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While bad weather may not stop your dog from wanting to go for a walk, snow, ice, and freezing temperatures may harm their sensitive paws. But when the weather isn't cooperating, there's no need to skip the walk altogether. The best dog boots for winter protect paws from snow, ice, and rock salt, while other boots are excellent for rough terrain and hot pavement.
To make our recommendations, we consulted nine dog walkers and trainers from across the country on their preferences for keeping paws protected during icy winters and hot summers and on outdoor adventures. We have also tested some ourselves. The best dog boots overall are Pawz Dog Boots, a set of waterproof slip-ons that stay on and are inexpensive. For frigid temperatures, Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Boots may be a better option for your dog, with a waterproof, nylon exterior that keeps paws dry and warm.
Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.
Best overall: Pawz Dog Boots - See at Chewy
Best for winter: Original Fleece-Lined Muttluks - See at Chewy
Best waterproof: Walkee Paws - See at Amazon
Best for hiking: Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots - See at Chewy
Best for hot pavement: Qumy Dog Boots - See at Amazon
Best alternative: Musher's Secret Paw Wax - See at Chewy
Whether your dog's paws need protection from ice, snow, and salt in the winter or hot asphalt in the summer, several of our dog pros say that Pawz Waterproof Dog Boots are the best option. "We have found these boots to be by far the best for staying on a dog's paws during a walk," says Megan Selheim, owner of Come, Sit, Stay in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Stacia Anderson, cofounder of RuffCity Dog Walking in New York City, agrees. "In my experience, all dog boots are inferior to Pawz balloon booties," she says.
Pawz are made from flexible, durable rubber and come in various sizes to fit dogs from tiny Chihuahuas to huge Newfoundlands. The booties slip over the paw and stay secure without straps or buckles. While Pawz booties lack traction to prevent a dog from slipping and sliding, they don't have a cumbersome sole, a feature that adds to their usefulness. "Most dogs adapt to them quickly because they are not bulky, and they can still feel the sensation of the ground through these boots," Selheim says. However, the lack of a reinforced sole makes it easier for sharp rocks and other sidewalk hazards to tear through the rubber and scratch a dog's paws.
Because they are made without reinforcements, Pawz will wear out with frequent use. They are sold in packs of 12, so you can easily replace one that's worn down or goes missing.
Our pick for the best dog boots for winter, Original Fleece-Lined Muttluks, are like reinforced mittens for your dog's paws. The boots slip over the paw with the type of stretchy fabric preferred by the dog walkers and trainers we consulted. Each boot has a reflective velcro strap that keeps it securely in place and makes it easier to see your dog in low light.
When you pair these boots with one of the best winter dog coats, your pup will be well protected from chilling temperatures and heavy rain, snow, and slush. The waterproof nylon fabric exterior and fleece lining provide insulation to keep sensitive toes toasty. The soles are reinforced with a thin layer of treated suede leather. While their smooth surface can be slippery in slush and rain, they are durable enough to prevent sharp objects like rocks from slicing through to the paw pad.
Original Fleece-Lined Muttluks are machine washable, but the company recommends retreating the leather after cleaning for best results. Unlike most boots, sizing is determined by measuring from the paw's front to back instead of side to side across its widest point.
Most dog boots are too low to prevent water from seeping in when walking in wet weather. But Walkee Paws Suspender Boot Leggings keep your dog's paws and legs warm and dry without slipping off.
The genius of Walkee Paws is in their design, which Insider Reviews contributor Karen Asp called "exceptional" when testing the brand's indoor leggings. Instead of securing around the ankle with velcro, these boot leggings pull up over the knee and secure like suspenders to a harness or collar. The fit prevents water from entering through the top of the boot, keeps the upper legs dry, and ensures that your dog won't accidentally lose a bootie on the go. The best raincoats for dogs can complement these boots and help keep your pup completely dry during walks.
The lower boots are molded, waterproof rubber ergonomically shaped for a dog's paws. They are lined with soft cotton to provide extra comfort and protection against the cold. The leggings pull on easily, and the upper leg material is flexible and water-resistant. If the rubber boot tears or develops a hole within six months of purchase, the company will send a free set of rubber repair patches.
Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots protect paws from the scrapes and abrasions that can develop during long days on the trail. With breathable mesh on top and flexible, water-resistant soles made from Vibram vulcanized rubber, these dog shoes provide powerful traction on slippery or uneven surfaces without overly compromising paw sensation.
Ruffwear is a popular brand among the dog professionals we surveyed. They say the Grip Trex boots are ideal for hiking and other outdoor adventures because they are less bulky than the brand's dog snow boots and have a thicker rubber sole than its everyday boots. The mesh polyester upper has a wide opening for putting the boots on and removing them and a reinforced toe. Each boot has reflective trim for low-light visibility. Having the right gear for hiking is important, and dogs need more than just boots.
Ruffwear's Grip Trex cinch around the leg just above the paw and fasten with a velcro closure to keep the boots from slipping off. Because there is very little material between the stiff strap and the ankle, this boot may rub and cause abrasions when worn for extended periods, says Jacob Venter, owner of Denver Dog Joggers in Denver. Breaking in the boots on everyday walks before taking them out on an excursion may help, as can pairing them with Ruffwear's dog socks.
The size of a dog's front paws often differs from that of their back paws, so Grip Trex boots are sold in pairs instead. These booties are the most expensive of those we selected for this guide, but their wide range of sizes ensures you'll get the right fit for every paw.
"If you cannot put your own hand or stand barefoot on the pavement for about 10 seconds, then it is likely too hot for your dog to walk on too," writes Dr. Aly Cohen in "Summer heat safety tips for dogs." At those temperatures, a dog's sensitive paw pads can easily burn or blister, but not if they're wearing rugged Qumy Dog Boots.
"Once I got a pair of these for my oldest dog years ago, I stuck with them," says Insider Reviews editor Sarah Saril. "They're durable and well-made, with solid construction and grippy soles." Qumy's boots are also a cinch to put on and take off. "I can usually do it one-handed while my other hand holds my dog's foot up," she says. They secure around the ankle with two adjustable velcro straps with reflective strips and have an expanding split seam opening to fit dogs of all breeds.
Although Qumy's machine-washable dog boots are made from a comfy, high-quality fabric, Saril wishes they were more breathable. "I can tell they make my dogs uncomfortable after a long walk in the heat," she says. The water-resistant material, however, means these boots can also protect your dog's paws in light rain or snow.
Even the best dog boots for winter and summer might not work for all pups. Dogs who resist wearing boots can find relief from ice, snow, sidewalk salt, and extreme heat with Musher's Secret paw wax. "Musher's Secret is very effective for protecting paws and so much easier than booties," says Katie Westling, co-owner of For The Dogs in Minneapolis.
The Canadian-made balm works by establishing a wax barrier between the paw pads and the ground without impacting a dog's ability to feel the terrain. It is made from four types of wax — white and yellow beeswax, carnauba palm wax, and candelilla wax — combined with vegetable oil and vitamin E. The food-grade ingredients are nontoxic and won't harm a dog who attempts to lick it off.
While it might seem that all that wax and oil would result in greasy hands and a slick trail of puppy paw prints, Melody Koney, a dog walker with Windy City Paws in Chicago, assured us that's not the case. "It's easy to put on a dog's paws, and it doesn't leave a mess on floors and carpets," she says.
An added benefit of Musher's Secret is the soothing and conditioning its oils and vitamin E provide for dry, cracked winter paws and dog noses. The balm doesn't offer as much protection against rocky terrain. It may help to keep paws safe from excessive rubbing and scratching, but it won't stop a sharp stone from slicing a sensitive paw pad. In snowy conditions, the wax may have to be reapplied on longer outdoor adventures.
Affordable Musher's Secret paw protection will remain shelf-stable year after year if you don't use it all in a single season.
Dog boots differ more than you might think, so it's important to select a set that fits your and your dog's specific needs. The right fit, design, and features can make the difference between boots your dog will happily wear and ones that end up forgotten in a drawer.
Fit: The fit of a dog boot is very important for both comfort and safety, says Dr. Jessica Bell, clinical associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. You should easily be able to fit the boot over your dog's paw and also be able to secure it to the lower leg. "The boot should be secure enough on the paw pad to prevent slipping and sliding inside the boot," Bell says. Since there are many varieties of boots to choose from, you may have to try different kinds to find the best fit for your dog and their specific type of use.
Design: Dog boots can use different types of wraps, elastics, or ties to keep them secured to your dog's feet, so it's important to choose the type that works best for you and your dog. Regardless of the boot, Bell says it should not be so tight that it causes pain and swelling, "Make sure that where the edge of the boot touches the leg, it does not rub or irritate the skin," she says.
Terrain and protection: Consider the type of surfaces you plan on walking your dog, and look for boots that offer adequate traction and protection. Bell says boots intended for walking on level sidewalks and providing basic water protection will be much different than what's needed for a dog that is an avid hiking partner. For rocky terrain or slippery sidewalks covered in salt, look for tough rubber soles with textured, nonskid bottoms for maximum traction. However, Bell says rocky terrain boots are typically heavier and less flexible due to their more protective sole. If maximum protection isn't that much of an issue, a low-cost rubber boot that stretches over the foot is a good option.
Cleanability: Dog boots naturally get dirtier than any other article of dog clothing, so they must be easy to keep clean, especially if you live in a wet, muddy climate. In the interest of convenience, look for machine-washable boots.
For guidance on selecting the best dog boots, we went straight to those who spend their days walking and training dogs in all types of weather. Nine dog professionals from around the United States responded to a survey designed to identify the features of a good dog boot and the brands and designs they most prefer. Insider Reviews reporters also shared their dog boot-testing experiences with us for this article. Our list of experts and testers includes:
Do dogs really need boots?
Dogs need boots to protect their paws in extreme temperatures. Hot sidewalks can cause the paw pads to burn or blister, while freezing ones can lead to frostbite or hypothermia. Boots are a no-brainer in both situations. "If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for them," says Satchu. If your dog has sensitive paws or you will be hiking for long periods on rugged terrain, putting boots on your dog can prevent them from coming home with cuts and abrasions.
How do you fit your dog for boots?
Most of the best dog boots are sized with the width of a dog's paws in mind. To get the ideal fit, put a piece of paper on the floor and grab a pencil. Place one of your dog's front paws on the page and lift the other so they have all their weight flat on the paper. Draw an outline using your pencil. Since the back paws may be smaller than the front, repeat the process with them.
When you have your outlines, measure the widest point of the paw from toe to toe. The width should correspond to the sizes in which the boot is sold. If your dog's paw falls between sizes, go with the smaller option.
For boots that are measured by length instead of width, measure the paw outline you've drawn from the longest toenail to the "heel" and find the correct size on the sizing chart. A snug fit is better than a loose one, so if your dog's paw falls between sizes, choose the one that is smaller.
Is there a dog boot that stays on?
Even when dog boots are tightly secured with velcro, they can fall off. If your dog has trouble keeping their boots on, try Walkee Paws legging boots. These pull all the way up the leg and secure with straps like suspenders to a harness or collar. They are virtually impossible to kick off on a walk or hike.
Can you leave dog boots on all day?
If you are outdoors all day in cold, wet weather or on rugged terrain, it's fine to leave your dog's boots on. However, if it's hot out, you'll want to give your dog regular breaks from their boots to let their sweaty paws breathe and cool down. It won't hurt your dog to leave their boots on when the outdoor fun is over, but they'll probably be more comfortable if you remove them.
Why can't dogs walk in boots?
Dogs have sensitive paws, and they may feel strange when covered with rubber or leather. Wearing boots may cause a dog to lose their balance or make them want to kick off the material. Slowly introducing a dog to boots may help them understand that wearing boots doesn't prevent them from walking normally, but some dogs may never adjust to them. If your dog refuses to wear boots, Satchu recommends trying a paw balm to create a barrier between the paw and the sidewalk and wiping salty paws down with a warm, damp cloth after the walk.
Is it OK to put Vaseline on my dog's paws?
Yes, it's OK to use Vaseline to protect your dog's paws in cold weather. However, it's not the best option if your dog licks their paws frequently. Ingesting too much Vaseline can cause upset stomach or diarrhea. Plus, if you use too much, it will leave greasy paw prints behind. Using a balm made specifically for dogs, like Musher's Secret Paw Wax, is less likely to cause tummy problems or make a mess. If you need to use Vaseline in a pinch, apply a thin layer and wipe down your dog's paws after you return from your walk.
Is putting shoes on dogs cruel?
No. Although some dogs may not like wearing the best dog boots, using them is not cruel. Dog boots are the best way to keep your dog's paws from freezing or burning in extreme cold and heat, getting cut on rocky terrain, and slipping on wet or icy sidewalks.
