Does your dog walk like they own the runway? Like walking on hot coals? You should get them dog boots. With designer collars, your dog can heel in style. Shoes (or dog socks) protect their paws while being attractive. Whether they’re walking on hot, cold, slippery, or uneven terrain, dogs should wear shoes that stay on their feet and don’t hurt them. You know how overwhelming it is to choose your own shoes?
If you can steal a smartphone long enough to shop from Amazon as a dog, there are so many options (plus figure out how to navigate a smart device efficiently without thumbs). We’ve chosen the best dog shoes and dog socks on the market and categorized them so you and your dog don’t have to.
How To Pick a Shoo-In For Best Dog Gear
There are a few things that all of the best dog shoes should have in common. First, you should be able to put them on and take them off your dog’s paws easily. They should also stay on your dog’s paws while he or she is moving around. Many boots and slippers for dogs now have straps that you can tie around your dog’s ankle to keep them in place. Second, you’ll want the soles to be non-slip and thick, but still flexible enough so they can walk freely and keep their paws safe from glass, rocks, ice, salt, etc.
For the winter, dog snow boots are the best option. They should keep your dog’s paws warm, comfortable, and safe so it can do what it loves: play in the snow. Putting your dog in dog rain boots will make them and you happy on rainy days. Their feet will stay dry, and you won’t have to clean their wet, muddy paws.
The boots need to be either waterproof or resistant to water. During the warmer months, your dog needs shoes for hot pavement. It’s important that the shoes can breathe, since dogs have few sweat glands in their feet and can get quite hot. Also, the bottom of the shoe should be padded with rubber to protect the paws from hard surfaces. Indoors, dog booties can help keep dogs from slipping and falling on slippery floors.
A Couple More Things To Consider When Shopping For The Best Dog Shoes
Specificity is key when looking for shoes to protect your dog’s paws. As we have already talked about, manufacturers design some dog shoes to work better in snow or rain, while they design others for hot pavement, with features that work best in the summer. Knowing how your sweet dog reacts to hot pavement, sand, salt, or ice will help you choose the best shoe for him or her.
Inside the house, you can use dog socks and slippers to keep your dog from slipping and to prevent accidental scratches on your hardwood floors (along with using dog booties, we also recommend using the best nail clippers). Slippers or socks with an ankle strap will stay on your dog’s feet comfortably, just like dog boots. To make sure they don’t slip, look for a rubber coating on the bottom.
Keeping these tips in mind can help you narrow down the many choices of dog gear on the market. Here, we’ve already given you some ideas for the best shoes for your dog, so boot scootin boogie on:
Best Dog Slippers: PUPTECK Anti-Slip Dog Socks
These anti-slip dog socks are made of 100% cotton and come in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large. There is a size chart to help you find the right size for your pup based on its measurements.
They are made with the latest anti-slip grip technology, so your dog won’t slip on surfaces like hardwood floors and can run and play inside all day. Your four-legged friend can’t do impressions of Tom Cruise in Risky Business or run into walls without control.
There is a Velcro band that you can remove and button onto the sock if you need to make sure it stays on. Cozy dog slippers vibes commence.
Best Dog Shoes For Hot Pavement: QUMY Dog Shoes
The great thing about these kicks is that they are made with a tight-woven air mesh that keeps dirt out of the shoe and lets air in when you walk in the summer. The tough, non-slip sole will protect your dog’s paws from the hot pavement.
The reflective straps can also be tightened so that they stay on your dog’s paws. There are six sizes of these best-selling dog shoes for hot pavement. Just measure the widest part of your dog’s paw while he or she is standing.
The last thing about them is that they are a beautiful turquoise color, which, let’s be honest, can be any dog’s color. Your dog will prefer rough pads over rough shoes.
Best Dog Rain Boots: GGR Dog Shoes
These all-star rain boots for medium-sized to large dogs won’t slip and won’t wear out. The microfiber shoe caps that look like suede improve breathability, durability, and ageing.
This newer style has longer straps that you can adjust to make sure the boots stay on your dog’s paws for the whole walk. Also, the straps are reflective, which makes it safer to walk at night.
These dog rain boots are stain-resistant, so if the dog steps in mud, it’s easy to clean the boots but not the dog (sorry!).
The Final Word on Shopping For The Best Dog Shoes
No matter what kind of dog you have—one that likes to hike, swim, or roll around in the snow, or one that just likes to hang out inside—the best dog shoes can make every situation better by protecting and comforting your dog’s paws. (And if they like to go on adventures, you might want to check out these essential travel kits.)
So start your next trip off on the right foot by making sure your loyal companion has the right shoes.
