So you are planning to hit the trail with your four-legged friend this weekend.
While packing your dog essentials and gear such as dog harness, backpack, and GPS tracker, you realize that you should also get a pair of dog hiking boots to help protect their paws.
And now, you are seeking the best boots for your furry friend within your budget.
Here are the 10 top-rated dog boots for hiking you can get today.
| Our Top Pick | Product |
|---|---|
| Editor’s Choice | My Busy Dog Water Resistant Dog Shoes |
| Best Value | Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots |
| Best Overall Performance | QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes |
| Runner-Up Overall Performance | Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots |
| Best All-Terrain | Ruffwear Grip Trex |
| Most Comfortable | Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Boots |
| Best for Budget | LONSUNEER Paw Protector Dog Boots |
| Best Protective | EXPAWLORER Waterproof Dog Boots |
| Most Convenient | Pawz Dog Boots |
| Best Looking | PUPWE Dog Booties |
1. Editor’s Choice - My Busy Dog Water Resistant Dog Shoes
My Busy Dog is a famous brand known for its high-quality dog boots.
As soon as you look at these boots, you know they are very durable thanks to the reinforced stitching and premium fabrics used, made to protect your dog’s feet from sharp rocks, allergens, and hot pavements. They are waterproof and have anti-slip soles to prevent your dog from slipping on wet terrain.
Not only that, but they also have a wide split seam opening with reflective and adjustable straps to keep your dog visible in a low-light situation and ensure a secure fit.
Features:
- Waterproof
- Anti-slip soles
- High-quality fabrics
- Wide split seam opening
- Adjustable straps
- Reflective strips
PROS
- Durable
- Anti-slip sole prevents slipping
- Easy to put on and take off
- Adjustable
- Waterproof keeps your dog’s paws dry
- Comes with reflective material to keep your pup visible in a low-light situation
CONS
- May cause sores after long treks
2. Best Value - Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots
The Northern Carolina based company, Bark Brite, specializes in innovative designs aimed to create products that protect your dog and improve outdoor experiences.
These high-quality breathable booties have an ergonomic design that will not restrain your dog’s movements. They are made of water-resistant and puncture-resistant materials to make sure that they can function in all weather. Coupled with durable non-skid rubber soles for traction and soft inner lining to help control temperature.
Like all boots designed for extended hikes, there are reflective strips to provide nighttime visibility, and the straps are adjustable to allow for a custom fit. Each set includes all 4 booties and has 5 sizes available from S to XXL.
Features:
- Ergonomic design
- Water-resistant and puncture-resistant
- Non-skid rubber soles
- Soft inner lining
- Adjustable straps
- Reflective strips
PROS
- Good value for money
- Comfortable for most dogs thanks to its ergonomic design and soft inner lining
- Straps are adjustable for a good fit
- Water-resistant and puncture-resistant keeps your dog’s feet dry and safe
- Comes with reflective strips to provide nighttime visibility
CONS
- Not ideal for active dogs as neoprene may not be strong enough to handle your dog’s claws
3. Best Overall-Performance - QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes
QUMY, a pet retailer company that offers a wide range of pet products at a competitive price. And when it comes to dog hiking boots, the QUMY Waterproof Shoes is one of the best on the market.
These boots are made of high-quality fabrics with waterproof soles to prevent the water from seeping through, ultimately keeping your dog’s feet dry and comfortable. The rubber soles are sturdy and anti-skid, designed to provide traction and stability on wet surfaces, plus the adjustable reflective straps to ensure a snug fit and keep your pooch safe at night.
Apart from that, they have an extended design on the closure, making them very easy to put on and take off.
Features:
- Waterproof and anti-skid soles
- Adjustable straps
- Reflective material
- Extended design on the closure
PROS
- Has good stability
- Available in seven sizes
- Waterproof
- Adjustable straps allow for a snug fit
- Comes with reflective material to keep your dog visible at night
- The extended design makes it easy to put on and take off
CONS
- Water can still seep through sewing needle holes if submerged in deep water
4. Runner-Up Overall Performance - Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots
Ultra Paws founded in 1972 and has over 40 years of experience in manufacturing dog gear, so you can rest assured of its quality.
The Ultra Paws Durable Dog Boots have excellent traction, flexible, and water-resistant, with toe cap and soles wrapped in grippy skid-resistant materials to keep your four-legged friend safe on slippery surfaces.
Additionally, these durable boots have generous foam at the closures to make them stay on and cushion the paws when tightened. They are also easy to put on and machine washable.
Features:
- Water-resistant
- Toe cap and soles are skid-resistant
- Generous foam at the closure
PROS
- Has good traction
- Flexible
- Water-resistant keeps the paws dry
- Easy to put on and take off
CONS
- Straps may irritate dewclaws
5. Best All-Terrain - Ruffwear Grip Trex
You may have already heard of Ruffwear, one of the most trusted brands when it comes to outdoor products for dogs.
These high-quality hiking boots, Ruffwear Grip Trex, feature rugged and flexible Vibram non-marking outsoles to provide superb traction on all terrain. Made of breathable woven air mesh to keep dirt out and make sure your dog is comfortable and has proper ventilation. Combined with reflective trim for added visibility at night.
Other than that, they also feature the hook and loop cinch closure system to ensure a snug fit on all paws. Plus, the gusset design to make them easy to put on and take off.
Features:
- Vibram outsoles
- Breathable woven air mesh
- Reflective trim
- Loop cinch closure system
- Gusset design
PROS
- Has superb traction
- Good air circulation
- Durable
- Comes with reflective trim for enhanced visibility
- Loop cinch closure system keeps the boots stay on
- Gusset design makes it easy to put and take off
- Machine washable
CONS
- Expensive
- Not waterproof
6. Most Comfortable - Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Boots
The Canadian brand Canine Equipment is another famous brand, known for providing sturdy and practical outdoor gear for dogs.
The Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Boots are water-resistant and made of breathable shells and recycled rubber soles for better traction. Both the front and hind boots are ergonomically sized and have a cinch closure with 2 layers of hook and loop fasteners to achieve a comfortable fit. Plus, the one-sided brushed fleece to provide extra softness and prevent chafing.
Thanks to the wrap-around rubber toe design, these boots can keep the ground moisture from getting in. Not to mention, they also have reflective piping to keep your dog visible in a low-light environment. What’s more, each set includes a garment bag for easy washing! These boots come in 5 different sizes from XS to XL, and L size fits a paw width of 3 inches.
Features:
- Ergonomic design
- Water-resistant
- Breathable shell
- Two layers of hook and loop fasteners
- Reflective piping
PROS
- Very comfortable to put on
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- Good air circulation
- Reflective piping keeps your dog safe at dusk
- Machine washable with included garment bag
CONS
- Expensive
7. Best for Budget - LONSUNEER Paw Protector Dog Boots
The LONSUNEER Paw Protector Dog Boots use breathable mesh fabric for construction and are hemmed by soft cloth with a stretchy leg cuff to keep debris and dirt out. The soft soles are waterproof and non-slip, which makes them great for hiking.
They are quite roomy and flexible, with a wide closure that makes them easy to put on. You will also have the ability to customize the boots to your dog’s feet as the straps are adjustable. They are suitable for small to large breeds, and are an excellent option if you are a bit tight on budget.
Features:
- Waterproof and non-slip soles
- Wide closure
- Adjustable straps
PROS
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Straps are adjustable to allow for a customizable fit
- Non-slip and waterproof soles keep your dog safe and comfortable
- Easy to put on and take off
CONS
- No reflective material
- Aren’t of the best quality
- The sizing chart is not very accurate
8. Best Protective - EXPAWLORER Waterproof Dog Boots
These hiking boots are skid-resistant, flexible, and waterproof. They have an ergonomic shape that maximizes your dog’s comfort, with hook and loop fasteners straps to ensure a tight fit. They also feature anti-collision toe caps that can help to protect your dog’s paws and mitigate the severity of a collision.
Additionally, the EXPAWLORER Waterproof Dog Boots have grooved soles and flexible lug design, giving your pooch better control and protection from cold weather, along with reflective lines to provide visibility at night. And when it comes to cleaning, you will have to wash them by hand and dry naturally.
Features:
- Skid-resistant
- Grooved soles
- Waterproof
- Ergonomic shape
- Anti-collision toe caps
- Reflective lines
PROS
- Flexible
- Waterproof prevents water from getting in
- Anti-collision toe caps reduce the impact of a collision
- Grooved soles provide good traction
- Reflective lines keep your dog visible in a low-light environment
CONS
- Not durable enough, especially for dogs who love dragging their feet
- The sizing chart is not very accurate
9. Most Convenient - Pawz Dog Boots
If you didn’t already know, Pawz is best known for their bright color dog rubber boots.
The Paws Dog Boots are the only disposal and reusable waterproof boots you can find on the market. Made of 100% natural rubber and are biodegradable, designed to go easy on paws, and fit securely without straps. Unlike any other boots recommended, the PAWZ Dog Boots offer the most natural feeling paw protection, which allows your dog to feel the ground and have a sense of security. In other words, they are perfect for dogs who hate boots with thick soles.
They have a greater traction control than the traditional dog boots as they are all-rubber. And that also means they are easy to clean.
Features:
- Made of 100% natural rubber
- Waterproof
- Disposable
PROS
- Great for dogs who hate boots with thick soles
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Very convenient as it’s disposable
CONS
- No reflective material
- Can only last for multiple wears
- Not durable enough for active dogs
10. Best Looking - PUPWE Dog Booties
Not only these boots look good, but they can also stand up to daily wear and tear. They are chew-resistant, waterproof, and have durable and non-slip printed soles to provide stability and traction. Plus, the reflective material on the straps to keep your furkid safe at night.
Additionally, the PUPWE Dog Booties are easy to put on thanks to the wide split seam top opening. They are breathable, soft to paws, and equipped with adjustable velcro straps, allowing you to customize the tightness for secure closure.
Features:
- Waterproof
- Non-slip soles
- Reflective material
- Adjustable straps
- Wide split seam opening
PROS
- Looks adorable
- Waterproof keeps your dog’s feet dry
- Non-slip soles and reflective material provide added safety
- Straps are adjustable for a secure fit
- Wide split seam opening makes it easy to put on and take off
CONS
- May cause sores after long treks
Why Use Dog Boots for Hiking?
1. Protect Your Dog’s Paws from Sharp Objects
One of the most obvious reasons for using dog hiking boots is to protect your furry friend’s feet. As you can imagine, there will be sharp rocks, splinters, debris, and other sharp objects on the trail that could potentially harm the paws.
2. Hot Weather Protection
3. Cold Weather Protection
Apart from that, hiking boots can also keep your fido’s feet warm in the cold weather. When temperatures drop, dogs will be at risk of frostbite and hypothermia if going on hikes without any protective gear. Not to mention, they can also suffer from de-icer poisoning if they lick the salts off their feet after walks. While you can surely use these hiking boots when winter comes, it would be a better idea to check out these best dog snow boots instead.
4. Keep the paws clean
And wearing dog boots can, of course, help to keep their feet clean from dirt and mud. While this is not the primary reason why you should buy the shoes, they certainly make things a lot easier for you post-hikes.
The Best Dog Boots Alternative : Musher’s Secret Paw Wax
So what if you can’t find boots that fit your dog, or maybe your fido just hates putting the shoes on? Then, your best bet would be the Musher’s Secret Paw Wax, an alternative to dog hiking boots. While this paw balm certainly doesn’t offer the same level of protection, it can still shield your canine’s feet and keep them safe from hot pavement, snow, and salt.
The Best Dog Boots for Hiking Buyers’ Guide - Important Features to Consider
1. Soles
Picking the right soles is crucial when it comes to hiking as they can prevent your furry friend from slipping on the trail. Look for boots with rubber soles as they provide exceptional grip. Or you can also consider the ones with Vibram soles like the Ruffwear Grip Trex, which are arguably the best soles you can get on the market. And that explains why they are more expensive and are on the higher end side of dog hiking boots.
2. Sizing
You will also need to make sure the size of the hiking boots fit your dog’s paws. Having too large or too small hiking boots can cause a lot of issues. They will hardly stay on if wearing relatively large boots, which will also slow down your pooch’s pace, and potentially cause the discomfort of blisters, sores, and cuts as they will keep sliding around when your dog walks.
Putting on smaller boots is equally bad for your four-legged friend. The reason is that they will limit the ventilation and put more pressure on the nail bed, which will result in toenail injuries. So, ensure you measure the paws correctly and trim the nails regularly to maximize their comfort.
3. Adjustable Straps
It is also a good idea to consider hiking boots with adjustable closure straps, which most boots are on this list. That way, you can adjust them for a perfect fit, hence maximizing your dog’s comfort and making the adventure more enjoyable.
4. Reflective Material
You may also want to choose dog boots with reflective straps as they offer extra protection if you plan to take your furkid on extended or overnight hikes. Not only will that make it easier for you to locate your canine, but it will also keep them visible to other hikers and bikers on the trail, especially in a low-light environment.
5. Waterproof
Waterproof dog boots can be beneficial if you are going to hike with your dog on wet and muddy terrain or trails with lots of creek crossings as they can prevent the moisture from getting in. Also, they can keep your pooch’s paws dry if caught in an unexpected rain shower.
How to Measure the Paws?
Photo Credit: Ruffwear
The most accurate way of measuring the paws is to place the front paw on a paper and lift the opposite paw so that the pads are fully expanded. Mark the widest part of the paw and measure it. Then, repeat the same steps for the back paws.
FAQ about Dog Hiking Boots
1. Do Dogs Need Boots for Hiking?
There is no yes or no answer. However, dog hiking boots can undoubtedly offer protection and comfort. As mentioned earlier, they can protect your dog’s paws from rocky and rough terrain, hot pavements, snow, and ice, and are capable of keeping your dog’s feet safe from sharp rocks, debris, or other hazards. Not only that, but they can also support your dog’s joints while hiking and provide extra grip to reduce the risk of slipping.
2. Are Dog Boots Good?
Imagine yourself going on a trail without boots, chances that you step on sharp objects and lead to injury are higher. The same goes for dogs. Thus, the answer is yes, dog boots are good. They can keep the paws safe in extreme environments and weather, and prevent their feet from getting irritated.
3. How to Get My Dog Used to Hiking Boots?
It is always a good idea to get your dog to try out their new hiking boots first, and accustom your pooch to wearing them before going on outdoor adventures to ensure their comfort. You can do this by leaving the hiking boots at home and let your dog sniff them before putting them on. Most importantly, you have to walk your furry friend with the shoes on, and try getting them to wear the boots for an hour or so every day and gradually increase the duration before going on extended hikes.
