The 4 best dog boots for hiking

When enjoying the great outdoors with your puppy, it’s important to make sure your furry baby has the right equipment to traverse rough terrain with comfort and ease. That’s why the best dog boots for hiking have textured soles for slip resistance and adjustable straps for a snug, personalized fit. Most dog boots come in a range of sizes, and before choosing a set it is important to know which ones will be the right size for your puppy – too big and the boots will slip, too small and they could turn out. uncomfortable (if you can put them on your dog’s feet). To find the right size, you will need to measure the length and width of your dog’s paws and consult the size information provided by the manufacturer.

Beyond size, you’ll want to think about your dog’s specific needs for the conditions you expect to encounter. Grip is important for any terrain, but you will need textured, flexible soles if you plan to hike in a rocky area as they can help your pup get better traction. The reflective trims will help you spot your puppy in dark woods or at night, and you’ll actually find this feature on every boot on this list. Water resistant shoes can be useful in wet conditions. For hot-weather hikes, look for breathable mesh boots – dogs release sweat through their paws, so finding breathable dog shoes for hot-weather hikes is paramount. On the other hand, winter hiking may require a different set of features, like warm, weather-resistant layers, snow-specific crampons on the sole, and gaiters to keep snow out of the boot.

It’s common for dog hiking boots to come in sets of four to cover each paw, but if you have a breed with smaller rear legs and larger front legs, you might want to look for boots that are sold as a set. one or two so you can mix and match. It should also be noted that although hiking boots are fairly standard for most human hikers, wearing dog boots may not seem natural to our pets, so there can be a learning curve when you train your dog to wear boots. But once your pet gets used to the feel of their new shoes, these pairs will help them navigate the trail with ease.

1. A fan favorite set of water resistant boots

With over 13,000 reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of four stars, it’s easy to see why these hiking shoes from QUMY are so popular. The dog boots (which are available in a handful of colors) come in seven different sizes and have adjustable straps for a secure fit, reducing the likelihood of them flying off when your pooch moves outside. However, the boots also feature a wide split seam near the opening, so they expand for easy donning and doffing. The soles provide slip-resistant protection, while the reflective straps make your pup more visible at night (or in dark, dense woods). The water resistant design will help keep your dog’s paws dry in wet conditions. That said, while the boots themselves are water resistant, the manufacturer warns that they won’t hold water when deeply submerged, and may not be the best boots out there. very hot weather because they are not breathable mesh.

After a day on the trail, cleanup is pretty straightforward: hand wash and air dry.

Useful Amazon review: “I used them on a few local hikes and a 3 day backpacking trip for our 16 month old Portuguese Water Dog. […] Once our pup Zeus realized the extra grip and traction he had, he really took the booties to the extreme, like a young child, skidding around rocks and gravel filled hiking trails. They survived but you can see the clear wear on the bottom. I LOVE the color red. It was so easy to tell if the slipper had turned upside down. It was also easier to find among the bushes the two times our pup played a game and deliberately tossed them around. Excellent quality overall especially for the price. We were so happy that we could keep our fur paws safe! “

• Available sizes: Size 2 (2.4 x 1.7 inch) – Size 8 (3.3 x 2.9 inch)

2. The sturdiest pair of dog boots

If you take your hiking boots seriously and want to do the same for your puppy, the Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boots are designed with some of the same features you look for in human hiking shoes, making them ideal for a lot of time outdoors. The boots have flexible Vibram outsoles (yes, the same soles you might find on your own hiking boots) with a grippy stud design, meaning you can trust them to provide great traction on the trail. The uppers are made from breathable mesh that keeps dirt out while allowing much-needed ventilation, and they feature reflective trims so you can keep up with your dog in low light conditions. However, they are not waterproof.

The boots have a wide opening, a tightening gusset and a hook and loop strap so that they are easy to put on and take off. Best of all, when your hike is done, you can just throw the boots in the washing machine – just make sure to use cold water and air dry.

Dog boots come in packs of one or two, which can be appealing if your dog’s paws are not all the same size (the size of the front and rear legs may vary, so be sure to fit them. measure each), or if your puppy has less than four legs. Choose from red, black or blue boots in eight different sizes.

Useful Amazon review: “I love, love, love these shoes! The best dog shoes I have ever tried on my dog ​​and have tried several. The fit is perfect and I love the way you buy them in pairs so you can get a different size for the rear legs for the perfect fit. My dog ​​is an avid hiker who loves to run and climb. These shoes don’t slow him down at all. The grip of these shoes is the best I have ever seen in a dog shoe. He can still climb rocks and the like without slipping. These also protected its paws from more extreme / rocky terrain and salt in winter. These also keep it clean during snow / rainy seasons as they don’t lift dirt and mud under its undercarriage when it runs. […] We use these shoes all the time. Best investment for my dog’s paws.

• Available sizes: 1.5 inch – 3.25 inch

3. These inexpensive dog boots for hot weather hiking

As temperatures rise, the ground can get warm enough to burn your dog’s paws while still letting him breathe. So if you are planning on hiking in hot weather, please your four-legged friend by fitting them into the QUMY Summer Dog Shoes, which have sturdy non-slip soles to provide all-round grip. by protecting their paws from hot surfaces. Plus, like the Ruffwear Grip Trex ankle boots, these ankle boots are made with breathable mesh that keeps the paws from overheating, but they are significantly cheaper at around $ 30 for four boots. It should be noted that this breathable mesh comes at a cost: hiking boots are not water resistant.

These boots are also available in a handful of sizes and feature elastic straps with hook-and-loop closures for a better fit. The boots open wide at the top so they’re easy to put on and take off, and the straps have a reflective edging that makes your dog easier to spot in low light conditions. Overall, these are reasonably priced boots that many Amazon reviews have found perform well in hot weather. And according to reviews, they also wash well in the washing machine.

Useful Amazon review: “My dogs are avid hikers and have to wear slippers due to the rugged mountainous terrain. These slippers have suffered a lot of wear and tear and hold up well […] We live in a hot climate, but slippers also breathe well. The flap on the top greatly facilitates donning. Awkward cut on day one, but only took one hike to break them up. The double straps ensure that the slippers stay in place and do not twist. I have browsed a lot of slippers, and these are the best I have had so far, especially for the price. I would definitely order them again.

• Available sizes: Size 2 (2.4 x 1.8 inch) – Size 8 (3.3 x 3 inch)

4. A pair of dog boots for cold weather hiking

While bulky dog ​​winter boots may work for occasional walks in the snow, your puppy may need better protection and a sleeker design for cold weather hikes. Check out the Polar Trex boots from Ruffwear. Like the brand’s Grip Trex boots, these feature Vibram outsoles, but with a studded pattern designed to provide extra traction on ice or snow. The boots also feature a three-layer softshell upper, which is water and wind resistant, but still breathable, thanks to a laminated water repellent coating. A strap with a hook-and-loop closure ensures your puppy gets the right fit, as does the wide range of sizes available. A stretch gaiter is designed to be pulled over the top of each boot and zipped to close, preventing snow from entering more effectively. Reflective trim makes your dog easier to spot on dark winter days.

Once you and your furry friend are back inside, toss these boots in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and air dry them. Choose from two different colors, in packs of one or two.

Useful Amazon review: “Obviously I was reluctant to spend that much money on a pair of dog slippers, but so far they have paid off. I take my dog ​​out for long days of cross country skiing and these boots stay on all day. They protect his paws from the cold, snow and ice as well as the edges of my skis. If you are on the fence about this product, give it a try! “

• Available sizes: 1.7 inches (44 millimeters) – 3.25 inches (82.6 millimeters)