works is worth the price. Choose between a two pack and a four pack, so you can get the right combination of the nine sizes for your dog.
Our Take
We love RUFFWEAR – Polar Trex Winter Traction and Insulation Paw Wear for Dogs for our dogs that play and hike in the snow for hours at a time in freezing temperatures. These boots survived heavy abuse from our most rambunctious dogs without showing wear or falling off. Our dogs loved playing and hiking while keeping their feet warm and dry. They seemed to work a little better for our larger dogs than our smaller ones, especially with a lot of activity.
It isn’t difficult to put these boots on and, when we did it correctly, they did a good job of keeping snow out. We found that putting the boots on incorrectly lead to snow being trapped in the boot.
We also found that there were some tricks to putting these boots on. They tend to be stiffer and harder to put on in the cold. Leaving them in front of the heater vent or warming them with a hairdryer makes them flexible and easy to work with.
Our dogs broke in their boots faster when we always used the same boot for the same paw. It became easier to put these boots on and our dogs wore them more and more naturally, as time went on.
2. Muttluks Snow Mushers:
Best For Winter Use
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Small/Medium, Medium, Medium/Large, Large
- Colors: Purple, Orange, Blue
- Sole Fabric: 100% Recycled Rubber
PROS:
- Innovative double-wrap fastening system does a good job of keeping boots on and snow out
- Extra-large opening makes it easy to put these boots on even wiggly pups
- Good traction and flexibility from 100 percent recycled rubber soles
- Warm, cozy fleece inner lining to insulate dog’s feet
- Reflective accents for nighttime safety
- Come in sets of two or four, so you can choose which of the seven sizes fits front and back feet best
CONS:
- Not as good for dogs who knuckle or drag feet, since there isn’t rubber on top or sides
- We wish the reflective accents were a little bit bigger for greater visibility
Muttluks Snow Mushers are cozy, durable footwear to protect your dog’s paws on long treks over snow and ice. These boots keep the pads from accumulating snow and ice and form a durable barrier against rough terrain. A dense fleece inner lining offers insulation from the cold, keeping your pup’s paws warm even on long adventures.
The tough soles of these boots are made from 100 percent recycled rubber. The deep treads let your dog grip even slippery or difficult terrain with ease. The reflective accents make your dog visible at night.
These boots fit snugly to keep snow out and warmth in, without being so tight that they are uncomfortable. The innovative double-wrap fastening system provides a super secure fit. If you’ve ever struggled to stuff your dog’s paw into a boot, you will appreciate the extra-large opening of these boots. It is amazingly easy to slip these boots on, even if your dog is less than compliant. Boots are sold in pairs, rather than sets of four, so you can choose the right size for front and back paws.
Our Take
We love the Muttluks Snow Mushers for traipsing through thick snow, especially for our dogs who like to wiggle when we put their boots on. The range of sizes isn’t the best we’ve seen, but since we could buy the boots in pairs of two, instead of sets of four, we could get the right size for both the front and back feet for most of our dogs.
These boots are best for cleaner winter fun. Since they should be hand-washed, it can be a pain if your dog jumps in a mud puddle. While these boots aren’t terribly expensive, a pair isn’t cheap either, so you’ll want to do what you can to extend their life.
We liked the tread on these boots. Our dogs were able to grip even slippery, frozen ground well and the boots didn’t tend to slip around on our dog’s feet, even with a lot of activity.
The boots are flexible, allowing our dogs to climb uneven surfaces comfortably. We don’t use these boots for our dogs who knuckle or drag their paws since there isn’t rubber protection on the top or sides of the boot.
3. Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Boot:
Best For Winter Use
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Colors: Black (as pictured)
- Sole Fabric: Recycled Rubber
PROS:
- Very durable boots that offer good protection from rough terrain
- Rubber sole wraps around sides and tip, giving protection from sticks and debris or knuckling and dragging
- Good air circulation, great for hot weather
- Sized differently for front and back feet
- Water resistant
- Machine washable with included garment bag
CONS:
- None we could come up with
Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Boots are serious protection for your dog’s paws. These all-terrain boots keep your pup’s paws safe, no matter where you venture. Your dog won’t even feel sharp branches and twigs, rough rocks, or hot pavement.
The tough recycled rubber soles have great traction, so even difficult terrain is easy to grip. A water-resistant, but breathable shell prevents your dog’s feet from developing odor or dampness and protects from puddles and damp ground.
These boots are designed to stay on, even when dogs are tackling rough terrain or inclines. The front and hind boots are sized differently since most dogs have different sized front and back paws. The designers have determined the right size difference for you, so you don’t have to measure for and buy two separate sizes. A secure cinch closure keeps these boots on your dog’s feet through a lot of activity. A convenient garment bag is included to make machine washing your dog’s boots a breeze.
Our Take
Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Boots are the boots that we choose for our most active dogs when they are exploring the roughest terrain. The heavy-duty rubber soles protected against everything our dogs stepped on. The rubber wraps around the sides and front as well, providing protection from branches that jut out and poke. This extra protection was also good for our dogs who drag or knuckle their paws a little bit.
We liked the way the front and hind boots were sized differently and found that they fit our dogs’ front and back feet well when we measured by width as instructed. There is not as much of a size variety as some other brands provide, so for our teeny tiny and super-sized pups, it was more difficult to get a good fit. The leg cuff doesn’t go up very high and it isn’t snug. This allows for good airflow for hot weather, but doesn’t prevent snow or sand from getting into the boot. We liked the garment bag that comes with these boots, and found that the boots and bag held up well to machine-washing.
4. Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined:
Best For Winter Use
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Colors: Bluck, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red
- Sole Fabric: Treated Leather
PROS:
- Very warm, cozy boots that are great for freezing weather
- Snug fit with self-tightening velcro and stretchy leg cuff
- Durable, flexible leather sole for great protection and comfort
- Machine washable
- Can be waxed for water-tightness on the sole
- Come in a wide range of sizes
CONS:
- You may find that you need to tighten the straps more than you expect to keep the boots on
- Aren’t water-tight
- May need to warm the boots to put them on easily
No one likes cold feet, including your dog. Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Dog Boots keep your pup’s paws cozy in even the chilliest temperatures. Thick, lush, fleece lining insulates extremely well and is comfortable even for dogs with bony paws.
These boots are equipped with self-tightening straps that offer a super secure fit, keeping out drafts and snow. The thick and cozy adjustable leg cuff is stretchy to give even more insulation and security against the snow.
Reflective straps make your dog visible at night, which is important because it can be hard to find time in the short winter days for a walk or playtime. Tough, genuine leather soles protect your dog’s feet from cold and rough terrain and are flexible enough to enable natural movement. You are sure to find the right fit for your dog with sizes from Itty Bitty all the way up to XX-Large. You can machine wash these boots, just be sure to treat the leather after washing.
Our Take
Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Dog Boots are among the coziest boots that we have found. They do a great job of keeping our dog’s paws warm, even on the coldest days. The plush fleece lining and cozy stretchy leg cuff really do keep snow out well. Our dogs keep these boots on even through a lot of activity, as long as we make sure to tighten the velcro enough. We found that we had to tighten the velcro more than we expected. That said, our dogs seemed very comfortable wearing these boots.
These boots aren’t waterproof, so we use them for very cold conditions when the ground is well-frozen. We were able to waterproof the leather soles with wax, but couldn’t machine wash them after.
Since these boots have fabric sides and tops, they aren’t as good for our dogs who tend to knuckle or drag their feet. We sometimes have trouble putting these boots on our dogs in very cold conditions, but heating up the leather makes them much more flexible.
Best Trekking/Hiking Boots:
The demands of trekking through rough terrain can be too much for many dogs paws. Sharp shale-like rock, long gravel paths, or off-track terrain and bush pose a significant risk of injuring your pup’s delicate paws. Cuts, splinters, dryness, and heavy pad wear are some of the more common issues dog owners see when trekking without protecting their dog’s paws properly. This style of boot is also perfect for all types of hunting with your dog.
1. Muttluks Mud Monsters:
Best For Trekking/Hiking
- Sizes: XX-Small,X-Small, Small, Small/Medium, Medium, Medium/Large, Large
- Colors: Blue, Orange, Purple
- Sole Fabric: Flexible Rubber
PROS:
- Very secure fit with double wrapped loop fastener and elasticized hook
- Easy to put on without snagging dewclaws, due to the large opening
- Very durable sole that wraps around tip and sides for protection from dragging or knuckling
- Breathable fabric keeps paws cool
- Reflective accents for nighttime safety
CONS:
- Only suitable for hot weather, not cold
- Not waterproof on top, so paws will get wet in puddles
If you want to keep your dog’s paws safe and cool through the hot summer days, Muttluks Mud Monsters are a great choice. The durable sole has innovative “barefoot” technology, adapting to the shape of your dog’s paws, flexing and moving naturally with every step that she takes.
Whether your dog is traversing hot sand or pavement or is on trails with rough terrain and debris, these boots will do a great job of protecting her feet. Breathable mesh and microfiber fabric keep these boots cool, providing great airflow over the top of your dog’s feet.
These boots are designed to go on easy and stay on well. An extra large top opening makes it simple to slip these boots onto your dog’s paws without getting hooked on even loose dewclaws. The loop fastener wraps around the ankle twice and fastens with an elasticized hook, making for a fit that will stay put, even through a lot of activity.
Reflective accents provide nighttime safety, essential for hot summer weather when the cool of night is a preferable time for walking.
Our Take
Muttluks Mud Monsters are our pick for hot weather walks, especially for our dogs who buckle or drag their feet a little. Since the rubber sole wraps up and around the tip and sides, there is protection from dragging. The breathable fabric on top kept our dogs’ feet cool and dry. These boots are more flexible than most of the boots that we’ve tried, allowing our dogs very natural movement on all kinds of terrain.
These boots aren’t cheap, but they last longer than other boots, including the leather-soled Muttluks. We patch up thin spots with a product like ShoeGoo for even longer wear. We couldn’t find sizes for our biggest or smallest pups, since sizes go only from XX-Small to Large. Keep in mind that these are only good for warm weather, so if you have cold winters, you’ll need to buy another set of boots.
2. RUFFWEAR – Grip Trex:
Best For Trekking/Hiking
- Sizes: 1.5-3.25″ Widths
- Colors: Red, Black, Blue
- Sole Fabric: Vibram Rubber
PROS:
- Highly durable and flexible sole for great traction and normal mobility
- Breathable mesh fabric keeps feet cool but is tightly wound to keep out sand
- Easy to put on with a wide mouth and straightforward closure
- Choose between two or four boot sets
- Come in three fun colors
CONS:
- No cuff and not tightly fitted at the top, so not good for deep sand
- Not made for extreme cold weather
- May need a sock for dogs with dew claws, short hair, or bony feet
RUFFWEAR – Grip Trex, All-Terrain Paw Wear for Dogs are designed to protect your dog’s paws from the most extreme conditions. Your dog will be able to accompany you on all of your adventures, no matter where you go. A Vibram outsole offers great traction on difficult terrain since it is flexible enough to bend naturally with your dog’s paws. The rubber sole wraps around the tip to help with knuckling and to keep your dog’s paws safe from sticks and jutting debris.
You’ll find these boots easy to put on, as the opening is wide and easy to slip your dog’s paws into. The boots stay on, too, due to the simple but secure hook-and-loop closure. The highly breathable mesh that composes the tops of these boots is wound tightly to prevent dust or dirt from getting into the boot. You can choose to buy these boots in packs of four or two, depending on your needs.
Our Take
RUFFWEAR – Grip Trex, All-Terrain Paw Wear for Dogs are a great choice for versatile footwear in warm weather. The sole is very flexible and provides great traction and our dogs barely noticed they were wearing boots as they ran along rocky trails and inclines.
We love that the breathable mesh is tightly wound enough that sand doesn’t get in. We do find that sand can get into these boots from the top since there is no cuff. Water also gets into these boots by soaking through the mesh. For these reasons, we like these boots for packed ground and rocky terrain, rather than beach or boggy walks.
Our dogs with sensitive or loose dew claws had some problems with rubbing in these boots unless we used the Ruffwear socks, as well. We found the socks very helpful for our dogs who have short hair and bony feet, since the boots tend to shift on these dogs without the socks.
Fashionable/Affordable Dog Boots:
1. QUMY Waterproof Shoes:
Best For Fashion/Affordability
- Sizes: 4-8
- Colors: Black/Grey (as pictured)
- Sole Fabric: Tough Rubber
PROS:
- High-quality, affordable boots
- Excellent for dogs who knuckle or drag their feet
- Provide good traction on slick surfaces for dogs who slide or struggle to get up
- Two secure velcro straps prevent shifting on your dog’s feet
- Easy to put on with large opening
CONS:
- Don’t go high up enough or have a tight enough cuff to prevent sand or snow from getting in
- Aren’t warm enough for extensive use in very cold weather
- Don’t provide as good of airflow, due to the wrap-around rubber sole
If you don’t want to spend as much on your dog’s shoes as you do on your own, but still want durable, water-resistant protection for your pup’s paws, the QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes might meet your needs. These sturdy boots have a rugged rubber anti-slip sole for good traction, even on slick or uneven surfaces. The rubber wraps around the front and sides of the boot, offering great protection for dogs who knuckle or drag their feet and against sticks and thorns.
You will find these boots easy to put on your dog’s paws since they expand widely with a split seam opening. Two adjustable velcro straps make for a good tight fit that resists shifting or slipping even with a lot of activity. The straps are reflective for nighttime safety.
Our Take
We found the QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes to be a great affordable choice for everyday use. We loved these boots for our dogs who drag or knuckle their paws. Since the rubber extends far up over the tip and sides of the boots, our dogs’ paws stayed safe even when they knuckled a lot. The rubber offers good traction for our dogs who tend to slip on slick surfaces.
These boots resisted dampness from wet ground, but the top is not waterproof so they won’t stay dry through a dunk in a puddle. These boots don’t go high up enough or have a tight enough cuff to keep out deep sand or snow. We also found that due to the extent of rubber coverage the airflow wasn’t as good as some other boots, so our dogs’ feet became damp after several hours of use.
2. Fantastic Zone Waterproof Dog Shoes:
Best For Fashion/Affordability
- Sizes: 4-8
- Colors: Red, Black And Yellow (as pictured)
- Sole Fabric: Tough Rubber
PROS:
- Some of the most affordable boots of this quality
- Very easy to put on due to the wide split seam top
- Two reflective velcro straps provide a secure fit
- The entire boot is water-resistant
- Rubber sole wraps up around tip and sides, good for dogs who knuckle
CONS:
- Water resistant material doesn’t have good airflow
- Best for cold, damp weather
- Not a wide range of sizes
If you are looking for the best value in durable all-purpose boots for your dog, the Fantastic Zone Waterproof Dog Shoes might be right for you. These are some of the most affordable dog boots on the market, but they are durable enough to last your dog through many adventures. The entire boot is made of a water resistant material, so even if your dog steps in a puddle or walks over damp ground, her feet will stay dry.
Rubber wraps around the toe and sides of this boot, offering great protection for dogs who knuckle or drag their feet. You won’t struggle to put on these boots, thanks to the wide split seam opening. A fitted cuff and two sturdy velcro straps keep these boots in place on your dog’s feet and keep sand or snow from falling into the boot. These boots are light and comfortable so that your dog will barely notice them.
Our Take
It’s hard to find a better boot at this price range than the Fantastic Zone Waterproof Dog Shoes. These sturdy boots protected our dog’s feet from rough terrain, frozen ground, and snow. The velcro fit tightly with the fitted cuff to keep out snow and debris, as well. We loved that the entire boot was water-resistant. These boots are perfect for chilly hikes over melting snow and marshy ground. Our dogs who knuckle or drag were well-protected by the sturdy rubber covering over the tip and sides of the boot.
We didn’t favor these boots for hot weather or extended wear, since the water-resistant material does not provide good airflow, leading to moist, hot paws.
We found that these boots tend to run big based on the sizing chart they provide, so we chose the smallest size we thought our dogs could wear. Four sizes, from Size 4 to Size 8, doesn’t provide enough options for our smallest or largest pups.
3. WINSOON Dog Australia:
Best For Fashion/Affordability
- Sizes: 1.02-1.85″ Widths (made for small dogs)
- Colors: Black, Pink, Light Brown, Dark Brown
- Sole Fabric: Sturdy Rubber
PROS:
- Incredibly cute boots for small dogs
- Come in four attractive colors
- Very warm, cozy boots
- Fit securely and don’t tend to slip
- Slight size variations for a custom fit
- Sole provides good grip and traction
CONS:
- Only for small dogs
- Slight differences in size range can make choosing the right size challenging
- Not very water-resistant above the sole
Does your small dog have cold feet? WINSOON Dog Australia Boots keep little feet snug and warm in great style. These boots range from 1.26-inches long to 2.09-inches long and have five size options, so you can choose exactly the right fit.
Sturdy traction is provided from the rubber sole, preventing slipping on ice and snow or inside on hardwood floors. The plush interior keeps even the skinniest paws cozy. The durable outer fabric is somewhat water-resistant for long hikes in the snow.
A sturdy velcro strap keeps these boots strapped cozily to your dog’s feet and the cuff above the strap gives warmth to your little dog’s ankle and keeps snow from getting into the boot. These boots come in four fun colors. At this low price, you may even get a couple of sets to match different jackets.
Our Take
It’s hard to find boots for our little dogs that are much cuter than WINSOON Dog Australia Boots. These boots are nice and warm, too. The thick interior lining is plush enough to keep even our wimpiest pups toasty. The material isn’t very resistant to water above the rather small sole, so these boots are best for inside or when the snow or ground is frozen dry. The sole, although small, did provide great traction for our dogs, even when they were very active on slick surfaces.
We found these boots a little bit difficult to get on, and some experimentation was sometimes required to get the right size for our dogs. When unsure, we just ordered both sizes and sent back the one that didn’t work for us. We liked that we could choose between such small differences in sizes between boots since it allowed us to choose exactly the right size for our dogs.
4. LONSUNEER Dog Boots:
Best For Fashion/Affordability
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Colors: Black, Blue, Red
- Sole Fabric: Durable Faux Leather
PROS:
- Highly breathable fabric is great for hot weather use
- Stretchy cuff makes putting the boots on easy and keeps dirt, sand, and debris out
- Very affordable general purpose boots
- Work well to help dogs grip slick surfaces
- Improved version offers protection from dragging and knuckling
- Stay on even in water
CONS:
- Best for casual walks and indoor use
- Breathable fabric may let in dirt or sand, if fully immersed
- Don’t offer enough protection for dogs who knuckle or drag a lot
LONSUNEER Dog Boots are awesome for everyday wear in warm weather. Two layers of highly breathable mesh fabric hemmed by durable soft cloth keep your dog’s paws comfortable, cool, and dry. Flexible cuffs at the top of the boots keep out dirt and debris. Durable waterproof soles are flexible enough to move naturally with your dog and help grip slick surfaces.
The new and improved version of these boots extends the sole over the tip of the boot to protect dogs who knuckle or drag their paws. It is very easy to put these boots on. Just roll the cuff outwards, slip in your dog’s paw, and roll the cuff up. A secure velcro strap keeps the boot from twisting on your dog’s paw or falling off.
Our Take
We were impressed by these highly affordable LONSUNEER Dog Boots for casual walking in warm weather. The breathable mesh fabric kept our pup’s paws cool, even on hot days. The flexible cuffs do a good job of keeping out sand, dirt, and debris, although we did find that deep sand can work into the breathable fabric. These boots were light enough to go in and out of the water without falling off.
We like the improved version of these boots with the sole extension onto the tip. This change made these boots good for our dogs that drag or knuckle. Because these shoes are so cool and breathable, we liked them for all-day inside wear for our dogs, who slip on hard floors. These boots don’t have the best traction, so they aren’t ideal for difficult terrain. They are better suited for casual long walks or inside use.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Every dog bootie is different. Each has its own shape, style, and design that will work in varying ways to fit comfortably onto your dog’s foot. Because of this, there is no one way to measure for the perfect fit, however, we have checked each and every product recommended here and they all have their own measuring and fitting guides. Once you have selected the boot that is perfect for your needs, please visit the product website for information on the best way to measure for sizing.
The best way to get Pawz boots on to your dog’s paws is to first stretch them over a jar or cup that is slightly wider than your dog’s feet. You can then simply slide your dog’s paw into the boots and, once you push them all the way in, the boot will slide off the jar and be firmly secured around your dog’s leg.
Many of the products we have recommended here are suitable for even the smallest of dogs and we kept small dogs in mind when selecting the products we chose to recommend. Currently, we are not aware of any specific boot that is built specifically for smaller dogs, though Pawz boots have proven to be the go-to boots for small paws for many years now.
The RC Sports Pawks would be our number one choice for indoor use along with the All-Weather Muttluks for a more durable, all round boot.