The Best Dog Boots for Every Type of Four-Legged Adventure
Even if seven inches of snow hasn’t fallen on your neighborhood yet, it’s time to buy the best dog boots and paw protectors for your pup. Dog boots guard against frostbite and provide traction on slippery, icy sidewalks. As the ASPCA points out, they also prevent melting salt from getting lodged between paw pads. Heck, even dogs living in hot climates may want boots to keep their paws cool on scalding streets. Do allergies cause your pup’s paws to swell and crack? Put boots on those babies!
Some dog boots are cute, some are waterproof, and some—surprise!—aren’t even boots. We’ve rounded up the best dog boots on the market for you and organized them based on the specific needs of your canine BFF.
RELATED: Camping with Dogs: All the Tips to Know, Where to Stay and the Genius Products You Need
1. Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax
Best for Dogs Who Refuse to Wear Boots
Paws are super sensitive areas. Some dogs will downright refuse to let you put boots on them, let alone keep them on during your winter walks. Enter Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax. It’s basically a forcefield of Vitamin E and beeswax that protects paw pads from … everything. Originally formulated for sled dogs, this stuff isn’t toxic, doesn’t stain and works well in hot climates, too. With more than 5,000 five-star reviews, this wax is worth every penny.
2. QUMY Waterproof, Reflective, Anti-Slip Shoes for Dogs
Best for Running
When running around, your dog needs boots that will stay put while allowing for plenty of movement. These shoes from QUMY have two adjustable velcro straps that keep the boots in place and a seam down the center that expands for some give during playtime. Plus, they’re water- and slip-resistant. No wonder they’re Amazon’s best-selling dog boot.
3. XSY&G Dog Booties
Best for All Seasons
These booties are the number-one new release in dog boots on Amazon right now. Why? Oh, let’s see. It could be the fact that they are super breathable, making them ideal for both warm and cold climates. It could also be that unlike some stiffer versions, these are super soft and flexible (while still offering enough durability and water resistance to withstand outdoor hikes and walks).
4. WINSOON Dog Australia Boots
Best for Toy Breeds
Toy breeds and small puppies already require extra gear in the wintertime because they’re more susceptible to cold temperatures. These boots are like baby Uggs for your tiny pups. Made with vegan leather and lined with fleece, they provide warmth while still feeling incredibly lightweight. Plus, they’re tall enough to keep those doggy ankles warm, too!
5. PawZ Rubber Dog Boots
Best for Single-Use
First, it’s important to know that these boots are biodegradable. So, yeah, after your dog wears them a few times, you can toss them guilt-free! They arrive in a pack of 12 and work well in snow, rain, mud and extreme heat. They are super easy to clean between uses and—and this may be the best selling point from your dog’s perspective—they are the most natural feeling bootie around. Your dog will be able to feel the ground under her paws, while remaining protected from all of its hazards.
6. EXPAWLORER Double Side Anti-Slip Dog Socks
Best for Indoor Use
So, you’ve got more of an indoor dog on your hands? Maybe you just redid your hardwood floors? Slip on a pair of these anti-slip socks. With grippers on both sides, these socks are great for playing indoors without worrying about nails scratching everything in sight or dogs slipping on freshly polished hardwood. Super soft, super comfy, we wish they came in human size.
7. Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots
Best for Durability
Unquestionably the most durable boots around are these bad boys from Ultra Paws. Aside from being great on wet surfaces and in cold weather, these are equipped with a foam padding that prevents the boots from rotating around your dog’s foot.
8. KONG Sport Dog Bootie
Best for Rugged Terrain
Brought to you by the same company that makes the strongest chew toys available, these booties are no nonsense. If you like to hike with your pup and worry about her paw pads on rocks, around sharp twigs and more, invest in these KONG shoes.
RELATED: 12 Random but Amazing Dog Products PureWow Staffers Discovered on Amazon
PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.
