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The Spruce Pets / Chloe Jeong
While dogs are usually happy and healthy in their bare paws, there are some weather conditions where boots can offer much-needed protection and insulation, particularly in winter.
Ice can easily accumulate in the hair between your dog's toes, putting them at greater risk for injuries like cracked paws and bleeding. The American Veterinary Medical Association urges pet owners to check their dog's feet frequently when out in winter weather and to wash their paws after returning home to remove de-icer and salt. You should also be mindful of hot surfaces, particularly pavement which retains heat from the sun and can be several degrees hotter than the temperature outside.
To find the right boots for your dog, you should seek a style that provides a proper fit, are easy to put on and take off, and are appropriate for the activities you have planned together. Our favorite overall is QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes, which are easy to use and great for most wet conditions. But we found several other styles that might work better for your pup and their paws. To help you in your search, here are the best dog boots.
Best Overall
QUMY Waterproof Shoes for Dogs with Reflective Strips
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Amazon
Secure fit with adjustable strap
Tough, anti-slip rubber sole
Available in a range of sizes and colors
Reflective strips for night walks
Not machine-washable
Not for walking in deep water or sand
Available in six colors (including leopard print), these boots have a wide split seam opening that makes them easy to slip on and off. They're secured with two velcro straps for a snug fit. Both straps are reflective on the outside, making these booties highly visible at night. As the name suggests, the QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes will keep your dog's paws dry and they have rugged, anti-slip soles for trail walking and winter conditions.
Fit is particularly important when choosing dog boots since a loose foot can result in chafing. QUMY Dog Boots come in seven different sizes, plus the product page includes details on how to measure your dog's paws for the right fit.
Price at time of publish: $29
Main Material: Rubber and velcro | Size(s): 7 sizes available | Machine Washable: No
Best Budget
Protex PawZ Rubber Dog Boots
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Amazon
Affordably priced
Available in fun colors
Waterproof
Multiple sizes available
Not meant for snow
Some dogs won’t tolerate them
If you're not sure whether dog boots fit into you and your dog's routines and activities, then PawZ Rubber Dog Boots are a great way to test them out. Available in packs of 12, PawZ Rubber Dog Boots are almost more like socks, fitting over your dog's paw with a stretchy rubber collar that holds them on.
While excellent at keeping your dog's feet dry, they're not very insulated. The PawZ boots also don't have grip soles. Instead, they are made from a uniform rubber that's thin enough for your dog's paw to grip normally in most situations. Still, if you are looking for boots for either warmth or intensive hiking, then you'll likely want to look elsewhere. They're more suitable for anyone who wants something easy to slip on their dog's paws before mucking about in puddles.
Price at time of publish: $15
Main Material: Rubber | Size(s): 7 sizes available: tiny to X-large | Machine Washable: No
Best Splurge
Rifruf Caesar 1S
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Rifruf Caesar
Made of human-grade sneaker materials
Can buy sets with bigger front paws
Design protects dewclaw
Expensive
The Caesar 1S combines high-top sneaker styling with premium breathable materials. They even fit like human sneakers—with a gusset-tongue and padded collar—and are locked down with a hook-and-loop fastener.
Unlike many other dog boots, the Rifruf Caesar 1S is less suitable for winter wear since the upper is made from breathable mesh. But while they may not be very insulating, the Caesar 1S has a rubber midsole and grippy rubber outsole for long walks and rough ground conditions.
The Caesar 1S is all about the right fit, with eight available sizes (Rifruf provides a fit guide for different dog breeds) and even the ability to buy different sizes for your dog's front and back paws.
Price at time of publish: $70
Main Material: Rubber and mesh | Size(s): 8 Sizes available | Machine Washable (y/n): Yes
Best for Snow
Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Dog Boots
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Amazon
Fleece-lined for extra warmth
Protective, flexible leather soles
Adjustable strap with reflective material
Machine-washable
Pricey
Not the best for slippery terrain
Combining waterproof, treated nylon with a fleece lining, Muttluks dog boots will keep your dog's feet both warm and dry. Unlike dog boots that use a rubber sole for grip, the Muttluks Fleece-Lined boots opt for a leather sole, which flexes along with your dog's paws for a more "barefoot" experience. A reflective hook-and-loop strap cinches them tight at the top.
Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Dog boots are machine washable, though the leather soles will need re-treating with waterproofing wax for suppleness and longevity after each wash.
Price at time of publish: $70
Main Material: Nylon, leather | Size(s): 8 sizes: XS–X-large | Machine Washable: Yes
Best for Hiking
Ruffwear Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Boots
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Amazon
Reflective trim
Made for extreme weather and environments
Sold in sets of two or four
Pricey
Ruffwear Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Boots feature the same Vibram rubber outsoles commonly found on hiking boots for humans. With their gripping lug design, these dog boots are suitable for rugged trails and varied terrain. The upper is made from a breathable polyester mesh, which is woven tightly enough to keep out trail debris. Similar to the Rifruf's featured elsewhere on this roundup, Ruffwear uses a gusset design to create a wide opening, with the shoe cinched close around the narrowest part of your dog's leg with a hook-and-loop fastener. They also have reflective trim for night-time visibility.
Ruffwear dog boots are sold in pairs of two, so you can size them to your dog's front and back paws. They're also machine washable. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and mild detergent; then allow the boots to air dry.
Price at time of publish: $40
Main Material: Polyester & Vibram rubber | Size(s): Eight sizes available | Machine Washable: Yes
Best for Large Dogs
Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots
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Canada Pooch
Soft boots for extra comfort
Protects against snow and mud
Two ways to secure on foot
Not fully waterproof in heavy rain
Need to hang to dry
While every dog boot we recommend comes in multiple sizes suitable for most dog breeds, the Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots have a tall profile and fitting features that make them especially easy to use with large dogs. Designed with an extra-wide opening, the Soft Shield boots are easy to put on, then seal with two separate closures. The first is your standard hook-and-loop strap with reflective tape, which is cinched above the paw. The second is a separate draw-string toggle closure, which you use to cinch the top of the boot higher up on your dog's leg. The polyester shell also includes 15 percent Spandex for an easier, stretchier fit.
The Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots combine a polyester lining with a water-resistant shell for cold and wet weather wear. They're also machine washable: Turn inside out and use a gentle, cold-water cycle, then hang to dry.
Price at time of publish: $55
Main Material: Polyester and Spandex with rubberized grip sole | Size(s): Six sizes available | Machine Washable: Yes, wash inside out on gentle cycle
Best for Small Dogs
Qumy Dog Shoes for Small Dogs
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Amazon
Affordably priced
For warm and cold weather
Reflective for nighttime walks
Water-resistant
Not fleece-lined
Not machine washable
The Qumy Dog Shoes for Small Dogs have a narrow gradation of differences between each of its five sizes, so you can precisely fit them to your dog. Sizes are designed to accommodate even the tiniest dogs, with the smallest size suitable for pups under 6 pounds. The largest size will fit medium-sized dogs like beagles and French bulldogs.
The Qumy Small Dogs boots use two separate closure methods, with a fully zip-up front to easily slip the boots on. Like most other boots we recommend, they also include a reflective hook-and-loop closure strap that's used to cinch them tight above your dog's paw.
Water-resistant and insulated, with a rubber grip sole, the Qumy Dog Shoes for Small Dogs will ensure that even your puppies are winter-ready.
Price at time of publish: $20
Main Material: Polyester with rubber sole | Size(s): Five sizes available | Machine Washable: No
Best for Rain
EXPAWLORER Waterproof Dog Boots Reflective Non Slip Pet Booties for Medium Large Dogs Black 4 Pcs
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Amazon
Waterproof
Rubber sole
Adjustable
Complicated to figure out sizing
Can cause some dewclaw chafing
These boots combine a waterproof upper with a broad and notably grippy rubber sole, making them well-suited for slick and rainy days. If your dog is always slipping on tile or polished wood floors, then the extra grip even makes them a good pick for indoor use. The EXPAWLORER (that is quite a pun) boots have a wide slit at the top for easily slipping on your dog's paws, combined with the standard hook-and-loop strap closure.
Price at time of publish: $27
Main Material: Polyester | Size(s): Eight sizes available | Machine Washable: No
Best for Hot Surfaces
Kurgo Blaze Cross Dog Shoes
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Amazon
Adjustable hook and loop closure around ankle
Adjustable elastic cord at the ankle
Protects paws from hot pavements, snow, ice, asphalt, rough and uneven terrain
Water resistant nylon mesh
Sole is designed to mimic a dog's paw shape
Reflective strips
Only sold in sets of four
Only available in black and red
The Kurgo Blaze Cross Dog Boots offer protection all year long. In addition to snow, rain, and ice, steamy pavement and sun-soaked sand can irritate a dog's paws. These dog boots are made with breathable nylon mesh so you can slip them on your pup when you head outdoors in the warmer months. The sole is designed to mimic the shape and movement of a paw so it feels more natural for your dog. Plus, two adjustable ankle closures, one a hook and loop strap and the other an elastic cord, help keep the fit of the boot secure yet flexible.
Price at time of publish: $59
Main Material: Nylon, synthetic leather | Size(s): Six sizes available | Machine Washable: No, hand wash and hang to dry
While some dog boots are appropriate for specific conditions, our favorite, the QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes, have the right combination of features for wet and winter wear, plus they're available in a range of colors. If you're looking for dog boots specifically for snowy days and winter weather, then consider the Muttlucks Original Fleece-Lined Dog Boots.
What to Look For
Sizing
The right fit is the most important part of finding the right dog boots for your pooch. If they're too tight, then your dog will be uncomfortable and their movement constricted. But a pair of boots that are too loose are not only at risk of slipping off but will also make for clumsier walking since your dog won't be able to feel the ground very well.
Traction
Different conditions call for different types of grip. While a leather or thin rubber sole may give your dog an experience most similar to how they would walk without boots, there are some conditions where it'd be preferable to enhance their grip with additional traction. If you plan on taking your dog hiking, then look for the kind of lug design you'd see on human hiking boots. Additional considerations include whether or not the rubber sole wraps over the front of the bootie, providing a cap to protect your dog's paws from big rocks.
Fasteners
Most dog boots use a hook-and-loop (commonly known as Velcro) strap closure, which cinches the boot closed at the narrowest point of their leg. But secondary features can make fitting more or less easy and more or less secure. Wide slit closures may be simple to slip on but can also make boots easier for your dog to scrape off. Secondary features like elastic cuffs, drawstring cords, or zippers may take up a little extra time but will add to a secure fit.
Material
Nylon or nylon mesh uppers are generally more suitable for warm weather, while polyester, including polyester fleece linings, is more winter-ready. Material is one area where materials you value in human shoes also hold true for dog boots.
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When do dogs need boots?
Dogs may benefit from wearing boots in very hot or cold and snowy weather. In the heat of summer, asphalt can become so hot that it may burn your dog's paws. During the winter months, salt and ice melting products can irritate your pet's paw pads. In addition, dogs with furry feet may experience a buildup of ice and snow in between the toes. Another occasion when dogs need boots is in the event of a cut to your dog's paw. A boot can help to protect the wound during the healing process.
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How do I keep dog boots from falling off?
The easiest way to keep dog boots from falling off is to start with boots that fit well. Dog boots that are too large can easily come loose and fall off. For dogs with particularly slender paws and legs, it may be helpful to choose dog boots with a Velcro strap to enhance the fit. Keep in mind that you never want to over-tighten dog boots or choose a size that is too small at the risk of cutting off circulation to your pet's paws. Another option is to use sock liners for dog boots or even infant socks. These can help improve the fit of dog boots while also reducing friction points.
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How do I measure my dog for boots?
The most popular method of measuring a dog's paw size for boots is to have your pet place a paw on a blank piece of paper. Be sure that your dog is putting weight on the leg so that the paw pad is fully spread, similar to when your dog is walking. Then, use a pencil to mark the bottom of the paw pad, the top of the paw (at the tip of the longest toenail), and each side of the paw. Next, use a tape measure or ruler to find the dimensions of the paw from top-to-bottom and side to side. Tip: Before measuring, trim your dog's nails to the proper length.
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How do I put on dog boots?
Most pet parents will tell you that it's easiest to put dog boots on while your dog is standing up. Take one paw and insert it into a fully opened boot. You may need to place a finger at the back of the boot to keep it open and to allow the paw to slide in. Once the boot is on, rest the paw back on the floor, checking that the paw pad is resting on the sole of the boot. Then, secure the boot using its closure system. Repeat for the remaining paws.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
The Spruce Pets uses up-to-date research to make product recommendations you can trust. Our writers are animal lovers and pet owners, and we rely on experts in the veterinary and animal care industry to provide reliable information.
When choosing the best dog boots, we assessed styles that were best in all kinds of weather and comfortably fit a dog’s paws. We considered size and height and left out any that hurt a dog’s dewclaw. Steven Rowe has a rescue beagle of his own that really doesn’t like walking in the cold snow without boots—so he made sure that all the boots on this list would be the same kinds he’d buy for his pup.
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