We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 7 Best Dog Boots and Shoes of 2025, Tested with Real Dogs

Protect your pup's paws in style

A dog looking to the side while wearing the Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Winter Dog Boots

The Spruce Pets

While dogs are usually happy and healthy in their bare paws, boots can offer much-needed protection and insulation. “Dog boots can protect their paws from harsh surfaces, extreme temperatures, and potential injuries, such as cuts from sharp objects or burns from hot pavement or ice-melting chemicals,” says Dr. Eliza O’Callaghan, managing veterinarian for Small Door Vet's NYC practices.

To help you find the absolute best boots for your dog, we sent nine popular styles to homes with real dogs for hands-on testing. The pups and their humans evaluated dog boots on factors such as fit, comfort, design, quality, and value.

What We Like
  • Water-resistant protection against snow and mud

  • Designed to fit comfortably and keep paws warm

  • Two ways to secure on-foot

  • Machine washable

What We Don't Like
  • Need to hang to dry

The Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots check all of our boxes: They’re easy to put on, can be sized to your dog’s feet, shut securely, and stay in place. These boots feature a furry lining, made out of polyester, for extra comfort. The water-resistant shell protects from harsh weather while the durable rubber sole provides traction on icy sidewalks. We tested the Soft Shield Boots with a large German Shorthair Pointer in Iowa, and even when the boots got wet, her paws remained dry inside.

These dog boots also come in a wide range of sizes and are machine washable—simply turn them inside out and use a gentle, cold-water cycle, then hang them to dry. Our tester found the sizing chart precise, ensuring a perfect fit. But, these boots are also designed with an extra-wide opening, making them easier than 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. There’s a velcro on top of the boots that you cinch to tighten to your dog’s feet, ensuring they stay in place. This also keeps snow from getting inside the boots.

Compared to other options, the Soft Sheild Boots feel high in value due to their design and construction. In addition to having a good fit and functionality, they are high quality and have smart add-ons such as reflective tape for nighttime walks. There were no signs of wear and tear during testing. Our tester wouldn’t change anything about the boots and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others. However, we will note that the furry lining might not be the best for hot sidewalks. Luckily, Canada Pooch makes similar variations designed for rain and warmer weather.

Main Material: Polyester, spandex, rubber | Sizes: one to six | Colors: Black, camo, red, pink, green | Machine Washable: Yes

What We Like
  • Reflective trim

  • Sold in sets of two or four

  • Breathable in warmer weather

  • Gusset for easy on-and-off

What We Don't Like
  • Can cause chafing if not fitted right

  • Size chart might be confusing

  • Not waterproof

Whether you’re looking for an everyday boot or an option for your dog to wear on the trails, the Ruffwear Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Boots offer unbeatable traction. These 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.

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, which ensures a secure fit but can cause chafing if not sized correctly. The boots stayed securely in place for our tester, an Australian Shepherd who is partially paralyzed in her legs and tends to drag and scuff her paws on longer walks. They offered ample protection even during hour-long walks across gravel, grass, and dirt. While they’re not waterproof, they do effectively keep dirt and debris out.

The Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Boots also have a reflective trim for nighttime visibility and are easy to slide off. 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, Vibram rubber | Sizes: 2 inch to 3.25 inch | Colors: Black, green, red | Machine Washable: Yes

What We Like
  • Adjustable hook-and-loop closure around ankle

  • Adjustable elastic cord at the ankle and reflective strips

  • Protects paws from hot pavements, snow, ice, asphalt, rough and uneven terrain

  • Water-resistant nylon mesh

  • Sole is designed to mimic a dog's paw shape

  • Budget-friendly price

What We Don't Like
  • Only available in black and red

The Kurgo Blaze Cross Dog Boots offer all-year protection against rain, snow, ice, steamy pavement, and sun-soaked sand. Their tightly woven nylon mesh is water-resistant and breathable so you can slip them on your pup when you head outdoors in both the colder and the warmer months. The sole is designed to mimic the shape and movement of a paw so it feels more natural for your dog.

These boots have two adjustable ankle closures, one a hook-and-loop strap and the other an elastic cord, to keep them secure yet flexible. However, our human tester did experience some trial and error while learning to secure the boots, noting that they seem to sit lower on the foot than some other options. While they offered good padding and protection overall, the water repellency seemed to be focused on the lower part of the boot, noted our tester.

Main Material: Nylon, synthetic leather | Sizes: xx-small to x-large  | Colors: Red/black | Machine Washable: No

What We Like
  • Lightweight rubber

  • Adjustable ankle strap

  • Available in nine colors

  • 10 sizes for the best fit

What We Don't Like
  • Can be hard to put on

If style is a top priority when choosing gear for your dog, opt for WagWellies by wagwear. These booties most closely resemble human shoes and come in eight fun colors ranging from a pretty pink to a more neutral navy.

WagWellies are made out of lightweight rubber, making them flexible for movement and easy to wipe clean. They offer ample paw protection, a durable design, and non-slip grips. Coming in 10 sizes, they’re designed to fit snuggly and you may need to use your fingers to stretch them over your dog’s paws. Our tester struggled with the size chart and didn’t get the proper fit after following instructions. We recommend reaching out to customer service if you need help, but the brand does offer free exchanges if you need to swap sizes. For a secure fit, there is also an adjustable ankle strap. And if you lose one boot, no worries—WagWear sells WagWellie singles in the full range of colors.

For those who like to match their pets, the brand also makes the WagWellies Mojave, which features holes for breathability and offers a similar look to Crocs. We recommend them for warmer weather and the regular WagWellies for rain and snow.

Main Material: Rubber | Sizes: xxx-small to xxx-large | Colors: Pink, yellow, brown, red, purple, black, navy, green, orange| Machine Washable: No

What We Like
  • Reflective tape for nighttime

  • Waterproof and windproof

  • Fleece lining for added warmth

  • Go up high on the leg to keep debris out

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Not as heavy duty as others

The Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined Winter Dog Boots take winter weather protection up a notch with fleece lining for extra warmth. They’re specifically designed to keep paws safe from ice, snow, and salt with a padded interior and waterproof and windproof outer. These boots almost resemble mittens for your pup, sitting higher on the leg than other options to keep debris out.

Our tester found the boots to be easy to slide on and secure with the velcro strap. They stayed on a dog during rough play, but he could remove them by tugging them off if he wanted. The fabric felt soft and stretched easily. While they held up in a backyard and on long walks, they might not be sturdy enough for hiking.

Main Material: Fabric | Sizes: xxx-small to xx-large | Colors: Black, red, blue| Machine Washable: Yes

Best for Wet Weather

Pitpet Waterproof Dog Shoes

Amazon Pitpet Waterproof Dog Shoes
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
  • Rubber sole

  • Adjustable around ankle

  • Includes insoles for extra cushioning

  • Available in eight sizes

What We Don't Like
  • Complicated to figure out sizing

  • Can cause some dewclaw chafing

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 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. They even stayed put on our toy Yorkipoo tester, who has especially tiny paws. After one long walk in the rain through puddles, his paws were still dry.

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. They’re made out of a rigid material, which helps with durability but might not be the most comfortable for dogs that aren’t accustomed to walking in boots. The boots can be washed by hand and hung to dry.

Main Material: Rubber, nylon, leather | Sizes: one to eight | Colors: Red, black, gray | Machine Washable: No

Waterproof Shoes for Dogs with Reflective Strips
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
  • Affordable price

  • Seven colors and patterns

  • Reflective strap

What We Don’t Like
  • Not for tiny breeds

While most dog boots on our list won’t break the bank, the QUMY Dog Shoes offer a wide range of sizes and color variety with ample protection at a great price. I tried these boots with my own dog due to their 18,000 5-star ratings and was impressed by their high quality and value. Admittedly, I also wanted a pink or purple boot to match her winter jacket—but these boots come in neutrals like khaki and black as well. There’s even a leopard print for on-trend pups.

The size guide was easy to follow, though the smallest size was still a little loose for my 11-pound cavapoo’s fluffy paws, so this might be a better option for medium to large dogs. The boots have a wide opening to make them easier to put on and are fastened by a velcro closure to help them stay put. They’re water-repellant, have an anti-slip rubber grip, and include a reflective strap for nighttime walks. These boots kept my dog’s paws dry in the snow, but she was able to get them off a few times due to sizing.

Main Material: Rubber, fabric, PU leather | Sizes: one to eight | Colors: Purple, red, pink, black, khaki, blue, leopard | Machine Washable: No

Final Verdict

Our overall pick for the best dog boots is the Canada Pooch Soft Shield Boots. They offer both everyday paw protection and are waterproof in harsh winter weather. Plus, the extra wide opening makes getting them on and off easier, while two fasteners keep the elements out. If you’re looking for a more stylish option, check out the WagWellies by wagwear, which looks the most like human boots for your pup.

What to Look for in Dog Boots

Sizing

The right fit is the most important part of finding dog boots for your pooch. “Boots that are too tight can cause discomfort or even restrict circulation, while boots that are too loose may fall off or cause your dog to trip,” says Dr. Lindsay Cassibry, in-house veterinarian at Ollie.

To find the correct fit, follow the brand’s size chart, which will often prompt you to measure your dog’s paws. “Boots should fit snug without being too tight and good grip on the boots is essential during icy or slippery conditions,” adds Dr. Cassibry.

Traction

“Choose boots with durable, non-slip soles for traction, and ensure they’re made of waterproof or weather-resistant material,” says Dr. Callaghan. Different conditions also call for different types of grip. While a leather or thin rubber sole may give your dog an experience most similar to how they would walk without boots, there are some conditions where it's preferable to enhance their grip with additional traction.

If you plan on taking your dog hiking, look for the kind of lug design you see on human hiking boots. Additional considerations include whether or not the rubber sole wraps over the front of the bootie, providing a cap to protect your dog's paws from big rocks.

Fasteners

“Look for a snug but comfortable fit with adjustable straps to keep the boots secure without restricting circulation,” says Dr. Callaghan. Most dog boots use a hook-and-loop (commonly known as Velcro) strap closure, which cinches the boot closed at the narrowest point of your dog's leg. But secondary features can make fitting more or less easy and more or less secure.

Wide slit closures may be simple to slip on but can also make boots easier for your dog to scrape off. Secondary features like elastic cuffs, drawstring cords, or zippers may take up a little extra time but will add to a secure fit.

What to Avoid


When buying boots, you’ll want to avoid the following, adds Dr. Cassibry:

  • Too tight or too loose fit: Not only is it hard to get boots that are too tight on your dog, it restricts their movement and could cause discomfort and chafing. Meanwhile, boots that are too loose won’t stay on. 
  • Cheap materials: “Low-quality boots may wear out quickly or not provide the level of protection your dog needs, especially in extreme conditions,” says Dr. Cassibry.
  • Lack of breathability: It’s also important to consider seasonality when choosing boots for your dog. “In warmer weather, boots that don’t allow for airflow can cause your dog’s paws to overheat or become sweaty, leading to irritation,” says Dr. Cassibry.

How We Tested

To determine the best dog boots, we picked nine popular styles with high ratings and sent them to homes with real dogs where they were evaluated based on performance, placing comfort and safety first. Testers rated the boots on fit, comfort, quality, and value.

First, we asked our reviewers to record their initial impressions of materials and construction to weed out any cheap and flimsy products. Then, testers scored the boots based on the ease of putting them on and taking them off their dogs’ paws. Our testers also walked their dogs while wearing these boots on different terrains. If rainy weather wasn’t experienced, they instead ran water over the boots to test the level of water resistance. They scored the boots based on comfort, looking for features such as interior padding, and quality. To determine durability, we recorded any wear and tear during testing. Only after the testing period was over did we reveal the price of the boots to our testers to ask if they felt they offered good value.

FAQ
  • When do dogs need boots?

    “Dog boots can offer several benefits, particularly when walking in conditions that could harm your dog’s paws,” says Dr. Cassibry. For example, 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. “Additionally, ice and snow can accumulate between your dog’s toes, creating discomfort, irritation, or even cuts if the ice hardens or becomes packed,” says Dr. Cassibry.


    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 and double-check the fit after fastening. 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 boots with a Velcro strap to enhance the fit. “Once the boots are on, give a gentle tug to ensure they’re secure but not overly tight,” says Dr. O’Callaghan, adding that “you can also add dog-specific socks under the boots to improve fit and reduce slipping.”

  • 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. “Have your dog stand firmly with their full weight on the paw to get an accurate measurement,” explains Dr. O’Callaghan. 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 nails to the proper length. Ensure you are following the manufacturer’s size guide, as sizes vary between brands, adds Dr. O’Callaghan.

  • How do I put on dog boots?

    Dr. O’Callaghan suggests prepping the boot ahead of time to make this process more seamless. “Open the straps or zippers fully so they’re easy to slide on,” she says.

    Most pet parents will tell you that it's easiest to put dog boots on while your dog is standing up. Dr. O’Callaghan suggests finding a comfortable position where you can access your dog’s paws, whether sitting or standing. “Gently guide your dog’s paw into the boot, ensuring the paw pads and nails are fully seated inside,” she says. You may need to place a finger at the back of the boot to keep it open and 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. “After all boots are on, watch your dog walk to ensure they’re comfortable and the boots don’t slip or cause irritation,” says Dr. O’Callaghan.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This story was most recently updated with tested results by Rebecca Shinners, a contributing writer for The Spruce Pets. Rebecca consulted real-world testers to determine the best dog boots for different weather and scenarios. She is the mom to a two-year-old cavapoo named Gemma who strongly dislikes walking in harsh weather, so she knows the importance of finding a good pair of boots for your dog.

A previous version of this story was written by Steven Rowe, who has a rescue beagle of his own that really doesn’t like walking in the cold snow without boots—so he made sure that all the boots on this list would be the same kinds he’d buy for his pup.

We also consulted veterinarians, Dr. Eliza O’Callaghan, managing veterinarian for Small Door Vet's NYC practices, and Dr. Lindsay Cassibry, in-house veterinarian at Ollie, for up-to-date guidance on the importance of dog boots.

Updated by
Erica Puisis
Erica Puisis
Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. She's contributed to smart home blogs like Smart Home Solver and TechDigg.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process