best Boots for dogs
Updated November 2020
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
- As Good As It Gets
- Best On A Budget
Bottom Line
A non-slip and water-resistant boot that provides protection and assistance for walking on slippery floors. Also ideal for senior dogs that have trouble walking on hardwood floors.
Fashionable but rugged dog boots made to protect your dog from sharp objects and high ground temperatures.
Dog boots made with comfort in mind. The soft fabric is paired with a rugged bottom to provide protection when walking in any kind of weather.
A no-frills dog boot that keeps paws clean and protected during walks.
A high-quality boot designed for the outdoors. Suitable for any kind of weather.
Pros
Non-slip and water-resistant. Thick interiors for warmth during winter.
Easy to wear and remove.
Great for outdoors especially on hikes and during winter.
Tick and rugged bottom for protection and stability.
Can also be used in cold weather.
Multiple size options.
Good price.
For indoor and outdoor use.
Has reflective velcro for night walks.
Made of breathable material.
Multiple size options.
Great value for the price.
Comfortable and made from breathable materials.
Easy to put on and take off.
Weatherproof (water, wind, snow, heat).
For indoor and outdoor use.
Thick reflective straps.
Available in different colors.
Great value.
Cons
Not true to size.
Limited color options.
Only one design available.
Sizing is more accurate for bigger breeds.
Only one design available.
Fit can be an issue for smaller breeds.
Not waterproof.
Not durable.
Only for short walks during dry days.
Expensive for the lack of features.
Inconsistent sizing depending on the breed.
- As Good As It Gets
ALLWIN Dog Waterproof Boots - Big Dog Shoes with Reflective Straps
Bottom Line
A non-slip and water-resistant boot that provides protection and assistance for walking on slippery floors. Also ideal for senior dogs that have trouble walking on hardwood floors.
Pros
Non-slip and water-resistant. Thick interiors for warmth during winter.
Easy to wear and remove.
Great for outdoors especially on hikes and during winter.
Cons
Not true to size.
Limited color options.
- Best On A Budget
CovertSafe Dog Boots for Dogs Non-Slip, Waterproof Dog Booties
Bottom Line
Fashionable but rugged dog boots made to protect your dog from sharp objects and high ground temperatures.
Pros
Tick and rugged bottom for protection and stability.
Can also be used in cold weather.
Multiple size options.
Good price.
Cons
Only one design available.
Sizing is more accurate for bigger breeds.
XSY&G Dog Boots,Waterproof Dog Shoes
Bottom Line
Dog boots made with comfort in mind. The soft fabric is paired with a rugged bottom to provide protection when walking in any kind of weather.
Pros
For indoor and outdoor use.
Has reflective velcro for night walks.
Made of breathable material.
Multiple size options.
Great value for the price.
Cons
Only one design available.
Fit can be an issue for smaller breeds.
QUMY Dog Shoes for Medium Large Breed Dogs Boots
Bottom Line
A no-frills dog boot that keeps paws clean and protected during walks.
Pros
Comfortable and made from breathable materials.
Easy to put on and take off.
Cons
Not waterproof.
Not durable.
Only for short walks during dry days.
Expensive for the lack of features.
Ufanore Dog Boots, Outdoor Waterproof Dog Shoes
Bottom Line
A high-quality boot designed for the outdoors. Suitable for any kind of weather.
Pros
Weatherproof (water, wind, snow, heat).
For indoor and outdoor use.
Thick reflective straps.
Available in different colors.
Great value.
Cons
Inconsistent sizing depending on the breed.
How We Decided
Here at My Dog Wants That, we scoured the internet for the bst dog boots using our proprietary rating system. Combined with real-world testing by our team of dog owners, we’ve narrowed down the list to our top 5 dog boots to keep your pup happy!
23
Models Considered
8
Hours Researched
1
Experts Interviewed
5
Consumer Consulted
Buying Guide For The Best Dog Boots
You might be wondering if you dog really needs dog boots. On a normal day, on normal walks around the block, dogs will likely be fine without the added protection of dog boots. But throw in extreme weather conditions – hot and cold – uneven surfaces or potantial contaminants, and even a short stroll can be pretty hard on the paws.
Hot pavements, cold or wet weather and harsh terrain can all contribute to discomfort, and even lasting damage to the pads of your dogs feet. Boots not only work to protect them from injury, but can also help them walk safely on slick or uneven surfaces.
Choosing the right boot comes down to the protection and support it can give your pooch. Of course, it doesn’t hurt when they have an element of ‘fashion’ to them.
Buying Guide For The Best Dog Boots
You might be wondering if you dog really needs dog boots. On a normal day, on normal walks around the block, dogs will likely be fine without the added protection of dog boots. But throw in extreme weather conditions – hot and cold – uneven surfaces or potantial contaminants, and even a short stroll can be pretty hard on the paws.
Hot pavements, cold or wet weather and harsh terrain can all contribute to discomfort, and even lasting damage to the pads of your dogs feet. Boots not only work to protect them from injury, but can also help them walk safely on slick or uneven surfaces.
Choosing the right boot comes down to the protection and support it can give your pooch. Of course, it doesn’t hurt when they have an element of ‘fashion’ to them.
Key Considerations
Caution
When it’s time to cool down, dogs sweat through their paw pads. So if you’re in a hot environment and your dog has their boots on, you need to make sure that you remove the boots as soon as they’re back inside. Just like a person wearing sweaty clothes, damp boots can contribute to foot fungus and a degredation of their paws’ protective outer layer.
Dog Boots Features
All boots are made to protect a dog’s paws, but they can have different features depending on what they’re meant for.
Boots used for rainy days are made of rubber or other waterproof or water-resistant materials. For winter, some boots have insulation to keep paws warm and comfortable. The thickness of the rubber soles also differs. Some are thicker for heavy-duty use while some are thinner and meant for indoor use only.
Expert Tip
If your dog is going to wear boots for the first time, it’s a good idea to start with thinner boots. These “training boots” don’t offer much protection but they’re meant to help your dog get acquainted with the new object covering their paws.
Also, there’s a chance that they might chew on the boots at the start, so you don’t want to get the more expensive ones just yet.
Dog Boots Prices
Purchasing dog boots isn’t going to break the bank. There are plenty of options that cost less than $20, but those that cost more usually offer more features.
If you’re living in a place where the temperatures can be extreme, dog boots are a good investment to make. Picking out the right boot with the features you need will go a long way and save you from medical expenses related to paw injuries.
Tips
- Boot makers have different size charts and guides and it sometimes becomes an issue when purchasing dog boots. So don’t just pick a size based on the size of your breed! Measure the length and width of your dog’s paws to get more accurate sizing. A good fit is essential for function, and your dog’s comfort.
- Water-resistant isn’t the same as being waterproof. Water-resistant boots are good for just a few splashes but not for puddles or playing in deep snow or slush.
- Older dogs need boots for different reasons. Senior dogs can suffer from paw-dragging due to health issues associated with old age. This can be prevented by wearing dog boots which provide a more solid grip on the floor to aid them while walking.
- If your dog is still a puppy, it’s better to go for the more affordable options because they’ll eventually outgrow their boots. It’s also a good time to get your dog used to wearing boots. The longer you wait to acclimate them, the more they might resist walking in them.
other products we Considered
There are a lot of dog boots out there that didn’t make the cut. But here are the honorable mentions that you may still want to consider.
Ruffwear Grip Tex Dog Boots: Made of durable and resilient fabric and supported by Vibram outsoles. These boots were made for outdoor adventures.
Pawz Waterproof Dog Boots: For quick walks or potty breaks, you need a boot that’s easy to put on and will provide enough protection for unplanned outings. This boot is lightweight, made of rubber to easily mold to your dog’s paws, and are reusable.
FAQ's
Do dogs really need to wear boots?
This will depend on your dog’s lifestyle. If your dog mostly stays indoors and goes out for potty breaks or walks around the block, then there’s likely no immediate need for boots.
However, if you live in a place where the climate is extremely hot or cold, or you go hiking regularly with your dog, then they definitely need boots to protect their paws.
Another instance where boots are needed is when a senior dog has difficulty finding its footing especially indoors or on slippery surfaces.
What should I do to get my dog to wear boots?
At the start, dogs normally reject the idea of wearing boots and they will try to remove them as soon as you put them on. However, with training, positive reinforcement, and associating it with fun and excitement, you’ll be able to convince your dog that boots are good.
What boot size should I get for my dog?
The most important thing about the fit is that it should be snug and secure on the ankle and should have a little wiggle room around the paws. Almost all boot makers offer a size chart with specific measurements and you can measure your dog’s paws against them.
However, it’s also good to do additional research on the experience of other customers about the actual fit of the boot to get more insight before purchasing.
The Team That WOrked on This Review
Nitin Gupta
Chief Content Officer
JJ Resnick
Director of Growth
Erik Adler
Editorial Director