The Best Dog Boots to Keep Your Puppy’s Paws Safe
In heavy wind, freezing snow, or scorching heat, your pup would still love to go for a walk. However, harsh conditions might be dangerous for their paws, and your dog’s claws might be damaging to your floors and carpet. Your dog needs proper paw protection against cold, hot, and slippery surfaces to stay safe in all conditions.
A good pair of dog boots will not only protect your dog’s paws but can also be rocked as a stylish fashion item. Canine footwear can protect against muddy roads, broken glass, slippery surfaces, hot asphalt, city conditions, and much more.
To help you get your furry friend the right model and fit for their paws, we’ve shortlisted some of our favorite dog boots for 2023. Take a look!
Comparing Dog Boot Options
QUMY Anti-Slip Dog Boots
– Best Overall
This pack of dog boots is made of soft PU leather material, lined with Sherpa, and stitched to perfection. The wide split-seam opening easily expands while the straps make sure they can be adjusted to the right fit. The reflective strips on each strap ensure that you can easily locate your dog in a crowd. They are the perfect dog snow boots for the winter.
The rubber soles are anti-slip and puncture-resistant so your puppy can freely roam around in all kinds of weather and on all types of surfaces. The inner side is lined with high-quality fabric for better protection and comfort. They offer effective protection as hiking boots and are also perfect for night walks and beach trips. This boots also shield your dog from hard floors and hot or cold surfaces.
- Snug fit
- Great traction and stability
- Easy slip-on/off functionality
- Not waterproof
XSY&G Dog Boots
– Most Color Options
Made of high-quality fabric, this cute set of dog boots is designed to provide your dog’s paw pads with premium protection and traction. The fabric is wear-resistant and low-maintenance; you can wipe it with a wet cloth or hand wash it. The boots are also soft and breathable, so your dog can rock them indoors as well as outdoors.
The rugged, anti-slip soles offer excellent stability, which is a great feature for elderly dogs. Moreover, the boots are very easy to put on and take off. They have an adjustable strap system for a secure and tight fit. The sides of each shoe have cute paw embroidery on them so you can pair them up with a stylish dog dress.
- Waterproof
- Soft and breathable
- Anti-slip and puncture-resistant
- Inaccurate size guide
EXPAWLORER Waterproof Dog Shoes
– Most Comfy
These pet shoes are perfect for tender paws on hazardous surfaces like hot roads or snowy sidewalks. They are flexible and extremely comfortable to wear due to their ergonomic shape and soft fabric. The expandable closing system features loop-and-hook fasteners, making the shoes easy to put on or take off.
The waterproof material is skid- and slip-resistant and provides enhanced stability and traction on all kinds of surfaces. The grooved soles and flexible lug design allow these dog boots to be used indoors, which is perfect for elderly dogs or dogs with arthritis. The shoe material is reflective and is perfect for ensuring the safety of your dog at night.
- Waterproof and durable
- Reflective and easily visible
- Easy to put on
- Inaccurate size guide
Bark Brite All-Weather Dog Boots
– Best Protection
These all-weather dog boots are made from high-quality and breathable neoprene that naturally conforms to the shape of your dog’s paw. This versatile material aids the natural movements of your puppy’s paws and keeps paw pads protected. The durable rubber sole has been designed to offer resistance against water, dirt, and sharp objects.
The dog booties have two reflective straps around the elastic straps that cover part of your dog’s leg. These elastic straps make it easier to take the shoes on and off. There is also a heel guard for extra stability and traction. They protect paws during running, hunting, hiking, swimming, and much more. They are great for indoor usage as well as usage in cold weather.
- Breathable inner lining
- Good joint support
- Adaptable and flexible
- Not machine washable
TOEZZO Dog Shoes
– Best for Small Dogs
This set of dog shoes is lined with a soft fleece material that makes the shoe comfortable to move around in. The inner lining maintains a cozy temperature and keeps claws dry and safe. The sole is made from a rigid, non-slip material, which means your dog can play freely on tiles, in rain, and on other slippery surfaces. They will work well as dog winter boots and give pet parents some peace of mind.
These dog shoes have an easy slip-on design for a no-fuss experience. There is a reflective strip around each shoe which makes it easier for you to spot your dog at night and in crowds. Moreover, there is a high-quality drawstring around each shoe to ensure a tight fit.
- Machine washable and quick-drying
- Many color options
- Adjustable drawstring design
- Not waterproof
Buying Guide to Find the Top Dog Boot
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the best boots for your dog:
Things to Consider Before Buying Dog Boots
You will need to keep the following considerations in mind when choosing the right dog booties.
Size
Every manufacturer has a size chart with proper instructions on how to measure the paw and claw size of your dog. This can vary for different breeds and boot designs.
Consider doing extra research apart from the size guide to ensure you’re ordering the right fit. If your dog’s paw size is somewhere between two available options, always get the bigger size.
Design
Always look for a practical and functional dog shoe option. The design should be easy to put on and take off your dog’s paws. You should prefer Velcro and hook-and-loop enclosures.
Material
The material of your dog’s boots should be breathable, comfortable, and protective. They should have an inner soft lining with a durable sole under them. Leather and rubber are two of the most favored materials for dog boots.
Anti-slip grip
An anti-slip sole protects your pup from sliding in the rain on rocks and other wet surfaces. Dogs with arthritis and joint issues, as well as elderly dogs, should always wear anti-slip shoes.
How Dog Boots Can Help Your Dog
Here are some advantages of dog boots:
Superior protection
Boots protect dog paws against rough terrain, sharp objects, dirt, rocks, gravel, and other hazards. They can also shield your pup’s paws from cold weather or hot asphalt, depending on the type of boot you choose. If your dog has sustained an injury, a set of dog boots will effectively protect the injured foot from your pet’s chewing or scratching. The extra padding and shock absorption are good for proper healing.
Durable shoes will also protect dogs from hurting themselves by slipping on ceramic tiles or hardwood floors.
Good for floors
Booties not only protect your dog, but help you maintain the look and integrity of your tile or hardwood floors. You can prevent scratches on the floor and keep your sofas, couches, and bedding in better shape by getting your dog comfortable shoes.
Less cleaning
Dog paws tend to pick up tons of dirt, mud, and sand, even on a simple 10-minute walk. Shoes will keep your pup’s paws sanitary and save you lots of cleaning trouble.
How to Get Your Dog to Wear Dog Boots
Here are some tips to get your dog used to wearing dog booties:
- Train your dog with the help of treats and rewards for small milestones.
- Start familiarizing your dog with boots on the front paws at first.
- Engage the pup in their favorite activity with their boots on.
- Encourage and cheer them on for good behavior continuously.
Here is a short video from Inside Edition on how to help your dog adjust to wearing boots:
How to Measure Dog Feet for Dog Footwear
Here is how you should measure your dog’s paws for booties:
- Place your dog’s paw on a plain piece of paper and make them plant their paw firmly thereby lifting the other foot.
- Draw the outlines of the paw indent on the paper and draw a line from the left and rightmost edge for the total width of the paw.
- Draw a line from the tip of the longest nail to the back of the paw for length.
Write down the measurements and follow a size guide or chart of the manufacturer to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
Conclusion
Dog boots can be a lot more than just a part of a Halloween costume. They protect your best friend’s delicate paws from injuries, hot weather, the winter season, slipping accidents, and much more.
You need to carefully consider the design, material, quality, and comfort of a pair of dog shoes before buying them. This guide covers everything you need to know when choosing the best dog boots in 2023.
People Also Asked
A: Yes, they can, but it’s ideal to only use them when needed or recommended by the vet.
A: Considering the protection, style, and versatility they can offer, dog boots are 100% worth it.
A: Dogs that are injured, very young or old, or untrained may benefit from wearing them. Other than that, they’re great for dogs that walk on rough surfaces, in extreme temperatures, or in harsh weather.
A: This depends on the activity that you need the boots for. If you need heavy duty snow boots, consider thick options that are lined with fleece or another internal lining. To protect from hot surfaces, lighter-weight boots designed with heat in mind will do the trick. For debris and ground protection, consider boots with thick soles.
A: Do your best to make the boots a small part of your everyday routine so they can become normalized to your dog. For example, keep them on while you and your dog play with a toy, or encourage your pup to walk or run in them in exchange for some treats.
