The Best Dog Booties for Summer

Winter isn’t the only season that’s tough on your dog’s paws—summertime can present a whole new set of challenges for your pooch. When the sun is out, dogs must contend with scorching sand, hot pavement, thorns, glass, and rocky terrain. So, if you’re the outdoorsy type, your pet might benefit from a solid pair of dog shoes for summer.

While they may look amusing, a good pair of dog shoes is more than just a fashion statement. The best summer dog shoes will keep toes dry at the beach and protect vulnerable feet from hot surfaces. They can also help older dogs with balance and shield sensitive paws from environmental allergens like grass and pollen. 

The right pair of summer dog shoes will extend your pet’s enjoyment of the outdoors. They’re ideal for avid hikers, beachcombers, and explorers. Intrigued? Let’s see which summer booties made the cut.

The Top Picks for Summer Booties for Dogs

#1 Best Overall: XSY&G Waterproof Dog Shoes

Our selection as the best dog booties for summer are the XSY&G Waterproof Dog Shoes. 

These durable dog booties offer effective protection from heat, sharp objects, and water. They are ideal for keeping paws clean and dry during the mud soaked days while also protecting them from the perils of hot summer sidewalks and rough terrain.

Made with waterproof fabric, these dog shoes also make suitable beachwear. The material is soft and breathable so feet stay cool and comfy in the sticky heat. Just don’t get too carried away at the shoreline because the manufacturer warns that these shoes can’t be submerged fully underwater. 

Also, there’s no need to worry about these shoes staying put as they are secured with two adjustable Velcro straps that feature reflective accents for safety. They are also available in several different sizes which makes them suitable for dogs ranging between 10 and 90 pounds.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the sizes do run a bit small, so sizing up might be needed. Also, some found that their pets were able to get them off if they chewed and pulled at them enough.

Pros and Cons of the XSY&G Waterproof Dog Shoes

Best Overall

XSY&G Waterproof Dog Shoes. with Reflective Anti-Slip Sole

• Durable construction protects from heat, sharp objects and other harmful things
• Waterproof fabric keeps paws dry in wet and muddy situations
• Breathable material ensures dogs' paws won't get hot and overheated
• Adjustable Velcro straps ensure stay-put fit, and reflectors keep pups safe.
• Available in four fun color options and eight sizes
• Hand-washable

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2. Best for Puppies and Small Dogs: Hcpet Dog Booties

For puppies and small dogs we recommend the Hcpet Dog Booties.

Your pint-sized dog or puppy will look adorable in these breathable shoes by Hcpet while also getting great traction and protection. With bright colors and reflective strips, they won’t go unseen — even at night! 

These shoes feature thick and durable soles which offer a strong grip, yet they’re still flexible enough for comfort and easy movement. They have a convenient back zipper to make putting them on and taking them off easy. They are made from a mesh fabric which provides ventilation, while the soft and lightweight material inside won’t suffocate tiny toes. 

These shoes are available in several different sizes to fit dogs weighing up to 28 pounds. Unfortunately, some shoppers had issues with the sizes being too small, so sizing up is advised.

Pros and Cons of the Hcpet Dog Booties

Best for Puppies & Small Dogss

Hcpet Dog Booties

• Fun AND functional
• Breathable shoes ensure dogs don't overheat
• Bright color options with reflective strips for safety
• Durable soles with solid grip
• Good for dogs up to 28 lbs

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3. Best for Large Dogs: Bark Brite Paw Protector Dog Boots

For larger dogs we recommend the Bark Brite Paw Protector Dog Boots.

These popular dog booties protect paws from heat and sharp surfaces. They are made from lightweight neoprene which protects paws without being heavy or cumbersome. They also feature ventilation holes to allow extra breathability and prevent overheating. These shoes also have puncture-resistant rubber soles to protect paws from hot or sharp surfaces.

For added convenience, a 3.5-inch slit in the back makes these shoes easy to slip on and off.  They are available sizes from small to extra extra large which makes them suitable for most dogs. However, pup parents have found that the sizes run large, so sizing down may be neccessary.

Pros and Cons of the Bark Brite Paw Protector Dog Boots

Best for Large Dogs

BARK BRITE Paw Protector Dog Boots

• Offer reliable protection from heat and sharp objects
• Lightweight Neoprene construction is durable and comfortable
• Ventilation holes provide breathability
• Easy to put on and take off
• Available in five sizes — S-XXL

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4. Best for Hiking: Ruffwear Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Booties

If you and your pup do a lot of hiking then we recommend the Ruffwear Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Booties as the best choice for rugged terrain.

These boots feature flexible and grippy soles which makes them a good choice if those hikes include sharp stones, rough terrain, hot asphalt, or heavily salted sidewalks. They are made from breathable mesh material which keeps feet cool, while a wide opening and a hook-and-loop closure ensure a tight yet comfortable fit.

Some reviewers complained about the lack of soft material in the interior, with a number reporting these shoes left paws chafed and raw. To curb irritation, some recommended pairing these shoes with Ruffwear Boot Liners. 

Pros and Cons of the Ruffwear Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Booties

Best for Hiking

RUFFWEAR Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Booties

• Flexible, grippy soles provide traction and safety
• Breathable mesh fabric keeps paws cool
• Available in three color options
• Reflective trim keeps dogs safe
• Machine washable

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5. Most Stylish Summer Shoes: QUMY Waterproof Shoes for Dogs

No one said summer shoes had to be all function and no fun which is why we have selected the QUMY Waterproof Shoes for Dogs as the most stylish option.

These stylish booties by QUMY not only protect your pup’s feet, but also let them express their inner fashionista. These shoes are not just cute though as they also feature rugged and sturdy soles to provide the protection and traction that your pup is looking for to keep their paws happy while out on the town.

These shoes feature a wide, split seam to allow you to put them on and take them off easily. They also feature reflective strips as a safety feature if you and your pet are out in darkness or times of low visibility.

They are available in several fashionable patterns (including leopard, pink, and purple) which ensures these waterproof shoes will be a hit anywhere you go, while sweet embroidered paw prints add the finishing touch.

Unfortunately, some customers reported that the sizes run small. Others also found that they are not fully waterproof.

Pros and Cons of the QUMY Waterproof Shoes for Dogs

Most Stylish

QUMY Waterproof Shoes for Dogs

• Fun pattern in three color schemes
• Reflective strips keep dogs seen
• Wide-split seam makes them easy to put on and take off
• Rugged, sturdy soles provide good traction
• Embroidered paw print add whimsy

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6. Best Value: TEOZZO Dog Shoes

Our selection as the best value dog shoes for summer are the TEOZZO Dog Shoes.

We think these anti-slip booties offer the best bang for your buck and they’re a good choice if you’re just testing out the waters of footwear for your dog. These lightweight shoes are also a good choice for your older canine friends who may have trouble on slippery surfaces such as hardwood or tile floors.

The insides of these booties are lined with soft fleece, while the non-slip soles offer traction for slippery spots. They also fasten with a simple drawstring band.

Unfortunately, these shoes aren’t the best choice for keen swimmers since TEOZZOs can’t keep water out when fully submerged.

Pros and Cons of the TEOZZO Dog Shoes

Best Value

TEOZZO Dog Shoes

• Anti-slip soles provide solid traction
• Affordable price point allows you test if dog boots are right for your dog
• Fleece lining ensures comfortable fit
• Available in four fashionable colors
• Adjustable drawstring band ensures solid fit

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How to Choose the Best Dog Shoes for Summer

As you can see, dog shoes vary in quality and features. While everyone’s wish list will look a little different, here are some basics to look for when shopping:

Material

The “dog days of summer” call for breathable fabrics that keep paws cool and comfortable. Neoprene is a favorite standby, favored for its durability and stain-resistant properties. However, neoprene can get hot so look for well ventilated shoes that meet your dog’s need for protection. As a rule, try to avoid insulated shoes that may get too stuffy in the summer.

Reflective Accents

For nighttime strolls, reflective accents help with visibility. Don’t skip them if you intend to walk when light is limited.

Easy of Use

You don’t want to fight your dog to get four of these things on, so shoes that are easy to get on and off are a must (especially for nervous dogs and fidgety puppies). Look for adjustable velcro straps, drawstring closures, zippers, and wide-split seams to make the task easier.

Size

For a safe and comfortable fit, make sure to take your dog’s measurements before ordering. Taking this extra step is definitely worth the trouble, and most companies will provide a sizing guide to get it right.

The Different Types of Summer Dog Shoes: Pros and Cons Compared

There are many kinds of dog shoes, but by and large, they will fall into one of two camps: indoor dog shoes and outdoor dog shoes. The pair that’s right for you will depend on your walking habits, climate, and (of course) your dog’s personal preferences. Here are some pros and cons to both types.

Outdoor Dog Shoes

Indoor Dog Shoes

Up Next…

• Best Dog Booties — Explore more canine footwear here.
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• The Best Dog Shoes for Winter — It may be hot and sunny now but winter is coming. Does your pup have the proper footwear?