When winter weather brings freezing temperatures and slick, icy sidewalks, most of us bundle up from head to toe before stepping foot outdoors — but what about your dog? Some breeds, like my two golden retrievers, love snowy conditions and have thick coats to keep them warm, but other dogs need winter gear, including dog boots, to stay comfortable when the weather is particularly brutal.
“Wintery conditions or extreme cold can cause damage to the skin, and severe cases can even cause cuts and frostbite,” explains Dr. Lauren Witter, doctor of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary in NYC. She explains that small dogs with short hair, such as chihuahuas and greyhounds, tend to be more sensitive to the cold and often benefit from winter boots. Regardless of breed, it’s also a good idea to use foot protection if there’s an excess of rock salt or other ice melt on the ground. “Be cautious of exposure to salt, which can cause tangles in between toes, cuts, chemical burns and even dehydration from licking salty paws,” she recommends.
However, if you’ve ever tried to get your dog to wear boots, you know it’s generally easier said than done. Most dogs initially dislike having shoes strapped on their feet, so to make the transition a bit easier, it’s important to find a pair that fits well and is comfortable on their paws. “Look for boots that fit snugly but not too tight, ensuring they’re waterproof and durable enough to withstand winter conditions,” says Dr. Witter. “Good traction on the sole is essential to prevent slipping on icy surfaces.” She notes that it may take several weeks for your dog to be comfortable wearing boots and recommends starting with short training sessions where you do fun activities and offer lots of positive reinforcement.
Whether you’re strolling salt-covered sidewalks in the city or hiking through icy terrain in the mountains, we’ve rounded up several of the best dog boots for winter, as recommended by veterinarians, dog trainers and other experts. There are options for dogs of all sizes, and no matter which pair you choose, the boots will keep your dog’s feet warm, dry and healthy.
Almost every expert I spoke to recommended the Polar Trex boots from Ruffwear, which they say are well-made, durable and comfortable for dogs to wear. “They stay on better than the other boots I've tried, and the protection is terrific,” says Sean Prichard, president and canine fitness coach at Pant & Wag, a dog fitness and adventure company based in Washington, DC. You can order these boots in sets of two or four — handy if your dog’s back and front feet are different sizes — and they have a waterproof design with a stretchy leg gaiter to prevent snow from building up around your dog’s ankles.
Muttluks is another dog boot brand that gets the seal of approval from experts. “I’m a fan of Muttluks for smaller breeds,” says Nicole Ellis, a certified dog trainer. The Snow Mushers are sold in sets of two boots, and they come in 10 sizes so you can find the perfect fit for your dog’s feet. They have a water-resistant outer shell and soft fleece lining, as well as rubber soles for traction. Plus, there are two different ways to fasten the straps, making it easy to accommodate your dog’s dewclaw if needed.?
For days when the snow is fairly deep, the Soft Shield Boots reach higher up your dog’s legs, providing more coverage to keep their lower legs warm, dry and free of pesky snow balls. These boots have an adjustable strap at the ankle to keep them snugly in place, and a toggle at the top of the boot prevents snow from getting inside. The soles are rubberized for good grip on slippery ice, and they have a thick band of reflective fabric in case you and your pooch are outside at night.??
If your dog plays so hard that they run right out of their shoes, the Flex Shell Boots have three different straps to keep them in place, no matter your dog’s antics. These boots extend midway up each leg, and they have two adjustable Velcro straps — one at the ankle and one mid-leg — for a secure fit. There’s also an elastic toggle at the top of the boot to keep it from sliding down and prevent snow from getting inside the cuff. Rubber soles with a textured pattern provide traction for your pup, and both of the Velcro straps have a reflective finish for safety at night.??
For short walks around the block, these boots from Ultra Paws are an inexpensive option to protect your dog’s feet. The bottoms are made from a water-resistant nylon with a bumpy texture that provides grip, and two adjustable straps keep the shoes in place as your dog walks. Plus, these boots have padding around the ankles, helping to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing. The only downside is that they can be a little stiff at first, which can make them a challenge to put on.?
Several of our experts mentioned Kurgo as a reputable brand for dog boots, and the Blaze Dog Boots are a highly rated option for year-round use. These boots have a breathable design made from mesh and nylon, and the durable, no-slip soles provide traction on slippery surfaces. However, these shoes aren’t waterproof, so they’ll get wet (and by extension, cold) if your dog goes bounding through the snow in them.?
If you’re just popping outside for a quick potty break, the Pawz Rubber Boots are an inexpensive option to protect your dog’s feet. “They stay on and do the trick in a pinch,” says Ellis. These rubber booties, which come in a pack of 24, look similar to deflated balloons, and you simply slide them over your dog’s feet to protect their pads from ice and salt. Because the boots don’t have any straps to keep them in place, they’re not the best option for hiking or other long outings, but they will keep your pup’s toes clean and dry on short excursions in the winter.?
Comfort is key when it comes to dog boots, and it can be especially tricky to find a well-fitting pair if your dog has a dewclaw. For extra padding and to prevent rubbing, dog trainer Ivan Petersel, founder of Dog Wizardry, recommends using these liners inside your dog’s boots. The Bark’n Boot socks are made from a quick-drying and stretchy fabric, and they’re designed to accommodate your dog’s claws and minimize bulk inside the boot.?
It often takes several weeks for dogs to become comfortable wearing boots, but if your pooch truly hates having anything on their feet, paw wax is another option to protect against the elements. Musher’s Secret is a super-popular balm that you can put on your dog’s pads, and it creates a protective barrier against ice, snow and salt. The formula also prevents snow from sticking to hair between their toes — a common nuisance for dogs with longer hair — and it moisturizes paw pads without being sticky. It’s easy to apply the wax to your dog’s feet before heading outside in the winter, and there’s no need to worry if your dog licks their feet after your walk, as the balm is made from safe, non-toxic ingredients.?
