The Best Dog Boots

Whether you live in a hot or cold climate, your dog needs protection from extreme weather. Their paws are soft and susceptible to injury when exposed to the elements, making dog boots necessary. Dog boots protect your pup's paws from irritation, burns, cuts, snow, deicing chemicals, and more. If you have an older dog, dog boots will make it easier for them to get around. Sorting through all of the dog boots on the market can prove challenging. So, we've done the research for you. Keep reading to learn about our picks for the best dog boots.

What to Look For

To find the best dog boots on the market, we kept the following things in mind: Is the sole flexible so the dog can walk naturally? Is the sole textured with a good grip for traction? What type of fastener does the boot use? With an anti-slip sole, adjustable straps that fit snuggly around the ankles, and reflective material to ensure dogs are visible to passersby at night, the dog boots by Qumy quickly emerged as our favorite. However, if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, the dog boots by PawZ may be a better choice since they’re designed to protect your dog’s feet from winter snow, heavy rain, and muddy terrain.

Qumy anti-slip Dog Boots 4-piece set

Paw-esome protection

With an anti-slip sole for stability and traction, these rugged dog shoes will keep your pup's paws safe wherever you go.
Best Overall

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These cute dog boots by Qumy are waterproof and feature an anti-slip rubber sole to keep your dog’s paws warm and dry. The rugged boots are made of high-quality materials and are easy to put on and take off your pup. They have reflective tape on their straps to ensure your dog is highly visible at night. Plus, they have adjustable straps that fit snuggly around your dog’s ankles. They come in several sizes, making it easy to find the right fit for your dog’s paws.

Pros:

  • These boots are very durable, holding up for years with heavy seasonal use in all weather conditions.
  • We found that these boots were an excellent choice for older dogs who drag their feet or suffer from arthritis. They keep them from scraping their nails or otherwise injuring their paws.

Cons:

  • They’re not machine washable.

PawZ Rubber Dog Boots 12-piece set

Rain, sleet, or snow

Protect your dog's paws from frigid weather conditions with these dog boots designed to withstand the harshest elements.
Runner Up

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These dog boots by PawZ are a great option for trying out dog boots on your dog before investing in a more expensive pair. The boot’s stretchy rubber collar ensures a secure fit around your pet’s ankle and looks more like a sock than a boot. The boots are reusable and made from 100% biodegradable natural rubber. While they don’t provide much support or traction, they’re thin enough for your dog’s paw to grip most surfaces through the boot.

Pros:

  • If you want to take your dog along on a cross-country skiing trip, these boots will protect their paws through constant running, allowing them to enjoy the snow while protecting their feet.
  • Although the boots are made from a thin rubber material, they are long-lasting and hold up well during various activities.

Cons:

  • They won’t protect your dog’s paws during hot weather or intense hiking.

Yaodhaod Lightweight Dog Boots 4-piece set

Safe for the streets

Your dog's paws will be comfortable and protected in these dog boots with a non-slip sole and adjustable band.
Best For Pavement

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When you need to protect your dog’s feet from cold weather, reach for these fleece-lined dog boots from Yaodhaod. The boots come equipped with an adjustable elastic strap that’s easy to close and ensures a snug fit. The size and shape of the boots fit the contour of dogs’ paws and claws, ensuring their comfort. They also have an anti-slip sole so that dogs can walk securely on all types of surfaces during any kind of weather.

Pros:

  • Since the boots fit the natural shape of a dog’s foot, they can easily walk, run, and jump in them while their feet are protected from the elements.
  • Not only do these boots do an excellent job of protecting your dog’s feet, but they also protect furniture and help keep hardwood floors free from scratches.

Cons:

  • Since they have a fleece lining, they may not be the best choice for hot weather.

Expawlorer Waterproof Dog Boots 4-piece set

Safe and warm

These waterproof dog boots will keep your pup's paws dry and safe whatever mother nature throws your way.
Best Waterproof

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If you live in an area where it rains a lot, you’ll want to be sure your dog’s feet are protected on rainy days. These dog boots from Expawlorer have a waterproof upper and a grooved rubber sole to keep your pup’s paws dry and prevent them from slipping on slick surfaces when it’s raining or wet outside. They have a large opening, making them easy to take on and off. Plus, the velcro straps ensure a tight and secure fit. The boots are also incredibly soft, so your pup will be comfortable while wearing them.

Pros:

  • These boots aren’t an excellent choice just for the outdoors and rainy weather; they make a great indoor shoe for dogs prone to slipping on slick indoor floors.
  • Their adjustable strap keeps the boots secured around your dog’s ankles, so you won’t have to worry about them slipping off no matter how aggressively your dog plays.

Cons:

  • They’re a little stiff out of the box, so give your dog time to break them in before using them on long hikes or walks.

Ruffwear Grip Tex Dog Boots 4-piece set

Rough and ready

If your dog loves to hike with you, these trail-ready boots will protect their paws on any terrain.
Best For Hiking

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If you spend a lot of time hiking with your dog, a rugged outdoor boot is essential to protect your dog’s feet. These dog boots by Ruffwear feature Vibram outsoles, the same type of sole often found on hiking boots for humans. The lug design does an outstanding job of protecting your dogs’ paws on rough terrain, and the breathable mesh uppers make them so comfortable your dog can wear them for long periods.

Pros:

  • These dog boots fit securely and don’t slip or turn no matter the terrain or how much your dog runs or jumps around.
  • The boots are made from durable, high-quality materials, so the same pair lasts for a long time.

Cons:

  • They’re more expensive than other brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can snow hurt a dog’s paws?

Although dog paws don’t freeze as quickly as other tissue because of their high-fat content, your dog could get frostbite on their feet if exposed to frigid temperatures and snow for an extended time. Depending on your dog’s breed, they may be able to withstand the cold better than others; however, most domesticated dogs don’t do well in icy conditions. Also, the salt used to melt ice can injure your dog’s paw pads, leading to chemical burns.

Do dogs really need boots?

It’s a good idea to purchase a pair of boots for your dog if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Dog paws are sensitive to extreme temperatures in the summer and winter. Plus, when walking outside, your dog may step on sharp particles such as sticks or ice shards that boots can help protect them from.

About the Author

Lynnae grew up with dogs all her life, so she has firsthand experience on how to best take care of your canine companions. This teacher by day and writer by night has a mission to make sure all dogs have what they need to live long and healthy lives.

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