When temperatures drop, it can become challenging for your dog to go out for walks as they have to deal with the frigid weather, snow, ice, icy roads, and ice melt chemicals.
Not to mention, snowballs can quickly form between and around their paw pads, which can make it very uncomfortable for them.
That’s when winter dog boots can be helpful.
Not only can the boots keep your furry friend’s feet warm and cozy in the harsh conditions of a frosty winter, but can also protect your dog’s paws from deicers and prevent slipping on icy flooring.
Below you will find the 8 top-rated dog snow boots we’ve reviewed in 2023.
Read More:
1. QUMY Dog Boots Waterproof Shoes
Our Top Pick for Dog Snow Boots
Features:
- Skid-resistant rubber soles
- High-quality fabric
- Waterproof
- Reflective velcro straps
- Extended split seam top opening
The QUMY Dog Boots is one of the best dog snow booties on the market, offering lots of great features to keep your pooch’s cute little paws warm and protect them from sharp thorns and rock salts.
These boots feature rugged anti-slip soles to provide stability and traction, made of high-quality fabric to ensure they can stand up to wear and tear. Not to mention, the rubber bottom is waterproof, meaning they can keep the paws dry and comfortable in the snow.
Additionally, they have an extended split seam top opening, making them very easy to put on and take off. Plus, the adjustable reflective velcro straps give you the ability to customize tightness for secure closure and keep your furry friend safe at night.
PROS
- Rugged non-slip soles
- Waterproof
- Easy to put on and take off
CONS
- Not suitable for dogs who have dewclaws
2. Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Paw Protector Dog Boots
Best Value Dog Boots for Winter
Features:
- Water-resistant
- Puncture-resistant
- High-quality breathable neoprene
- Non-skid soft rubber sole
- Lightly lined inside
- Reflective straps are adjustable
Another dog snow boots that offer excellent comfort in winter conditions is the Bark Brite All Weather Neoprene Paw Protector.
These boots are water-resistant and puncture-resistant, made of high-quality breathable neoprene that conforms to your dog’s paw shape and won’t hinder the movements. They have a durable, non-skid soft rubber sole to provide traction and a lined interior to control the temperature for your dog’s comfort.
Additionally, they come with 2 reflective straps for added nighttime visibility and are adjustable to achieve a snug fit.
PROS
- Good value for money
- The lined interior provides good insulation
- Non-skid bottom
- Water-resistant
CONS
- Not suitable for active dogs who run a lot as their claws may rip through the neoprene material
3. Muttluks Fleece-Lined Dog Boots
Best Overall Performance Dog Boots for Snow
Features:
- Fleece inner lining
- Leather soles
- Stretchy leg cuff
- Reflective straps
Muttluks is a famous brand known for providing high-quality boots for dogs, and you can hardly go wrong with its products.
These comfy dog booties are very well insulated and are adaptive to paw shape and movement. Made of genuine leather soles with a fleece inner lining to keep your dog’s feet cozy in cold weather conditions. They have a self-tightening strap to ensure a secure fit and reflective strips to provide enhanced visibility at night.
What’s more, the Muttluks Boots have a stretchy leg cuff that makes them easy to put on and take off, as well as to provide extra security to prevent slippage.
PROS
- Comfortable for most dogs to wear
- Has inner fleece lining to provide warmth
- These boots stay on
- Easy to put on and take off
- Many owners are pleased with the quality and said these boots are the best available
CONS
- Not waterproof
- Relatively expensive
4. Ultra Paws Durable Boots
Runner-Up Overall Performance Winter Dog Boots
Features:
- Skid-resistant
- Water-resistant
- High-quality stitching
- Foam padding at the closure
- Adjustable velcro straps
Want dog booties from a reliable brand? Ultra Paws may be what you are looking for, with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing dog gear.
The Ultra Paws Durable Boots are one of their best selling boots. They are flexible, water-resistant, and have grippy skid-resistant material layers around the toe cap and soles to prevent your canine from slipping on wet surfaces. Plus, the high-quality stitching ensures the booties will stay intact and function at their best.
Apart from that, they come with adjustable velcro straps, allowing you to lock them in place, yet the generous amount of foam padding at the closure area to create a snug and comfortable fit.
PROS
- Flexible
- Dual fastener straps make the boots stay on
- Water-resistant
- Has anti-skid soles to prevent slippage
CONS
- Not suitable for dogs who have dewclaws
5. Ruffwear Polar Trex
Most Comfortable Dog Snow Boots for Extreme Cold Weather
Features:
- Vibram Icetrek, winter-specific outsoles
- Weather-resistant soft-shell upper
- Protective stretch gaiter with zippered closure
- Hook-and-loop cinch closure system
- Reflective trim
If you and your furry friend live in freezing climates, you would probably want to look into the Ruffwear Polar Trex.
These snow boots are made of a 3-layer laminated soft-shell upper and comfy insulation to protect your dog’s feet from extreme cold weather, combined with durable water repellent coating to prevent the moisture from getting in. Not only that, but they also have Vibram Icetrek outsoles, arguably the best sole on the market, with a winter-specific lug pattern to provide superb traction on icy terrain.
You also notice they have a pullover stretch gaiter with zipper closure. The purpose is to keep snow out, hence warmer on the inside. While the booties are a bit pricey, it is worth it as they are capable of keeping your dog’s paws comfortable in polar climates.
PROS
- The winter-specific lug pattern provides superb traction on icy and frozen surfaces
- Suitable for extreme cold weather
- Pullover stretch gaiters keep your dog’s feet warm and ensure the boots stay on
CONS
- A bit pricey
6. Kurgo Blaze Cross
Most Durable Winter Boots for Dogs
Features:
- Ripstop leather upper
- Ergonomic insoles
- No-slip rubber outsoles
- Water-resistant
- Breathable mesh
- Reflective strips
One glance at the Kurgo Blaze Cross, you know these winter boots are built for rough use, offering protection against icy weather, sharp objects, road salts, and things that could potentially harm your dog’s feet.
They are water-resistant, made of ripstop leather upper with insoles that mimic a dog’s pads’ structure, designed to keep your pup comfortable while allowing them to play in the snow. Also, they have a no-slip design, lightweight, and are adjustable for a custom fit.
Additionally, there is a double closure around the ankle to make sure that they will stay on. In other words, you don’t have to worry about these winter dog boots from falling off during motion. Not to mention, they have reflective accents to keep your dog visible in a low-light situation.
PROS
- Comfortable for most dogs
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Some owners said these boots are by far the best
CONS
- Relatively expensive
7. Pawz Dog Boots
Best Budget Buy Dog Snow Booties
Features:
- 100% natural rubber
- Waterproof
- Disposable
Never heard of this brand? They are the only one that offers disposable and reusable waterproof dog boots to help keep the paws safe and assist with traction control and allergies.
These dog booties for snow are made of 100% natural rubber and are biodegradable, designed to be gentle on the paws, and fit snugly without any straps. And because they are just a layer of rubber, your canine will still be able to feel the ground and have a sense of security, which is perfect for dogs who hate wearing boots with thick soles.
The Pawz Dog Boots are also flexible and will stay on. Despite all that, they are available at an affordable price.
PROS
- Affordable
- Can provide your dog with a sense of security
- Flexible
- Waterproof
CONS
- Some owners complained that the boots are hard to put on
- Flimsy
8. WINSOON Dog Australia Boots Pet Antiskid Shoes
Stylish Snow Boots for Dogs
Features:
- Anti-skid rubber soles
- Sherpa lining
- Water-resistant
- Velcro straps
Want to get fancy dog snow boots for your four-legged friend? Then, look no further than the WINSOON Antiskid Snow Shoes.
These fashionable boots are made of water-resistant material with sherpa lining to keep your dog’s paws warm, as well as to protect the pads from salts in winter. They are also equipped with upgraded anti-skid rubber soles for stability to prevent slipping in icy conditions, combined with the velcro straps to make the boots stay on.
Perfect for showing off your furkid around the town in the colder months without compromising on their comfort. However, these stylish shoes are for small dogs only.
PROS
- Affordable
- The boots are fleece-lined, warm, and plush
- Looks adorable
- Water-resistant
CONS
- Some owners reported that the sizing chart isn’t accurate
- Only for small dogs
Why Should You Buy Winter Dog Boots?
One of the reasons you should buy your dog a pair of dog snow boots is that they can keep your fido’s feet warm. These boots are typically made of thick materials to provide added insulation and ensure your dog is comfortable as they walk in the snow. And that essentially means you will have to use dog booties designed for use in the warmer months when taking your pup out on hikes in summer, as snow boots may get too hot for them. Putting winter boots on your canine in cold weather conditions also has many other benefits.
Below are some of them.
- Keep your dog’s paws from drying out.
While dogs’ feet are tough, they can still suffer from chapped paws in winter due to their exposure to the dry, cold air. Snow booties can prevent that from happening. - Prevent paw pads injuries.
Getting your dog to wear winter boots can keep their feet safe from crusty hard snow, jagged ice, and sharp items hidden under the snow. - Protect your dog’s paws from harmful substances.
Dog snow boots can also protect your furkid’s feet from rock salts. These chemicals can cause burns, irritations, and soreness if stuck in between the pads, and are especially harmful if ingested, which can potentially lead to nausea, vomiting, or even death. - Prevent ice balls from forming in your dog’s pads.
If you find your four-legged friend limping during winter walks, that may be due to the ice buildup between their paw pads. The snowballs can grow larger over time and stretch their toes apart, making it difficult and painful for them to walk. Dog snow boots ensure icy particles won’t collect between your canine’s paw pads.
Best Dog Booties for Snow Buyer’s Guide : Important Features to Consider
There are a few features you need to consider when choosing snow booties for your dog, and that includes:
1. Anti-Slip Soles
Sure, winter booties are to safeguard your dog’s paws, but let’s not forget that your pup will be wearing them for walks, and that means non-skid soles are crucial. Without proper traction, your furry friend will be struggling to walk on wet and slippery surfaces. And when it comes to picking high-quality soles, Vibram is perhaps the best you can find on the market, which explains why the Ruffwear Polar Trex is more pricey than others.
2. Size
Another important thing you need to get right is the size. Snow boots that are too large can easily slip off and potentially cause blisters, sores, and cuts as they will slide around when your dog walks. Smaller snow booties, on the other hand, can limit the ventilation. Plus, that will put lots of pressure on your pooch’s nail bed, which can lead to toenail injuries. So, make sure you refer to the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines and measure your dog’s paws correctly before you purchase.
3. Secure Closure
You may also want to consider snow boots with adjustable velcro straps or zippers. That way, you can adjust them to fit your dog’s paws, hence a more comfortable winter walk. Another reason for that is to, of course, get the boots to stay on.
4. Water Resistance
Getting booties that are waterproof or at least water-resistant is a better idea as that can prevent ice, snow, and rain from getting in, ultimately keeping your dog’s feet dry and comfortable during walks in winter.
5. High Visibility
Plan to take your furry friend on winter night walks? Then, you certainly will need snow booties with reflective stitching or patches so that you can keep them visible to the motorists to ensure that they are safe at all times.
Dog Snow Shoes Alternative : Musher’s Secret Paw Wax
Does your dog hate the feeling of fabric and refuses to put the snow boots on?
Consider the Musher’s Secret Paw Wax, an alternative to snowshoes, also known to be the best dog paw balm in winter. It is made with 100% natural food-grade waxes and oils, which creates a breathable shield to protect your dog’s feet against snow and salt. Not only that, but it also contains vitamin E and beeswax that can help soothe the pads.
Dog Shoes for Snow FAQ
Do dogs need snow boots in winter?
If your dog loves spending time outdoors in winter, then buying a pair of snow boots is a good idea. They can protect your dog’s paws from the cold ground, snow, ice melts, as well as preventing ice balls from forming between their pads.
How do I get my dog to wear snowshoes?
First, leave the snow boots on the floor, and if your dog shows interest and start smelling the shoes, reward them with their favorite treats. Once they are happy to stay close to the booties, try to put only one on, and reward them if they didn’t protest. Repeat this process until you can get all four on.
