If you own a dog and have braved the snow this winter, you know the struggle of finding shoes for dogs.
It’s not just the freezing slush; it’s the road salt. Most municipalities use chemical de-icers that can actually cause chemical burns on your dog’s paws. It’s painful, dangerous and a nightmare to manage.
I own a Mini Sheepadoodle who weighs about 52 pounds, give or take. This winter, we’ve been on a mission to find the perfect boot. (My bank account has taken a hit because we keep losing booties to deep snow or having them slip off mid-trot to the park.)
I am tired of literally throwing money into snowdrifts. But it’s hard to be mad at a sweet pup enjoying themselves in the snow.
After endless testing, I’ve realized that finding the right winter gear is one of the most challenging parts of dog ownership. I’m writing this so you don’t have to play the guessing game I did.
While you’re updating your outerwear, you should probably add the latest dog coats from our favorite online pet stores.
Now, like any shoe, the more you spend, the better the quality (to a point). I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I spent $100 on Lucy’s shoes. That’s $25 a shoe. So if you’re rolling your eyes, I don’t blame you.
It’s also a learning curve for your dog as they trot around like a Clydesdale until they get the hang of it, but with practice, they do.
Because I know not everyone wants to drop $100 on dog footwear, I’ve also tested several moderately priced alternatives. Below, I’ll break down which boots are worth your time, what they’re best for and exactly where their faults lie.
Pros:
- The Vibram soles are essentially industrial-grade hiking soles for dogs, meaning they won’t shred or wear thin after a few miles on abrasive pavement and salt
- Fabric features integrated reflective trim, making it much easier for cars (and you) to spot your dog’s moving feet during dark winter walks
- Since they are sold in pairs, you aren’t forced into a “one size fits all” situation; you can buy the specific width needed for larger front paws and smaller back paws
- Although winter shoes, these are also the best dog shoes for hot pavement because they stay on
Cons:
- If you don’t pull the Velcro strap significantly tighter than you think you should, deep snow can create a suction effect that pulls the boot right off
- At $25 per shoe ($100 for a full set), these are a significant investment — that I found worth every penny
- If your dog runs as hard as mine does, they will eventually wear out like any shoe. Lucy managed to put a hole in two shoes three weeks in but she runs harder than any dog I’ve ever met apart from a Vizsla
These are the very best boots I (and Lucy) have tried. However, I’d like to preface this with the fact that I could not get my hands, or Lucy’s paws, on a pair from Canada Pooch. I’ve read great things, and I’d wager they may hold up just as well as these, but let’s dive into why this specific pair stood out. The bottom of the shoe features a Vibram sole with a heavy-duty tread and reflective fabric that helps cars track their little feet when you’re walking in the dark.
The real trick to keeping these on is to tighten the Velcro around their legs a bit tighter than you’d initially think. I tried doing it without that extra taut pull, and they fell off at the first sign of snow suction, so that final adjustment is critical. It can be frustrating from a price standpoint that they are only sold in packages of two, but there is a logic to it.
Many dogs actually have larger paws in the front and smaller ones in the back, which is exactly the case with Lucy. To get the fit right, I had to select one set of 2.5-inch boots for her front paws and one set of 2.25-inch boots for the back. While it feels like an investment, it’s the only way to ensure they actually stay put during a hectic run through the park.
These shoes are available in three colors and multiple sizes.
Material: Polyester and rubber | Size: 1-50 inches to 3.25 inches | Color: 3
Pros:
- One size fits all
- A little bit goes a long way
- It’s soothing and moisturizing for their paws
Cons:
- Doesn’t fully protect your dog’s feet from the elements
This is a great alternative to wearing shoes. Before I found Ruffwear, I’d place Mushers on Lucy’s feet to protect her paws against the elements.
It’s not bulletproof, but it provides some relief for to your dog’s feet by creating a barrier against salt. It can also add moisture back to their very dried-out, brittle paws from this weather, consider it like hand lotion, a much-needed item this time of year.
Material: N/A | Size: N/A | Color: N/A
Pros:
- Since they are disposable, you don’t have to worry about tracking mud, salt, or bacteria back into your house; you just take them off at the door and toss them
- They fit like a balloon around the ankle, meaning there are no straps to fail and they are very difficult for a dog to accidentally shake off
Cons:
- Super active dogs will shred through the rubber material
PAWZ are not for every dog, but I have found them to be highly successful for many. Lucy likes to run around hard, and because of this, she tends to shred them to pieces, but for smaller dogs, they stay on for easy walking or light padding through the snow. They’re disposable and incredibly hygienic.
Material: Rubber | Size: Tiny to X-Large | Color: 7
Pros:
- Great value for the price point
- Material holds up well against outdoor wear and tear
Cons:
- One size for all four feet
These are an excellent budget-friendly option for outdoor gear, though keep in mind that one size might not fit all four paws. I discovered that Lucy’s back feet are smaller than her front ones, so I actually had to order two different sizes to get the perfect fit.
That said, the material is impressively durable and the waterproofing works great. The Velcro straps do their job, but like most dog boots, you have to fasten them a bit tighter than expected to prevent them from slipping off during walks. Ruffwear is still my preferred, but if money is an issue, these are worth a try.
Material: N/A | Size: X-Small to X-Large | Color: 2
Pros:
- The wrapper design mimics a human shoe, pulling the material taut across the top like a shoe lace
- Nicer grade materials prevent the chafing I often see with stiffer, cheaper boots, especially around the dewclaw
Cons:
- One size does not always fit all four paws — Lucy found this out the hard way
During my field testing, I found that universal sizing almost always leads to a lost boot mid-trail. By investing in a premium, split-sized set, you’re finally giving your dog the same anatomical consideration you’d give yourself before a long trek. However, it drives up the price.
These boots are a good four-pack solution featuring a sophisticated wrapper system that interlaces around the foot, providing a secure, ergonomic hug that doesn’t pinch or slip, helping keep them on. I can’t promise they’ll stay on a supremely active dog, but they’ll do for basic walks.
Material: N/A | Size: Small to X-Large | Color: 1
Pros:
- Flexible and easy to put on with the sock-like material that still has durable silicone on the pad to add grip
- Available in inclusive sizing from XX-Small to XX-Large
- Sold in sets of two, so be sure to add two sets to the cart
Cons:
- These sizes tend to run small
If you are looking for footwear that won’t pinch or tighten uncomfortably around your pup’s paws, these are an ideal choice. Designed more like a hybrid sock-shoe, they offer a flexible fit that moves naturally with your dog. The bottoms feature a rugged rubber tread to provide extra traction on slippery surfaces, making them perfect for navigating slick floors or icy sidewalks.
Beyond just grip, these booties serve as a crucial barrier against the elements. While dogs are resilient, walking on frozen ground is still incredibly cold, and these boots retain heat while shielding sensitive pads from harsh sidewalk chemicals and salt.
The sizing tends to run small; it is best to size up if you are in doubt. Even “little” Lucy ended up needing an XX-Large for a comfortable fit.
Material: Silicone and unidentified fabric | Size: XX-Small to XX-Large | Color: 2
Pros:
- The rubber material is 100% waterproof, ensuring paws stay bone-dry even when splashing through deep puddles
- There is a simple hook and loop closure that makes them very fast to put on when you’re rushing to get out before a storm.
Cons:
- As I found during testing, these tend to fall off, especially if your dog is high-energy
I gave these Youly rubber boots a shot to see if they lived up to the promise of “carefree wear.” On the plus side, they are genuinely water- and skid-resistant, which is a lifesaver when you want to keep your floors clean after a walk. However, in my experience, the superior fit can be a bit hit-or-miss. I found them prone to falling off if the pace got too fast.
But for those really muddy days when you just want to make a splash without the post-walk bath, they might be worth trying. The secure hook and loop closure helps, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on them during a heavy prance. I’ve certainly had strangers running after me to return a bootie or two.
Material: Rubber | Size: X-Small to X-Large | Color: 1
How we tested
To make our recommendations based on real-world performance rather than just product claims, we put these boots through rigorous field testing. I personally tested them across various environments, from rain-slicked suburban sidewalks to deep, muddy trails.
During these walks, I paid close attention to how the boots handled high-energy movement, specifically watching for any rotation or slippage caused by the natural size difference between a dog’s front and back paws. This hands-on approach allowed me to see exactly where entry-level rubber boots excel and where the more advanced, interlaced designs become necessary for a secure, stay-put fit.
This article was written by Emma Sutton-Williams, New York Post Commerce Reporter. Proud dog mom to a Mini Sheepadoodle named Lucy, Emma routinely tests top-rated pet products with her pup to find the best recommendations for fellow pet owners. In search of the best dog food brands, leashes, harnesses and more, Emma taps veterinarians and experts like Cesar Millan, better known as the “Dog Whisperer,” for pet health advice, FAQs and training secrets. In addition to her work at the Post, Emma’s byline has appeared in Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Parents, InStyle, StyleCaster and more.
