If you live in a snowy climate, or plan on visiting one with your dog this winter, you might be thinking about dog snow boots. Boots offer protection from snow, ice, sidewalk salt, and chemical deicers. Plus, they keep your dog’s feet warm and dry on winter outings!
When choosing winter boots for your dog, look for something that:
- Fits comfortably over their paws
- Is made from waterproof/water-resistant material
- Has a flexible sole to support your dog’s natural gait
- Is sized appropriately, with adjustable straps for secure fit
Here are our picks for five of the best dog snow boots (plus one non-boot for dogs who just can’t handle footwear).
Best All-Around Dog Snow Boot
Muttluks Snow Mushers ($40/pair)
Best features:
- Lined with fleece for warmth and comfort
- Flexible, rugged rubber soles made from 100% recycled material
- Double-wrap fastening system for secure fit
- Available in pairs for accurate sizing (order two to cover both front and back feet)
Most helpful review: “I love the precision of the sizing on these: they really seem to fit well and conform to the paw, so the foot doesn’t slide around inside. The soles are really flexible but also seem very durable and have excellent traction.”
Best Dog Snow Boot for Winter Sports
Ruff Wear Polar Trex ($99.95/set)
If your dog goes with you on snowshoe or cross-country ski adventures, they may need a hardier boot. RuffWear, one of our favorite makers of “adventure dog” gear, makes an array of all-weather dog boots. The Polar Flex model boasts a tough, treaded sole and comfy insulation to keep your dog’s feet protected and warm, no matter where the trail takes you.
Best features:
- Available in eight sizes
- Pullover “stretch gaiter” extends boot height for extra protection from snow and ski edges
- Reflective trim means your dogs is visible in all conditions
Most helpful review: “We took my 55 lb Australian Shepherd to play in the snow for the first time with these last weekend and they stayed on great. After 2+ hours of playing in deep snow, his paws were still dry when we took the boots off. Just be sure to tighten the velcro.”
Best Dog Boot for Odd-Sized Paws
Healers Urban Walkers ($35/pair)
Some dogs have larger front paws, and smaller back paws, making it tough to find a set of boots that fits all four feet. Luckily, Healers Urban Walkers are sold in pairs, and provide excellent paw protection.
Simply measure your dog’s feet carefully, and order two pairs to accurately fit all of their paws. Urban Healers are also helpful for dogs with paw injuries who only need protection on one or two feet at a time.
Best features:
- Machine washable for between-walk cleanup
- Lightweight for easy walking
- Non-skid sole offers traction on slippery surfaces
Most helpful review: “This product is very durable and easy to put on my dog. It even looks good (as my dog struts around) with them on his feet. If you spend a great deal of time outside with your dog as most people do you must get this product.”
Best Bargain Dog Snow Boot
QUMY Dog Boots ($21.99/set)
Quality dog booties aren’t cheap. But sometimes, you just need something affordable to get you through part of the season. These waterproof, adjustable dog snow boots are a bargain at $23/set, and customer reviews rave about how easy they are to put on.
Best features:
- Molded rubber bottom is made from waterproof molded rubber
- Wide split seam opening and adjustable velcro straps ensure secure fit
- Durable sole provides stability and traction
Most helpful review: “We’ve tried 4 other brands, these are the best! Easy to put on and the 2 velcro bands keep them on. The heavy-duty treads give me confidence that I’m protecting my guy’s paws. I put them on a little boot rack by a furnace vent when we come in and they look good as new and ready to go the next day.”
Best Fashion Snow Boot
Loveone Dog Snow Boots ($17.99/set)
Okay, we admit it: these ones are mostly just for fun. But they’re sooooo cute! These retro puffy snow boots come in several bright, cheerful colors. They’re meant for smaller dogs, and are best for short walks rather than full-on winter excursions. But if you’re looking to make a canine fashion statement this winter, these cute dog snow boots are a great pick.
Best features:
- Lined with fluffy faux fur for warmth
- Adjustable velcro strap on the back offers secure fit
- Waterproof and padded to protect small dog feet
Most helpful review: “Once you get the hang of adjusting them to the size of your dog’s legs they stay on pretty well. They are very easy to put on which is very important for a little dog waiting to go outside.”
Best Bootless Boot
Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax ($13.95/jar)
Some dogs simply refuse to wear boots. Luckily, there’s an “invisible boot” that protects paws without cramping your dog’s style. Musher’s Secret was originally developed for use with sledding dogs, and protects paws from snow, ice, salt, and chemicals. It won’t provide the warmth of an insulated boot, but for dogs who can’t get used to wearing shoes, it’s a perfect fit.
Best features:
- Made from non-toxic, food-grade waxes
- A little bit goes a long way, so one jar will last you a while
- Works for all sizes and life stages of dog
Most helpful review: “I’ve been a professional dog groomer for 10 years, and I use this product all the time…I use Musher’s Secret to protect paws both from the salt and cold in winter (snow and ice stick to the hair between paw pads and can cause frostbite; Musher’s Secret helps prevent the ice and snow from sticking)…It’s just like putting on lotion, you just put enough on to very lightly coat the paw.”
Preview image via PixaBay
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