Our 9 Favorite Dog Boots for All-Weather Adventuring (2024)

Our Top Picks

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 hook-and-loop 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 fit 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.

_{Main Material: Rubber and Velcro | Colors: Red, black, blue, leopard, pink, purple | Machine Washable: No}

The Caesar 1S combines high-top sneaker styling with premium breathable materials. These 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 it 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.

_{Main Material: Rubber and mesh | Colors: Red, black, mustard | Machine Washable: Yes}

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 Rifrufs featured elsewhere on this roundup, these boots use 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.

_{Main Material: Polyester and Vibram rubber | Colors: Black, green, red | Machine Washable: Yes}

WagWellies Mojave boots from WagWear are made out of lightweight, colorful rubber and feature punctured holes throughout for breathability.

The durable boots are suitable for daily use and remind us of Crocs for humans. The dog boots are sold as a set of four and come in a variety of vibrant colors and nine size options. For a secure fit, there is an adjustable ankle strap. But no worries if you lose one: WagWear sells WagWellie Mojave singles in the full range of colors.

The WagWellies Mojave is a newer version of the original WagWellies, which are also lightweight and durable. But with the holes for airflow, the Mojave boots are not ideal for use in snowy or extremely wet conditions.

_{Main Material: Rubber | Colors: Hot pink, neon orange, sage, cobalt blue, neon green, black, purple | Machine Washable: No}

TThe Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots combine a polyester lining with a water-resistant shell for cold and wet weather wear. Designed with an extra-wide opening, the Soft Shield boots are easier than most other dog boots to put on. Plus, each bootie is equipped with two separate closures to effectively protect your dog's paws against snow and mud.For a secure fit, a hook-and-loop strap with reflective tape is cinched above the paw and then the boot comes together with a drawstring toggle closure at the top. The polyester shell is made with spandex for a stretchy fit, and the rubberized grip soles prevent slipping on wet and icy ground.

These dog boots from Canada Pooch come in a wide range of sizes and are machine washable—simply turn inside out and use a gentle, cold-water cycle, then hang to dry.

_{Main Material: Polyester and spandex with rubberized grip sole | Colors: Black, camo, red, pink | Machine Washable: Yes}

Qumy Dog Shoes for Small Dogs have a narrow gradation of differences between each of the 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 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, Qumy Dog Shoes for Small Dogs will ensure that even your puppies are winter-ready.

_{Main Material: Polyester with rubber sole | Colors: Red, black, blue, leopard, pink, purple | Machine Washable: No}

The Pitpet Waterproof Dog Shoes have grippy rubber soles with water-resistant fabrication on top to protect a dog’s paws on slick surfaces and in rainy environments. The shoes can also be worn indoors to keep a dog from slipping on tile and/or polished wood floors.

The water repelling nylon fabric is breathable, stretchy, and soft to keep your dog comfortable. The boots are designed to slip onto paws and then fasten at the ankle, so each boot is equipped with two adjustable hook-and-loop straps to tighten—providing a custom fit for each foot and helping to keep moisture out. The boots are sold in sets of four, with two boots designed for the right side and two for the left, and a tiny paw printed on the outer side will help you identify the side where they belong. They also come with additional insoles for extra cushioning.

The boots can be washed by hand and hung to dry, but finding the right size for your dog can be tricky. Wearing loose boots often leads to chaffing for some dogs, especially around the the dewclaw. If that happens to your dog, give them a break from wearing boots and visit your veterinarian if you see any signs of infection.

_{Main Material: Rubber, nylon, leather | Colors: Red, black, gray | Machine Washable: No}

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.

_{Main Material: Nylon, synthetic leather | Colors: Red/black | Machine Washable: No}

Self-adhesive bandages designed for pets can also be used as foot coverings and might be easier to place on a dog that refuses to wear boots. The Petflex Animal Bandage from Andover Healthcare are made out of elastic, latex, and fabric in a variety of bright colors offerings water-resistant protection that is flexible and won't stick to fur.

The pet bandages are designed to protect a pet after an injury, but they can also be used to keep your dog's feet a little bit cleaner by wrapping a layer around each paw to resemble little socks. The makeshift dog boots are not waterproof or reusable, and we don't recommend for use in snow or for protection while hiking, but they will offer protection against dirt and grime your dog's paws encounter on a sidewalk.

_{Main Material: Elastic, latex, fabric | Colors: Blue, pink, green, purple | Machine Washable: No}

Final Verdict

Our favorite dog boots are the QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes. They have the right combination of features for a variety of weather conditions and are available in a range of colors and sizes. If you're looking for dog boots for snowy days and cold weather, then consider the Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots which have an extra wide opening to make getting on and off easier along with two fasteners to keep the elements out.

FAQ

• 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.

• 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 or even infant socks. These can help improve the fit of dog boots while also reducing friction points.

• 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 nailsto the proper length.

• 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.

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