The 4 Best Dog Shoes
The idea of dog shoes might strike some people as counter-intuitive. After all, animals in the wild don't wear shoes. But pet dogs aren't living in the wild, and their paws are not acclimated to all surfaces and conditions. If walking on certain surfaces is causing your dog pain, dog shoes will protect their paws and prevent them from getting hurt. If your dog is slipping on slick floors or slippery terrain, dog shoes will provide the traction they need to walk or run normally. If you're tired of your dog tracking dirt, mud, snow, etc. all over the house, dog shoes will keep their feet clean and dry. Read on for our reviews of the 4 Best Dog Shoes that will make life easier for you and your dog.
My Busy Dog Water Resistant Dog Shoes
Shoes For Adventure
Whether you’re walking your dog on hot asphalt or climbing up a mountain in the rain, these dog shoes from My Busy Dog will protect your dog’s paws and give them added traction and stability. The sole of the shoe is waterproof and designed to prevent slipping, so your dog can walk, run, or hike on wet surfaces, with the same kind of traction you have on your shoes. These shoes will keep your dog’s paws dry and clean, so no more muddy footprints all over your house. Just take off the shoes when you get home and your dog can roam freely without causing a mess. These shoes are quite durable and the fabric of the shoes is sewn together, not glued, so they will hold up for a while.
Pros
- Waterproof anti-slip soles
- Sewn together, not glued
Cons
- Need to be strapped on tight to stay on
- The dog’s nails must be clipped to use comfortably
QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes
Safe and Secure
Unlike us humans, dogs have not been wearing shoes their whole lives, so putting shoes on your dog, and taking them off, can be difficult. These dog shoes from QUMY will help you with this challenge as much as the design of the shoes can. The rest is up to you and your dog. These shoes have a wide split-seam opening on top, making it easy to slip your dog’s paw straight in. You won’t have to struggle to pull them on. Then two velcro straps you can quickly and easily pull tight before your dog runs away, ensuring a snug fit that will stay on. They’re reflective too, making your dog more visible to drivers at night, and therefore safer. These shoes are rugged, waterproof, and skid resistant. They’re great for any outdoor conditions or for slick floors inside.
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Reflective for added safety
Cons
- Cannot be used in deep water or sand
Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots
Form-Fitting And Flexible
For dogs who have trouble with thicker-soled shoes comes this shoe from Bark Brite. Some dogs aren’t able to adjust to walking with thick-soled shoes; they look like they are walking in high heels. Bark Brite has built a dog shoe out of neoprene, which allows it to conform to the shape of the dog’s paw and feel more natural to the dog. It doesn’t inhibit your dog’s movements as much as thick-soled shoes can. So the question is, does the thinner sole offer less protection? Yes, but it still offers a lot. These shoes will keep your dog’s paws unharmed on most surfaces and terrains, and in inclement weather. And because of the form-fitting neoprene, these shoes will stay on even the most hyperactive dogs.
Pros
- Form-fitting, natural-feeling
- Won’t fall off
Cons
- Thinner sole
HiPaw Breathable Mesh Dog Boots
The Coolest Dog Shoes
For those dog owners that live in warmer climates, or just for the warmer times of year, these mesh dog shoes from HiPaw will protect your dog’s paws while keeping them cool. The mesh allows more air flow and keeps the temperature down inside the shoe. The sole is rubber and will keep your dog’s feet from getting burnt on hot cement or hurt by sharp rocks. If your dog is having trouble with traction on the floors inside your house, or you don’t want them scratching the floors, these shoes are a great choice as well. They won’t keep your dog’s paws dry in rain or snow but are otherwise a fantastic option for dog shoes.
Pros
- Breathable mesh
- Keeps paws cool
Cons
- Won’t keep paws dry in inclement weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dogs need shoes? Aren’t dogs built to walk on their paws bare?
Yes, but humans are built to walk on bare feet as well. The problem is that dogs are not used to walking on certain surfaces or terrains, and when they do all of a sudden, they can get hurt. The same way we would get hurt if we started walking around in bare feet. Not all dogs need shoes. It depends on the dog and what surfaces you are taking them on. Pay attention – if they seem in pain or have trouble walking or have actual injuries, they may benefit from dog shoes.
How do I determine what size shoe to get?
You need to measure your dog’s paw and then look at the shoe sizes when ordering. Get your dog to sit. Pick up one of their front paws so all of the dog’s weight is on the other paw. Measure the width of the paw on the ground. This is necessary because when your dog walks or runs, this is what will happen and you need to make sure the shoe is big enough to handle it. If you’re having trouble keeping your dog still for the measurement, put their paw on a piece of paper and mark the sides with a pencil quickly and then measure the distance between pencil marks.
How long will dog shoes last?
How long dog shoes last depends on several factors: the size of your dog, which determines how much weight is being put on the shoes, how frequent your dog uses them, on what surfaces, and under what conditions. Dog shoes will generally last shorter than sneakers on humans, because dogs take more steps than humans and are generally tougher on their footwear. So, if you’re putting dog shoes on your dog every day, you’re going to want to order more than one pair because the shoes will wear out.
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