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10 Best Dog Boots for Cold Weather, Hiking and Hot Pavement in 2020
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Some people may laugh at dogs in shoes, but you understand that your dog’s paws need a little extra protection in extreme weather conditions and on long hikes through the wilderness.
Finding the best dog boots can be a bit of a chore though. After all, you don’t want to spend money on a product that won’t stay on your dog’s feet or falls apart after only a few uses.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled this list of the best dog booties for conditions ranging from hiking, hot pavement, snow and ice.
We’ll tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly about the top-rated boots for dogs available so you can narrow down the options that will work best for you and your dog.
What to Look for in the Best Dog Boots
What criteria should you consider when shopping for dog boots? Some of the features you should keep in mind when shopping for dog boots for large dogs include:
- Sizing options – do they have a large enough size?
- Will they stay on your dog’s feet?
- Do the boots have good traction and thick protective soles?
- Are the dog boots waterproof?
- How durable are they?
10 Best Dog Boots for Cold Weather, Hiking and Hot Pavement
#1 – WUXIAN Waterproof Dog Shoes
The WUXIAN dog shoes are waterproof, have two Velcro straps, and a split seam opening that makes it easier to put the shoes on your dog and get a secure fit.
Price: $$$
Color Options: Black
Sizing Options: #4 (2.56”X1.97”); #5 (2.76”X2.24”); #6 (2.95”X2.52”; #7 (3.15”X2.76”); #8 (3.35”X2.95”)
Pluses:
- Waterproof
- Stay on feet
- Sizing is relatively accurate
- Easy to put on and adjust
Negatives:
- Don’t hold up to heavy use
- Very stiff material
Bottom Line:
The WUXIAN dog booties are an excellent, affordable dog bootie for large dogs. They generally stay on very well and are fairly waterproof. These dog boots are best suited for indoor use and walking on pavement and don’t hold up well to heavy-duty off-road use.
#2 – QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes for Large Dogs with Reflective Velcro Rugged Anti-Slip Sole
These waterproof dog boots have a split seam opening and double Velcro straps for an adjustable, secure fit. Paw prints on the outside of the boots indicate whether they fit best on left or right feet.
Price: $$$
Color Options: Black
Sizing Options: Size 5: 2.7″x2.2″ (L*W) for 40-55 lbs; size 6: 2.9″x2.5″ (L*W) for 52-65 lbs; size 7: 3.1″x2.7″ (L*W) for 63-75 lbs; size 8: 3.3″x2.9″ (L*W) for 74-88 lbs)
Pluses:
- Instructions included for getting your dog used to wearing the boots
- Easy to put on and adjust
- Double Velcro straps help the boots stay on
- Rubber soles for traction
- Waterproof
Negatives:
- They don’t come very far up the leg
- May irritate dew claws or cause chafing
- Sizes run large
- Variable quality control
Bottom Line:
Buying the right size of the QUMY dog boots is complicated since sizes tend to run large, but the largest size may also be too small for giant breeds. Quality control issues have been reported, but if you can get these dog boots in the right size for your dog, they’re going to be a good bet for most large dogs.
#3 – RUFFWEAR – Grip Trex, All-Terrain Paw Wear for Dogs
While not waterproof, the RUFFWEAR Grip Trex dog booties have a Vibram rubber outsole for excellent protection from hot pavement, thorns, and sharp rocks. Unlike some other dog boot brands, these only have one Velcro strap instead of two.
Price: $$$$$
Color Options: Blue Spring, Obsidian Black, Red Currant
Sizing Options: Various sizes from 1.5”-3.25”
Pluses:
- Other colors besides black
- Sturdier than cheaper brands
- Better traction than some brands
- Sold in pairs so you can buy different sizes for the front and back feet
Negatives:
- The booties irritate dew claws
- Expensive
- You need to make sure you buy 4 shoes instead of 2
Bottom Line:
These dog boots are high quality and durable, but they can be extremely irritating to dogs’ feet if you don’t put socks on your dog underneath the boots.
This is especially true if you have a dog with dewclaws. These boots are not waterproof, and sand tends to get inside, but they are washable and durable and stay on dogs’ feet surprisingly well if you get the right size.
The option to buy red or blue in addition to black helps justify the cost – one pair of these dog booties costs more than a set of 4 in most other brands, and that doesn’t factor in the cost of the socks you need to prevent chafing.
With the addition of socks, though, the Grip Trex are one of the best dog boots. They are more durable than cheaper ones and may be worth the cost, especially if you’ve tried other brands and had problems.
#4 – Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots
These nylon dog boots are ideal for walking on hot or icy sidewalks and senior dogs who need a little more traction on hardwood floors. The split seam opening makes the dog booties easy to put on, while the two Velcro straps help the boots stay on.
Price: $$$
Color Options: Black, Red
Sizing Options: Petite 1 ¼”, X-Small 1 ¾”, Small 2 ¼”, Med 2 ¾”, Large 3 ¼”, X-Large 4″ wide
Pluses:
- Stay on well
- Hold up well for light use
- Good traction for hardwood floors
- Machine washable
- Larger sizes available than many other brands
Negatives:
- Not durable enough for heavy-duty use
- Can irritate dewclaws without socks underneath
- Sizing is difficult
Bottom Line:
If you just need some basic dog boots to help your senior dog get around your home or to protect your dog’s paws from hot or icy pavement, the Ultra Paws is a great option. However, if your dog runs or hikes, these probably aren’t durable enough.
#5 – Muttluks Original Fleece-Lined IB to XXL Dog Boots
Muttluks created the first dog boots in 1994 and remain one of the leaders in the market. These fleece-lined dog boots are perfect for keeping your dog’s feet warm and dry while trekking through the snow.
Price: $$$$
Color Options: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red
Sizing Options: Various sizes from 1” to 5.5”
Pluses:
- Durable
- Great for snow
- Comes in sizes up to XX-Large
- 7 colors to choose from
- Stay on well if fitted properly
Negatives:
- Difficult to put on
- Expensive
- May rub dew claws depending on where the Velcro is fastened
Bottom Line:
If the primary reason you need dog boots is to protect your dog’s feet from snow and ice, these Muttluks are probably the best dog booties you can get. They won’t hold up to heavy-duty hiking and the leather soles need to be treated after they’re washed, but they can last several years of use in the snow if you care for them and your dog’s nails aren’t too long.
#6 – My Busy Dog Water Resistant Dog Shoes with Two Reflective Fastening Straps and Rugged Anti-Slip Sole
These rugged dog shoes are ideal for hiking in areas with burrs, cacti, and rocks or giving senior dogs more traction on slick floors. The double Velcro straps help the shoes stay on and the rugged anti-slip sole helps protect your dog’s feet from hazards.
Price: $$$
Color Options: Black, Green, Orange, Red
Sizing Options: Varying sizes from 1.5”-3.25”
Pluses:
- Relatively sturdy
- Stay on well
- More durable than some other brands
Negatives:
- May cause sores when not used with socks
- Can get smelly from dogs’ feet sweating
- Not waterproof
Bottom Line:
If you love to take your dog hiking or your older dog is having trouble with your hardwood floors, My Busy Dogs dog shoes are a great value for the price. However, if you live in an area that gets very hot or receives a lot of snow, they may not be the best option.
#7 – Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots with Reflective Velcro Straps
These neoprene dog boots have two reflective paw straps and are much taller than most other dog boots, which helps them stay on better and helps prevent dewclaw chafing. These neoprene dog boots are water-resistant and lined on the inside of the boot to make them more comfortable.
Price: $$$
Color Options: black
Sizing Options: Small 2.75”, Medium 3.0”, Large 3.5”, XL 4.0”, XXL 4.5”
Pluses:
- Stay on well
- Affordable
- Great for light to moderate use on hot or cold pavement
- More flexible than other dog boot styles
- Large sizes for big dogs
Negatives:
- Difficult to put on
- Not breathable – leads to sweaty feet
- Sizing runs small
- Tear very easily with heavy use
Bottom Line:
If you’re just looking for a simple dog boot that will allow you to walk your dog even on blistering hot or icy cold days, Bark Brites are probably your best bet. However, the neoprene material tears very easily and doesn’t breathe well, so these dog booties may not be a good option for people who hike or run with their dogs.
#8 – HaveGet Waterproof Dog Shoes Fluorescent Orange Dog Boots Adjustable Straps and Rugged Anti-Slip Sole Paw Protectors
These waterproof dog boots have a unique design that makes them easier to put on than most other dog boot styles, and the bright orange color makes your dog easier to see – or to find the boots if they fall off.
Price: $$
Color Options: Fluorescent Orange
Sizing Options: Varying sizes up to 3.54” long
Pluses:
- Easy to put on
- Bright color makes the boots and your dog easier to see
- They’re somewhat more of a natural shape than some other boots
- Good non-slip sole
- Affordable
Negatives:
- Fall off easily
- Difficult to find the right size
- Not very durable
Bottom Line:
If you have trouble cramming your dog’s feet into other bootieas and intend to put these dog shoes through only light to moderate usage, they may be the best choice for your dog. The HaveGet Waterproof dog shoes aren’t durable enough for serious hiking and fall off easily, especially in deep snow.
#9 – Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Boots
Canine Equipment is the first dog boot company to realize the most dogs have larger front feet than back feet, and they size their boots accordingly. These trail dog boots are also sturdier than many other brands.
Price: $$$$$
Color Options: Black
Sizing Options: Variety of sizes with the largest measuring 3.5” for the front feet and 3” for the back feet
Pluses:
- Better fit since the front and back boots are different sizes
- Sturdier than many other brands
- Flexible sole
Negatives:
- Expensive
- May fall off a lot
- Can be hard to get the right size
Bottom Line:
For most dogs, the Canine Equipment dog boots fit better than most other brands and are sturdier than others, but some dogs will have trouble keeping the boots on their feet. The Velcro straps tend to collect burrs and snow, making it more difficult for the shoes to stay on.
#10 – Muttluks Original All-Weather IB to XXL Dog Boots
Unlike their fleece-lined dog boots, these Muttluks are ideal for both summer and winter use. Since they go up the leg higher than many other dog boots, they keep more snow and debris out of the boot.
Price: $$$$$
Color Options: Black, Yellow
Sizing Options: Various sizes from 1” to 5.5”
Pluses:
- Studier than many other brands
- Flexible leather sole
- Go higher up the leg than many other boots
Negatives:
- Tend to spin around or fall off
- Won’t stand up to seriously heavy-duty use
- Sizing can be difficult
Bottom Line:
Muttluks are a reliable dog brand, but these all-weather dog boots aren’t rated as well as their fleece-lined boots. There are a lot of reports of the booties falling off of dogs’ feet, and the thin leather soles don’t stand up to hardcore hiking on rocky terrain.
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