Best Dog Boots for Winter: 8 Most Popular Models
Most dogs are happy to go for long walks, run on forest paths, and have their paws completely safe. However, dogs’ sensitive paw skin is not protected from cuts and scratches. Dog paws can be especially vulnerable in winter. Not only does a dog feel the cold, but it might also feel discomfort from the snow between its toes. In addition, the animal is not comfortable walking on slippery ice. You should buy special boots to save yourself and your pet from stress. I’d love to share tips on choosing the best dog boots for winter.
Top 8 Best Dog Boots for Winter Review
These reviews are based on the personal experience of my friends, relatives, and colleagues who bought boots for their pets. I believe that you can find the perfect shoe pair for your dog here.
- KEIYALOE Waterproof Booties: Top-Rated Dog Boots for Winter
- Hcpet Dog Boots: Winter Dog Boots for Medium Dogs
- CovertSafe& Dog Booties: Best Waterproof Dog Boots for Winter
- Bark Brite All-Weather Boots: Large Dog Boots for Winter
- EXPAWLORER Dog Socks: Best Budget Dog Boots for Winter
- Hipaw Summer Dog Boots: Best Value Dog Boots
- Hcpet: Best Winter Dog Boots for Small Dogs
- Kurgo Blaze: Best All-Purpose Dog Boots for Winter
1. KEIYALOE Waterproof Booties: Top-Rated Dog Boots for Winter
My friend Ida has a Husky dog. Even though these dogs are very fond of walking, going out in winter has become a challenge. The dog was not comfortable walking on snow or ice, so it refused to take long walks. Ida read about special shoes for dogs and decided to buy them. She was worried that the dog wouldn’t be comfortable walking in them. The pet needed time to get used to the pair, but it adapted fast since Ida bought the proper size. These shoes do not slip, do not let water in, and are great for protecting the pets’ paws from cold and damage.
These shoes are strong enough and flexible, so they don’t interfere with the dog’s natural gait. Besides, a dog can wear them at any time of year, like in summer, when the asphalt is too hot. They are water-resistant, so you can wash them after every walk without worrying that they won’t have time to dry.
- Suitable for any time of the year;
- Durable outsole;
- Flexible;
- Waterproof;
- Breathable.
- The model can twist on the paws if the pet lies down.
2. Hcpet Dog Boots: Winter Dog Boots for Medium Dogs
My cousin Jane bought these boots for her French bulldog. They were supposed to do two things: protect the paws from injury and from freezing in winter. We had fun watching the dog taking awkward steps in these shoes. Gradually, it got used to them, and Jane put on the shoes for every walk. The model fits the dog’s paws well and allows it to breathe, thanks to the cover from mesh and leather. The dog doesn’t try to get rid of the new accessory; its paws are always fine, and there is no need to wash them after each walk.
These boots have sturdy soles that provide good traction. They can be worn when walking on snow, sand, asphalt, rocks, and forest paths. Velcro straps allow the shoes to fit snugly to the paws.
- Durable outsole;
- Breathable material;
- Stylish look.
- It might not be easy to get the size right.
3. CovertSafe& Dog Booties: Best Waterproof Dog Boots for Winter
My co-worker Ethan always tells me how much he loves his Border Collie dog but how difficult it is to take care of it. He walks his dog in the evening after work and washes its paws when they come home. In the winter season, there were times when the dog’s paws became very cold. He followed his friend’s advice and bought warm dog boots for winter.
Ethan paid attention to this model as it was strong enough to withstand the paws of a Border Collie dog. He was happy with the quality of the shoes and how they saved him the time of washing his pet’s feet every day. The shoes also have reflective tapes, so the pet is visible at night.
The boots are made of durable materials, so your pet won’t hurt its paws during the walk. The straps allow you to fix the boots securely on your dog’s paws so that it can walk comfortably. I love how stylish this accessory looks. The little paw-shaped patch makes the design of the boots even more stunning.
- Durable outsole;
- Price;
- Breathable material.
- Not detected.
4. Bark Brite All-Weather Boots: Large Dog Boots for Winter
My neighbor Gloria has a Golden Retriever. She told me that her dog had its paws hurt when walking in winter when the temperature was below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. She bought Bark Brite boots. They appeared practical for different weather conditions and were easy to put on the dog’s paws. Gloria said the boots did the job, and she was happy she decided to buy them.
The primary material of these boots is neoprene. It allows the paws to breathe and does not let moisture in. This material is elastic, so it takes the shape of the dog’s foot. The durable sole protects the dog’s paws from punctures. The soles provide good traction, and the dog’s feet do not slip even on ice. It also comes with two reflective straps for night walks.
- Durable outsole;
- Price;
- Breathable material;
- Waterproof.
- Not suitable for dog breeds with too massive claws.
5. EXPAWLORER Dog Socks: Best Budget Dog Boots for Winter
My friend Dylan bought these socks for his Spaniel. The floors in his house are pretty slippery, and it’s uncomfortable for the dog to walk on them. On the sole of the socks, there are special rubber pads that prevent slipping. When the dog is at home, it wears socks at least on its back paws. It also uses them for winter walks on the ice. The socks are comfortable to put on and effectively protect the pet against slipping, so Dylan was happy with the purchase.
These socks are suitable for active dogs who run a lot. The socks will not only protect against slipping but against dirt, so the owner will not have to wash the paws often. Also, the socks have straps, so they do not slip. However, these socks might not be suitable for dog breeds with too massive claws, or the owner might have to buy a new pair often.
- Elastic;
- Easy to put on;
- Non-slippery;
- Comfortable velcro fastener.
- Not durable.
6. Hipaw Summer Dog Boots: Best Value Dog Boots
My uncle George has an English Setter dog. They live in the south, where it’s hot in the summer, and the pavement is warm. The dog couldn’t step on the pavement with its bare feet, so my uncle was looking for boots for it. He chose sturdy soles and mesh, through which the paws could breathe. George likes the quality of these shoes, especially considering the price.
These boots are functional. The toe has extra protection for the dog’s paws during active walks off-road, rocks, etc. Also, a dog won’t be able to tear the shoes with its claws. The model has reflective tape, so your dog is safe during walks after dusk. Special patches look stylish and help the owner of the pet to quickly identify which shoe is the left and which is the right one.
- Value for money;
- Durable sole;
- Reflective tapes;
- Breathable material.
- Not detected.
7. Hcpet: Best Winter Dog Boots for Small Dogs
My best friend Kimberly bought these boots for her Beagle dog. She noticed that it was not very comfortable walking when it was snowing or there was ice on the ground. Also, she found her dog scratching its paws in the warmer months. She decided to buy these shoes because they were universal; that is, they were suitable for both winter and summer. They are comfortable to put on and fit very well. Kimberly is a great aesthete, and she liked the look of these boots. She wasn’t the only one, as passersby often said compliments when they saw her dog in its shoes.
These boots have a sturdy sole and a reinforced toe, so your dog’s paws will be safe from injury. The sole also protects against slipping. Reflective tapes help a dog be visible at night. Besides, the boots are easy to put on thanks to the zipper, and you can fix them on the paws with the unique velcro.
- Easy to put on;
- Durable sole;
- Reflective tapes;
- Breathable material.
- There are no serious flaws, but a dog needs some time to get used to the shoes.
8. Kurgo Blaze: Best All-Purpose Dog Boots for Winter
My friend Andrew got these boots as a gift from his girlfriend. Andrew leads an active lifestyle, loves hiking and walking a lot in the woods, and so on. He is always accompanied by his spaniel. Since the dog often has to go off-road in the snow and rain, walking on stony ground, it needed boots to protect the feet. Andrew was pleased with the quality of these shoes. They were easy to put on and showed their best in all weather conditions.
These boots feature a reinforced buckle, so they don’t fall off even during the most active walks. They have reflective tapes for walking in the dark. Also, a big plus is the presence of a unique pad inside the shoe, which repeats the anatomical shape of the dog’s paw.
- Easy to put on;
- Durable sole;
- Reflective tapes;
- Breathable material.
- There are no serious flaws, but a dog needs some time to get used to the shoes.
Buyer’s Guide on Best Dog Boots for Winter
If you walk your dog every day, winter walks can become a real problem at some point. Some dogs don’t respond to the cold, and there are breeds whose bodies begin to shiver in cold temperatures. The pet might even ask to be held and refuse to go. If you’re wondering how to keep dog paws warm in winter, boots might be a good solution.
Walking in the snow can cause injuries to paw injuries. For example, there might be a sharp object in the snow, and a dog can accidentally step on it. Also, pathways might be sprinkled with a special substance to make them less slippery. These products can be acidic and irritate the skin on your dog’s paws.
These are just some reasons why a dog owner might decide to purchase shoes for their pet. If the need arises, you might want to know what to look for when choosing shoes for your dog.
How to choose the best winter boots for dogs?
Good shoes should protect your dog’s paws from snow, salt, and sharp objects. First and foremost, the dog must be comfortable in them. Here are the main criteria to consider when buying dog shoes.
- Size. Just like human shoes, pet shoes come in different sizes. Moreover, the front and back paws also differ from each other. First, you need to understand which size of dog shoes you need: small, medium, or large. Also, you will need to measure your dog’s paw so that you don’t get the wrong size.
- Weight. It also makes a difference for some breeds. If you have a small dog but put some pretty heavy shoes on it, the pet just won’t be able to move.
- Comfort. That is more of a combination of the previous two indicators. It is not natural for a dog to wear something on its feet. If the shoes are loose, warped, or pressing, it’s likely to do everything it can to get rid of them. Make sure the model fits well around the paws.
- Method of attachment. Shoes should not only wrap tightly around the dog’s paws but also be easy for you to put them on. As soon as you wrap your pet, it’s likely to start resisting. Making the attachment as simple as possible, such as Velcro, will help you get the job quickly done.
- Outsole. Since it is often slippery in winter, the shoe sole should provide maximum traction. This way, your dog will walk confidently on both ice and asphalt.
- Waterproof. This feature is essential for walking in wet snow and on rainy days. This will protect your dog’s paws from moisture, and it will be easy for you to take care of these boots.
Remember that no matter how comfortable the shoes are, your pet might not want to wear them right away. You should not get upset but be patient and let your dog get used to them.
How to measure dog paws for winter boots?
I have already mentioned that shoe size is essential for a dog, just like for a human. The only difference is that the dog will not tell you whether the shoe is comfortable. Thus you have to make some effort to find out the exact size of the dog’s paw.
Some manufacturers provide a sizing grid with your dog’s paw prints. All you have to do is print it out and put it on your pet’s paw to determine the size. If you don’t have one, you can find out your dog’s size in the following ways:
- Take a sheet of paper and place your pet’s paw on it. It will be convenient if you take a piece of paper with squares. You need to make notes at the extreme points where the paw contacts the paper. Important! Only one foot should firmly stand on the sheet, so ensure that it is tightly pressed. It’s good if you have someone who can help and hold the other paw or soothe the dog with a treat. Do the same manipulation with all the paws. Make sure you got the measurements right. Also, the front feet are slightly smaller than the back paws.
- If you find this method tricky, wet your dog’s paw and place it on the paper. Trace the wet trail with a pen or pencil.
- Measure your pet’s footprint and determine its size using the size chart the manufacturer offers. You will often need to use the widest part of the paw to determine the size.
These tips will help you define your dog’s paw size quite easily, the main thing is to take your time.
FAQ About Best Dog Boots for Winter
In this section, I want to share with you several questions that bother many dog owners.
Should I get my dog boots for winter?
It depends on your dog’s personality. Some breeds don’t react to the cold and don’t need extra insulation. In any case, boots can be a helpful accessory if you want to protect your pet’s paws from injury or dirt.
At what temperature should dogs wear boots?
That is also an individual indicator for each dog. You should take a closer look at its behavior when the temperature approaches 32°F. Many animals are comfortable walking without shoes at 5°F.
Can dogs wear boots all the time?
The pet should wear the shoes for no more than one hour. Since the boots are designed to keep the paws warm, they might feel too heavy and uncomfortable at home. You can protect your dog’s paws while walking outside in winter and summer.
Keep Your Dog’s Paws Safe
Whether to put boots on the dog’s paws during a walk is a personal decision of each owner. However, if you notice the first signs that your dog is not comfortable walking in the cold season, it might be time to think about winter boots for dogs. Either way, it’s a functional accessory that your dog can wear in bad weather, so you don’t have to wash its paws. You can also carry it with you on a walk just in case. The main thing is to choose the shoes that your pet will like. The pair should be made of natural materials, fit properly, have comfortable clasps, and have a sole that does not slip.
Which boots did you like best? Share your impressions in the comments.
Britta Thygesen
A passionate dog owner and a full-time certified dog trainer. Aspires to make DogCareHacks a go-to place for all the doggo info. Shares personal experience and professional knowledge.
