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While they're easy to dismiss as fashion accessories, dog boots are designed to protect your canine companion's paws in situations where they might get hurt. Hot pavement, a wintery yard, or just rough terrain — there are all sorts of hazards out there that can be dangerous to your best friend’s feet.
How can you tell the good from the bad, and decide which are the best dog boots to suit your pup? With so many options out there, even knowing where to start can be tough. The good news is if you need some assistance, you're in the right place.
We've researched dozens of pairs of dog boots and narrowed down the options to the very best below. Our favorite is the durable and weatherproof Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Shoes, which keep paws protected and comfortable on all your adventures together.
Editors’ Favorite
Sizes: 1.5” W up to 3.25” W | Material: Polyester | Closure Type: Hook-and-loop
The Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Shoes are a top set of pet footwear for active canine companions. We like their high-quality construction, flexible and breathable materials, and selection of bright colors.
The Grip Trex dog shoes are made of polyester with a breathable mesh weave that adds comfort while keeping out dirt. Vibram soles protect paws from rough or sharp surfaces with a nonslip lug pattern for enhanced grip while still remaining flexible. A gusset helps provide enough slack to fit while being put on or taken off, while Velcro-lined hook-and-loop closures cinch closed to keep out the elements.
With their breathable design, the Grip Trex shoes aren’t waterproof. They’re sold in pairs, so you need to buy two pairs to outfit your pet. This, however, ensures you’re not on the hook for another whole set of four if and when your dog loses one boot. Due to their construction, they can slip off the paws of some dogs, especially those with short fur.
Great Value
Sizes: 1.8” W up to 3” W | Material: Fabric | Closure Type: Hook-and-cinch
QUMY’s Dog Shoes are a four-piece set of all-around dog shoes meant for general use on a variety of surfaces. While they’re not the hardest-wearing shoes, we found them to be a good value and worth our while when we tested them.
The QUMY dog shoes come in a complete four-piece set. Each shoe is composed of a breathable but water-resistant fabric upper and soles made of polyurethane rubber, cutely textured with pawprint logos. They’re gusseted for donning with hook-and-cinch Velcro closures and faux leather toes for added protection. Each closure strap is reflective for visibility at night, and they come in several appealing colors.
We liked their performance overall, noting that they don’t take long to put on or take off. We tested them on a variety of surfaces and found them to be protective on them all, although we did note they altered our dog tester’s gait at first. We also found them to slip off easily in strenuous activity, so we think you should order one size down.
Best Weatherproof Boots
Sizes: 1.5” W up to 3.5” W | Material: Canvas | Closure Type: Hook-and-loop, drawstring
For water-resistant dog shoes that keep paws dry and warm in rain, mud or snow, we like the Canada Pooch Dog Winter Boots. These tall booties are designed for inclement weather and have two different types of closure to stay on and keep the outside out.
The Canada Pooch winter boots are made of water-repellent canvas. They have oversized openings for convenient donning but close with both a Velcro hook-and-loop band and a top drawstring closure. This dual system not only keeps the shoes snug on your pet’s paws, but also keeps rain, puddles, mud, sand, gravel and even snow from entering from the top. The cinch straps are reflective for low-light visibility.
The Canada Pooch boots come in only black or red, but that works with their outdoorsy, no-nonsense, extreme-weather design. They’re certainly pricey, however, making them something of an investment that’s worth it only if you live in wintry climates.
Best Lightweight Trail Boots
Sizes: 1.5” W to 3.25” W | Material: Polyester | Closure Type: Hook-and-loop
If your dog is an active companion who loves to run and race with you in the outdoors, you may want to consider Ruffwear’s Hi & Light Dog Shoes. These minimalist dog shoes are intended to cut down on weight while still providing protection on rough ground and fast trails.
The Hi & Light dog shoes feature ultra-light polyester fabric in an airy knit weave, providing basic protection while adding little weight. Synthetic rubber outsoles are designed to enhance grip while allowing your dog to be able to feel the surface beneath them for more natural agility. Reflective threading on the looped Velcro closures add safety.
With their open, breathable construction, the Hi & Light shoes aren’t intended for heavy weather or hard conditions. Their low-profile cut isn’t meant to protect against deep mud or snow. They ship in pairs, so you’ll need to order two to outfit your pet.
Best Under $20
Sizes: 1.6” W up to 2.9” W | Material: Fabric, PU | Closure Type: Hook and loop
Dog shoes can be easy to lose or damage. If neither you nor your pet are the active outdoors type, you can choose inexpensive dog shoes for everyday protection like the XSY&G Dog Boots. They keep paws protected from rough ground, heat and chemicals, yet won’t cost a paw and a leg to replace.
The XSY&G dog boots come in a complete set of four. They’re made of breathable, water-repellent fabric with synthetic rubber soles and genuine leather trim, an appealing scent to many dogs. A pair of hook-and-loop Velcro closures keep them fitted to your dog’s paws and are sewn through with reflective threads for low-light conditions.
The XSY&G boots come in five colors and eight possible sizes, so you can pick the best fit for your pooch. While water-repellent, they are not waterproof and aren’t tall enough to keep out heavy snow. Their best use may be to protect paws from hot pavement or winter salt treatments.
We tested the QUMY Dog shoes in our Testing Lab, and used our findings to inform our evaluations of other dog shoes we chose. Our tests included ease of wearing, including how long it took to put them on or take them off; water resistance; fit and grip; indoor and outdoor use; and ease of cleaning and maintenance. We paid particular attention to how our canine tester felt about the shoes, noting how long it took them to be convinced to wear them, how normal their gait was during wear and how securely they stayed on during walks and exercise. We also used our experience with human footwear to evaluate the materials used for uppers, soles and closures.
It might seem like dogs have no need for boots, but they're actually very useful in a range of situations.
Let's find out why you should use dog boots.
Dog boots help protect your furry friend's paws in extreme temperatures — whether too hot or too cold.
If you walk your dog in areas where he comes into contact with hazards such as thorns or broken glass, boots will help prevent puncture injuries.
You can use dog boots to keep your pup's paw clean and dry if she's suffered an injury, and she needs to avoid dirt due to the risk of infection.
Dog boots can provide traction when it's very muddy or icy.
A well-fitting dog boot can help stop your dog from licking or chewing at an injured paw.
Dog boots tend to be sold either in pairs or in sets of four. If you're selecting dog boots to protect your dog's paws from heat, cold, or injury, it makes sense to get a set of four, since your pup will be wearing a boot on each paw.
If, however, you only need a single boot to keep your pup's paw clean and dry (perhaps due to it being bandaged or having an open wound) then you may prefer to save some money, and get a pair instead of four.
Dog boots come in a range of sizes to fit the tiniest toy breeds right up to the most Herculean hounds. Just like your own shoes, you need to select boots of the correct size for your dog.
Some manufacturers will tell you which sizes are suited to which breeds, which should give you a rough idea of the right size for your pup. However, if your chosen dog boots don't have breed-based size suggestions, or if you just want to be more precise, you'll have to measure your dog's feet.
The best way to do this is to have your four-legged friend stand on a piece of paper. Draw a tracing around his foot, including his toenails. You can then use a ruler to measure the length and width of his paw from the outline you've made.
Different dog boots have different fastening types. Some simply slip on and have an elasticated cuff at the top, some fasten with a zipper up the back, and others have velcro straps to keep them in place.
Those with velcro straps are adjustable, and they’re less likely to slip around or fall off. However, you must be careful not to fasten them so tightly that you restrict blood flow.
If your dog doesn't particularly like having her boots put on, those that slip on are the quickest to get on and off, which you both may find easier.
To be as effective as they can, most dog boots are made from at least a couple of materials.
The main body of the boot is usually made from a durable fabric, such as neoprene or a thick woven nylon, often with a waterproof layer inside to keep your dog's paws dry.
The bottom of the boot tends to be made from molded rubber or PVC, which is hardwearing and waterproof.
This, of course, can vary between dog boots from different manufacturers, so always check the material to make sure it's up to scratch.
Dog boots should provide good traction. Look for a set with non-slip soles and deep treads to give your dog a better grip in slippery conditions.
You may also find soft-soled dog boots, but these provide little or no traction, so they're best suited for indoor use.
For instance, soft-soled boots can be used to prevent your dog from worrying an injured paw when you're not able to supervise her.
Here's what you should expect to pay for dog boots and what you'll get for your money.
Basic dog boots cost between about $8 and $20 for a set of four, but you usually won't find a decent pair for under $15. These are fine for occasional use but aren't hard-wearing enough for daily or heavy-duty use.
Mid-range dog boots cost roughly $20 to $50 for a set of four. You can find some excellent boots in this price range, which should suffice for all but the most extreme conditions.
High-end dog boots cost between $50 and $100 for a set of four. These are extremely heavy-duty boots, designed for working dogs or severely cold conditions. Unless you have frigid winters with a lot of snow, these may be overkill for the average pet parent.
Dog boots should be made from a breathable material, so your pooch won’t overheat while wearing his boots.
Make sure that your chosen dog boots are waterproof. The majority are, but a handful aren't (usually those designed for indoor use). Dog boots that aren't waterproof aren't much good for walks in the mud, snow, or rain.
Quality stitching is a good sign that the boots you're looking at are high-quality and durable. If your dog boots look as though they could easily tear apart at the seams, consider exchanging them for a more sturdy option.
Check your dog's paws for any rubbing, chafing, or irritation after the first walk in her new boots. If you find signs of irritation, the boots may be ill-fitting or simply might not be right for your furry friend.
Q. Are dog boots easy to clean?
A. You should keep your dog boots clean to help them last longer, but some sets are easier to clean than others. Some are machine washable, which makes cleanup a breeze. Others, however, need to be washed by hand. If this is the case with your chosen set, make sure they don't have too many nooks and crannies where dirt could get stuck.
Q. How do I get my dog used to his new boots?
A. If this is the first time you've put boots on your dog, don't be surprised if he exhibits a very funny walk, lifting each foot up high as he goes. The best way to get your pup used to his new boots is to instantly distract him by doing something he loves, such as playing fetch in the yard or going for a quick run. He'll forget about the alien intruders on his feet. That said, you should only leave your dog's boots on for a short amount of time the first time he wears them to avoid distressing him. Once he gets used to them, he can wear them for a couple of hours at a time.
Q. My dog's boots keep falling off — what am I doing wrong?
A. If your dog's boots fall off, slip down, or move around, it's likely that they're either too big for your pup or not fastened securely enough. If the boots are definitely fastened snugly (but not too tight), you probably need to trade them in for a smaller size.
