Best dog slippers: PUPTECK Anti-Slip Dog SocksBest dog shoes for hot pavement: QUMY Dog ShoesBest dog rain boots: GGR Dog ShoesBest dog snow boots: ZEKOO Australian BootsBest budget dog booties: TEOZZO Dog Boots
How to pick a shoo-in for best dog gear
There are a couple of features that the best dog shoes should have across the board. Firstly, they should easily slide on and off of your dog’s paws when you’re putting them on and taking them off, but they should also stay on for the duration of your dog’s activity. Lucky for our canine friends, many dog boots and dog slippers now have straps that tie around your pup’s ankle to ensure they stay in place. Secondly, you’ll want the soles to be anti-slip and thick yet flexible enough so they can walk freely while their paws stay protected from harsh objects, including glass, rock, ice, salt, etc. For winter months, dog snow boots will be your best bet. They should keep your dog’s paws warm, cozy, and protected so they can do what they love: frolic in the fresh powder. During rainy days, putting your pup in dog rain boots will keep them and you happy—they will have dry feet and you won’t have to clean up their wet, muddy paws. The boots need to be waterproof or at least water-resistant. For the warmer months, dog shoes for hot pavement are a must, and the breathability of the shoe is important because dogs have a small number of sweat glands in their feet so they can get quite hot. Additionally, the sole of the shoe should have a nice rubber padding to protect paws from hard/harsh surfaces. And indoors, dog booties can prevent some fumbles and tumbles on slippery surfaces.
A couple more things to consider when shopping for the best dog shoes
When shopping for shoes to protect your pup’s paws, specificity is key! As mentioned earlier, some dog shoes are better suited for the snow or rain while some dog shoes for hot pavement have features that work best in the more sweltering months. Knowing your pup’s sensitivities—whether it is hot pavement or sand, salt or ice—will guide you to the best shoe for your sweet dog. For inside the house, dog socks and dog slippers are great options to prevent slipping and to protect your hardwood floors from unintentional scratches (alongside dog booties we also recommend the best nail clippers). Similar to dog boots, slippers/socks with an ankle strap will stay on your pup’s feet comfortably, and to ensure they are anti-slip, look for some sort of rubber coating on the bottom. Having these tips in your back pocket can help narrow down the many dog gear options on the market. Lucky for you, we’ve already got suggestions for the best dog shoes right here, so boot scootin’ boogie onwards:
Best dog slippers: PUPTECK Anti-Slip Dog Socks
Offered in four sizes—small, medium, large, and x-large (a size chart is provided to help you determine the correct size based on your pup’s measurements)—these 100-percent cotton, anti-slip dog socks are functional and cute-to-boot. They are made with the latest anti-slip grip technology to prevent slipping on surfaces like hardwood floors, so your dog can run and play indoors all day with ease. No more Tom Cruise in Risky Business impressions (or uncontrollably running into walls) for your four-legged friend. To ensure the socks stay on, there is a removable velcro band you can button onto the sock if needed. Cozy dog slippers vibes commence!
Best dog shoes for hot pavement: QUMY Dog Shoes
What makes these kicks great is that they are designed with a tight woven air mesh that keeps debris out of the shoe while providing great ventilation on summer walks. Your dog’s paws will be protected from the hot pavement with the tough, anti-slip sole. Additionally, the reflective straps are adjustable so they will actually stay on your dog’s paws. These best-selling dog shoes for hot pavement are offered in six sizes—all you have to do is measure the widest part of your dog’s paw while they’re standing. Lastly, they are a beautiful turquoise color, which, let’s face it, can be every dog’s color. Your dog will definitely prefer ruuuuff wear over rough pads.
Best dog rain boots: GGR Dog Shoes
These all-star rain boots for medium to large dogs are anti-skid, waterproof, and wearproof. The suede-like microfiber shoe caps enhance breathability, durability, and aging. This upgraded style includes longer, adjustable straps to ensure the boots stay on your pup’s paws for the duration of their walk. Additionally, the straps are reflective, making nighttime walks safer. These dog rain boots are stain-resistant, making for an easy clean-up of the boots, though not the dog (sorry!), should they step through any mud. Something to keep in mind, however, is that they have waterproof soles, but are not meant for deep water.
Best dog snow boots: ZEKOO Australian Boots
If you want to match your dog’s snow boots to yours, then have we got a great purchase for you. These highly rated water-resistant boots are extremely well-made with soft faux-fur lining and a sturdy anti-slip sole that protects your dog’s paws from salt, ice, and snow. The straps tie all the way around the ankle so that the boots actually stay on your dog’s paws. If you’re not sold yet, just take another look at those beauties! Doesn’t your best friend deserve cozy toesies when it’s cold outside?
Best budget dog booties: TEOZZO Dog Boots
For $11.99, these dog booties are a steal. Your dog can choose from black, blue, pink, red, or yellow. The lining is a soft, polyester fabric offering warmth, comfort, and breathability, while the non-slip rubber sole protects your dog’s paws from most harmful surfaces. The drawstring closure can be tightened to stay on and loosened to pull off easily. While you aren’t sacrificing much for these affordable bad boys, they are not waterproof, so they are best used for warmth in the winter and protection against hot pavements in the summer—just not snow or rain days.
The final word on shopping for the best dog shoes
No matter your dog’s personality—whether they love outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and/or rolling around in the snow, or just prefer to lounge around indoors—the best dog shoes can enhance each experience by protecting and providing comfort for your pup’s paws. (And if they’re particularly into adventures, you might want to check out these essential travel kits.) There may be a learning curve when it comes to putting dog shoes on your canine pal, but most dogs will eventually love their new dog gear when they learn how much better their feet feel! So start your next journey on the right foot with the right footwear for your loyal companion.
