The Best Dog Shoes: Reviewed and Ranked

Let’s face it: Dogs look really cute in shoes. But dog footwear isn’t just about fashion. Dog shoes provide a protective barrier between paws and potentially damaging surfaces and substances. If you wouldn’t walk across it or in it barefoot, chances are your canine friend shouldn’t either.

Walking on hot pavement can burn your pup’s paw pads. Gravel, rocks, burrs, and glass can cut them. Snow and cold can cause frostbite. Snowmelt chemicals, such as salt, can irritate his feet. And chemicals like antifreeze can be deadly. So, it just makes sense to put shoes on your dog before he goes out.

Dog shoes can also provide much-needed traction on slippery indoor surfaces like polished hardwood floors.

Dog shoes are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, colors, and materials. Many are designed for specific weather or activities. If shopping for your furry friend’s first shoes feels daunting, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up the best shoes in a variety of categories so you can make an educated decision based on your dog’s needs.

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Dog Shoes

#1 Best Overall Dog Shoes: XSY&G Waterproof Dog Shoes

The XSY&G Dog Boots, Waterproof Dog Shoes are our choice for the overall best dog shoes.

These shoes are designed to provide year-round comfort and protection from hot pavement, thorns, snow, ice, glass, and more.

XSY&G dog shoes are available in eight sizes for small to large breeds. You can choose from four different colors/patterns, including leopard print! Each color/pattern even features a cute pawprint. They’re crafted from high-quality, soft, breathable, waterproof fabric and leather. The soles are made from durable anti-slip rubber with treads that provide traction on a variety of surfaces.

These shoes feature an easy-on/easy-off design. They’re fastened by two long, adjustable straps for a secure, customized fit. The shoes also feature light-reflective lines to heighten your dog’s visibility at night.

The manufacturer invites customers to contact them with product questions at any time. They respond within 24 hours, so you can feel confident about your purchase.

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

Overall Best

XSY&G Waterproof Dog Shoes

• Designed to provide comfort and protection from hot pavement, thorns, snow, ice, glass, and more
• Made from high-quality, soft, breathable, waterproof fabric and leather
• The soles are made from durable anti-slip rubber
• Feature light-reflective lines

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2. Best Winter Dog Boots: QUMY Waterproof Dog Boots

If you’re looking for the perfect winter dog footwear look no further than the QUMY Waterproof Dog Boots.

These boots feature durable, non-slip rubber soles with a unique tread design that provides more comfortable wear and a stronger grip. They are available in five sizes in red or black. They’re lined with super-soft faux cashmere that will conform to your dog’s paws. The uppers are made of waterproof microfiber “leather,” which is durable, breathable, waterproof, and easy to clean. They’re well crafted, with neat, tight stitches to keep the elements out.

These winter dog boots feature a smooth, strong front zipper so you can put them on and take them off your pup easily. An adjustable strap allows you to create a secure, snug, customized fit. A reflective strap and two reflective strips make your pup easier to spot in the dark.

Although these boots have a lot going for them a small number of pet owners have reported that they have chafed their dog’s paws.

Pros and Cons of the QUMY Waterproof Dog Boots

Best Winter Dog Boots

QUMY Waterproof Dog Boots

• Durable, non-slip rubber soles
• Comfortable wear and a strong grip
• Features two adjustable, straps for a snug fit
• Protects feet from hot pavement and sharp brush
• Sized to fit dogs 18-88 lbs

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3. Best Dog Hiking Boots: RUFFWEAR Grip Trex Dog Boots

If you love to explore with your pup then the best dog shoes for hiking are the RUFFWEAR Grip Trex Dog Boots.

These boots are designed for dogs who hike, bike, run, or explore the great outdoors with their humans. These high-performance boots feature a rugged and resilient Ruffwear-designed Vibram outsole for exceptional grip. The breathable mesh upper keeps dirt and debris out while keeping paws cool and comfortable.

The closure system combines hook-and-loop with hardware and cinches around the narrowest part of the dog’s leg, providing a secure fit so they can forge ahead with confidence. Available in eight sizes and three colors in sets of two boots and four boots. Just as you would with your own gear, check the closure system and adjust the fit as needed 15 minutes into your activity and throughout the adventure.

However, 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 Dog Boots

Best Hiking Boots

RUFFWEAR, Grip Trex Dog Boots

• Rugged and resilient Ruffwear-designed Vibram outsole for exceptional grip
• Breathable mesh upper keeps dirt and debris out
• The closure system provides a secure fit
• Washable in cold water

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4. Best Dog Sneakers: GabeFish Dog Sneakers

Even your dog needs great sneakers which is why we suggest the GabeFish Dog Sneakers.

These fashion-forward, high-top dog sneakers are available in five sizes and two colors: black and blue. They’re made of high-quality, water-resistant canvas fabric and non-slip, wear-resistant PVC soles.

These sneakers feature a soft cotton lining that makes it appropriate for year-round wear. Their hook-and-loop closure secures with Velcro for a snug, customized fit.

However, customers have reported that these sneakers run small so sizing up may be needed.

Pros and Cons of the GabeFish Dog Sneakers

Best Sneakers

GabeFish Dog Sneaker

• Fashionable, high-top dog sneakers
• Made from high-quality, water-resistant canvas fabric
• Feature non-slip, wear-resistant PVC soles
• The hook-and-loop closure secures with Velcro for a snug, customized fit

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Choosing the Best Dog Shoes: What to Look For

When choosing the best dog shoes, there are really three factors that you need to consider: price, design, and style. Here’s how to consider the best dog shoes across each of these factors:

Price

Most dog shoes range from $15 to $45. Higher-quality dog shoes cost more because they are made with better materials, are more thoughtfully designed, and are more finely crafted.

Design

The design has to do with the shape of the dog shoe, straps and closures, details like reflective material, lining, and sole treads. Higher-quality dog shoes incorporate details such as Velcro straps for secure fit and cotton, faux cashmere, or wool lining for soft, snuggly comfort.

Style

Dog shoes are available in a variety of styles, including sandals, hiking shoes, rain shoes, winter boots, and sneakers. Once you select a style, such as winter boots, find several that are well designed. Choose the ones that will keep your pup’s paws warm and dry in the color of your choice.

The Different Types of Dog Shoes: Pros and Cons Compared

When choosing the best dog shoes for your furry friend, first you need to know what types are on the market. There are all-purpose shoes, sandals, rain boots, snow boots, hiking boots, and sneakers. Each type is suited for a different purpose, just like human shoes, with clear pros and cons.  Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type:

• All-purpose shoes are designed to be worn year-round. While they offer some protection, they may not be warm or cool enough for certain seasons.
• Sandals are designed to be worn during the summer. They will provide some protection for your dog’s paw pads, but small stones, glass, and debris may enter the sandal through the straps.
• Rain boots will keep your dog’s paws dry in the rain. They are not intended to keep your dog’s feet warm in the snow.
• Snow boots will keep your dog’s feet warm and dry in the snow. They are too warm to wear in warmer months.
• Hiking boots are designed for spending time in the great outdoors. They are rugged and durable and generally make good all-purpose shoes. They may not offer enough protection from snow.
• Sneakers are fashionable shoes. They offer protection for your dog’s paw pads during good weather. But they’re not designed to be used in rain or snow.

Our Criteria and Experience: How We Chose the Best

When creating our list of recommendations for the best dog shoes for your beloved canines, we took several factors into account. For one, comfort is a necessity when it comes to whether or not your dog will tolerate walking shoes. Size is important as well — does the product fit as it says it will? Affordability is another thing to consider. We researched products that delivered in these areas, and more. Here’s a few particulars:

• Durability and Craftmanship: In general, it’s unnatural for dogs to wear shoes. But shoes can benefit dogs by protecting their paws when walking in rugged terrain or on hot pavement, and keeping their feet warm and dry in wet, cold, or snowy weather. We chose shoes that are constructed of high quality fabrics that in some cases are breathable to eliminate the feet getting hot, or in other cases waterproof fabrics to keep out moisture. The shoes we researched also come with excellent tread to prevent your dog slipping, whether walking in slippery conditions, traversing over rocks or dirt, or strolling on hot sidewalks. All products also feature hook and loop cinch closure systems to ensure the shoes stay on properly.
• Sizing: All the shoes we consider the best offer detailed sizing charts to help you find the best fit for your pooch’s feet. It’s important to note that one of the biggest issues customers complain about in reviews is the sizing of the dog shoes. As with any foot or clothing item that you buy without trying it on first, it’s a gamble as to whether the fit is perfect or not. The products we recommend had mostly positive feedback in this area, but there will always be cases where the fit is off.
• Price: You can’t get well-made, functional dog shoes for next to nothing, but the shoes we recommend are affordable, ranging from $20 to $40.
• Style: If your dog needs to wear shoes, then why not go out in style? The shoes that made our “best” list are available in varied bright and neutral colors, sport cute, athletic or casual designs, and some even have extra features like reflective strips for visibility at night.

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