Best dog booties in 2023

While dog booties are a cute accessory, they’re more necessary than some pet parents realize. Boots protect your dog’s paws against elements that may be difficult to walk on, like gravel, ice, or debris. This is especially true for adventurous dogs that love to hike on rough terrain. Booties can even prevent your pup from falling on slick surfaces or burning their paw pads on hot pavement.

But with so many options, it’s difficult to know which pair is best suited for your pup. Our team reviewed and tested the most popular dog booties on the market. We tested or reviewed these products ourselves against the following criteria: materials, durability, waterproofing, nighttime visibility, and packaging.

After receiving feedback from our vet and hours of research, we decided that these are the best dog booties on the market.

These top-of-the-line dog boots from Muttluks are made to last. Thanks to the booties’ elastic cuffs and a wide range of sizes, you can find the perfect fit for your pup! They’re machine washable and reflective for nighttime wear. While they’re among the more expensive sets of dog booties out there, we believe the quality and performance of Muttluks make them worth the price.

• Fit. Reviewers reported that these booties were super easy to put on their dogs. There’s an adjustable strap that creates a snug fit around your dog’s leg but is soft enough to not cause uncomfortable rubbing.
• Materials. These materials are meant to impress! Muttluks were the only dog booties we tested without rubber soles. Instead, the booties have leather soles and nylon exteriors, which are both waterproofed.
• Durability. These booties seem incredibly durable due to the high quality of materials and the excellent fit they would offer a dog of any size.
• Waterproof. These boots are waterproofed and the soles are also salt resistant.
• Nighttime visibility. There are thick, reflective straps on each boot that provide great visibility for nighttime walks. When we shined a flashlight on the booties, they were very bright and noticeable.

These RUFFWEAR booties are great for any dog that wants to get off the beaten path! The rubber-soled bottoms provide support and traction to prevent your pup from slipping while on a hike. There’s a small reflective piece on each of the adjustable straps, but we think these boots would be better for daytime use. Also, these booties come with two in a pack, so if you want to protect all four of your pup’s paws, you’ll need to order two sets.

• Fit. These booties go on very easily, with one strap that wraps over the top of each boot to secure it. They not only went on well, but they stayed on dogs during walks.
• Materials. The soles on these boots are rubber and flexible, while the tops are made from a mesh fabric to allow for airflow.
• Durability. The RUFFWEAR booties seem to be durable given the sturdy rubber soles. The breathable material is neatly sewn and would hold up for more arduous wear.
• Waterproof. These booties aren’t waterproof. While the rubber soles would protect your dog’s paws from water on the ground, the mesh part wouldn’t keep them dry from falling rain.
• Nighttime visibility. There are some reflective elements on both the bottoms and straps of these boots. However, they’re not the most reflective boots compared to the others we reviewed. So, we’d probably skip these if you’re looking for a highly reflective option.

The Bark Brite booties are a great option for dogs in cold climates because they’re tall and lined with a soft, warm material. Each bootie features two straps. And while it may be tricky to get them on the first few times, the two-strap design creates a snug, but comfortable fit for your dog’s paw. They’re rubber-soled and also have reflective detailing for nighttime walks.

• Fit. Reviewers reported that these booties were a little challenging to put on since there are two straps instead of just one. There’s one strap at the top and bottom of the booties, so you can secure them around your pup’s paws and lower legs. Once the boots were on, they did stay secure during walks.
• Materials. These booties are made of a neoprene material that feels very durable. The inside is made of a soft, furry fabric to keep your dog’s paws warm, even in the snow.
• Durability. The materials, including the rubber soles, provide good durability for long-term use.
• Waterproof. When tested with water, the outside of the booties felt a little damp. The water absorbed into the boot rather than rolling off. There was a bit of dampness inside, so these may be best for light rain and snow but not heavy precipitation.
• Nighttime visibility. Each of the booties has a reflective coating on the straps.

This set of booties from EXPAWLORER is designed with a double velcro strap on each boot, which creates a very secure fit. They’re waterproof with rubber soles and come in eight different sizes. There’s also traction on the bottom of the boots to prevent dogs from slipping, especially in the rain.

• Fit. Despite having two straps per boot like the Brite Bark boots, these were easier to secure and dogs were unable to get them off. Users found that these boots run true to size.
• Materials. These booties are made of a leather-feeling material and neoprene fabric. While these seem like decent booties, we don’t believe they’d last as long as some of the higher-end options like Muttluks. However, they’re a good option for dog owners who want to try booties with their pets before committing to an expensive pair.
• Durability. These seem to be constructed well and would hold up against occasional use.
• Waterproof. When tested with water, these booties remained dry on the inside.
• Nighttime visibility. The straps have reflective stitching that’s not very noticeable to the eye but shines under a flashlight.

With eight sizes ranging from 1.7 inches to 3.0 inches, QUMY’s dog booties can cover most dog breeds without issue. Plus, their adjustable velcro design and reflective stripes make them a safe option for dog owners that love nighttime walks and adventures.

• Fit. Users indicate that when measured correctly, these booties fit very well. But, if the wrong size is ordered, QUMY’s customer service works hard to ensure that the right size is sent to dog owners.
• Materials. Velcro straps keep these booties secure on dogs while a thicker, anti-slip rubber sole helps stabilize dogs and protect their paws from the elements.
• Durability. Users indicate that these dog shoes are durable and well-made, with little sign of wear and tear with regular use.
• Waterproof. The manufacturer indicates that these dog shoes are made with water-resistant materials, but they aren’t waterproof.
• Nighttime visibility. These dog shoes feature reflective straps, making them a good choice for nighttime walks.

Fashionable and functional, Healers Dog Shoes are designed to protect your dog’s paws indoors, outside, and anywhere else. Ideal for wearing any time of the year, these specially designed boots are great for post-surgery or for dogs that have an injured paw and need time to heal. The elastic, reflective band also provides more visibility while preventing injury due to a lack of circulation.

Healers Pet Care also produces gauze inserts that can be used with these booties as well as other booties they sell. This allows pet parents to reduce waste and promote healing by protecting their dog’s paws from infections. Pet parents should note that these booties come in a pack of two — often dogs have smaller back paws, necessitating a different size for their hind paws.

• Fit. Once pet parents found the size that worked best for their pup, they reported that these dog shoes fit snugly.
• Materials. Features a nylon on the inside with a loop fabric on the outside to allow for strap placement. Thin foam insert for further support and a rubber sole for protection.
• Durability. Pet parents report that the thick sole is durable and seems to hold up well to regular use.
• Waterproof. These booties are water-resistant and breathable, but not truly waterproof. However, cleaning is very simple.
• Nighttime visibility. Reflective bands across the ankle and top of the foot provide extra visibility at night.

Designed specifically for small dogs, Hcpet’s dog shoes fit small paws perfectly and are a stylish way to keep your dog’s paws safe from the elements. These lightweight boots also protect your furniture, keeping it free of scratches and damage. Ideal mainly for small dogs, sizes range from 1.10 inch (think Chihuahua sized pups) to 1.88 inch (French bulldog).

• Fit. While some reviewers state that they run large, other users haven’t had issues. Many users suggest careful measuring before making a purchase.
• Materials. These booties use a hook-and-loop velcro system with an airy, mesh breathable fabric and soft leather. The soles are made of non-slip rubber, allowing for good stability.
• Durability. Users report that these non-slip dog shoes hold up well to hot temperatures and warm climates.
• Waterproof. While ideal for any and all weather, these small dog shoes aren’t waterproof or water-resistant.
• Nighttime visibility. These dog booties for small dogs don’t have any reflective materials, so please ensure that your dog’s vest is made for nighttime walks.

Perfect for hotter regions, these dog boots fit like comfortable socks. The airy mesh material dries quickly, which is great for days splashing in lakes, rivers, and pools. Available in a wide range of sizes, any dog from a pug to a Great Pyrenees can find a summer-friendly, fun-in-the-sun shoe to protect their paws during hot weather.

• Fit. Many customers found that these dog booties had enough stretch and flexibility to fit their dog, or to go over bandages as needed. Some users did report that they tended to rub their dog the wrong way with extended use.
• Materials. The mesh exterior of the shoe is neoprene (the same material used in sportswear), so it dries quickly when wet. The thin sole is rubber and grips the ground well.
• Durability. Most users indicate that these dog booties are well-made. One user reports that they hold up well to repeated washing and drying.
• Waterproof. These dog shoes aren’t waterproof, but the neoprene mesh is designed to dry quickly after getting wet, preventing moisture buildup in your dog’s sock.
• Nighttime visibility. These booties feature velcro reflective straps, allowing pet parents to not only secure the shoes on their dog’s paws, but also have extra visibility on nighttime walks.

Made for small dogs, abcGoodefg’s dog sneakers are adorable, yet play a vital role in protecting your smaller dog’s paws from abrasions and burns due to hot pavement. The durable rubber sole provides essential protection while the velvet lining cushions your dog’s sensitive paws as they walk side by side with you. And, the canvas exterior is durable, protecting them from debris that can hurt their sensitive paws — all while looking great! Pet parents can even match them with their own pink sneakers.

• Fit. The manufacturer, and numerous reviews, recommend getting one to two sizes bigger than what the chart indicates you need. These shoes, according to reviews, are definitely intended for smaller dogs.
• Materials. These booties feature a soft, velvet interior with a durable rubber sole and canvas fabric to protect your dog from stickers and other hazards.
• Durability. Reviews indicate that these shoes are durable and well-made while also being bendable to optimize comfort for dogs.
• Waterproof. These sneakers aren’t waterproof and may stain.
• Nighttime visibility. These small dog sneakers don’t provide any reflective surfaces; pet owners should make sure their dog has a reflective vest on to ensure that they are safe on nighttime walks.

In many cases, pet parents invest in dog booties to help dogs suffering from arthritis or who are just plain clumsy to have a better quality of life and remain upright. There are things you can do to help keep your dog from slipping and sliding around the house, including using toe grips. Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips go over your dog’s nails and help prevent slipping and sliding, allowing your dog to move easier. For dogs that simply cannot tolerate dog booties, these toe grips don’t irritate your pup’s toes or paws, allowing them to have a better quality of life.

• Fit. Most reviewers state that the toe grips fit their dog nails fine, although some do comment that they don’t stay on, which may indicate that finding the right fit can take a few tries.
• Materials. The product listing doesn’t specify a material, however, reviewers state that toe grips are made of silicone.
• Durability. Reviewers indicate that once these toe grips fall off of your dog’s nails, they may not be reusable. They seem to wear down on one side quickly, leading to thin, weak spots that prevent the grips from staying on.
• Waterproof. As a silicone-based material these grips should be waterproof, however excessive splashing in water, or bathtime, may lead to the grips falling off.
• Nighttime visibility. This product doesn’t have any kind of reflective material and is designed to go on the toenail, rather than being in a highly visible area.

Why you should trust our reviews | How we picked | At first glance | How we tested these products | Honorable mention | What else should pet parents consider? | Frequently asked questions

To ensure we recommended only the very best dog booties for your furry friend, we started with thorough research. We looked at popular dog boots on the internet and avoided booties that didn’t have ties or velcros on the top. These types of booties can be difficult to keep on your dog’s paws.

On paper, here’s a glance at how our recommended dog booties compare to each other.

*Price on Amazon or Chewy at the time of our review

Our editor and veterinarian determined the most important criteria when it comes to choosing quality dog booties. Then, we formulated a list of the best dog booties for your dog based on the following criteria:

• Fit. We scoured reviews of these products and took into consideration the reviews pet parents left. In many cases, the fit depended on accurate measuring before ordering, and in some cases, pet parents planned to order a size up for a better fit.
• Materials. We contacted some manufacturers to get clarification on materials. We relied on descriptions provided on product listings and company websites, in addition to reviewer observations, to provide information about the materials used in these dog booties.
• Durability. We examined pictures of each of these dog booties and paid special attention to reviewers made months after regular use to get an accurate idea of what pet parents can expect from normal wear and tear. Overall, we tried to avoid dog shoes that wore out quickly or were poorly made.
• Waterproof. Using claims from the manufacturers, the materials they made their dog booties out of, and observations from reviewers, we determined what shoes were waterproof, which ones were water-resistant, and which shoes offered no protection from water.
• Nighttime visibility. We paid special attention to whether or not reflective materials were used in making these dog booties, or what special features were added to increase visibility during low-light situations, such as nighttime walks.

This set of dog booties is popular on the internet and other reviewers have recommended them. However, after reviewing, we decided not to include these on our final list. Here’s why:

Petbobi Waterproof Dog Shoes. While these booties were waterproof as advertised, we felt that the materials would quickly wear out over time. We didn’t like that they didn’t feature any reflective elements for added safety. We believe pet parents should opt for one of the other nine options on our list instead.

Does your dog need booties?

Yes, dog booties can help protect your dog’s paws, especially in cold or hot weather. These are a must for pet owners who live in cold climates. They’re also beneficial for dogs to wear in the summer when asphalt streets and concrete sidewalks are extremely hot.

The benefits of booties

Besides being an adorable accessory, dog booties provide protection and support for your pup in the following ways.

• Snow, ice, and salt protection. Booties keep your dog’s paws warm in cold and snowy weather and also protect them from sharp ice and abrasive salt that can cause damage to their paw pads.
• Barrier against hot asphalt. If you live in warmer climates you’ll know how the sun can heat concrete and sidewalks to unbearable temperatures. Booties will protect your dog’s paws from getting burnt on hot pavement.
• Keep foxtails, rocks, and sharp objects away from paws. Booties provide a safe barrier between your pup’s paws and anything sharp or dangerous they might encounter while out on a walk.
• Prevents slipping in the house. If you have an older dog that can’t walk well, booties can provide support for indoor use and help them find traction on smooth surfaces.
• Help dogs with allergies. Dogs with contact dermatitis or seasonal allergies can benefit from the paw protection of booties.

Here’s what to look for when shopping for dog boots.

• Waterproof. This element keeps your dog’s paws dry in rain or snow.
• Traction. Traction on the bottom of the booties ensures your dog doesn’t slip and slide.
• Reflective elements. This safety feature is important for you and your dog to stay visible at night.
• Fasteners. Often made of velcro, sturdy straps keep the boots secure on your dog’s paws.
• Quality materials. Well-made booties should be durable and long-lasting.

Just like with us humans, finding the perfect fitting “boot” is essential for your dog’s comfort. Here’s how to measure your dog’s paws to buy the right-sized booties.

Measure both the length and the width of your dog’s paws — Measure the length from the heel to the tip of the toenail, and measure the width at the widest part of your dog’s foot.

To get an accurate measurement, use a tracing — Placing your dog’s paw on a piece of paper, trace each edge with a pencil, and then measure the tracing.

Measure all four paws — In some cases, rear paws tend to be smaller than the front paws. If this is the case, size down for a secure fit.

One of the bootie brands we recommended, RUFFWEAR, created a helpful video to see paw measuring in action.

👉 Each manufacturer makes its own sizes, so it’s important to review measurements before you buy.

It may take training and patience Trusted Source American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Not-for-profit organization representing 97,000+ vets. Go to source to get your dog used to comfortable with boots because most dogs aren’t used to shoes on their paws! Here are a few easy steps to get Fido comfortable with their new kicks.

Let your dog sniff the boot — Introduce the booties to your dog first through their sense of smell.

Put the booties on your dog for short periods — Allow your dog to wear the booties indoors for ten to fifteen minutes so they can get used to walking in them.

Repeat the process until your dog becomes more familiar with them — Leave the booties on for a bit longer each time, eventually going on short walks outdoors when they feel comfortable.

Always reward with treats and praise — Shower your pup with belly rubs and a treat for a job well done!

Dog boots may not be the best option for every dog. Here are some alternatives to booties that’ll protect your dog’s paw pads and prevent injuries.

Use paw balms — Paw balms are another great way to protect your dog’s paws from cold weather. Paw balms are a great choice for dogs that simply refuse to wear booties. Our favorite paw balm for winter weather protection is Musher’s Secret.

Avoid walks during the hottest part of the day — Sidewalks or paths made of concrete absorb heat and can be especially hot during the middle of the day. Going for a walk first thing in the morning or evening will allow time for sidewalks to cool off during the summer months.

Trim fur between your dog’s toes — Long hair surrounding your dog’s paw pads can catch debris while they walk, or even cause them to slip and injure themselves. It’s best to keep the hair in between and surrounding their paws short Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source . This is usually not an issue for short hair breeds.

Wipe your dog’s paws after walks — Cleaning your dog’s paws after a walk with wipes can eliminate anything that may have been caught there, such as gravel or debris. It also gives you a chance to check for injuries and apply paw balm as needed.