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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 a secure fit
Here are our picks for four of the best dog snow boots (plus one non-boot for dogs who just can’t handle footwear).
Best Value Dog Snow Boot: Expawlorer Waterproof Dog Boots (Verified Review)
The eight paw sizes offered by this weather-resistant dog boot are ideal for adventuring dogs ranging from small terriers to Bernese mountain dogs. Durable, waterproof materials keep your dog’s paws dry and toasty, great for keeping up with an active dog mom or dad in wet or snowy conditions.
Our tester tried size 4 on her medium-sized pit bull mix and found the sizing to be accurate, though the numeric sizing (as opposed to the standard S/M/L system) required extra consideration (she strongly recommends measuring your dog’s paws before ordering). The tread is heavy-duty, designed specifically for snowy or rugged hiking conditions, and will be stiff right out of the box, qualities our tester found enhanced the product’s overall hardiness. As with hiking or snow boots for humans, you’ll want your dog to “break them in”—a few laps around the block every couple of days for a week should be sufficient.
Her testing showed that the two adjustable, reflective velcro straps on the “ankle” part of each boot were easier to slip on her dog’s paws and stayed on better than other brands she’s tried, especially heavier duty styles that her dog doesn’t tolerate well. The reflective fabric is a nice touch if and when the day’s adventure continues into the twilight hours.
Overall, these boots rated highly for their thick, durable construction and stay-on design, and are a great option for those looking for a set of dog boots to hold up to wet or snowy conditions.
Buy Now on AmazonBest Dog Snow Boot for Winter Sports: Ruffwear Polar Trex
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 dog 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.”
Buy Now on AmazonBest All-Purpose Dog Snow Boot: Muttluks Snow Mushers
Best features:
- Lined with fleece for warmth and comfort
- Flexible, rugged rubber soles made from 100% recycled material
- Double-wrap fastening system for a 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.”
Buy Now on AmazonBest Bargain Dog Snow Boot: QUMY Dog Boots
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 averaging $24/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 a 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.”
Buy Now on AmazonBest Bootless Boot: Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax
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.”
Buy Now on AmazonFurther Reading
Looking for more suggestions for winter dog gear, or other cozy ideas for keeping warm with your pet this winter? Check out some related articles from our archive.
- The Best Winter Gear for 2019, Reviewed
- 8 Must-Have Items for Walking Your Dog in a Winter Wonderland
- The Ultimate Guide to Getting Cozy With Your Dog (and Cat)
- 15 Dog Hoodies That Are Cute, Cozy, and Made for Cuddling
Preview image via PixaBay
