While dog booties are a cute accessory, they’re more necessary than some pet parents realize. Boots protect your dog’s paws against elements that may be difficult to walk on, like gravel, ice, or debris. This is especially true for adventurous dogs that love to hike on rough terrain. Booties can even prevent your pup from falling on slick surfaces or burning their paw pads on hot pavement.
But with so many options, it’s difficult to know which pair is best suited for your pup. Our team reviewed and tested the most popular dog booties on the market. We tested or reviewed these products ourselves against the following criteria: materials, durability, waterproofing, nighttime visibility, and packaging.
After receiving feedback from our vet and hours of research, we decided that these are the best dog booties on the market.
Why you should trust our reviews | How we picked | At first glance | How we tested these products | Honorable mention | What else should pet parents consider? | Frequently asked questions
To ensure we recommended only the very best dog booties for your furry friend, we started with thorough research. We looked at popular dog boots on the internet and avoided booties that didn’t have ties or velcros on the top. These types of booties can be difficult to keep on your dog’s paws.
On paper, here’s a glance at how our recommended dog booties compare to each other.
*Price on Amazon or Chewy at the time of our review
Our editor and veterinarian determined the most important criteria when it comes to choosing quality dog booties. Then, we formulated a list of the best dog booties for your dog based on the following criteria:
This set of dog booties is popular on the internet and other reviewers have recommended them. However, after reviewing, we decided not to include these on our final list. Here’s why:
Petbobi Waterproof Dog Shoes. While these booties were waterproof as advertised, we felt that the materials would quickly wear out over time. We didn’t like that they didn’t feature any reflective elements for added safety. We believe pet parents should opt for one of the other nine options on our list instead.
Yes, dog booties can help protect your dog’s paws, especially in cold or hot weather. These are a must for pet owners who live in cold climates. They’re also beneficial for dogs to wear in the summer when asphalt streets and concrete sidewalks are extremely hot.
Besides being an adorable accessory, dog booties provide protection and support for your pup in the following ways.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for dog boots.
Just like with us humans, finding the perfect fitting “boot” is essential for your dog’s comfort. Here’s how to measure your dog’s paws to buy the right-sized booties.
Measure both the length and the width of your dog’s paws — Measure the length from the heel to the tip of the toenail, and measure the width at the widest part of your dog’s foot.
To get an accurate measurement, use a tracing — Placing your dog’s paw on a piece of paper, trace each edge with a pencil, and then measure the tracing.
Measure all four paws — In some cases, rear paws tend to be smaller than the front paws. If this is the case, size down for a secure fit.
One of the bootie brands we recommended, RUFFWEAR, created a helpful video to see paw measuring in action.
👉 Each manufacturer makes its own sizes, so it’s important to review measurements before you buy.
It may take training and patience (Trusted Source) to get your dog used to comfortable with boots because most dogs aren’t used to shoes on their paws! Here are a few easy steps to get Fido comfortable with their new kicks.
This is probably the most difficult aspect of using booties along with fitting properly. Let's face it, dogs could care less about stuff strapped to their feet, other than an irritant, as any lab retriever or Weimaraner (or any other dog for that matter) will tell you when they rip it off because it is ‘unnatural’ to them.
Dr. Bruce Armstrong
Let your dog sniff the boot — Introduce the booties to your dog first through their sense of smell.
Put the booties on your dog for short periods — Allow your dog to wear the booties indoors for ten to fifteen minutes so they can get used to walking in them.
Repeat the process until your dog becomes more familiar with them — Leave the booties on for a bit longer each time, eventually going on short walks outdoors when they feel comfortable.
Always reward with treats and praise — Shower your pup with belly rubs and a treat for a job well done!
Dog boots may not be the best option for every dog. Here are some alternatives to booties that’ll protect your dog’s paw pads and prevent injuries.
Use paw balms — Paw balms are another great way to protect your dog’s paws from cold weather. Paw balms are a great choice for dogs that simply refuse to wear booties. Our favorite paw balm for winter weather protection is Musher’s Secret.
Avoid walks during the hottest part of the day — Sidewalks or paths made of concrete absorb heat and can be especially hot during the middle of the day. Going for a walk first thing in the morning or evening will allow time for sidewalks to cool off during the summer months.
Trim fur between your dog’s toes — Long hair surrounding your dog’s paw pads can catch debris while they walk, or even cause them to slip and injure themselves. It’s best to keep the hair in between and surrounding their paws short (Trusted Source) . This is usually not an issue for short hair breeds.
Wipe your dog’s paws after walks — Cleaning your dog’s paws after a walk with wipes can eliminate anything that may have been caught there, such as gravel or debris. It also gives you a chance to check for injuries and apply paw balm as needed.
After our extensive research and review, we believe Muttluck’s dog booties are the best.
Absolutely. Dog booties protect a dog’s paws against things they might step on, cold and hot weather conditions, and from slipping and injuring themselves.
Only if you keep them on your dog’s paws for long periods and don’t give your dog’s paws time to breathe. Dog booties that are too tight could squeeze your dog’s paws and cut off their circulation, so it’s important to only put booties on them that fit.
Make sure you buy booties that fit your dog’s feet and have velcro ties to help keep them snug.
